Previous Story
MVA seeks funding to assign a security guard to Suicide Cliff
|
Posted on Oct 21 2011
The Marianas Visitors Authority is seeking to identify funds within its current budget to expand its security services to include Suicide Cliff, a widely popular visitor site where a Russian visitor was robbed last week.
For several years, the MVA has hired private security firms to provide services at frequently visited sites, which now include Banzai Cliff, Bird Island Lookout, Grotto, and popular dive spots Laulau Beach and Obyan Beach.
“Since the MVA took on the responsibility of providing security services at these sites, crime there has almost completely eliminated,” said MVA managing director Perry Tenorio. “Practically, the MVA is not able to provide oversight at all frequent visitor locations, but we are looking at trying to include Suicide Cliff in our ongoing round of procurement for security services.”
Banzai Cliff, Bird Island, and Grotto are located in the Marpi area of Saipan, along with Suicide Cliff, and received nearly 40,000 visitors combined in August 2011. Currently security services at these locations are provided by G4S Security Services (CNMI) Inc.
“In partnership to fight criminal activities in the areas, G4S will be diverting their resources to patrol the areas, especially those that are being targeted by criminals,” said G4S branch manager Moises K. Pangelinan, Jr. “We need community support to fight criminal activities at the area. If you see or hear something suspicious, report it.”
The security guards also administer first aid and report maintenance or other problems.
“Although the MVA’s primary role as a state tourism office is to promote travel to the Northern Marianas, at the same time, we realize that all our marketing efforts would be useless if visitors didn’t feel safe coming here. This was the impetus for contracting security services in the beginning,” said Tenorio. “Tourism is the sole economic driver for our entire economy, and the safety of our islands should be a concern for the whole community.”
The MVA currently dedicates over $120,000 annually to security services. (MVA)
