CJMT plans on Tinian are ‘somewhat problematic’

Tinian Mayor Joey P. San Nicolas welcomes home U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Adrian Evangelista during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Antonio M. Borja Amphitheater. (Contributed Photo)

During a Veterans Day ceremony at the Antonio M. Borja Amphitheater yesterday, San Nicolas said this council would ensure the longevity and preservation of Tinian.

He also expressed the importance of recognizing the many sacrifices of military personnel who serve “to preserve our way of life and the freedoms and liberties we enjoy.”

“The people of Tinian have a very special bond with the military and I am constantly amazed as to how many of our people have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. To me, this shows not only our patriotism and pride for our country but a true commitment to defending our beliefs and values,” he said.

San Nicolas said that Tinian has nearly 200 individuals who have served in the military or are currently serving. He welcomed home U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Adrian Evangelista, who made a special visit to Tinian in honor of Veterans Day and was yesterday’s keynote speaker.

“As veterans, I am sure you have all been following the various military development plans for Tinian that have been proposed since Washington, D.C. began their pivot to the Pacific back in 2006. Although we have been able to deal with the Mariana Islands Training and Testing plan, as well as the Joint Guam Program Office plan, the Commonwealth Joint Military Training Plan and the Air Force divert facility plan have been, to say the least, somewhat problematic,” he said.

The mayor shared that he had written to Gov. Eloy S. Inos requesting to initiate a civilian military advisory council—as written in the technical agreement that was attached to the Covenant.

“When our forefathers negotiated the Covenant, as well as the technical agreement establishing the Tinian leased lands, they recognized the time would come when we—the civilian community of Tinian and the military community—would need to revisit the technical agreement and make adjustments…” he said. “That time has come.”

San Nicolas emphasized the need for a civilian military advisory commission as a long-term effort between the people of Tinian and the military establishment to resolve problems in an amicable fashion.

“We need to address some issues before the first boots hit the ground. Then we will need to continuously modify plans to meet the challenges we face as the military development begins and progresses. That being said, I welcome all of our veterans…in the celebration of Veterans Day,” he said.

Yesterday’s event started with an honor walk from the Tinian Gymnasium to the Amphitheatre. Besides San Nicolas, in attendance at the walk were Rep. Edwin Aldan (Ind-Tinian) and Sen. Francisco M. Borja (Ind-Tinian).