‘Military still pushing for Pagan use’

Representatives of the Marine Forces Pacific met with Northern Islands Mayor Jerome Aldan last week to discuss matters regarding Pagan.

Aldan, in an email to Saipan Tribune, said that nine MarForPac personnel consisting of consultants and a lawyer met with him at his office on Capital Hill on Wednesday.

Aldan said he decided to sit and listen to the delegation to get updates and see whether things have changed on MarForPac’s perspective on Pagan.

MarForPac met with Aldan earlier last month, proposing to combine live fire and maneuver training on Pagan at the volcano side of the island.

Last week, MarForPac mentioned that they have shrunk and minimized the “area of high impact target,” focusing solely on the volcano area and with minimal impact on the surroundings.

“The fact remains that they are still pushing forward to take Pagan for live firing and bombing, which is a no-go, at least as far as my take on the issue is concerned,” Aldan said.

“Nothing much has changed since the beginning and the island is still being aimed for live fire and live bombs as proposed,” he added.

He said the military’s proposal has not or would never discourage him from proceeding with his own plans as well.

“NIMO will continue to push for the resettlement and redevelopment of Pagan and the rest of the Northern Islands. These islands belong to the Northern Marianas descent and not just those that resided on Pagan, so the entire CNMI should be just as concerned as we are,” he said.

MarForPac had also proposed coexisting with the Northern Islands people on its resettlement once the homestead program pushes through. Aldan claims the program is still being held up by the Department of Public Lands due to infrastructure issues.

Aldan said it is time for people to realize their resources and begin deciding what is best for the people and not just rely on real estate type of approaches.

“I believe in our people and can say that we have become more intelligent and sound minded when issues and concerns are reflected in our lives. What is in the best interest of the military may not be in our best interest,” he said.

“After all, these lands are our lands and negotiation whether to move with it or deny it is in our hands. That’s more reason why the CNMI government and not just the NIMO should be in line with each other on the military issue,” he added.