Truth or consequences about Pagan

Obviously there are two views on the Pagan issue and the question that still remains is what is the truth about Pagan and Azmar? I don’t believe any of us have all the answers and only Mr. Moore can clear the air on the concerns raised and it is becoming very obvious to me the group in California has never even talked to Mr. Moore. My concern is that the opposition to Azmar is only concentrating on stopping the mining with no suggestions for a solution to make it a successful venture. Are they part of the problem or part of the solution?

The proclaimed efforts to research and seek out answers are to be commended. But if anyone expects the people and the government of the CNMI to make a decision about the future of the CNMI based on a website in California, they are crazy. Anything—truth or lies—can be posted on the web. How do we know the website wasn’t created for the specific purpose of stopping Azmar, as it appears to be? I respect everyone’s first amendment rights but Pagan Watch hasn’t proven any of its allegations. I welcome proof if there is any because I do care.

Even the claim that Azmar is without money is ludicrous—there could be no mining without money. As for the newness of Azmar, so was Microsoft at one time. Mr. Moore is a businessman and I’m sure he’s smart enough not to put his source of investment funds and the entire idea on the front page for someone else to steal. I’m sure even the senators who will investigate this issue will be asked to keep certain information under wraps until the deal has been sealed. It is normal practice in big business for investors of this magnitude to want a cloak of anonymity for the idea and themselves—that’s why Pagan Watch is in the dark. For all we know, the opposition to the mining on Pagan is all about getting another company involved, especially with billions at stake. This is a “hard ball” game the CNMI hasn’t played or experienced before and it’s obvious some education is needed.

Why are we just now hearing about Pagan Watch when each year we have to send relief to Pagan for one reason or another? What are they doing now to help the people on Pagan who are facing a food shortage because of the typhoon—just watching? I care about the environment just as much as the average citizen. I’m sure our government will put measures in place to protect the environment. In fact, we have federal laws and federal assistance that will guarantee the environment is protected. Personally, I don’t appreciate anyone that runs his or her mouth and complains but doesn’t do or say anything to help as part of the solution.

Pagan Watch will now have an opportunity to present real documents to the Senate to prove their case, which I doubt they can do. More importantly, Mr. Moore will finally be given a fair shot at proving himself as a worthy investor and the validity of his idea. I’m sure our senators are going to look beyond this opinion page and the website to seek out the real truth, especially when 98 percent or more of the present citizens in the CNMI will never even see Pagan in their lifetime.

Furthermore, we don’t have to trust Mr. Moore and we have already demonstrated our trust in Mr. Farrell who has contributed to this community for the past two or more decades. I’m confident we are being told the truth by Mr. Moore and Mr. Farrell and we should work objectively from that premise or we may suffer the harsh consequences of failing to prepare for the pullout or reduction in the garment industry. One people, one direction.

Ambrose M. Bennett
Kagman High School