Hearing on CUC board

The recent legislative oversight hearing of the CUC board on the power generator contract sent the issue back to the drawing board while legislators massage their ego feeling like suspect winners.

Apparently, none took the violation of ethics law seriously nor the specifics in the contract. Why was the credibility of the company fail serious questioning? So instead of demanding for the board’s resignation they lamely smiled and said, “Don’t do dat `nai next time, okay?”

It’s a typical local way of flushing out the truth, you know, one plus one is three. Never mind that the answer is wrong for as long as it is close to it. On the way out, the board returned smiles for the opportunity to deal with a bunch of “idiots.”

A lot of important questions were left unanswered like who would pay for the $11-million bond loan? Isn’t it true that it is you and I who would be paying for it for years to come?

Sen. Arnold Palacios showed off his idiotic forte with the usual Gimme Liberty or Gimme Deaf speech. I chose to be deftly deaf. He thought he could shame the board that was just following his steps.

Remember when he rescued Best Sunshine from agency review then asked questions later, questions he should have asked in the beginning? Would Garapan have enough water and power when BSI is hooked to the system and operational?

My airhead hero Eric San Nicolas (St. Nick) lamely justified his decision. As he presented his disoriented SOCA other more vital issues were popping up in my mind. For instance, the last anchor or major investment (Tinian Dynasty) was shut down.

Did St. Nick ever recall what the shutter means, sir? It means far less in revenues for the Tinian Municipal Government. This shifts the mantra “moving forward” to “moving outward” as more of his people leave island in search for greener pasture elsewhere.

What does it mean for Saipan taxpayers? We end up paying more in taxes to make-up for the inadequacies of the elected elite on Tinian. Obviously, St. Nick couldn’t care less if Saipan taxpayers are forced to pay more. But did you forget that we also have family needs and obligations too?

Is this why former lieutenant governor Jude Hofschneider forgave Dynasty’s taxes by some $10 million? Saipan taxpayers aren’t your automatic backstop and we would insist that ill-fated decisions such as these are slammed permanently once and for all.

IPI struggles, financially
It’s sad tidings to learn of Imperial Pacific International’s struggle to meet debts and obligations. It makes the completion of its Saipan project suspect. A story in the paper lays it out clearly:

“IPI has been having difficulty finding the necessary capital to finish construction of Imperial Pacific Resort, the permanent resort casino that will supplant IPI’s temporary casino Best Sunshine Live, which runs out of a high-end shopping mall on Saipan. Work on the resort was reportedly only able to continue after controlling shareholder Cui Liije purchased $100 million of company bonds in February.”

If IPI continues struggling to find the requisite funds, would it eventually result in bankruptcy (broke) and abandonment of the project here? This path would deal a real blow to the local economy beyond our wildest imaginings.

Is there a way out? The NMI could pitch into salvaging the industry forthwith. Let’s have alleged Lt. Gov. Biktot Hokog serve as the chief architect to funnel the $400,000 expropriation as seed investment fund for the NMI.

Illegal workers: About four foreign workers were arrested for illegally working at a construction project in Garapan for violation of federal laws.

The greater question is culpability—who is responsible individually or jointly—for the violation of laws? You ushered them in and condoned their presence in your place of business. Isn’t this a form of acquiescence that brings you into the fold? Or am I wrong?

Reportedly, the dead construction worker came in on a visitor visa and overstayed in the process. Others were brought in under the same category. There’s a legal way of doing this but conveniently skipped for reasons only the firms know. It doesn’t change the fact that it’s all violation of laws.

Appalling that more than half of the 500 employees of the construction firm came in as tourists. What scheme this must be that failed. There are laws that must be followed. Anybody listening?

Indigenous rights: Chamorus on Guahan rallied in front of Adelup last weekend to show support for their rights to self-determination. It also includes support to limiting use of land to the indigenous people.

Further north, we’re jumping up and down for more foreign workers using the economy as a scaffold. It’s Trump’s policy to provide Americans with jobs while guarding their safety. He’d probably tell our messengers, “Hire more U.S. citizens!” Once again, we’d be caught with our pants down.

Dependency: The term merits realistic definition. I’m not ready to blame the feds for the net effect of “dependency” radically twisted in context lacking reality check by very nimble minded locals. We point all fingers the other way while ignoring that three are pointing right back at us!

Can’t lie about the truth and no matter how you wish to twist it, it still doesn’t supplant it in any form or fashion. Now, there are those who add one plus one equals three and settled for it given that it brought them closer to their answer. Nice try!

Food stamps, Medicaid, and housing assistance are available in the NMI helping our poorest folks. Our people took advantage of them when there’s no way out of below abject poverty living conditions.

These programs provide a cover for failed leadership incapable of instituting economic prosperity that lifts all boats. Being elected into office or accidental ascendancy isn’t leadership exacerbated by confusion and inaction. Did you get that pal?