The Association of Mariana Islands Mayors, Vice Mayors and Elected Municipal Council Members, or AMIM, during its meeting at the Northern Marianas College library on Rota discussed Guam’s increased need for fruits and plants due to the military buildup there.
Piti Mayor Vicente D. Gumataotao requested further research regarding the issue.
Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz said the resolution is to request Guam’s customs and agriculture divisions to relax the restrictions on transporting agriculture products to and from the CNMI.
Yigo Mayor Robert S. Lizama said it was brought to his attention by some Rota farmers that the waiting period on Guam customs for CNMI crops had become a concern because the delay affected the quality of the produce.
He said AMIM is looking at how to better manage the transportation of agricultural products between the CNMI and Guam.
“We have to look at the regulations. I’m certain that there are reasons why these regulations are enforced but we’d like to see how to foster better understanding between Guam and the CNMI,” Lizama said.
Their group, he added, wants to see an improvement in the livelihood of CNMI and Guam farmers.
“We see that Rota has been producing sweet potatoes and taro,” he said. These can help Guam meet the demand of its consumers, he added.
He said Guam farmers also grow sweet potatoes and taro but not enough to meet an increasing demand.
“We hope that when the military builds more stores and commissaries on Guam, it would also accept goods from the CNMI,” he added.
Once the “free trade zone” resolution is adopted, Lizama said they will send it to the appropriate agencies on Guam. “We hope to see and gain their support and we will do a follow up to make sure we get a response,” he added.
Rota Mayor Melchor A. Mendiola said AMIM discussed common areas of concerns, allowing the islands’ municipal governments to help each other as one family.
Since Guam and CNMI have different laws, “we’re trying to find ways to ease restrictions on travel and transportation of goods within the Marianas, not necessarily focused on the military buildup but for the community as a whole,” he said.
Mendiola said Rota alone cannot meet the growing demand on Guam for agricultural products. He said the farmers from Saipan and Tinian should also prepare to produce more.
“We all should participate in maintaining a continuous supply for fresh produce. It is not just one-time shipping. It is supposed to be consistent and self-efficient,” he said.
The meeting was attended by 19 mayors from Guam and three from the CNMI including Saipan Mayor Donald Flores.
