Our Marine Monument

I was a bit disappointed by the recent legislative resolution against our proposed marine monument in the Northern Islands. I too was a bit apprehensive when I first heard the proposal back in December of 2007. Years ago, my parents taught me to look twice before crossing the street. Nowadays I look four or five times before I take those first steps. I guess that was good advice since I have never been hit by a car. All of us have learned that lesson. So I understand the Legislature’s abrupt reaction and united stand against our proposed marine monument. They have justification. The U.S. government has screwed over everybody. But it has money. The CNMI has received millions of dollars in federal aid over the years. What most people do not know is that the federal government did not propose our marine monument; the Pew Foundation did after a through analysis of possible worldwide sites for a marine monument. PEW did not push this proposal, it simply presented it to the CNMI. Since the legislative resolution against our marine monument, Pew has moved on. The decision to proceed is ours. So after reading this letter, write to the editor, governor, President of the U.S. and voice your opinion. For or against. It is your right. Use it. I do. That is the voice of the people.

As I understand it, the resolution against our marine monument included “at this time.” Well, let’s get MVA to do a quick study as to the dollar value of additional eco-tourism that would result from our marine monument. Fish and Wildlife should do a study as to the impact on subsistence fishermen and commercial fishermen. We should have hearings to hear from the public as to how they feel about our monument. The Chamber of Commerce should have some input as to the impact on their businesses. That would be appropriate before there is a final decision.

Pew stressed that it was important to make the decision during the Bush administration since Pew has already done the legwork and everything has been presented to the President. And it may be slam dunk. Let’s go back to crossing the street. Let’s really look at the potential and make a decision. We can always submit our own proposal at a later date to the next president in office. This is not our only or last chance to grab this golden ring. Hopefully, at a later date, we have someone here that knows how to do the legwork. So, let us not burn this bridge now before we have the chance to fully look it over. Governor Fitial personally should let President Bush know that we are still thinking about our NMI Marine Monument and we remain undecided at this time. And let him know it sounds good. You do not have to ante up in this hand. You can always change your mind later. Let’s look and then play our cards before we fold. Governor, do you really want to fold on a multimillion dollar pot before you see all of our cards?

To the legislators, your past and current legacy is nepotism, cronyism, abusive labor laws, corruption, etc. Wouldn’t you rather have your grandchildren see your name on our monument that preserves the largest marine sanctuary in the world? Otherwise you pass on as just another stained politician without merit. The choice is yours. Leave something positive that your family can brag about, forever.

The CNMI needs a future. It needs a plan. At this time, our possible marine monument with its additional eco-tourism, federal injection of funds, and benefits is all we have. Oh yeah, the other choice is gambling in/on La Fiesta. Let’s go for the real gold ring. The Legislature can make our monument happen by using foresight and sound judgment. Yeah, I know that is an oxymoron, but I am an optimist. Write a letter.