‘Wealth needed for healthy environment’

The CNMI needs wealth in order to support healthy environmental programs and regulations, according to Lt. Gov. Timothy Villagomez, and to have wealth, “we need a strong economy with strong private businesses.”

Villagomez stressed this during the proclamation signing for the annual Environmental Awareness Week and Earth Day held yesterday at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.

Villagomez said the CNMI would always require a clean and healthy environment to support the tourism industry and, in order to solve environmental problems, “market environmentalism” is particularly needed.

He said he believes in “this school of thought”: that the CNMI could have a successful and vibrant economy while still maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

“It is possible and it can be done, and this is the goal of our administration,” Villagomez said, adding that the Fitial administration wants to have a strong and prosperous economy while maintaining the natural environment.

Yesterday’s ceremony declares next week as the Environmental Awareness Week, which will have the theme “Our Environment, the Pride of the Marianas.”

It asks the public to join the government in showing pride in the islands by keeping the environment healthy and clean. “It is our obligation. It is our debt. It is our privilege. Let’s all work together,” reads part of the proclamation.

DEQ director Frank Rabau-liman cited several government officials and “environmental partners” during the proclamation signing, including senior policy adviser Ray Mafnas, Department of Public Safety deputy commissioner John Wabol, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, and Villagomez.

Rabauliman said that people in the CNMI need to be more diligent in protecting the environment amidst the many local and foreign influences facing the islands as it strives for a more stable economy and a healthy environment.

EAW chair Jonathan Arriola said that DEQ has played a “pivotal role” in ensuring the protection and preservation of the CNMI’s environment. He said the celebration is to acknowledge the importance of working together to develop innovative yet practical solutions for the islands’ environmental concerns. “Bringing a healthy environment to our communities is a responsibility we all share,” Arriola said.

Saturday, April 22, was also proclaimed as CNMI Earth Day.

DEQ started its environmental activities since last week with the 2006 Environmental Expo at the Chamolinian Cultural Village in Garapan. An environmental documentary film feature was also shown for three days at the American Memorial Park last week.

DEQ will bring the 2006 Environmental Expo to the Garapan Street Market on April 20 where the division will also hold an awarding ceremony for environmental advocates in the CNMI and a fashion competition among CNMI students featuring outfits and attires made from natural and recycled resource materials on the island.