Tinian has a lot to offer, says ACG CEO Sze

Alter City Group chief executive officer Edvon Sze, right, gestures as he talks with Commonwealth Development Authority executive director Manuel A. Sablan and economic development analyst Carline B. Sablan after submitting their Qualifying Certificate application last Tuesday at the CDA office in San Jose. (Jon Perez)

Alter City Group chief executive officer Edvon Sze believes in the huge growth potential of Tinian, which is why they’ve decided to invest in the CNMI.

ACG is planning to pump $1.2 billion in investments into the island, hoping to turn a 154-hectare lot at Puntan Diablo Cove in five years into a world-class hotel, casino, golf and resort.

“We’re one of the major investors [on] Tinian and we see the potential of the island to become a tourist destination. Tinian has a lot to offer,” Sze told Saipan Tribune.

He said they have taken into consideration a lot of issues on the island and sought a lot of consultants before making their decision.

“We discussed a lot of issues since this is a big project. We sought the opinion of consultants since the site where we plan to build, Puntan Diablo, is a beautiful place and we want to keep it that way,” said Sze. “We asked various government departments involved in our project. We made sure that we meet all regulations and we’re not violating any CNMI law.”

Sze said one major hurdle that they need to get past is to make Tinian more accessible to local and foreign tourists alike.

“A lot of issues need to be discussed on how to make Tinian accessible. One way is a proposed aerobus transport system that would connect the island to Saipan,” he added.

However, an extensive study must be made, Sze said, since concerns on the environment would rise with the planned aerobus transport system.

“The technology is accessible but a lot of issues will come up, like if the project would damage the environment. These need to be resolved fast before everything pushes through.

“Another issue that we need to resolve is if we are going to build on historical sites. Further consultation with the military is also needed so we won’t interfere with lands that they occupy. It is just a matter of time and the cost of construction,” he added.

Alter City Group is planning to build two hotel complexes, two casinos, six service apartment complexes, villas, a world-class 18-hole golf course and club house, a water park, a cultural center and a museum for its multibillion-dollar Plumeria Golf and Casino Resort.

Sze, ACG senior vice president for gaming and business development Albert Davia, and finance and accounting manager Ador Songcuan already filed their qualifying certificate application last Tuesday with the Commonwealth Development Authority.

CDA will review ACG’s QC application in the next three months before making a recommendation to the Governor’s Office whether to accept or reject the application. The application costs a $15,000 non-refundable filing fee.

Alter City Group chief executive officer Edvon Sze, right, gestures as he talks with Commonwealth Development Authority executive director Manuel A. Sablan and economic development analyst Carline B. Sablan after submitting their Qualifying Certificate application last Tuesday at the CDA office in San Jose.