Website on Northern Islands launched

The Northern Islands has now its own website that its officials hope will open up opportunities for several of the small islands that have long been shut off from the rapid development in the three main islands of Saipan, Rota and Tinian.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio and other local officials as well as business leaders got a preview of the website (www.northernislands.org) during a launching party held last Friday at the mayor’s office in Garapan.

Northern Islands Mayor Joseph T. Ogumoro described the site as “electronic voyage” to his islands with information accessible to anyone with a computer, a modem and access to the e-mail.

“No matter where you are in the world, you can now travel to the Northern Islands from the comfort of your office with a simple click of your figure,” he said at the launching.

He thanked Rep. William S. Torres and Sunset Advertising for helping come up with the website which will feature photos, compilation of scientific studies and facts about the islands, fish and wildlife issues, and eco-tourism, among other things.

Mr. Ogumoro likewise took the opportunity to appeal to CNMI officials on behalf of the Northern Islands and its people for much-needed development projects and economic assistance.

“I urge our policy-makers to seize this moment and assist me in my effort to resettle our Northern Islands, develop and construct critical infrastructure to make the settlements more safe and sustainable,” he said.

The mayor outlined at least four major legislative actions that he said will help accomplish goals of developing the municipality. These are:

– village and agricultural homesteading programs, taking into account remoteness of the islands and lack of basic infrastructure there;

– authority to borrow from Retirement Fund or the Commonwealth Development Authority to buy ships that will regularly travel to the Northern Islands from Saipan;

– commercial land lease programs for public lands not reserved for homesteading to entice private developers; and

– economic incentives to potential investors, much similar to the proposed free trade zone on Saipan, Rota and Tinian.

He noted that Anatahan, Sariguan, Alamagan, Pagan and Agrigan can provide the economic expansion longed for the Commonwealth, citing potential development projects that can be built there such as resorts, hot spring, mining and fisheries.

“This website… is a way to open these beautiful islands to private investors who are willing to develop the islands while maintaining their fragile and sensitive island eco-systems,” said Mr. Ogumoro.

“In return, we asked our CNMI community and policy-makers to allow future investment dollars in the Northern Islands to benefit [the islands] and their people and to assure that we provide the necessary environment for investors to get significant returns on their investments,” he added.