Youth Congress passes bill mandating removal of dead animals from roads

Members of the 11th CNMI Youth Congress passed a bill during their second regular session last Jan. 17 mandating the Department of Public Safety to remove dead animals from the streets.

Vice Speaker Adeleyah C. Mojica authored YC Bill No. 11-01, the only bill so far that had been introduced.

The bill also stated that DPS must contact the Health and Sanitation Division of the Department of Public Health for the proper disposal of the dead animals.

In introducing the bill, Mojica explained that there are frequent occurrences of dead animals being found and left on public highways and roads, raising traffic safety issues as cars often swerve because of the carcass lying in the middle of the highway.

Mojica said such a scene is also unsanitary and inhumane.

She said it is also necessary to keep the roads and the island clean and environmentally healthy for citizens and visitors.

Mojica, however, is aware of the dangers posed by requiring the DPS for this responsibility.

She said this also poses a health threat to the police officers and other passengers as their vehicles are not manufactured for such purposes nor are the officers provided proper equipment for the removal and disposal of the dead animals.

She said Health and Sanitation is better equipped with performing this task.

On the same day, the Youth Congress also adopted 13 resolutions, including a request for the DPS, the Office of Adult Probation, and the CNMI Board of Parole for stricter enforcement and monitoring of Registered Sexually Violent Predators.

Speaker Alana May Leon Guerrero introduced YCR No. 11-4 as she stressed that it is their goal to protect the citizens, especially the youth.

She said crimes against minors are serious offenses and should never be tolerated thus strict enforcement and monitoring needs serious implementation.

Another resolution that had been adopted that concerns the community was introduced by Sen. Meagan T. Norita.

YCR No. 11-7 requests the House of Representatives to appropriate funds for the repair and maintenance of the beachside pavilions and the site beautification in the northern precincts.

Norita explained that there are a number of excellent beaches in the northern part of the island that are pristine tourist spots.

She said these should be kept clean and maintained in order to entice more visitors and ensure their return to such sites.

Believing that it should be everyone’s duty to look at every aspect and opportunity to assist the ailing economy, she said the aesthetics of these areas have been depleting due to the lack of proper maintenance and funding.

She said some of these pavilions are in dire need of repairs and painting works or renovation, which may lead to hazardous effects.