CNMI Descents for Self-Government and Indigenous Rights spokesman and adviser Oscar Rasa said the issue should be resolved based on the CNMI’s best interest.
He said they support the Legislature, the governor and other officials who oppose the proposed marine monument.
Gregorio S. Cruz Jr. Taotao Tano’s president, said whatever is good for the people in CNMI should be supported but the proposal must be presented to public first for extensive discussions.
“We would like the proponents to discuss to the people the benefits we can get from the proposed marine monument,” Cruz said.
He said the people need to assess and evaluate the disadvantages and benefits of the project before making a decision.
Felipe Q. Atalig, who authored a resolution in the Saipan Municipal Council opposing the proposed marine monument, said a dialogue is “what the people in CNMI want to see.”
“The indigenous people are the people who will be affected and they should be consulted,” he said.
If the federal government allowed Hawaii to study the proposal for six years, it would only be fair if a similar opportunity is extended to CNMI, he added.
Atalig, who is running for the U.S. Congress, noted that President Bush’s term will end in January, “but we can’t rush a decision without knowing what would be its consequences.”
Angelo Villagonez, CNMI coordinator of Pew Environment Group, said the proposal, which they support, will restrict commercial extraction, but will be sensitive to the need to continue allowing traditional cultural practices in the area.
“Pew understands that we are culturally bound to the ocean and that this is an important issue for the residents of the CNMI,” he said in a previous statement.
In a press statement, Ignacio V. Cabrera, chairman for the recently organized Friends of the Marine Monument, said: “We applaud the White House for listening to the people of the CNMI and coming to speak directly with us.”
He added, “We are confident that public support will grow as more people come to understand the multitude of potential benefits the monument will bring to the CNMI. We believe that a marine monument in the northernmost waters of the CNMI would be good for our marine life, good for our economy, and protect our culture.”
Andrew S. Salas, a former House member, said: “I am happy that President Bush and the federal government are coming over to talk to us regarding the monument project. Many members of the Legislature were worried that there would be a unilateral decision to declare the monument without local input. As a former congressman, I see that the announcement shows that the president wants our input and it is important for our people. With any good ideas, there are always concerns; but in the end, when you have a dialogue, a better product is developed. I just want to thank President Bush for respecting our people and coming over to the CNMI to further discussions. It shows the local peoples’ input regarding local customs and traditions are important and we thank the president for that respect. This monument project is important both economically and environmentally for our people. I am a strong supporter of this project and look forward to seeing it move forward.”
According to Rep. Tina Sablan, Ind.-Saipan: “Members of the Legislature and the community have consistently asked for more information about the potential advantages and challenges of the proposed Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, and for the opportunity to engage in direct dialogue with the federal government about the proposal. I am pleased to learn that President Bush has agreed to send representatives to the CNMI to discuss the marine monument proposal with us. I am sure we will receive them hospitably, and with open minds. I am deeply interested in exploring all opportunities to protect our unique marine resources for the benefit of present and future generations.”
