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Parks & Rec: We need more manpower
The Division of Parks and Recreation needs more hands to maintain, improve, and beautify parks and other recreational sites in the CNMI.
According to division director Eli Cabrera, along with upgraded equipment, manpower seems to be a real issue for the division.
Although jurisdiction over the upcoming Puerto Rico Park has yet to be confirmed, Cabrera is already expecting that he would be handling the new park.
“We have about a little over 30 people, with 16 in the field at most. We need at least 15 more people. I am anticipating to [also handle] the Puerto Rico Park once it opens,” said Cabrera, a former House of Representatives speaker.
Besides taking care of the numerous parks in the CNMI, there are also recreational sites to handle, which is proving to be a difficult task without the increased manpower, Cabrera said.
“Right now, we are also taking care of Kalabera Cave without any increase in employees. It is big—about 3 hectares. We are also taking care of the Forbidden Island with the same amount of manpower. The responsibility has increased and we are just trying to do as much as we can,” said Cabrera.
Cabrera has already requested the House Ways and Means Committee for additional manpower. He has gotten five additional slots.
“Among the five positions given to me, I would be hiring two park rangers. The park rangers were supposed to be given to Parks and Recreation years ago, when they passed PL 11-106, also known as the Parks and Recreation Act of 1998,” he said.
“The other three are for raw maintenance because we have additional sites. We have more additional duties that need maintenance,” added Cabrera.
Cabrera said the Marianas Visitors Authority assists Parks and Recreation, which has been working with one another for many years.
“I get assistance from MVA. It usually depends on how much I ask, but whenever I ask, they are never hesitant to support me. When I request, I justify my request and they approve it—they are very supportive,” said Cabrera.
“MVA is very supportive because of tourism,” he added.
