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IPI ‘adopts’ San Antonio Beach
From left, Department of Parks and Recreation director Mark Flores, Bureau of Environment and Coastal Quality solid waste specialist Solomon Castro, BECQ environmental specialist Michael Flores, former Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC chair Cui Lijie, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, Rep. Roman Benavente (Ind-Saipan), and a BECQ staff, pose for a photo after the Adopt-A-Place ceremony at San Antonio Beach yesterday afternoon. (LEIGH GASES)
Despite the many challenges it faces, Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) is stepping up and has “adopted” the San Antonio Beach as the site that it will maintain on Saipan.
In an “Adopt-a-Place” ceremony yesterday afternoon by the Saipan Mayor’s Office at one of the beach’s pavilions behind the Francisco M. Sablan Middle School, former Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC chair Cui Lijie was presented a plaque of appreciation as she presented their plans for the beach.
Speaking through a translator, Cui said they will commit to cleaning up the beach areas/pavilions thrice a month. They have also donated some tables and chairs to the pavilion. She thanked everyone in attendance and said that she loves Saipan as it is “peaceful and beautiful” so she wants to give back to the community as it is her “second home.” She hopes people will support them in this endeavor.
Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho thanked IPI and Cui for stepping up despite what the company is facing. “She’s not a stranger here on the island. Despite the casino issues here, it shows that she doesn’t walk away from these problems. It shows that she cares for the community. … That’s one thing I recognize Ms. Cui, for her contribution in this community beach area. …I’m not after anything from her, but when she showed an interest in this program, I welcomed her into my office.”
Camacho added that with help from regulatory agencies such as the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, they can determine what’s feasible or not in IPI’s maintenance plans for the beach/pavilions.
Rep. Roman Benavente (Ind-Saipan), whose office built the pavilion where the ceremony was held, said the area made a difference for the community after Super Typhoon Yutu, when people would go to the beach for fresh air.
He thanked Cui for adopting the beach and the area. “Whatever your communication with the mayor and all the agencies required to move ahead with whatever plans you have, I support you and the mayor, and we will work together as much as possible,” he said.
Others in attendance were SMO staff, BECQ staff, and Department of Parks and Recreation director Mark Flores.
