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First class or Third World? You choose
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Posted on Dec 02 2004
It is encouraging to see DEQ’s stepped up efforts regarding littering. In view of the large number of people who have ignored court summonses for littering, it is apparent that a lot of people still regard the problem as a joke, but I’m sure that once word of $500 fines starts getting around, people will take littering a lot more seriously. Littering has a tremendous negative effect on this island, and I think that, with minimal cost, anti-littering efforts can be much more effective. How much would it cost to pay overtime for a couple of DEQ enforcement personnel to hide in the bushes at the old Koblerville runway on a Saturday, armed with a video camera? The efforts of community groups to clean up litter are commendable and should be encouraged, but picking up after slobs is not the long-term answer.
Another noteworthy development is the proposed legislation to crack down on prostitutes and their pimps in Garapan. A new arrival on Saipan recently expressed his amazement to me at the blatant solicitation that goes on here. How about expanding the legislation to include ALL solicitation for ALL businesses. I have been to Mexico several times but really have no desire to return. Having someone shove something to buy in you face every five minutes really takes the fun out of visiting a place. Las Vegas is no better, of course, with flyers for shows, strippers, and real estate being directed at you every 10 steps as you walk down the street. I’m sure most tourists to Saipan have no desire to be “touted” either.
Finally, how about junked cars? It seemed like we were making progress a few years ago, but the problem is getting serious again.
It’s about time that we make up our minds if we want the CNMI to be an attractive place to live and visit, or just another Third World location with a beach.
Herminia Matsumoto Fusco
Capitol Hill
