In an interview, he said he told Chinese businesspersons that “I need money to provide jobs to my people.”
One way of bringing in new investors is by offering them land to lease, he added.
While in Beijing, the governor told Chinese investors that they could lease the Northern Islands as long as they are not used for military purposes.
Northern Islands Mayor’s Office program manager Jerome Aldan said they will discuss the governor’s plan.
“We will also seek the guidance of the indigenous residents of the Northern Islands,” he said.
Perhaps the class of Northern Marianas College instructor Sam McPhetres can conduct a survey about the issue, he added.
Fitial said nobody owns the Northern Islands except the government.
“Let’s not listen to those people who don’t know what they are saying,” he said, reacting to Aldan’s statement about consulting the indigenous residents.
The governor at the same time expressed support for resettling Pagan.
“That’s my plan — I’m going to resettle the people from Pagan back to Pagan,” he said.
“Then I’m going to issue homestead lots so when they have fulfilled the requirements, I will give them deeds so can they can own their lots,” he added.
