But when our leaders fail to display transparency and accountability Washington throws the book at us and, of course, lose the trust of its people.
What sometimes can be a miniscule problem can be the talk of the town or the talk of the world.
What transpired in the past weeks regarding the federal detainee who took a short trip out of prison not just ruined the CNMI’s reputation but the well-being of every CNMI citizen.
What if the Department of Corrections convoy got ambushed at gunpoint? That short trip could have been very critical. I, for one, feel ashamed about this incident and ashamed to the whole world.
The world, now knowing where Saipan is, will label us one of those places whose officials abuse their power.
Not only did we sue Washington but also went out of our way and did something so outrageous.
This coverage is much more interesting than a U.S. governor or lawmaker caught for infidelity.
For the longest time our government tried to advertise our islands for the sake of stabilizing tourist growth.
So where do we go from here? Now we got to be the talk-of-the-town or should I say talk-of-the-countries.
As our great commonwealth try endlessly to promote tourism we instead brought the world hot water news on a national level. Media outlets throughout the world are loving it more than ever.
Back in 1997, I attended a national convention and tried explaining to all U.S. states and territories where the CNMI was.
Now, again, more than ever we are on the radar with a twist. This is certainly not how I want the world to hear about us. In due time the federal court will deliberate on this issue.
For the meantime, I suggest our legislators practice their authority to review the “ethics code on employer conduct” and, of course, to do so in a “fair but just” manner if worst comes to worst. Now, it’s all about the waiting game. Game over!
VINCE G. CABRERA
Chalan Piao, Saipan
