Redundancy on casino

To allow or disallow casinos on Saipan doesn’t require the brain of a rocket scientist to see its success or failure. Take a quick glimpse at Tinian and Rota to see if in fact they have individually and collectively succeeded in accomplishing its goal by sheer establishment. If Tinian Dynasty owes the NMI government some $30 million in taxes, is that an indication that the industry is doing well? If not, is translocation of the industry to Saipan a sure bet in revenue generation?

Next, visitors or tourists have expressly said they don’t particularly care about casino. They are primarily interested in the essence of our people, i.e., cultural traditions that make us unique within countries in Asia and the Pacific. They relish the uniqueness of the triad: sun, sea, and sand that offer warmth especially during cold winter months. So why would our men of warped wisdom dare turn the tropical ambiance of paradise into superficial glitz and glamour? Could we match Macau’s thunderbird services?

Or are the wild swings from half-cocked proponents loaded with empty rhetoric that are at best, speculation; last ditch pitch in an attempt to establish and foster permanent ruination of our island ways. Why the “quick fix” mindset that runs in tandem with dismissive arrogance? The development of an orderly island community can never be treated with the Instant Soba Mindset. Nah!

You don’t want Article 12 removed for fear of cultural genocide, yet you want the most powerful agent of change to come in through the back door? Isn’t this personal conflict and blurred vision the most egregious that any of you could commit against your people? Mañgge i antau na sensian miyu?

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There’s the once strong cultural tradition of forging peace among and between feuding parties before sunset. This was especially strong in the olden days when our elderly intervene to bring harmony to everybody in the village before nightfall.

I’ve been to some of these gatherings and heard the words of wisdom from our elderly. With statesman-like stature and civility, they used linguistic inflection and diction in its highest form to explain that harmony is the forte and foundation of island communities and what occurs when discordance prevails over harmony among a group of people. They’re basically saying harmony fosters peace everywhere!

It’s a real learning experience how the old folks used cultural diplomacy to pacify and realign newly erupted feud among families and members of the community or married couples. The goal in these discussions is to bring peace to the table before sunset. It gives everybody a chance to go to sleep with a good taste in his or her mouth over acidic sentiments that otherwise would have them toasting in bed all night long.

Leadership must veer off adolescence when engaged in discussing serious and critical issues of state. Taking the high road grants each side greater use of their cranium and the opportunity to arrive at an understanding of what’s at issue. I’m sure this uplifting experience fosters and strengthens our ability at problem solving with a grand sense of civility where everybody walks away a winner.

Sad, though, that the two folks never learned the essence of this aspect of the local culture in the resolution of issues where each side is level headed. It’s la rason over la kodun politika!

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The Covenant agreement provided for a bicameral legislative body. This granted equal representation of all three senatorial districts in the upper chamber or the Senate. It was a sleek political move on the part of the Rota during the political status negotiations. I don’t recall any lengthy discussion on the matter, though it became the rallying point of the Covenant’s approval.

For all intent and purposes, it should not have been made a part of the agreement given that it’s the purview of governance to decide its legislative system—unicameral or bicameral. Had the issue been disposed at the local level, it would have brought greater opportunity to change the status quo to something that is financially affordable today given the fiscal crisis besetting these isles.

The disposition of this issue is all a matter of definition. If we want it removed or repealed, then it should be introduced in the U.S. Congress for legislative hearing and subsequent decision. Difficult the situation may be, it eludes Saipan legislators that the avenue to quelling funneling more money to the two senatorial districts is a matter of civility in any negotiations. Eh, you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. It’s easier said than done, what with genetic high blood pressure being prevalent among the elected elite.

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Budget proposals hit $180 million for fiscal year 2013 while the projected revenue is about $102 million or some $78 million more than what would be available. This places the responsibility on both sides of the street to institute fiscal responsibility in how this meager resource is spent. There isn’t much up that alley, is there? Could we reasonably stay optimistic that revenue generation would improve significantly over the next five to 10 years? I doubt and not after a super economic storm pummeled everything we know in investments. It’s gone and brace for more shocks up ahead.

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Queen Mary II came with some 4,000 wealthy passengers, most of whom are senior citizens. It was met with some eight-foot waves immediately outside the harbor. It made the transfer of passengers to smaller boats a dangerous thing. It was a good decision on the part of the captain, protecting his clientele and investors from any costly ill-fated decision. It’s the nature of our weather at this time of year so blame no one for what has happened. Next? Expand and dredge the Tanapag Harbor a bit more. Queen Mary II made our harbor so small, di ba? Or is tourism from cruise ships an issue we never planned for?

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The visit of Queen Mary II reawakened the need to explore the small cottage industry, at least for one of the islands up north. They can be built around the upper and lower lakes. Those on top would benefit from the natural hot springs from the crater in the lake. Plan out other diversified activities for visitors. Just a thought to expand the planning process in stretching local horizon beyond conventional tourism so we make the best of what these pristine tropical isles could offer. I know of places in the Caribbean where cottages are booked six months to a year in advance.