Some things haven’t changed

In reviewing various information in my computer files I ran across a piece written in March 2001 which I intended to submit to the paper at that time—but never did.

At that time I had returned to Saipan after an absence of several months and saw it in a much different light and at the time wrote that It appeared to me that there were serious “political institutional” problems with “self-government.” It must be that—since there appeared to be little effort directed toward any real attempt to mitigate the causes of a declining economic base. It appeared the necessary corrective efforts were well recognized by most people except certain members of the legislature. Bear in mind that this observation was made almost five years ago.

As an interested island observer of more than 35 years with the hindsight of 45 years of international development experience, I can only come to the conclusion that “uncooperative politics” is to blame.

The island has changed a great deal since the Japanese “boom” period of the mid-80‚s. The average tourist has little contact with Chamorro culture. The island has become a microcosm of Asia. I suppose there are more than two dozen different ethnicities residing on the island. It has become a “mini Asia.” Stores and service businesses with signs in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, Thai and, of course, English line the roads. Most of the foreign merchants, managers and absentee owners have little or no knowledge of the English or Chamorro language and very few exhibit a knowledge of American or local laws. The population is far from being homogeneous and there appears to be little social contact between the various groups since all are of different cultural backgrounds, possessing distinct mores, diverse standards and, of course, values. I am afraid many have no interest or a dedicated commitment to the long term well being of the island other than to see it as a place to make money.

By any measure, today’s Commonwealth is anything but a homogeneous society—not culturally, economically, socially or linguistically. Unlike the absorbent ability of a continental land mass and its “melting pot”, how this situation can be maintained over the long term within the confines of three small islands is anyone’s guess.

I suppose it is partially a result of the mad rush to lease land to anyone with the money dating back to the days of the mid-’80s and the “open-door” policy. In doing so, the local people lost control of the economy, hocked the economic future of the youth, damaged the business climate and their reputation for foreign investment; rejected planning and zoning and introduced an Asian criminal element that is difficult to root out. On top of that, some politicians have succeeded in raising the alarm of some U.S. government officials as a result of the Commonwealth’s immigration policy.

Of course, it’s “their” island—the bones of their ancestors are interred on their land—so whatever the future holds it will be a result of local legislative decisions, or lack thereof. Of course, the possibility exists that “they” (meaning legislators) want it that way.

In any case, there is a thick air of confusion that prevails resulting from the uncertainty over which federal laws will be imposed and when; what existing local laws and regulations will be rescinded or modified, if ever and, more importantly, it seems that some people want to be a part of—but separate from—the United States. If this doesn’t confuse potential investors, I don’t know what does. Very few potential investors, if any, will examine the Covenant for an understanding of the Commonwealth’s unique relationship with the United States. The one single factor foreign investment abhors above all else is uncertainty. The result being that foreign investment has become very cautious and frequently adopts a “wait-and-see” attitude. I suspect that part of the problem in understanding the needs of business might possibly be the result that all too few in government have ever been in business, never studied law or economics but make, or administer, laws about money without every having made any in business?

Needed changes in the business climate aside, one would think that attention would also be directed toward making the CNMI a truly first-class tourist destination. It certainly has the potential for being so. CUC should stop delivery of salt water in their distribution system. Just because it’s wet doesn’t mean it’s potable. Power lines should be buried, not because they are ugly—which they are—but because they wouldn’t have to be repaired every time there is a typhoon. People that own vacant land in Garapan’s tourist district should be encouraged to keep the weeds cut. Signs should be posted in English or a local language; clean up the pollution in the lagoon and the stench along Beach Road in the vicinity of San Antonio; landscape the trash pile at Mount Puerto Rico and don’t take 10 years to do it and don’t wait for Uncle Sam to pay for it.

One thing is certain: The situation must be turned around—and quick—if the economy is not to return to what I remember as that being a little larger than the Trust Territory size. As most are aware the garment industry is expected to be significantly reduced in size by 2004 or ’05 as a result of the World Trade Agreement. Further testimony that much of the industry located here for money rather than assimilating as a permanent, long-term contributor to the economic base. There has been a lot of talk about the dire economic situation but little action is in evidence other than the much needed free trade zone legislation (proposed in ’97) which was a step in the right direction but doesn’t address the matter of enhancing the tourism sector. The average tourist now appears to have little contact with Chamorro or Carolinian culture and the warmth of their friendship.

Having been in Hawaii recently I can assure you that the Japanese are traveling and they are enjoying the atmosphere of an attractive island economy that not only appreciates and welcomes them but provides all the amenities expected from a tropical vacation. Interestingly, while in Hawaii I don’t recall seeing any signs in Japanese—they were all in English. My impression is that Japanese visitors to Hawaii want the experience and feeling that they were away from their own homeland to vacation in a foreign environment entirely different from that of their own country.

It is indeed interesting how one can see things from a distance not otherwise obvious up close. There seems to be a number of different political agendas in the CNMI which, if one is not indigenous, one doesn’t really know what they are. This is still another unknown and unarticulated uncertainty for those in the non-indigenous business community. One wonders, if indeed, they are now wanted as participants in the Commonwealth’s economy. I know for a fact that many long-term, non-indigenous business owners hesitate to make their feelings and beliefs known for fear of reprisal which we are all aware does occur within a small society. I was shocked to learn on my return that several established small businesses want to sell out and leave (remember this observation was made almost five years ago).

The islands certainly have more potential than there appears dedicated action or interest to bring it to fruition.

Finally, I suspect that many residents—not directly involved in the tourist sector—are without the slightest knowledge of how valuable a role they can and must play in making tourism everyone’s business. An educational program would certainly help in imparting such appreciation. A major change in attitude is required—from top to bottom. (William H. Stewart)

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Editor’s Note: the above observations were those of the author almost five years ago. Some things haven’t changed.