Popular initiative drive on Saipan casino to be launched

A new foundation pushing for an integrated resort and tourism development in the CNMI is launching as early as today a petition to get as many as 2,600 signatures to be able to put in the November ballot the question of whether Saipan voters want casino gaming on Saipan. This comes seven years since islands voters rejected the same question for the second time in 2007.
The group is turning to a popular initiative, within days of the Senate’s passage of a Saipan casino bill from the House. For at least four years, the Senate has been rejecting Saipan casino bills from the House.

The Marianas Economic Research and Development Foundation, in a news briefing yesterday, said they were just as surprised as everyone else about the casino bill’s rapid passage in the House and Senate without public hearing and further review by lawmakers themselves.

Isidoro T. Cabrera, president and board member of the foundation, said they will start circulating the petition drive as early as today or this weekend to be able to involve the public in the decision-making process related to Saipan casino gaming.

“We are running out of time,” Cabrera said, referring to the estimated 2,600 signatures needed to place the Saipan casino question on the ballot in November.

As of March 4, Saipan registered voters numbered 12,861, based on the Commonwealth Election Commission website.

The foundation would need the signatures of at least 20 percent—or 2,572—of the registered Saipan voters and have them verified and certified by the Office of the Attorney General.

Lawmakers who voted against the Saipan casino bill early this week said that asking Saipan voters directly whether they want casino gaming on the island should be the way to go, instead of what they described as a rushed passage of a bill allowing an exclusive casino license holder for up to 80 years.

The casino bill is now on its way to Gov. Eloy S. Inos for action.

Press secretary Angel Demapan, when sought for comment yesterday, said different approaches would come down to timing and how soon revenues will be realized.

“Obviously, there is a process for any type of popular initiative to be placed on the ballot. The difference between that route and the route of legislation would come down to timing and realization of revenues. Retirees want their pension cuts restored sooner rather than later. Our people want a stronger and better economy sooner rather than later,” Demapan said.

Antonio Cabrera, foundation secretary and board member, said people should be asked not only whether they want a casino on Saipan but also how and where the “dedicated funds” should be used, along with the types of casino operations, how gambling addiction and related social problems will be addressed, and the overall impact on CNMI tourism and economy.

Cabrera said the foundation want revenue from an integrated resort and tourism development, including casino, to be dedicated to the retirement settlement trust fund, medical or health care, beautification, economic development, social programs to address gambling and related problems, law enforcement agencies, and educational institution.

The other foundation board members are Michael M. Ogo, Vic Cepeda, and John Gurley.

Russell S. Schow, the foundation’s executive director, said the foundation’s integrated resort and tourism development approach was inspired by Singapore, which provides different types of tourist amenities, attractions and lodgings.

He said Singapore acquired significant investors to be able to provide an integrated resort and in order to do this on Saipan, the island must also need to legalize casinos as did Singapore in 2006.

Schow said the foundation has been communicating with major casino operators for guidance. He said the foundation wants to hear from Saipan people. They encourage people to send them an email at info@merdf.org.

The foundation said the four most viable areas of economic contributions are agriculture, aquaculture, pelagic fisheries, and tourism—the latter being the most valuable.

The last time a popular initiative drive for Saipan casino was initiated was in 2012, but the organizers failed to get the requisite number of signatures to place the question on the ballot.