Babauta says imperial visit ‘successful’

Gov. Juan N. Babauta expressed his appreciation yesterday to everyone involved in the planning and execution of the visit of Japan’s imperial couple to the island of Saipan.

“The visit was very historic and it was accomplished without a problem,” Babauta said. “From all the federal and local agencies involved, to every citizen of the Commonwealth, I think we demonstrated to the international community that Saipan showed class, dignity, and warmth for our royal guests.”

“It was especially gratifying for me to see our people lining Airport Road and waving flags to greet the emperor and empress. There were no protests; only greetings of welcome and celebration to the imperial couple for choosing Saipan as the first overseas destination to pay tribute to those whose lives were lost during World War II. The unannounced visit by the emperor and empress to the Korean War Memorial was a momentous occasion, and one that showed worldly leadership by the imperial couple.

“Just before they boarded their airplane for the return flight to Japan, the emperor told me how much he appreciated the warm welcome he received and his gratitude to our people for his visit. It was a proud moment for me, and I want to let everyone in the Commonwealth know that the CNMI shined while the eyes of the world were upon us.”

The planning for the imperial visit took months, with some members of the advanced team from the Japanese government staying on Saipan for 45 days. Over 200 Japanese officials took part in the preparations, with many members of the team coming from Japanese embassies or consulates from around the world.

Working with them from the local side were people from the departments of Public Safety, Public Works, and Community and Cultural Affairs; Marianas Visitors Authority, Department of Homeland Security, Commonwealth Ports Authority; divisions of Customs and Immigration; Emergency Management Office, and the Governor’s Office.

“I want to commend our joint law enforcement agencies, DPS, CPA, [and] Customs for an outstanding job,” the governor said. “The same goes to other government agencies who put in a lot of time preparing for the imperial visit.”

The U.S. federal government sent people to the CNMI from the U.S. Secret Service, the State Department, Department of the Interior, the National Park Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Transportation Security Administration, and the U.S. military.

While the visit provided a short-term boost to the CNMI’s economy, the government and local businesses are hoping that the positive exposure Saipan received in Japan and around the world will lure more tourists to visit the CNMI.

Saipan Mayor Juan Borja Tudela said as much, expressing belief that the imperial visit is a “very positive development for Saipan and the CMNI as a whole.”

“The royal couple’s visit to pray for the war dead, as low-keyed as it was, received worldwide attention. Their brief presence here, along with so many member of the international news media, will enhance Saipan’s image as a great place to visit,” he said.

“Our clean beaches, clear blue sky and beautiful lagoon is something that these visitors do not have back in their own countries,” he explained. “I believe the royal couple’s visit was a very good omen for the future, and a very positive development for Saipan and the CMNI as a whole.”

The mayor noted that because all Saipan hotels are fully booked through next week.

Also, for the first time, hotel accommodations on Tinian are currently being explored to house a group of parade participants that are expected to arrive from off-island for the July 4 Saipan Liberation Day.

“I can’t thank everyone enough,” Babauta said. “I can only describe the entire experience in one word, ‘Excellent.’”