GCEA hosts Destination Transformation Inspection Tour

Representatives of key CNMI government agencies take part in a Destination Transformation Inspection Tour on April 18. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Representatives of key CNMI government agencies took part in a Destination Transformation Inspection Tour last April 18, at the invitation of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers co-chair Jerry Tan, and council members.

Government employees from the CNMI Department of Finance, Marianas Visitors Authority’s management and board of directors, CNMI Office of Grants Management, CNMI Department of Corrections, and the CNMI Department of Land and Natural Resources – Division of Parks and Recreation met at the Oleai Sports Complex to begin their tour. Northern Marianas Sports Association executive director Carline Sablan escorted the group through the facility to brief them on the construction in progress.

“With the Pacific Mini Games upon us, it was important to begin our tour at the Oleai Sports Complex, where we viewed the current improvements in progress. We have more plans for enhancements in the future, which will transform the Oleai Sports Complex into a state-of-the-art sports complex with a neighboring cultural events site. This improvement will greatly benefit our community and tourism industry,” said Torres.

When construction is completed, the CNMI will enjoy an upgraded baseball field, to include dugouts and bleachers; a track and field facility to include an eight-lane track and grass field; and a gymnasium. The games are scheduled for June 17 – June 24, 2022.

The group then boarded a tour bus to assess four major sites around the island that have been identified as priority transformation sites—the Last Command Post, Bird Island, Grotto, and Banzai Cliff. These popular sites are also Public Private Partnership program sites that have been maintained by GCEA’s PPP partners.

“Touring these historical sites in Marpi together allowed us to collaborate and assess the improvements and work that need to be done,” Torres said. “Our agencies are committed to working together to support these efforts. The upgrades will significantly improve the sites and enhance the quality of experiences for our community and visitors. Prioritizing destination transformation is critical to improving the Marianas product, and it is through these public-private partnerships that we can become a step closer to making the Marianas a world-class destination.”

Destination transformation is among the top priorities of the GCEA, following its mission to improve the quality of life for all who call the Marianas home. GCEA has identified key locations to improve, which would have a greater impact on the overall Marianas experience. Plans include providing better public accessibility, improving safety, preserving historical sites, and enhancing the quality of visitors’ experiences throughout the Marianas.

“I would like to thank the GCEA, members of our PPP program, MVA, DLNR, DPL, and other government agencies for their work in ensuring that these historical sites, as well as other sites around our islands, are maintained, preserved, and provide improved accessibility for all,” said Gov. Torres.

For more information, visit the GCEA website at cnmieconomy.com or contact the Council at gceacnmi@gmail.com. (PR)