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Chopper eyed between Northern Islands, Saipan
A helicopter that is expected to arrive in April is being eyed to serve as transportation to and from the Northern Islands.
According to Northern Islands Mayor Vicente Cruz Santos Jr., he met twice in the last week with Rob Combs from the Marianas Aviation Services and Combs expressed interest in providing the service.
Santos said that Combs was able to confirm that a five-passenger chopper would arrive on Saipan around April.
The Northern Islands mayor said the helicopter could serve as a gateway for Northern Islanders on Saipan to at least visit their former home.
About 50 families on Pagan were evacuated and brought to Saipan in 1981 after a volcanic eruption. Many are still on Saipan.
“The problem has always been good transportation. Good transportation would mean more people could move back,” he said.
According to Santos, the only means of transportation to Pagan right now is a vessel that travels to the island of Pagan and back to Saipan once every three months.
Santos said there are currently six people on Pagan and about four on Agrigan. The chopper would be chartered by Northern Islands Mayor’s Office. About 100 Pagan natives are still on Saipan.
