NAHIDUL Islam of Sakura CNMI Co. and Md Asharaful Alam of Asia Marine Sports are asking the Office of the Governor, the Marianas Visitors Authority, and U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan to provide government assistance to the 17 marine sports operators whose businesses have shut down due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
“We need help,” Islam said. “We have about $250,000 worth of boats and equipment that have been idle since the beginning of the pandemic” restrictions in March 2020.
He noted that other businesses have been provided assistance by the government.
Most marine operators, however, are not eligible for federal pandemic assistance including U.S. Small Business Administration loans.
Islam said he has nine employees on payroll.
Alam, who has five employees, said because of the pandemic, they have had no customers. “We need help to keep us operational,” he added.
“Our boats, jet skis and equipment are idle and not making money,” Alam said.
Boats and jet skis owned by Sakura CNMI Co. have been inactive since March 2020.
