CNMI's pitch to become a retirement hub gains support
After their short stay in the CNMI, a number of military personnel have already expressed interest in establishing residency and retiring in the Northern Marianas.
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce recently received a number of inquiries which prove that the islands have become more than just a destination where US Navy men and women can enjoy their brief rest and recreation
At the same time, Capt. John J. Donnelly, Chief of Staff of the US Seventh Fleet, has invited Chamber members to visit Yokosuka, Japan to promote the Northern Marianas to the officers and their families who are stationed there. He has also recommended that CNMI officials promote the Northern Marianas as a family destination to other military bases throughout Asia.
Since January, over 3,000 military personnel have spent their R&R on the island providing income to hotels, restaurants, dive shops, boat operators, taxis, rent-a-car companies and souvenir shops.
The Chamber, Marianas Visitors Authority and the Commonwealth Ports Authority have worked together to ensure that the brief stay of Navy personnel will be an enjoyable one despite limited funds. Unlike the CNMI, Guam has a federally-funded Moral, Welfare and Recreation Office, which assists in the reception for visiting Navy men and women.
In a move to diversify the island’s tourism market and provide additional revenue to various businesses, the Chamber plans to encourage local leaders and members of MVA to set aside a small budget “to develop a reliable and consistent reception for the US Navy personnel.”
During his visit to the CNMI, Vice Admiral Walter F. Doran, Commander of the Seventh Fleet, has pledged to send more Navy ships because Saipan is a safe place for the sailors. “This is a wonderful place for the men because this is America. We are very comfortable here because we are among friends,” he said.
CNMI officials are hoping that the regular visits of the US Navy would give the sagging tourism economy the much-needed shot in the arm.
“The positive reception and effort on the part of the people of the Commonwealth and, coupled with a safe environment are the reasons to recommend that more ships make their liberty calls to Saipan,” Doran said.
The USS Blue Ridge spent almost $100,000 during its four-day stay on the island for fuel, supplies, payment for the use of equipment and stevedoring services.
At least seven vehicles were rented to allow the more than 900 sailors aboard USS Blue Ridge to go on sightseeing tour which include a 53-seater tourist bus for $80 per hour; three vans which cost $140 each a day and three cars amounting to $40 each a day. On top of this, some of the US Navy personnel rented their own cars and mopeds to explore the island.
