Previous Story
McPhetres noted for going the extra mile
|
Posted on Jun 01 2004
The Historic Preservation Office recently extended its appreciation to Northern Marianas College instructor Sam McPhetres for his help in the cleanup efforts on the island as part of preparations for the 60th commemoration of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian.
Bringing together students in his Current Issues class as well as other interested NMC students, he instigated the cleanup at the old Japanese jail in Garapan. Some 40 NMC students pooled their efforts together to clean up the deteriorating but valuable tourist site it. Last May 9, they finally finished the job.
As a show of their appreciation, Gov. Juan N. Babauta presented McPhetres with a certificate of appreciation.
Babauta said he is pleased to recognize McPhetres for his endeavor and for inspiring others to be a part of the project.
Tony Diaz, one of the NMC students who participated in the cleanup, said in an earlier interview they collected 200 bags of trash-a mix of residential and industrial garbage-from the site. These included empty cans and bottles of beers, industrial batteries, burned oil bottles, industrial banners, and sheet metals.
Their work also involved cutting down some trees that have grown inside the jail cells, trimming down tree branches hanging over the jail, and getting rid of vines that had climbed into the walls.
“It’s deteriorating rapidly. Branches are destroying the walls,” said Diaz.
Another student, Roman Benavente, said the success of the cleanup was due to the teamwork and positive attitude of the group.
“We just hope that this [site] is kept clean and maintained because this is a major tourist site,” Benavente said.
He said they spent their own money for the cleanup but they would be reimbursed by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s cash for trash program. The program pays $200 for any cleanup drive on the island.
Benavente said they chose the site in anticipation of the 60th anniversary of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian this year.
The project was carried out in cooperation with the Historic Preservation Office, the Chamber, and Division of Parks and Recreation. (Cassie Dlg Fejeran)
