Mayors support change in MVA set-up

The island-municipalities of Saipan and Rota have endorsed the passage of a proposed measure that will transfer the management of the Marianas Visitors Authority to the private sector.

Mayor Jose C. Sablan said he is endorsing HB 12-135 which he believes is a pro-business legislation as it encourages and support the development of the tourism industry comprising mostly of tourist-oriented and other related businesses.

Mayors of the islands of Rota, Saipan and Tinian will be given the chance to have a say on the administration of MVA under the proposed bill by having a non-voting seat.

This was endorsed by Hotel Association of Northern Mariana Islands president Ron Sablan who said this will at least allow the mayors to guide MVA on how their islands are developing, as well as encourage more promotion of the three-island destination concept, a unique advantage which HANMI believes the CNMI must make use of.

However, Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona said the chief executive of all the municipalities should automatically become full, voting members of the MVA board of directors.

“While MVA certainly has some programs that assist Rota, the heaviest burden rests on Rota to help itself. If we don’t use our own time, effort and money to supplement MVA efforts, we would languish. Our tourism would fall off and stagnate,” Mayor Manglona said.

So far, the Rota Mayor’s Office has done its share of promotion in Guam and Japan just to help stimulate the declining tourism industry. In fact. Mr. Manglona said his office has used its own funds to print promotional marketing materials and sponsored conferences for eco-tourism campaign.

In pushing for the passage of the bill, the HANMI chief noted that islands of Tinian and Rota have been left behind in the activities and promotions of MVA. “These island are receiving very little assistance from the MVA and this needs to be changed,” he said.

Mr. Sablan even noted the pride and commitment of the local people of Rota in developing and maintaining the island’s pristine natural environment while at the same time honoring the reputation of friendly island people and hospitality.

Tinian Mayor Francisco Borja and the Tinian Delegation have been carrying out their own promotional campaign, capitalizing on the growing momentum of its casino gaming industry.

The tourism agency has opposed the proposed measure on grounds that it’s unconstitutional.