NMASA disappointed on MOU cancellation

Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association expressed disappointment on the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ decision to rescind a three-party memorandum of understanding that gave Northern Marianas Athletics the power to operate and manage the track and field facility and three other venues inside the Oleai Sports Complex.

“NMASA is disappointed that the Secretary of DCCA took unilateral action to terminate the MOU without even attempting to consult with other parties, including NMASA, in the effort to resolve any concerns which he may have had,” NMASA president Mike White.

NMASA was one of the three parties that signed the MOU last April this year. DCCA, through a letter forwarded to NMASA and NMA nullified the MOU, citing the agreement conflicts with the NMHC block grant condition and the contract between the government agency and a visiting Korean baseball team.

The cancellation of the MOU was not illegal, as section 20 of the agreement stated any party can terminate the deal with or without cause.

However, NMASA believed DCCA’s decision is against the interest of the CNMI sports community.

“We do not believe that this action was in the best interest of the CNMI sporting community, and in particular, the many people who use the Oleai facilities,” White said.

Besides NMA, the track facility is used by Northern Mariana Islands Football Association, a group who plays ultimate frisbee, and walkers/runners. NMIFA in the past did the cleaning and bush-cutting of the pitch, while NMA after signing the MOU and drafting the final rules and regulations on the usage of the facilities, which include the weight room, office space, and restrooms, has also started cleaning the venues. Health buffs also use the weight room and pays $1 per visit, while the LG Twins also hold their regular fall baseball training here and are charged with usage fee.

NMASA has a say on the maintenance and operation of the facilities at the Oleai Sports Complex as stated in PL No. 4-66 approved by then Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio during the 4th Legislature in 1984. However, for more than two decades, it has been the Division of Sports and Recreation, which is under DCCA, has taken charge of the Oleai facilities.

Now, NMASA is hoping a new legislation and approved budget will help the group enforce its rights in taking over the facilities.

“NMASA is fully aware of its statutory responsibility to operate and manage the Oleai Sports Complex. NMASA is committed to the objective of obtaining a budget, which will enable it to fulfill that responsibility,” White said.