Shrinking CNMI economy forces leaner Thanksgiving celebrations

With a tanking economy that’s deeply hurting everyone’s wallets, residents make do with the limited food they could afford and thankful that the CNMI is still a relatively safe place to live with their family and friends.

“We don’t spend as much on holidays like this now because we also have to pay for high utility bills, for example. We really budget everything, but yes we always have turkey,” said former Emergency Management Office director Rudy Pua in an interview at the Joeten-Susupe store yesterday afternoon.

He said his household has cut their Thanksgiving expenses by 30 percent to 40 percent this year, but that doesn’t mean a bit sadder event than previous years.

“The spirit of Thanksgiving is still there, it’s just that the kind of spending we had before is not there anymore,” he said.

Carmen Gaskins, a Gualo Rai resident, bought some food stuff for a Thanksgiving meal she’s preparing to share with some individuals on island whose families are not with them this holiday.

Gaskins said she has noticed that fewer people are shopping for Thanksgiving, pointing to a slow economy.

“Despite the economy, I am first and foremost thankful to God for His gift of love, for allowing me to see things from a brighter perspective,” she added.

George Moses, floor supervisor at Joeten-Susupe said they expect more last-minute shoppers Wednesday night or after-office hours. But he said the slow economy could be the main reason for fewer numbers of shoppers than they expected.

“Bad economy or not, we have to celebrate Thanksgiving by giving thanks to everything and everyone. I am thankful to be alive. Everyday is a new day,” he said.

Debra C. Johnson, who was doing her last-minute Thanksgiving grocery shopping at Joeten-Hafadai in Garapan, said the Thanksgiving meal has been part of their family custom and this year will be a special one.

“My sister from Hawaii is here to celebrate with us. We haven’t seen each other in 15 to 18 years. We have less money to spend but we still have lots to be thankful for,” the San Roque resident said.

While residents have less money for other food stuff, the roasted turkey will always be part of their Thanksgiving meal.

Vilma Escarlan, supervisor at the Joeten-Hafa Adai Deli Bakery, said they have received a lot of orders for turkey with stuffing and gravy.

“I think we received more orders this year than the last two years. The volume of orders for turkey we have this year is much like what we had 10 years ago,” she said as she monitors the orders received.

Escarlan, who has been with the company since 1992, said the cost of a 12- to 14-lb turkey with stuffing, gravy, dinner rolls, cherry strawberry bread and pumpkin pie, priced at $42.50, is actually less expensive by a few cents compared to last year.

“We want people to still celebrate Thanksgiving with the traditional turkey so the prices went down,” she said.

Corrections officer Carlo Evangelista said their Thanksgiving expenses went up by some 10 percent, but he said they won’t let it dampen their celebration.

“I am thankful for my family and job,” he said at the signing of a proclamation yesterday on Capital Hill declaring December 2011 CNMI Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, in their joint Thanksgiving message, said, “Having faced the challenges and opportunities of the past year, it is time to give thanks for all the blessings we have received.”

“As we come together with friends and family, let us remember to give thanks throughout the year for the good fortunes and freedoms we enjoy,” they said. “And let us not forget those who are less fortunate here and afar. To all the residents of the CNMI, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.”

Inos, in an interview with reporters, said despite the financial challenges, the CNMI is thankful for the relatively peaceful island environment compared to other areas where there is civil unrest. “I’m thankful for the many things that the community has done despite the many challenges” he said.

He said the $102-million budget for fiscal year 2012 stays, and is hoping that actual revenue will be higher than projected.