Businesses keeping their head above the water

Soon after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization last March 11, the CNMI government gave a series of orders that shut down most parts of the CNMI government, with the sole aim to mitigate the spread of the virus.

That immediately spilled over to businesses, with specific requirements on what time they are to be open to the public and how they are supposed to do business—social distancing and such. People were also encouraged to stay and work from home. This led to many businesses implementing either limited work hours or temporary closures.

One businessman told Saipan Tribune that 99% of his businesses were down. “We’re in a real bad situation,” he said.

Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Velma Palacios said in an earlier interview that all businesses—large or small—will be impacted by the pandemic. “Take for example, in the CNMI, the hotels, T-Galleria, airlines. Most have to close down or reduce their operations, which affects employees. …Everyone is trying to see how they can balance both health and safety with surviving in this economy,” she said.

She stressed though, that the health and safety of the CNMI community is first and foremost. “…things are unfolding every day, we all have to take it one day at a time. We need to be patient and be flexible as this is all new to us,” she added.

That means adapting to a new normal, especially with the announcement of positive cases of COVID-19 on Saipan and if that number continues to rise. “These circumstances will continue to change the way businesses operate and provide services to the public.

She is grateful for the businesses that have remained open to provide critical services to the community despite the challenges. “As a business owner or executive, it’s difficult to decide whether to keep the doors open or close during the chaos. These business managers have to provide for the health and safety of stakeholders, which involves constant worry and strict precautionary measures for the safety and welfare of themselves, their employees, and customers,” she added.

AC Pacific LLC president Alex B.K. Youn, who manages I Love Saipan stores and Star Sands Plaza, said that providing for the local community is always an important factor in their business portfolio.

“We have an outlet store on Middle Road for the local market and we are expanding our product lines and offering more discounted products on packaged food products. …Our business is not making enough sales to meet the breakeven point, but we have the three stores open because we have to keep our employees on the payroll and at the same time give service to the community,” he said.

After 45 days, businesses that have remained open are still thriving, like The Shack, Tom Yum Restaurant, Wild Bill’s, Salty’s, Poki Yaki, Oink, KFC/Taco Bell, Spicy Thai, Ina’s Kitchen, Naked Fish, and Sunny Side Café, to name a few. Some businesses are starting to open one by one after regaining their confidence.

Saipan Mango Six manager Sun Moon Ahn said that they temporarily closed in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. “We used those times researching how to solve the safety problems of customers and employee…noticing that the pandemic situation here on Saipan has been a little safer and well-controlled by the government. We considered the requests of many of our regular customers to open and that is why we are ready to serve once again.”

Island favorite Shirley’s Coffee Shop re-opened its doors for take-out two weeks ago after a month of hiatus. Paris Croissant Bakery in Garapan opened its doors yesterday. “It has been a month since we closed and we are opening once again as things seem to get better,” manager Youngmin Choi said.

The pandemic also created platforms for new businesses in the CNMI like Eats Easy, Island Ride, and Saipan Go that offers food, goods, and service deliveries.

Palacios commends businesses that are operational and believes these businesses are providing a great public service right now. “They understand their role in providing critical products and services for families during these difficult times. Many of their employees would have better peace of mind if they were able to self-quarantine and work from home. But not everyone is fortunate to do so, as keeping the business operational for at least some hours provides for our collective livelihoods,” she said. “We thank these businesses and their employees who continue to provide services to the community and ensure their customers are safe.”