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WITH IMMINENT AUSTERITY, BUDGET CUTS
Santos to Star Marianas: Lower fare to Rota
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Posted on Feb 06 2020
Sen. Teresita A. Santos (Ind-Rota) appealed yesterday to Star Marianas Air Inc. to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Rota by lowering its airline fare during these difficult financial times.
Santos told Saipan Tribune that she wrote Tuesday to Star Marianas Air Inc. president Shaun Christian, asking the airline company to help the people of Rota because of the CNMI’s current financial state and the imminent austerity and budget cuts.
Santos said the Torres administration has already advised the Legislature that the government stands to lose $35million to $40 million in fiscal year 2020 as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The senator said austerity measures will be implemented in the near future and government employees will most likely see a substantial reduction in work hours.
She told Christian that austerity measures, coupled with the high cost of living on Rota, will financially cripple many families, most especially their inter-island medical referral patients seeking immediate medical attention that is unavailable on the island.
“Moreover, some of these patients do not qualify to avail of referral services, thus the burden is even greater. At this point, any relief will be welcomed and greatly appreciated,” Santos said.
The senator cited that the Commonwealth Ports Authority has adopted an incentive program for airlines that she hopes Star Marianas Air can avail of.
Santos said she is ready to assist the company in any way possible.
