CNMI told ‘Learn from Guam’

The Northern Marianas should take advantage of its strategic location for trade and commerce operations, not to mention strong military presence to generate millions of revenues.

Aside from lucrative business on air service and shipment, CNMI can also tap its tourism industry, marine resources and its significant location in the Pacific for increased military presence to aid its economy, former Guam Chamber of Commerce president Gerald Perez said yesterday.

Speaking before the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Perez recommended collaborative efforts with Commonwealth businessmen to improve the economic condition of the Northern Marianas and Guam.

He listed four important domain where both CNMI and Guam are likely to benefit: to market Guam and CNMI as tourist destination and to come up with effective programs to make it marketable and competitive; air and water spaces as lifelines of trade and business; fishing potentials of Marianas water and additional training sites for US Armed Forces.

Mr. Perez said the CNMI should take advantage of the encumbered sea and airspace of Marianas to gain control of passage of trades including military vessels patrolling the Pacific Ocean.

“Saipan is accessible to Farallon de Medinilla, FDM is very important to military, it needs a practice area,” he added.

He also came to the rescue of US Armed Forces which was earlier accused of disturbing the habitat of endangered species in FDM. He said the military has been very careful on its exercises and has not been disturbing the bird sanctuary.

He also noted the strategic value of the CNMI being at the western most of the US, stressing that on the defense side, US is the only powerful country that has been patrolling the area to control peace and order in the region.

“They can deter anything, a mere sight of these powerful military vessels, territorial disputes subside similar to what happened to East Timor’s civil unrest a year ago.”

“CNMI makes the most for defense, if you’re based in West Coast and a lot of things are happening in Asia, that would be a long way to go out of there but if US has a military base here, it would be easier and accessible,” Mr. Perez explained.

But all of these, he said, is for freedom of commerce and not necessary in case of a shooting war.

For the past years, Guam has reaped all the benefits from these military exercises. The US Armed Forces has infused over $40 million for its 33,000 shipyard contracts.

“We are both gaining from this symbiotic relationship,” he said, adding that businessmen were able to work closer with elected leaders and improve its military relationship.

Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Anthony Pellegrino said they will closely look into these recommendations especially if it will improve the economic conditions of the CNMI.

He urged Commonwealth leaders to pass public policies that will help CNMI achieve a business-friendly environment, adding that lawmakers should introduce measures to encourage multi-million investments.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan yesterday said CNMI welcomes the presence of military in the Marianas especially in light of reports that another military base is necessary at this time following a military pull out in Okinawa, Japan.

“The covenant calls for the military rights to occupy territories and states, we welcome the Armed Forces here,” Mr. Sablan said. (EGA)