‘Imperial visit a big boost for the CNMI’

The Japanese imperial couple’s ongoing visit to Saipan offers an enormous tourism boost for the CNMI, given the wide international media attention that it is getting, officials said.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta said yesterday that it is an honor to host Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Saipan as they pay their respect to the war dead in the Battle of Saipan.

“This is really an honor for all of us to have them visit the CNMI. This is certainly a historic visit, one that is going to attract attention through the media from Japan, local and the U.S. mainland. This is definitely going to put the CNMI on the map. We are grateful for that,” said Babauta.

Babauta led yesterday’s welcoming team for the arrival of the imperial couple at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport.

Babauta will also have a chance to interact with the imperial couple during a luncheon at Hotel Nikko Saipan today. He said he would be seated next to Empress Michiko.

It would be the first time for the governor to meet the imperial couple.

Before lunch, the governor will join the visiting couple as they visit American Memorial Park.

Office of Insular Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary David Cohen said he is excited to see the Japanese couple, whom he will meet for the first time as well. Cohen said the visit would stimulate more interest from overseas.

“Our No. 1 priority is to promote economic development. We think that with the emperor coming here and the all the media attention it’s going to receive, people around the world are going to see pictures of a very beautiful island. We’re hoping that it’s going to stimulate interest in Japan and elsewhere in the world,” he said.

He said his office is pleased to play a key role in coordinating the U.S. government’s participation in the visit.

He said Interior worked with various federal agencies—State Department, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Secret Service, and Defense Department—“to make sure that all our bases are covered.”

Both officials assured the imperial couple’s safety while in the CNMI.

“Our first priority is to ensure that the emperor and the empress’ are safe, that they enjoy their visit, and go back with a good experience of the Marianas,” Babauta said.

Cohen said the federal government, together with the local law enforcement agencies, will “ensure that all the needs are satisfied.”

He said the security team is ready to address any security concerns such as possible holding of protests.

“The Secret Service is working with the Department of Public Safety and has that [protests] very much under control. Their top priority is to make sure that all security needs are addressed and they are doing a great job,” he said.

Both officials agreed that it is “inappropriate” for them to raise any particular issue with the couple during the visit.

“We don’t want to burden them with issues or problems. We just want them to feel at home here in the Marianas,” said Cohen.

Babauta said there were suggestions that he bring up the issue of Japan Airlines’ planned pullout and its impact on CNMI tourism.

“But I think it’s inappropriate and I think that they understand that fully without us bringing that up on this occasion,” said Babauta, who traveled twice this month to Tokyo to lure airline companies into coming and servicing the CNMI.

Cohen said bringing up any issue with the couple “might compromise the solemn purpose of the visit.

The House leadership welcomes the emperor and the empress’ visit, noting that “it is a very positive development for the CNMI.”

Senate President Joaquin G. Adriano and a number of lawmakers joined other officials in welcoming the imperial couple at the airport.

Other dignitaries include Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. Ryozo Kato, who arrived Saturday night, as well as U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Thomas Schieffer, who came with his wife Sunday evening.

The Japanese government’s top diplomat in Hong Kong is reportedly also on Saipan. Likewise, U.S. State Department’s Rusty Deming, a former ambassador to Tunisia, is on island to coordinate security protocols.