Phases eyed in reopening economy

Fresh from the Fiscal Response Summit last week, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce headed by president Velma Palacios and other business leaders have started preliminary talks about reopening the CNMI economy and encouraged Gov. Ralph DLG Torres to consider lifting some of his restrictions to get the economy started without compromising the community’s health and safety.

“We are for the gradual reopening of our economy as we are also concerned for everyone’s health and safety,” Chamber president Velma Palacios said.

She acknowledged that business leaders affiliated with the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Northern Marianas Business Alliance Corp., and Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands have begun preliminary discussions about steps needed to reopen the economy. “The hope is to present a plan to the Office of the Governor on a multi-step approach that will promote safety and economic activity,” she added.

No measure will be taken without Torres’ approval of course, Palacios said. “It should be important to note we are a long way from ‘normal.’ Until we have an approved community-based plan, businesses will continue to follow social distancing and follow prescribed guidelines in the governor’s executive order,” she said.

At the Fiscal Response Summit and representing the business sector, Palacios was joined in the online summit by Chamber vice president Joseph C. Guerrero, along with other leaders of business-centric agencies and non-profit organizations. “The summit required in-depth deliberations regarding government expenditures, revenue, allocations, and financing. We all know the ripping effects of government operations across our community, especially the private sector, so there was a great deal of ‘give-and-take,’” Palacios said.

“But we hope the end product will put us on a better path moving forward, to assist in the recovery. Additionally, in response to the governor’s call to action in reopening the economy in phases, the Chamber, together with NMBAC and HANMI, have convened to discuss plans for this multi-phase approach,” Palacios added.

She assured that the business community is grateful for the governor and the COVID-19 Task Force’s continued work in keeping the CNMI community safe.