Monday’s Variety had an article titled “Sablan, Tenorio: NMI can get federal help.” I agree with this statement and I’ll clarify my point later.
In addition, the article indicated that two different FEMA officials gave two different opinions. One is sure it does not apply, while the other didn’t think it applies. This indicates to me that there is a minute possibility that there is light at the end of the tunnel; therefore, we must pursue all options available to us.
Else, we prolong the suffering of our people needlessly. LEAD ON Representative Sablan! It’s about time somebody from the hill take the lead for the sake of our people. A word of advice; be humble and courteous — change is always in company with rough seas. I like your State of Emergency letter. If only it was signed by ALL the people who call themselves leaders.
As to Washington Rep. Tenorio, if you say aid is possible, make it happen, NOW, while a Republican is still in office at the White House. This is your day in the sun Pete. Go beyond letter writing for the sake of our people.
Now as to why I am confident in agreeing with Rep. Sablan. The Rota Wells were funded by FEMA. Initially, I was told that it was not doable. After appeals and support by surveys done by the feds themselves, three water wells were granted to Rota. You see, the potential then of Rota running out of water was caused by mismanagement of the Sabana Plateau through overfarming and forest fire. These causes were manmade and not of natural cause. The lt. gov. should know about this project because he was the executive director of CUC then, unless he was distracted elsewhere. The Rota Water Wells Project was patterned similarly to the Marshall Islands grant application which was also approved by FEMA. Another project with similar justification is the Rota Warning System.
If little Rota can find knowledgable FEMA experts, I don’t see why our collective thinkers on the hill can’t do the same. It is common knowledge that the federal government is not without political bias. FEMA reps are rotated through the nation and while experience and knowledge should be the prerequisite for advancement, at times other factors prevailed. Vickie Villagomez is our FEMA expert in the CNMI. Has anyone sought her assistance? She has all the connections we need to get started.
It seems to me that a good number of politicians are in agreement that federal aid is the way to go. So, wouldn’t it be nice if the governor, Washington rep., president of the Senate and the speaker of the House, take Tina’s lead and got together and jointly tackle this problem? Or is it to demeaning to let a Rookie Representative beat you guys to the punch? Please, put political differences aside and work for the sake of our people.
Kudos and more power to those who were able to make it to the CUC protest rally. It’s about time the people rise on their behalf. It would have been great if Rota and Tinian are part of the movement.
ANDREW M. RAMOS
Temporary resident of
Dededo, Guam
