Paseo de Nightmare

Saipan International School recently had its end-of-the-year school concert for Pre-Kindergarten through 5th Grade at the Dai-Ichi Hotel. It was a delightful performance, which left everyone in good spirits. As the weather was good, to end the evening, a large group of parents decided to take their children across the street to the Paseo de Marianas for ice cream at the newly opened store.

As we crossed the street from the hotel, there were several scantily dressed girls accosting male Japanese tourists—popularly referred to as “hostitutes.” We carried on down the Paseo, where groups of equally scantily clad girls hung around in groups of eight or more, trying to entice tourists into their numerous venues.

By the time we reached the ice cream store, several of us were deciding that we were feeling out of place and none too comfortable with what our children were being forced to look at. An American ship also happened to be in town and, although only 8:30pm, servicemen were already visiting the area. Near-naked girls from a balcony above were calling and whistling down to any men that walked by. Some men went up to the balcony, where a couple of the girls started nuzzling up to them while stroking their arms and backs in full view of everyone. Meanwhile, parents were fending off curious questions from their children. It was just easier for us all to leave.

One mother walked down to the local police Koban to complain; the door was open, but the office was empty, and stayed that way.

And the CNMI government wonders why Japan Airlines is pulling out?

The Paseo de Marianas was apparently created for the “tourists to flock to” but it is nothing more than a sleazy street not suitable for local or tourist families to have dinner, get an ice cream or simply stroll down. It’s a disgraceful shame, which the government should be deeply concerned about.

Saipan is known for its beautiful beaches, but I’ve come to the conclusion that the sand is not to sit on and enjoy the scenery, but rather for local officials to bury their heads in, and deny facing up to what is truly destroying this beautiful island, and making businesss pull out or just not come here to begin with.

I would like to make a suggestion to the Legislature: If you have an evening to spare, take your children or grandchildren for ice cream at the Paseo de Marianas and see for yourselves.

Is this the best that Saipan can do to showcase itself and encourage visitors?

Judith Mosley
Navy Hill, Saipan