Face the facts Thomas

Tina simply wants to see that the best returns and benefits are realized through transparency—not secrecy—when dealing with public lands and resources at the expense of the indigenous people of CNMI. Nevertheless, you need not be indigenous or have a vested interest in the Trust to be concerned or alarmed and raise the issues that Tina did. The greatest of documents were created in the open. Something this significant should not be treated lightly and with such secrecy, especially when it involves the lives of people, the environment, adjoining ocean, reefs, plants and animals. A reasonable person would not intentionally hide something that would affect the lives of present and future generations.

The five-member MPLA board has fiduciary duties and responsibilities to uphold CNMI laws and protect and promote the interests of the indigenous people of CNMI. Each member is indigenous and must answer to the landowners—the indigenous people of the CNMI.

Azmar did not comply with the indigenous people’s requests and requirements through MPLA, its legal representative, to summit all pertinent documents within the allotted time. By admission, Azmar met with CNMI politicians in California and Arizona in picnic-like functions, discussed Pagan mining and shared food and drinks purchased by Azmar agents or representatives. This is unethical and against Office of the Public Auditor rules and regulations for public servants. Azmar designed an employment contract that contains a clause that would violate CNMI laws. This illegal employment contract has been seen and admitted to exist.

Moore’s Marauders was planned and designed to remove CNMI historical artifacts from Pagan and elsewhere through special operations by military veterans. Several members of Moore’s Marauders refused to follow through with the plan for obvious reasons. It’s illegal. Ask Gargas and Aradaza. Here’s a quote about Azmar ’s financial capabilities: “How in the world is anyone defending Azmar as a financially responsible/capable investor/developer with this crap going on? If the guy won’t pay these miniscule items, what do they think will happen when he owes MPLA or anyone else sums in the millions!”

Azmar offered seven cents per dollar for the indigenous people of the CNMI. Yes, 7 cents per dollar and they keep 93 cents per dollar. Azmar ’s offer to pay one or two of its agents 40 cents for every ton of pozzolan sold plus $75,000 per year is more generous when compared to what the landowners—indigenous people of CNMI—will be getting. The current offer is now at 15 cents per dollar. Lucrative? The following facts would erase any and all hope of economic rescue for CNMI as lauded.

JG Sablan’s interest in Pagan cannot be just simply moved to the side and ignored. JG Sablan has legal rights—due process—including lease rights, like it or not. It would also not be prudent for JG Sablan to join Azmar for lack of accord.

Azmar is not a mining company and has no mining experience. Azmar tried to use a real mining company and pozzolan buyer (Caer) to finance its venture but that particular company withdrew its support. Why? Azmar claimed that it has secured mining rights in Pagan. This is not true. Azmar listed on a website that it markets or sells pozzolan as one of its products. This is false. Azmar is a speculator, a middleman. Middlemen receive payment or commission by buying, selling and/or receiving a portion of sales of property or products.

MPLA should hire an independent firm to test the quality and quantity of pozzolan in Pagan. MPLA should hire an independent marketing company to assess and market the pozzolan. MPLA should find, through the bidding process, the most qualified mining company with the best offer, the best return and benefits for the people they represent.

Thomas, Pagan is not a barren and inhospitable island. There is more to it than meets the eye. You can tell the Egyptians and Bedouins that their desert is barren and inhospitable. You might find yourself dying in the sun and, at high noon, would appreciate a drop of juice from a young coconut in your last hours. Pagan is far from being barren or inhospitable and the coconut trees are worth much more than your senses are capable of discerning.

A barren land is the farthest thing from being worthless or a good enough reason to discard it into the wind. For us indigenous people, it is best left alone than to mess with it and ruin it. We can wait until there is someone honest, fair and capable of mining and can implement measures to protect the fragile environment.

Thomas, I have no patience for opinions that lack foundation. Go back to the simple rules of case analysis. And one more thing, we live here! “Where your heart is, your mouth speaks.” You have little or no connection to our lands and sea. Your paycheck is your best connection.

If it could not be done right, let Pagan sit forever! No harm would be done if it is left alone a little longer and it would still be there for generations to come. Using our economic situation as an excuse to justify stealing from our children their birthright is not an option.

Face the facts. Genuine scientists value empirical data, not soiled, biased opinions from partial minds. And it’s good practice to reconnoiter an opening in a cave before sticking your head inside. Always gather your facts first. Barring the social institutions that molded you, perhaps you ought to remove the splinters in your eyes so your vision would not be so impaired.

Here’s something to think about: You are going fishing next season with Tina and members of Pagan Watch. Would you like to negotiate the terms and conditions in secret on how to split the costs and share the catch? Including the destination? Only a fool would agree to this. Under the circumstances, it would not be prudent for you to even negotiate, much less go fishing. This is analogous to the current situation between Azmar, MPLA and the indigenous people of the CNMI. The indigenous people’s interests are at risk.

Thomas, all public lands belong to the indigenous people of the CNMI, whether you like it or not. MPLA knows it and so does MPLT and the courts, local and federal.

Ray Mafnas
Matansa, Saipan