The law is the law

After reading the article on the alleged illegal fishing incident on Bird Island, I was shocked. But most of all I was upset. I was upset with the “excuse” that was given to the Department of Lands and Natural Resources by the seven fishermen when questioned.

I understand the fact that it was dark, but I do not understand why they did not know if they had crossed over the Sanctuary. It was too dark to know that, but it was not too dark to find their boat. That sounds odd to me.

I do not think that this issue should by ignored. And I do not think that the information should by kept from the people of the CNMI. This is something that should be really looked at and dealt with.

A law is a law. Public Law 12-46 clearly states that “there will be no fishing in marine sanctuaries.” It is that clear. Everyone has to follow this law, and every other law in the CNMI. The law applies to everyone, whether or not you have “political connections” or whoever you are. No one is above the law. When a bill is made into law, it is to be respected and followed, regardless of the outcome. It is made to better the Commonwealth, maintain its natural beauty and ensure community order.

People of the Mariana Islands, understand this, right now it is becoming a major problem in our islands. It’s all about whom you know. Look at this issue, look at it good. And ask yourself, is it fair if you get pulled over for speeding and get a ticket? At the same time, someone else is getting away with it just because he/she “knows someone” or they are important? Is it fair? I don’t think it is. Everyone is equal, no matter who you are, how much you make, whom you’re related to, or where you came from. That is how it is nowadays. If we do not do something about this issue and other issues that are being slowly covered up till everyone forgets, there will be no order at all. No fairness and, most of all, no sense.

If this were to happen all the time in the CNMI, how would you feel? If you are being left out and being walked on, just because of the fact that you aren’t important to them or none of your friends are sitting in big offices making so much money? If you are always being pushed aside because you don’t stand out? How would you feel? If you are stepped on just because you are not from a certain family. If nothing is to be done now, this will keep on happening and will only worsen. It is happening right now, but we just do not see it. We need to do something now or it will keep happening over and over and over, till it is just too late.

Stand up for your Mariana Islands and for yourself. This is our island, too. We, the people, have the right to be respected, informed and, most of all, treated fairly.

Dwayne Davis
Pagan Watch
Saipan Southern High