Plan for PR builds •Chamber offer shows need to hire a lobbyist

Two key members of the legislature on Friday prodded Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio to look into the offer of the private sector to jointly discuss possible ways that will finance a badly needed public relations campaign for the Northern Marianas on the heels of increasing media firestorm.

This effort may lead to a partnership between the island government and the business industry in addressing negative publicity that have besmirched the CNMI image in the international community, according to Rep. Karl T. Reyes, chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

“If everybody pitches in, then we can probably (hire a public relations firm),” he told in an interview.

“If the private sector can contribute, especially because.. we have been flagged by the international media,” Reyes explained, “that would really be a big help because we want to rebuild our tarnished name in the international level.”

Reyes, whose committee deals with public funds, has previously thrown support behind a lobbyist or a PR firm that will help the CNMI counter continuous criticisms against the island, but expressed worry that it might be difficult at this time of budgetary constraints in the government.

Senate Floor leader Pete P. Reyes, who heads the Fiscal Affairs Committee in the upper house, also underscored the need to work with the private sector in promoting the commonwealth’s interests in Washington.

He maintained a PR campaign could assist also in drumming up support, and the necessarily funds, for several development projects being proposed by the government in an effort to stir the local economy.

“If the private sector is willing to discuss the financial aspect of the PR campaign, then the government should realize its necessity and… the problems (as a result of) not having a lobbyist,” Sen. Reyes said.

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce last week sounded the alarm for a massive campaign to promote a positive image for the island, asking the governor to meet with businessmen to tackle the funding problem.

While it has no specific offer to Tenorio, the Chamber’s support signals a partnership agreement which would be the best solution to the present situation, Rep. Reyes said.

“Since the private sector is involved, they will be more sensitive to the situation also and not just the government policing the sector and implementing reforms,” he pointed out.

The legislator added that with the participation of the business community, these companies will take extra efforts to police themselves and deal with the problems at their level.

The island has come under close scrutiny since the filing of the $1 billion class action suit against Saipan’s garment manufacturers and buyers over charges of “sweatshop conditions” on local factories, allegations denied by industry leaders.

But the negative publicity following the lawsuit, including pressure from Washington bent on federal takeover of CNMI’s labor and immigration, have affected the image of the island in the international community, impacting on its tourism industry that is already reeling from the economic recession in Asia, its main market.