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‘Condition of Immigration at airport deplorable’
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Posted on Apr 06 2006
The condition of the Immigration Office at the Saipan International Airport is deplorable and needs sprucing up to provide a professional business setting, according to new Immigration director Melvin Grey.
Grey, in an interview with the Saipan Tribune, said that the Immigration officers’ area badly needs repair and re-painting. He said he is glad that the Department of Public Works has expressed its commitment to help in upgrading the facilities.
Immigration and DPW had already done the assessment. DPW, however, is currently tied with preparations for the Micronesian Games, the director said.
“After the schedules are set, we provide the materials [to DPW] and get it done,” he said.
Grey cited that it was agreed that DPW would bring in a work crew to paint the office and remove the torn and stained carpet. If required, he said, the tiles would also be removed.
“We’re looking for some paint to repaint the interior because of its deplorable condition,” he said.
“Work environment is very influential in creating the right atmosphere, the attitude of the employees and the public. So that’s why I want to clean up, paint up, spruce up the facilities,” he added.
Aside from the public inspection area, the ports authority, which has control of the building at the airport, provides Immigration with an officers’ space.
With a presentable office, the director said, the public and the employees would be more comfortable and “everything is just better.”
Grey had just finished sprucing up the Immigration Office in San Antonio, with him and building owner Jesus S. Sablan coordinating efforts to “dress up” the office by cleaning and painting the interior, and replacing the broken furniture. The government did not spend for this.
Government funds will, however, be used to improve the Immigration officers’ space at the airport, Grey said.
A few days after assuming office, Grey implemented a system that makes it easier for tourists to extend their stay in the CNMI. He also implemented a one-stop system for government services within the Immigration Office in San Antonio.
The director vowed that under his leadership, people can expect improved, friendlier, and more efficient services at Immigration.
