Editorials

Numbers TO say that the recent robberies and burglaries were “caused” by the economic downturn is an insult to the vast majority of low-income individuals who do not commit crimes. Many of them have chosen to tap welfare programs and services or to look for jobs with the assistance of the CNMI Depa…

Whew! THE good news is that there’s no bad news even though a typhoon passed by the Marianas. Bolaven did not cause extensive damage. We also appreciate the fact that as the storm barreled toward the islands, local and federal officials provided regular and timely updates while reassuring the publi…

Good luck with that THE government’s fiscal year 2024 budget, which the governor is expected to sign into law, is based on revenue projections that consist mainly of a wing and a prayer. Several events must occur to make the budget “work.” Tourist arrivals must increase significantly. The tax-hike …

Here’s where we’re at THE administration “expects economic recovery in the coming year.” Why? Because there will be more flights from South Korea, which means more tourists. And there will be more federally funded construction activities. These, to be sure, should result in more revenue collections…

Say when MANY members of the business community want to see the revival of the islands’ second largest tourism market, China. However, the Asian country’s ruling party is now considered a major threat to the U.S., which includes the CNMI. The governor, for his part, has announced a “pivot” away fro…

Politics in command THE CW “touchback” rule is a political gesture on behalf of hypothetical (and usually nonexistent) U.S. workers at the expense of actual U.S. workers and residents who could lose their jobs and/or businesses if the local economy continues to contract because of a federally creat…

30 days should mean 30 days THE local business community, through the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, has been expressing concern about the “touchback” provision since it was proposed as part of a bipartisan CW extension bill passed by a Republican-led U.S. Congress and signed into law by a Republican …

Pay on time to get paid on time BUSINESSES should pay the business gross revenue tax on time. Of course. There are legal penalties if they don’t. In the CNMI, however, their major vendor is usually the Commonwealth government, which is notorious for not paying on time, especially during an economic…

Workforce woes WE commend the CNMI Department of Labor for reminding the community about the local Registered Apprenticeship Program or RAP, which aims to provide free on-the-job learning to local residents. Similar or related initiatives have been launched by PSS, NMC, NMTech, the chamber of comme…

An imperfect but moral justice system CRITICIZING the justice system in a democratic society is easy, but contemplating the alternative should remind us of how lucky we are to live in such a society. For starters, you cannot criticize the system in an authoritarian regime. You cannot question how j…