Dealing with difficult imposition

When the feds took over control of immigration from the CNMI it instantly severed the other hand that normally works in tandem with the other. It’s a vital tool in growing the local economy. The U.S. Congress repealed it in recent past. It no longer exists. It’s gone!

Meanwhile, the CNMI is required to replace CW workers by 2019. It is a mandate hailing from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that enforces U.S. immigration laws. It’s a significant federal imposition that leaves no room for excuses, including beach bond fire and rain dance.

How does this imposition measure up against the labor needs of BSI’s $7.1-billion integrated casino resort and other casino investments on Tinian? Meeting the labor requirements of all three islands turns into a challenge itself given the 2019 imposition to replace all CWs.

Early onset of fiscal fatigue
Now everybody seems to have rallied behind casino, from training to archaeological dig. No qualms with either but I get goose bumps when considering the volatility of the fiscal aspect of the project. Somehow it throws me up a seesaw swing where I see my partner only momentarily while I’m at the top.

The other challenge is the lumping of the CNMI’s labor needs with Guam together with other states in the U.S. mainland. Such imposition eats away the numbers for both territories. Guam has been under U.S. Immigration and has had sufficient lead-time to work it into the system. The CNMI is the new kid on the block and has yet to figure out the system.

Perhaps the new federal imposition grants the CNMI some breathing room to realistically plan its future. I am pro-growth but to the extent where development simply misses improving the livelihood of the indigenous people then it becomes imperative that we pull back the bull cart for some serious reassessment. In other words, let’s take back our pearly isles and be actively involved in every movement called “planning.”

It’s all in the palm of our hands! It’s a perfect time too to undo the new culture of co-optation by the elected elite with foreign investors. Only we can stop this from metastasizing into every corner of these isles.

A lot of the setback emerged or evolved from the lack of a fitting protocol with the feds. Must we suffer from Early Onset Fiscal Fatigue as a result of the negligence of the “we few” upstairs who brave blurred visions? It’s a recurrence of the same old ailment, if not redundant negligence! Why circle the flag daily when it’s right in front of you?

Issues with MPLT
If I recall correctly, the Constitution speaks loud and clear about investing money MPLT receives from DPL. It seems it has done well up that alley. But there are various issues where its actions may be highly questionable.

For instance, a Rota scholarship program of sort was given about $1 million for the education of scholars. It is further rumored that this organization has gone belly up or bankrupt. Did MPLT recover whatever amount was given this scholarship board? If not, shouldn’t MPLT go after individual property to ensure repayment of indigenous funds?

Furthermore, it seems every board member lays low whenever we question the decision to buy private land for its purpose when there are abundant public lands. Can some genius explain how this decision made it to the wisdom corner of the board? I mean the Settlement Fund has offices it could rent. Was this even explored? It’s a matter of moving pennies, nickels, and dimes from one pocket to the next.

The mess warrants real time answers and perhaps the board could assist the indigenous people come to terms with its ill-fated decision hopefully soon. Are the NMD troops anywhere near Capital Hill? Or are these issues too sensitive to even attempt finding honest answers? It’s indigenous funds after all, people! Why the indigenous passivity?

The issue must be resolved given that they aren’t mature papaya or mango we could stash away until it ripens. Must have answers now!

Bloated government
There are two issues in our radar screen we’ve skipped conveniently amidst the bankruptcy of the NMI government. They are: 1). An expensive bicameral legislative system we could ill afford. 2). A bloated executive branch of nearly 4,000 employees, if not, more.

We’ve heard politicians spout of the former and did a lot of NOTHING! Would they honestly buckle down on the latter? Most would probably skirt it. What if there literally are no funds for government employees’ paychecks? Has this ever occurred to our men of wisdom upstairs? We’re on the brink of complete bankruptcy thus the dire need to do reality check on what’s in the coffers.