Youths push for gunless society

When the 3rd CNMI Youth Congress convenes for its first regular session in January 2001, Youth Speaker Angel A. Demapan said yesterday on top of the organization’s agenda would be to draw a firm stand on two pressing social issues besetting the Commonwealth today.

He said the new set of youth senators will be releasing an official position denouncing the proposed construction of so-called shooting resorts on Saipan as well as the sale and distribution of the recently approved abortion pill, RU-486.

The group is set to issue Youth Congress resolutions that would advocate against the proliferation of guns and abortion drugs in the CNMI, citing it could have fatal effects on the islands’ younger population.

Saipan, a destination preferred by tourists for family getaways, could lose the family market should plans to install shooting ranges push through, Mr. Demapan pointed out.

“Once shooting resorts enter the islands, the tendency would be to attract tourists who only have interests in guns and shooting,” said the 18-year-old youth senator.

“It would also invite dangers,” he added.

Foreign investors, who have earlier pledged $25 million for the creation of CNMI’s international shooting resort in the hopes of revitalizing the Northern Marianas’ economy, has also listed an added benefit the investment would have for the youths.

The multi-million dollar project, according to original plans, is also eyed create a training ground for aspiring shooting professionals through scholarships and a chance to represent the islands in international competitions or even in the Olympics.

“I don’t see any good in this. We already have law enforcement officers trained to shoot,” said Mr. Demapan.

Meanwhile, the youth group is also expected to air its strong opposition to the Food and Drug Administration-approved abortion pill, the Mifepristone.

This, following a statement made by Bishop Tomas A. Camacho, who publicly denounced the use of the drugs, saying it curtails the growth of innocent lives.

“Personally, I am against abortion to begin with. It is morally wrong,” said the youth speaker.

The RU-486 regimen, which was approved by FDA last September, has drawn opposition from various sectors including the CNMI, a predominantly Catholic community.

Last year, the Youth Congress exerted efforts to discourage teenage pregnancy through the introduction of a legislation that sought to waive parental consent as a requirement in acquiring birth control devices.

The group believes that having to seek adult approval on the use of contraceptives is indirectly promoting the increase of teenage pregnancy.

The 2nd CNMI Youth Congress moved for the termination of such policy in efforts to gradually alleviate untimely pregnancies among the youth.