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Group ratchets up drive for public market
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Posted on Mar 15 2006
A group of farmers and fishermen supporting the construction of a public market at the Garapan Fishing Base will be at the site on March 17, Friday, from 9am to 5pm to sign up people who would like to join the petition asking the government to proceed with the project.
The fishermen, farmers, and friends for this project said they are soliciting the support of the public by stopping by at Fishing Base and signing the petition.
“The petition sincerely appeals to Governor Fitial and DLNR Secretary Dr. Dela Cruz to please reconsider their decision terminating the project at this historically rich Chamorro and Carolinian heritage, Garapan Fishing Base,” the group said in a statement.
The group will also have a press conference at 11:30am at the site.
Public Law 13-10 provided $500,000 for the A&E design, construction, and collateral equipment intended for the public market project. Saipan Local Law 14-11 also provided $500,000 for it. The Community Development Block Grant approved $310,000 for the public market. 702 funding provided $500,000.
“Other financial sources for the completion of this very important facility for the people of the Commonwealth are being continuously researched. The construction of a state-of-the-art marina at the north side of the finger will provide the fishermen access to the slips to market their fresh catch. The farmers and fishermen from Tinian and Rota with good size boats will also have access to the marina and the public market,” the group said.
The group said that Saipan, the main island of the Northern Marianas, “is the only island nation in the entire Pacific without a convenient, centralized, public market” where people can go to buy fresh vegetables, fruits, fishes, meat, flowers, seedlings, homemade products, and many more.
“The public market facility at Garapan Fishing Base has been in the minds of many of our leaders, farmers, fishermen, and the public. It is time to let this project become a reality,” the group added.
For more information, contact Tom B. Pangelinan at 256-1088 or Joe I. Guerrero at 287-4323. (PR)
