Increase lobbying in Washington

The Northern Marianas government must continue to increase its exposure in Washington to stave off criticisms and thwart attempts that will imperil the islands’ economic survival, House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial told businessmen yesterday.

Noting CNMI’s control over its fate is under fire in the nation’s capital, he said the island government should not just depend on outside experts and its friends in the U.S Congress if it wants to ensure economic growth.

“Because we haven’t been pursuing our own best interests very well of the late, we need to regain focus and move forward,” Mr. Fitial said at the monthly meeting of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce held at the Hyatt Regency.

“This is the test every society must do if it is to survive, much less thrive,” he added.

Mr. Fitial suggested five ways to stem what he described as “grim” picture that is likely to happen with efforts in Congress to extend federal laws on immigration and minimum wage to the islands as well as to deny use of “Made in USA” label and free access to the domestic market for CNMI products.

He said the government must continue to retain the services of Washington firms to “stay alert to harmful legislation and to help stop it.”

“That is the very least that we should do. No more pretending that our friends in Congress are those who talk nicely but always seem to be pushing for laws that will sabotage our economy,” the House leader said.

He stressed the local business community should not carry solely the burden of representing the CNMI people. At one point, when asked by a SCC member, Mr. Fitial criticized failure by Washington Rep. Juan N. Babauta in advancing local interests there.

The Tenorio administration has recently hired services of Preston Gates to lobby on behalf of the CNMI amid renewed efforts to push federal takeover agenda, including legislation stripping the islands of its trade privileges under Headnote 3(a) of the Covenant.

Active presence

But the presence of the island government should not be limited only through its lobbyists and instead must pursue “offense” by bringing Washington to Saipan to see for itself the conditions here, according to Mr. Fitial.

“And, we’ll have to go to Washington ourselves — more than once in a while. We’ll have to seek out more exposure, not less, because… we all know that is the only way we are ever going to convince critics of the truth,” he said.

Coupled with this action, he underscored the need to step up reform measures to improve enforcement on the islands to prove those critics wrong, citing cooperative efforts forged in recent years between CNMI agencies, business groups and federal agencies.

Mr. Fitial also encouraged investment in the education and infrastructure in preparation for the future when the garment industry leaves by 2005 once the World Trade Organization tears down trade barriers, such as tariff and quota.

“We must look beyond the troubles that now engulf us and plan for a better future,” he said, adding an organized and united business community is needed for these efforts.

Lastly, Mr. Fitial stressed the importance of wise decisions in picking leaders of the islands, particularly during next month’s Republican primary and the 2001 general elections.

“The choices we will make… will help determine whether we can accomplish any of the goals. If we elect those who do not even share alarm about our present condition, how can they lead us out of the problems we can’t yet fully anticipate,” he asked.