WITH due respect to Mr. Noel Quitugua, the only correction I would like to make on his letter to the editor last week is his statement that the proposal of my husband, Rep. Frank DLG. Aldan, was for a Micronesian Center.
To have mentioned with authority when fighting for a cause without first knowing the factual basis, the content or intention is misleading and detrimental not only to the public figure, but to the two indigenous groups of the island. If anything, it does nothing but incite racism and prejudice among the two indigenous groups. Frank’s proposal, and I do hope the media would write a story about it, is for the creation of a cultural center depicting the Chamorro, Carolinian and Micronesian villages. The proposed site is the undeveloped wetland at American Memorial Park. I doubt very much that it was Frank’s contention to downgrade his dream and have a Chamorro village or a Carolinian village. If anything, I think he applauds you for now taking a more vigorous stand for a good cause. And why not work collectively? Leave politics out!
My husband may be new in politics, but in terms of political activities he has been around foremost as a private indigenous (Chamorro) citizen paying taxes, contributing to this community financially and in-kind to schools, churches and privately. He has had his share of government positions at the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and has done his share politically by testifying in hearings, talking to government agencies and lawmakers, and dealing in business for the past 17 years. I do not think he has ever exerted himself to be the champion of any cause except for the cause that he takes to heart— family, land, water and his Chamorro cultural heritage. He has always been a proud Chamorro as I am a proud Carolinian whose ancestors, like many Carolinians, came from Micronesia and our children are proud to have come from both worlds.
I applaud Frank for taking a stand on the cultural center which he mentioned in his inaugural speech in January. He believes that we need a cultural center to showcase the many talents among our people. Thus, he has introduced a House resolution on April 24, calling for the creation of a task force so we can begin planning for a state of the art center showcasing our two beautiful cultures, Chamorro and Carolinian, so artists like you can be a part of it, too.
Prior to your letters to the editor, I personally have mentioned your name among the many other artists that should be included in the task force so that a beautiful Chamorro and Carolinian village can be created. Why not? Why could we not work together to make this become a reality? I, too, think that a Carolinian village is needed. Some people say a Chamorro village is needed because the Carolinians already have their Utt. This is deceiving and insulting to the Carolinian community. The Utt is used by all and says nothing much about a Carolinian village. So let’s cut out the “crab” (crabs pull each other down) and steer toward a more positive thinking and make our cultural center a reality.
My only reason for writing is to clarify that a cultural center is noted in Frank’s resolution and not a Micronesian center as mentioned by Mr. Quitugua.URSULA I. LIFOIFOI-ALDAN
Tanapag, Saipan
