A considerably large part of the indigenous population fear that turning the waters surrounding Maug, Asuncion and Uracas into a marine monument will be included in President Bush’ “blue legacy” when he leaves office in Jan. 2009.
CNMI elected officials and a big number of indigenous people strongly oppose the marine monument proposal that the Philadelphia-based Pew Group introduced last year.
In her letter, Fitial invited the U.S. first lady to visit the islands.
“Your presence would complement the passion you expressed to me in wanting to gain a better understanding of NMI culture and people,” Fitial told Bush.
The visit, Fitial said, would satisfy Bush’ interest to learn more about the CNMI “and could influence another of your interests which is to designate a Marianas National Marine Monument” a proposal that “will redefine the destiny of the islands.”
Fitial assures Bush that when she visits the islands her heart will recognize the success of its people in ocean conservation.
“We are simple Americans, a globally responsible commonwealth of the U.S. We honor and uphold a long tradition of coexistence with Mother Ocean. Island heritage passed down from our elders teaches us that we and nature are one,” Fitial said in her letter.
