The 18th general assembly the Association of Marianas Islands Mayors, Vice Mayors and Elected Municipal Council Members discussed and approved several resolutions that aim to stimulate economic activities in the archipelago.
The AMIM conference that was held at the Saipan Grand Hotel last Friday was attended by at least 24 mayors, vice mayors and council members.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, who was the guest speaker, said the conference was an excellent opportunity to share information and exchange ideas on how to better meet the needs of local communities.
“This is a great forum to look at our strengths and weaknesses, and consider what works and what doesn’t work, and see if we can benefit from each other’s experiences and mistakes,” he said.
The conference also provided participants an opportunity to engage in regional networking while affirming their strong sense of regional cooperation, he added.
“I urge all of you to make the most of this opportunity to learn from each other and address our regional challenges and opportunities,” he said.
AMIM president Rota Mayor Melchor A. Mendiola said they discussed several ideas for the benefit of all of the Mariana Islands.
“We will try to help one another and share opportunities in anticipation for the military buildup on Guam,” he said.
AMIM, he added, is working to ease regulations and policies to enable the two territories to have better trade relations.
Mendiola introduced a resolution expressing the desire of AMIM to move forward “with one voice, once desire, one message as one people” in all areas that affect the livelihood and future of the people of the islands.
“It is necessary, most especially in these hard economic times, that all possible avenues are reviewed and considered and that proper planning is taken to enhance our overall situation,” his resolution stated.
Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz introduced a resolution endorsing the recommendation of Fitial and the Military Integration Management Council to designate Tinian as a site for Air Force operations.
Dela Cruz said this will help stimulate the economic activity on Tinian because “our economy is people driven and the more people we have, the more economic activity can be made.”
Also introduced and approved by AMIM:
• A resolution promoting the Chamorro culture through language, art and dance throughout the Marianas.
•A resolution requesting the Guam program office to continue to explore the possibilities of using the CNMI as part of the regional military buildup and transfer of the United States Marine Corps from Okinawa.
• A resolution supporting the Guam Visitors Bureau and the Marianas Visitors Authority as they explore the feasibility of the cruise ship industry travel market with the establishment of the “Visit Marianas/Micronesia Cruise Package.”
• A resolution requesting and supporting the establishment of the Marianas golf tour by the Guam Visitors Bureau and the Marianas Visitors Authority.
• A resolution requesting the A.B Won Pat Guam International Airport Authority to re-open the inter-island commuter terminal for travel within the Marianas.
• A resolution requesting the Guam Department of Agriculture to reexamine and reform the quarantine rules and regulations regarding the inter-island exchange of livestock used for gaming or other purposes.
• A resolution requesting the Guam Department of Agriculture to revise and reform the policies of the shipment of livestock, vegetables, fruits and produce for the purpose of consumption without sale and for personal use only.
• A resolution requesting and inviting Guam Civil Defense, Guam Homeland Security, CNMI emergency response agencies, military commands, and the Joint Guam Office to share emergency response plans,
• A resolution expressing a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude and the people’s highest esteem to reverend Monsignor Louis Antonelli from the people of the CNMI and Guam for his long and passionate service to God and his shepherdship and evangelization of the Roman Catholic faith to the people of Marianas.
• A resolution expressing appreciation and gratitude to retired Maj. Gen. David Bice from the people of CNMI and Guam for his exemplary leadership at the Joint Program Office dealing with the military buildup in the Marianas.
Mendiola, in an interview, said they have also established a scholarship program that will allow Rota, Tinian and Saipan students to receive $1,000 funds from AMIM.
Those who attended the AMIM conference were Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Chairman Ramon B. Camacho, vice chairman Eric Diaz and member Ralph N. Yumul.
From Rota, Mendiola and Rota Municipal Council Vice Chairman Arvin C. Ogo, while from Tinian, Mayor Dela Cruz and Municipal Council secretary Joseph SN. Cruz.
From Guam: Agat Mayor Carol S. Tayama, Agat Vice Mayor Agustin G. Quintanilla, Asan-Maina Mayor Vicente L. San Nicolas, Chalan Pago-Ordot Mayor Jessy C. Gogue, Dededo Mayor Melissa B. Savares, Mangilao Mayor Nonito C. Blas, Mangilao Vice Mayor Allan R.G. Ungacta, Merizo Mayor Ernest T. Chargualaf, Mongmong-Toto-Maite Mayor Andres C. Villagomez, Piti Mayor Vicente D. Gumataotao, Santa Rita Mayor Dale E. Alvarez, Sinajana Mayor Roke B. Blas, Sinajana Vice Mayor Robert R.D.C. Hofmann, Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon Mayor Francisco C. Blas, Yigo Mayor Robert S. Lizama, Yigo Vice Mayor Ronald J. Flores and Yona Mayor Jose T. Terlaje.
