Basic infrastructure for investments

At Issue: The dire need to layout the basic infrastructure for economic recovery in this American Archipelago.

Our View: It’s the only last hope to reviving the local economy to a level “as we know it” some three years ago.

When we discuss “basic infrastructure” in terms of wealth and jobs creation, we are talking about doing away with self-destructive protectionist laws that have strangled investments in these isles. At the same time, we need to positively put in place laws that will allow expansion of current and future investments.

This is especially vital after external influences have assaulted the local economy when the Asian Flu reached epidemic proportions in the region. It sent our tourism industry plummeting into the 30 percentile level. As a consequence, revenue generation equally receded when more] than 2000 tourist-related businesses closed down.

Like a farmer, the NMI must set its investment goals and objectives, planning, organization, among others, if it wishes to reap better crop yields down the stretch. While most people shy away from the so-called process, it is inevitable when it boils down to the future of posterity. It takes a lot of work, but it’s the only way we could resume planting the seed of investments so it coincides with the first sprinkle of Agua De Abrit.

We can begin by repealing all laws that have strangled expansion of current investments and discouraged prospective investors from sailing into our rather unfriendly shores. In fact, we should also take a proactive approach to setting in place such measures as tax incentives for fresh investments. It is only fair that we allow our future partners in wealth and jobs creation some reasonable time to recoup initial capital investments in these isles.

For instance, we’re wary that there are vibrant US mainland companies who are willing to invest here in the tourism sector. But it is really up to the NMI to proactively seek ways to lure them into the islands via tax incentive measures. It’s our best bet at this juncture. In fact, it’s our only ace in palm.

Yes, it is often very difficult to see the benefits of current investments now in place, investments we have refined and strengthened over the last 22 years, given that we have been psychologically beaten to death with what our detractors wanted us to believe. In the process, we even convince ourselves to disregard WHAT WORKS in these isles in favor of what will eventually bring the local economy into permanent ruination.

Indeed, the task ahead is daunting but we can work together in unity to see that we forge brighter tomorrows for our children and all who call these isles home. Let these isles be the paradise that the indigenous people so rightly deserve. Let us layout the basic infrastructure to lure lasting investments upon which we can create more meaningful jobs for posterity. Si Yuus Maase`!