Economic development or resource exploitation

CNMI’s Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio commending Cinta, Gus and members of PaganWatch for their “perseverance and tremendous victory in convincing MPLA to treat the issue of resource exploitation on Pagan with care and respect to our culture and our future” could be perceived as coming at an opportune time. But what is most important was that such a fitting tribute came from our former two-term lieutenant governor and outspoken leader who saw the true purpose and reason for the stand that Cinta, Gus and others chose against resource exploitation. Nevertheless, the battle is far from over until proper legal mechanisms are put in place to ensure that MPLA will never find itself again in such a compromising position and its integrity questioned as a result of selfish external influences.

Many CNMI officials holding powerful public offices were not visible before and during the Pagan mining controversy and indigenous opposition against resource exploitation during the long battle between Azmar, MPLA and a handful of indigenous people and friends. Why? Azmar’s representatives and their allies consisting of the governor, several senators, Farrell and Arkle joined in promoting/supporting Azmar’s loathsome proposal. Several participated in insulting PaganWatch’s Pete Perez, Cinta Kaipat, Gus Kaipat, Matt Smith, Tina Sablan and others who stood up, took the beating, name calling and ridicule from critics.

EVERY financial figure, percentage offer and names mentioned in Azmar-related letters to the editor on my account was taken from within Azmar’s records and public statements voluntarily provided. My objective was to present facts, exposed concealed motives of unscrupulous Azmar-type entities and its notorious representatives and supporters.

The ONLY group of politicians who openly supported the efforts of Cinta Kaipat and PaganWatch were the members of the House of Representatives and Speaker Benigno Fitial. Yes, Speaker Benigno Fitial took the time to listen to legitimate Pagan mining concerns such as the need to consider cultural, economic and environmental concerns and fair treatment and benefits for the indigenous people. Speaker Fitial, true to his word, promptly followed through with the unanimous passage of a House bill to create a task force to study mining and explore the best avenues to secure the most benefits for CNMI. The Senate, not all the senators, mind you, did not support this fine idea.

Make no mistake that the majority of indigenous people would appreciate the establishment of a popularly elected indigenous Board of Trustees with teeth honed to protect CNMI indigenous lands and natural resources and secure the best returns for all the people. Until then, we shall see which politician has the fortitude to stand fast and sound the alarm to warn of economic exploitation. Si yu’us ma’ase Speaker Fitial, members of the House of Representatives and Washington Rep. Pete A. for having the foresight to distinguish between economic development and economic exploitation. We are not anti-business. We welcome good honest business. We also welcome constructive criticisms BASED on facts. AND we will not hide behind skirts, twist words out of context or use our NMI descent status as an excuse. We just want fairness, equity. Please, wipe your tears Thomas or “Tan Candelaria” will do it for you. Gonzalo!

Ray Cing Mafnas
Taotao Tano, Saipan