THE administration on Thursday heard allegations of unfair practice in the issuance of beach concession permits by the Marianas Public Lands Authority.
Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente met with representatives of the 12 marine sporting operators from Saipan and Tinian and MPLA officials headed by Commissioner Bertha Deleon Guerrero and Tom Aldan, chairman of the Board of Public Lands Management.
Ray Alvarez, president of the Marine Sports Association, and Deleon Guerrero agreed to settle their dispute regarding the issuance of the permits and the imposition of a fixed rate on concession fees.
The agreement will be finalized today, Variety learned.
Alvarez said it was a “relief” that the administration helped resolve their concerns.
“The (parties involved) are willing to discuss it further and make adjustments,” Benavente said.
The CNMI Marine Sports Association said they were at a “big disadvantage” compared to big hotels and resort owners, since they were restricted to operate within a 400-sq. ft. beach area.
Local operators are not able to promote their businesses and offer the marine sporting services unlike hotels, Alvarez said.
