Christmas lights go up along Beach Road

Christmas is truly in the air and the lighted Christmas sculptures and decorations along the stretch of Beach Road from Garapan all the way to San Antonio adds to making the season brighter and more memorable.

The Marianas Visitors Authority as part of its beautification program especially this time of the year, did not miss the opportunity to install Christmas lights along Beach Road intended to reinforce other MVA Christmas activities such as Christmas in the Marianas at the Paseo de Marianas in Garapan.

“MVA works hard to beautify our islands. We ask for everyone’s continued support of our efforts to promote and market the CNMI to the world,” said Chris Concepcion, MVA managing director.

“The light installation began the last week of November. They are on from approximately 6pm to 6am daily,” he added.

Cases of electric wire theft in the past while the Christmas display is ongoing did not discourage MVA from proceeding with the installation of the lighted Christmas sculptures and decorations.

“We did not install additional security measures as that would’ve drove costs way up.  We expect our partners at Department of Public Safety and other enforcement agencies to do their part to prevent crime from taking place,” Concepcion said.

“We also expect our community to be on the lookout and ensure we take care of the lights so everyone enjoys them, residents and visitors.  It’s a pity to think that whenever we install or create new attractions we must also consider security measures to protect these sites.  I’m sure we’ll get through this as we always do,” Concepcion added.

Concepcion said that the Christmas spirit that the MVA is promoting not only starts and end on Beach Road but in other parts of the island as well.

“We’ve installed brand new giant sculptures at Paseo de Marianas, including a giant gift box, giant Christmas ornament, giant Christmas tree and overhead lighting throughout PDM.  We have light displays on each power pole from Garapan Fire Station to Garapan Fishing Base,” he said.

“Aside from the Christmas lighting sculptures all along Beach Road from Garapan to Chalan Piao and San Antonio, we participated in the First Lady’s Christmas Village in Susupe,” he added.

Concepcion said that as 2017 comes to an end the community and tourists can expect better programs and events from MVA in 2018.

“This year we saw many new sporting and community events.  We hope for 2018 to be even better. As we weather the uncertainty surrounding workforce and other issues, we are grateful to the community for embracing tourism as the main industry in our Commonwealth,” he said

“The work the MVA does benefits everyone. Let’s continue our partnership as we bid 2017 adieu and welcome 2018,” he added.