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Keeping the islands clean
I was very touched to see a newspaper article in the Saipan Tribune titled “Campaign against trash in first Micronesia Cleanup Day” last Sept. 16, 2019. This cleanup activity was led by Gov. Torres and, during the cleanup, the governor gave the statement, “Let’s protect our islands, our beaches or waters, our land.” And Lt. Gov. Palacios stated, “The day also serves as a public awareness campaign that highlights how important the environment is.” I fully agree with them. Through this activity I hope that more and more people will become further interested in the environment and keen to do cleanup activities. But I particularly believe that this is not just an ordinary cleanup activity, but also sends a deeper meaning to the people in CNMI. In the article, one official of Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality pointed out that “people should also reuse, recycle, and properly dispose of their trash—not drive off into the jungle and dump it.” I think that this is right and on point as the CNMI has a great asset; there is no rival for its clear skies and clean water.
In order to promote tourism, I firmly believe that the CNMI should continue to keep the islands clean.
Kazuhiko Ono
Head of Office
Consular Office of Japan
