Rota appoints own Chinese economic envoy

Amid fears of Rota being marginalized, Rota Mayor Benjamin Manglona appointed yesterday the island’s own honorary economic ambassador to China to promote “strong business ties with various entrepreneurs and businesses throughout China and Taiwan.”

Manglona appointed Guam-based businessman Calvin Lai to represent Rota in investment and tourism opportunities in both places.

“We don’t have one. I believe that we deserve to have an economic adviser/consultant to help us market Rota,” he said.

Manglona took exception to the alleged federal ban on Chinese tourists from going to Rota and of recent reports of Chinese tourists not going to Rota.

“I’m tremendously offended by that. We’re one Commonwealth. Whatever prosperity we’d get must be shared with all of the islands,” said Manglona in an interview. “We detest the idea of restricting Chinese tourists…this action is a gross discrimination and insensitive to Rota’s tourism and economic development.”

Although the Babauta administration has denied the alleged ban, Manglona said “there is no secret that there is some discouragement by the federal government to that effect.”

“This is a wrong policy,” he said, noting that CNMI leaders should courageously oppose such approach.

Federal authorities have expressed concern about Rota being used by certain foreigners to illegally enter Guam.

If national security or immigration control is at stake, Manglona said the U.S. government should instead provide adequate resources to patrol Rota waters.

“They [federal government] should provide more money to local government so that people coming to the CNMI are fully screened. Modernize police patrol or station U.S. Coast Guard personnel in the area rather than control our tourism growth,” he said, adding that it is within the power of the U.S. military to secure the Marianas.

“That too is in the Covenant. They’re in-charge of the military,” he said.

Manglona said that Lai has been gracious enough to volunteer to help Rota in China.

In a letter of appointment, Manglona said that Lai, president of International Group Consulting Services, “is a friend of Rota and of the Commonwealth, and that [he] is a business person of honesty integrity, and ability.”

He said Lai’s promotion of Rota is without compensation.

Manglona also authorized to open an office in China, specifically to promote Rota’s interests “with no legal liability to the municipality of Rota or the CNMI government.”

Lai, he said, is tasked “to spread the goodwill and economic and tourism opportunities on Rota.”

His appointment continues until the end of the mayor’s term on Jan. 12, 2005.

The entry of Chinese tourists in the CNMI is expected to soar this year following the signing of the Approved Destination Status between the Commonwealth and Chinese government last month.

With ADS, the government projects to bring in at least 50,000 Chinese tourists this year.