He said the extension of the business license to operate cockfighting on Saipan provided to Mary Ann D. Calvo ended on Sept. 4.
But the mayor doubts that illegal cockfight may occur this month which is also the molting season of gamecocks.
Flores said his office will begin accepting bid proposals for cockfight operation once the island’s legislative delegation passes the proposed amendments to the Saipan Cockfighting Act of 1994.
Variety was told that the delegation may act on House Local Bill 17-21 on Sept. 23.
Among the proposed amendments is a longer term for a cockpit license — from one to five years — and a higher minimum bid: from $10,000 to $20,000.
Citing the CNMI’s economic crisis, Flores said he knows how difficult it is for a cockfight arena to recover its investment if the license has to be renewed annually.
John Borja, the Saipan Cockfighting Board chairman, said there is also a need to increase the number of board members from three to five.
However, when his term ends in November, he said he will not ask the mayor to renew it.
“I just want to make sure the law is being enforced,” he added.
He also suggested that board members should be compensated for their work, especially when deliberating on a cockfight protest.
