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‘What’s the big deal?’
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Posted on Jan 24 2005
The Marianas Public Lands Authority yesterday defended its decision to allow the establishment of a massage parlor on Managaha Island, which drew flak from some local residents.
MPLA chair Ana Demapan-Castro assured the public yesterday that the operations of Mirage Corp. on Managaha would be limited to health massage activities.
Mirage was granted permit to sublease a portion of land in Managaha from Tasi Tours, which holds the concession to operate business on the island.
“The sub-concessionaire will not even build a permanent business space. They will only offer massage service under an open tent, where tourists can come in when they get tired of swimming,” Demapan-Castro said.
She added that the massage parlor will be no different from the sports massage business being operated at the Saipan International Airport or at most golf courses.
“The recommendation to approve this project came from the staff after they reviewed the purpose of the sub-concession. We recognize that this will benefit the local tourism industry. Besides, the request was made by one of the major tour companies on island,” she said, referring to Tasi Tours.
Some local residents have raised concern about MPLA’s approval of Mirage Corp.’s request to establish a massage parlor on Managaha.
Saipan resident Lino Olopai, for one, noted that the Constitution prohibits activities on Managaha that are not related to culture and recreation. He also expressed fear about the impact of massage parlor business on the CNMI’s efforts to become a family-oriented destination.
“Why have massage parlor, be it therapeutic or otherwise, on Managaha? Why not on Saipan? Do we want more massage parlors, nightclubs, poker machines, etc., on Saipan and now on Managaha? Is this the quality or sound development we all wish for?” Olopai said. “Keep Managaha for all of us to enjoy. Enjoy its clean air, its clean water, its tranquility, its serenity, etc. It’s too commercial as it is.”
The permit issued to Mirage Corp. will be effective from Jan. 5 to Oct. 31, 2005.
