Northern Islands mayor meets with Guam mayors

In efforts to bring awareness and advocate the preservation of the Northern Islands, Mayor Jerome Aldan met with Guam mayors yesterday to discuss future plans and developments.

In Chamorro, he addressed the Guam mayors on his intentions of showcasing Pagan as a vital natural resource during the Konferensian Dinana Islas Marianas, a two- to three-day conference to be held next year in June on the island.

Aldan spoke to the Mayors Council on Guam in late December and has renewed their previous discussion on the matter for educational and historical investment again.

He expressed that despite the differences between the islands exacerbated during and after World War II, all Chamorros share a common need to connect and return to their roots.

The Mayors Council of Guam expressed concern on whether the U.S. military currently had control over the islands and whether future developments would be possible, a sentiment expressed all over Guam due to the island’s stringent military controls and inhabitation.

Part of the conference, the mayors said, is to discuss the use of pozzolan deposits of Pagan as a way to improve its infrastructure and promote sustainable business ventures.

Pozzolan is often used in construction as cement replacements rather than cement additions. However, adding pozzolan to an existing concrete mix increases strength and density, which would promote economy-building activities.

Aldan hopes that at least 100 individuals made up of investors, public officials, and community members will take part in the historic event.

He adds that the distance between Saipan to Pagan is 200 nautical miles, which takes about 14 to16 hours by boat.

Aldan, along with Northern Islands Mayor’s Office consultant William Torres, began the discussion with the mayors in December to seek potential sponsors for the trip.

The additional intent of the discussions is to emphasize the preservation of the Chamorro culture and allow people from the Marianas a firsthand look into the continuing practices of living before the influence of American culture.

Further talks include the potential for a cruise line industry originating from Japan.

Dededo Mayor Melissa Savares noted that the cruise line could follow the route of the Northern Mariana Island chain featuring the agricultural area, lake tour, hot springs, and history of Pagan.

She expresses that as Guam still tries to determine their political status with the military, the collaborative undertaking represents the need to revive culture and invest in the islands as one unified Marianas.

The Northern Islands mayor will resume talks on the possible development today.