Island beautification continues as 60th approaches

With the 60th commemoration of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian approaching, about 50 government employees from various departments under the Executive Branch took to the streets yesterday afternoon, picking up trash and debris in compliance with a memorandum issued by Gov. Juan N. Babauta last month.

According to the governor’s activity coordinator, Piding C. Sablan, yesterday’s cleanup, part of the adopt-a-mile cleanup program of the Babauta administration, stretched from Sara Market in Capitol Hill to the Sadog Tasi Mobil gas station.

“We will be divided into three groups, with one beginning cleanup at the market and working toward the governor’s office parking lot, another cleaning from the parking lot to the intersection leading to the Ogumoro’s residence, and the other beginning at the gas station and working up to the intersection,” she said.

Sablan said the government has identified 41 locations beginning at Capitol Hill down to the Tanapag area to the southmost portion of the island that agencies would clean up.

Last Friday, the Finance and Commerce departments held the same activity, while the Marianas Public Land Authority will do the same this Saturday.

“We should all help keeping the island clean because the 60th is coming up pretty soon,” said Veterans Affairs Office employee Claire Fejeran. “We want to present a clean island to all the guests and visitors. Rain or shine, in dress or in pants, get out there and pick up the trash.”

In a May 10 memorandum to all department and activity heads, Babauta stressed the need to spruce up the appearance of the island in time for the June activities.

“We must undertake an organized program of cleaning up our roads, parks, and historic places so that our visitors will take away with them the image of a community that is not only blessed with natural beauty but one that takes obvious pride in the appreciation and preservation of that beauty,” said Babauta.

“For our efforts to bear success, we must all become involved. Your staff looks to you for leadership and will follow your example. I am confident that by making a concerted effort, we will be able to accomplish our goal, an island that is visibly cared for by its people. I anticipate the cooperation of all government employees,” he added.

Last month, the steering committee of the 60th anniversary of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian appealed to all businesses and the community to help the government in its islandwide beautification program in preparation for the celebrations next month.

Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, who chairs the committee, acknowledged the support and the assistance of all individuals who have been helping the government in its projects to ensure that the 60th anniversary celebration would be a success.

But Benavente urged businesses to help the government in its islandwide cleanup programs to ensure that Saipan and its tourist attractions are clean.

In June 2003, Babauta and Benavente organized an Adopt-A-Beach-Park-Road Project to coordinate the island cleanup and beautification.

Saipan anticipates hundreds of visitors, including war veterans and representatives of foreign governments, when the island hosts the 60th anniversary of the Saipan and Tinian battles next week.