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Bill on MVA board makeup expansion opposed
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Posted on Dec 15 1998
The Marianas Visitors Authority had opposed a proposed legislation that seeks to increase the number of board members from nine to eleven because the current composition is already enough to respond to the long term plans of the MVA.
In a letter to Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Deputy Managing director Vicky Benavente said the current nine board members comprising of representatives from the travel, hotel and tourism related business can effectively organize and coordinate long range plans of the agency.
“The MVA board also believes that the current composition of the board accurately reflects the relative economic impact that each island has on the CNMI tourism industry,” said Benavente.
Under SB 11-77, the two additional board members will be nominated by the Mayors of Rota and Tinian. Benavente noted that five MVA board members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate serve a term of four years.
Board members Joseph Mendiola from Tinian and Julian Calvo from Rota represent the private sector of their islands. Additional representation for the islands may be obtained through the four board members who are elected by the MVA general membership and also serve a term of four years.
Meanwhile, MVA has sought the postponement of another proposed legislation that shall raise the level of service and hospitality to tourists by providing certification to taxi operators and drivers who are accredited by the agency.
According to Benavente, MVA has received many complaints about the taxi industry in the CNMI thus, it is in the process of formulating rules and regulations specific to the business.
She said MVA hopes that the recommendations of the tourism office which shall be submitted to the Governor and the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism be included in the amendment relating to the numerous issues presented by the taxi industry.
