‘Preserve our culture, not destroy it’

Based on the sentiments expressed yesterday by many of those that attended a public hearing on proposed military exercises on Tinian and Pagan, the biggest question the U.S. military probably needs to answer is: “Why the CNMI?”

The military held a public hearing last night—the first of three planned sessions—at the Saipan Southern High School cafeteria that drew hundreds of community members, from residents and lawmakers, to men, women, and children of all ages.

Community members express their disapproval of proposed military exercises on Tinian and Pagan with placards near the Saipan Southern High School, where the military held a public hearing. (Joel D. Pinaroc)

The U.S. military specifically conducted the hearing to know the sentiments of the community on its proposed “live-fire” exercises and what would happen to Tinian and Pagan should the exercises push through.

Before the hearing, the military presented a draft environmental impact statement, detailing plans to drop bombs on Pagan and fire live munitions in parts of Tinian.

However, based on the almost 30 testaments given by elementary students, teachers, cause-oriented groups, officials, and locals, among others, the military has to shed light on why it seems to be hell-bent on picking these islands in the CNMI, particularly Pagan, to drop bombs, all in the name of defense.

Most of the sentiments were quite emotional and spoke of preserving—and not destroying—the local Chamorro culture, which to many remains sacred.

Other statements attempted to offer scientific reasons why the islands should be left alone, from the destruction of a fragile ecosystem to the long-term effects of bombings on humans.

Northern Islands Mayor Jerome Aldan spoke of how the CNMI has had previous experiences with the U.S military during World War II, and that up to the present day, the detrimental effects of that war continues to be felt.

“The dead dolphin washing up in one of the islands is just one evidence that those bombs and munitions from war are still affecting our CNMI,” he said.

Military representatives put up posters and standees all over the cafeteria of the Saipan Southern High School to attempt to explain what the draft EIS is all about. An obligatory platoon of courteous military representatives was also at hand, ready to answer questions from whomever would ask.

Outside, several groups held up banners and posters expressing their opposition to the military’s proposals.

A second hearing will be held today on Tinian at the Junior/Senior High School cafeteria and another on Friday, back on Saipan at the Garapan Elementary School.

And based on the public’s sentiment on the first hearing, the U.S military still has a lot of explaining to do.