Camacho, Kensington join to finish mural project

Staff and family members of Kensington Hotel join Rep. Joel Camacho (R-Saipan) and other volunteers. (Jon Perez)

A mural project covering over 300-foot stretch of concrete guard rails right across the Kensington Hotel in San Roque is finally finished, with E-Land Group Saipan president Matthew Park joining Rep. Joel C. Camacho (R-Saipan) to finish the project last Saturday.

Some Kensington Hotel employees and their employees joined volunteers from the north and the neophyte lawmaker in completing the mural just right across the San Roque hotel.

Camacho, of Precinct 4, said the project was a community effort. “I thought of the project in consultation with my family, staff, and other volunteers. There are a lot of people that put in their ideas in the overall planning for this project.”

Rep. Joel Camacho (R-Saipan) gets his hands dirty in painting a portion of the over 300-feet long concrete barriers just outside Kensington Hotel. (Jon Perez)

“They said that each village must be represented,” he said. “…the Ayuyu of Kagman High School, the Binadu of Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, and the Tataga of Tanapag Middle School can also be seen, along with some inspirational words.”

Volunteers painted the longer side of the concrete railings with a botanical theme, showing different types of plants, flowers, and some fruits. It’s a bit more cultural and historic on the other side, with images of local kids garbed in traditional attire.

Camacho said that they wanted the mural to be colorful and vibrant. “So when you’re passing by, you can see the colors and it is more attractive that way. Also, if you’re having a bad day, stop for a while, look at the railing, and read some words of inspiration.”

“This could be another tourist attraction where people can take selfies, but we advise them to be careful while on the road. [Do not] just stop along the road. That’s not the idea. Hopefully, they will park somewhere safe, get down from their car, and walk toward where the mural is located,” he said.

“I’ve been getting feedback from some people that they are concerned about some motor vehicles stopping in the middle of the road and people taking pictures. Hopefully, [Department of Public Safety] officers would be around for enforcement and let the public know they can’t do that, and give them a warning.”

Kensington Corporate Social Responsibility facilitator, Lindsey Ahn, said they were already thinking about helping when Camacho called them up. “Congressman Joel said he was looking for someone that he can talk to at Kensington. So, I called him up. He was actually seeking donation for the paint and supplies. Of course, we’re willing to do that but we thought the project was great, so we wanted to be involved. We donated the paint and asked if we can also join the program.”

She added that this is part of Kensington’s community service. “It is a beautification project near our hotel. It will not only benefit the local community, but also us [Kensington], and our tourists and guests.”

Youth volunteers lend their painting skills in completing the mural. (Jon Perez)