Sablan hits Babauta’s critical stance vs HANMI

Hotel Association of Northern Mariana Islands president Ron D. Sablan has chided CNMI’s Resident Representative to Washington Juan N. Babauta for his criticisms on the position taken by the hotel organization against the federalization of labor and immigration.

The association has strongly opposed the planned federal takeover because of its devastating effect on the half-a-billion-dollar industry.

“Whether or not you agree with our views or economics, as your constituents, we feel we deserve consideration and respect from our elected leaders,” said Mr. Sablan.

Aside from the federalization issue, Mr. Babauta and his staff Adam Turner were also critical of the analysis made by the association on how the economic downturn has affected the industry and the need for local work ethic improvement.

The HANMI chief said Mr. Babauta should have discussed his concerns first with the association before disagreeing with its position approved by the top hotels and resorts in the CNMI. He said the statements expressed in the position papers were based on interviews with tourism executives, surveys, facts and figures reported over the past seven years since HANMI began collecting data.

The statistics contained in the recent Washington testimonies, Mr. Sablan said, were carefully reviewed by the hotel general managers, an accounting firm, tourism industry experts, an economist and the Office of the Governor.

“We hope that you will respect our position and begin a dialogue with us on how to plan a real training and education program, which will accommodate all concerns and get us back on the road to building a strong Commonwealth,” he said.

Based on the research conducted by HANMI, a federal takeover would severely affect the industry which has been having difficulty competing with other prime destinations that are more blessed with abundant resources. Needless to say, the CNMI is not a choice destination and that the Northern Marianas is vulnerable to forces beyond its control.

In connection with the local work ethic, Mr. Sablan said members of the association did try to express their concerns in a sensitive manner, but they are compelled to present facts based on experiences without prejudice.

“As long as we continue to be a stepping stone to a government job, operate on market demands, not competitive with the government pay scale and our youth’s perception that entry level jobs are demeaning, we will continue to have difficulties in hiring or maintaining a good percentage of the local workforce,” he added.

Almost all of the hotels provide on the job training and are doing their best to provide job opportunities to local people. However, Mr. Sablan said the hotel industry cannot continue to have the local community feel that “simply because they are local, they are entitled to start at the top with high pay.” When locals come in without skills or education, he emphasized that they must start at the entry level.

On the other hand, those who work hard, value their employment enough to keep good attendance and contribute to the success of their businesses can earn higher wages. A good example of a hard working local who has successfully made a name for himself is Hyatt’s Executive Chef David Jones, who was hired by Mr. Sablan 22 years ago.

With the downturn in the tourism industry, the hotels on the island have cut down staff by 15 percent plus other expenses to stay afloat. The success and continued competitiveness of the industry, requires that members provide a high level of service and build up a strong cultural identity, he said.

“I think it’s time that we face reality that the big eagle has flown past and is not coming back for a long while. We must jointly focus on preparing and educating our people in trades other than white-collar job expectations. We must compete like everyone else in order to live life comfortably,” said Mr. Sablan.