Jesus Sablan Guerrero, who returned to Saipan from U.S. six months ago, said the island’s economy is down.
“Whatever that we can do to improve the economy, I am for it,” he said.
If the people support casino operation on Saipan he will support it, too.
But Franciso Manibusan Diaz said a casino on Saipan is “a very bad move.”
“Our people here are mostly Catholic and we are against gambling,” he added.
He said lawmakers have done a lot of off-island travels but have nothing to offer but a casino bill.
A casino, he added, will not work on Saipan. “This is a tropical island and people come here to enjoy themselves and not gamble. Look at Tinian.”
Saipan should improve tourism and promote agriculture, Diaz said.
He appreciated the efforts of business Anthony Pellegrino in coming up with an export program for Saipan’s farm products.
The government, he added, should also help market the island’s produce.
“We need to talk to our farmers what kind of products we can sell to Guam,” he said.
Juan Borja Tudela said he is not against the casino but “if the goal is to have more revenue because we have an economic crisis then there’s nothing wrong with the casino.”
During his administration, he said, he traveled to other countries that had casinos.
In South Korea, he said, local residents were not allowed to play in the casino.
“A casino should only for tourists,” he added.
Jose Camacho Sablan refused to disclose his position on the casino proposal, saying he has yet to study the pending Saipan casino bill.
