Chamber: Takeover will scare away investors

Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Kerry M. Deets has expressed concern that Washington’s renewed efforts to take control of CNMI’s immigration and labor functions would hamper the entry of investors into the Northern Marianas.

“It is a tough battle that we are fighting. Nevertheless, we should not give up,” said Deets, who will be attending the U.S. Senate Energy and Resources Committee hearing next month to present the Chamber’s position.

The Chamber had requested for a postponement of the Senate hearing to coincide with the investigation by the House Resources Committee on Sept. 16, 1999 in view of its tight finances. Such delay would have allowed the business sector to enough time to consolidate its position on immigration and minimum wage.

With Washington’s plan to pursue application of federal laws on immigration, minimum wage and customs in the Commonwealth, the CNMI has been perceived by investors as unfavorable place to do business with its unstable political climate.

After the congressional hearings this year, Deets said the Northern Marianas should be given the chance to do its task of carrying out its local reform efforts with the assistance of the Office of Insular Affairs, which has jurisdiction over US territories.

“Definitely, I would like to see this issue put to rest once and for all so that the CNMI can get back to its business,” she said. About a dozen local officials led by Tenorio will travel to the U.S. capital to attend the hearing, the second since the CNMI leader took office in 1998.

The recent decision of the House Resources Committee to subpoena federal officials, including Interior Secretary Bruce Babbit, OIA Public Affairs Officer David North, may benefit the CNMI because “it would hopefully clear up problems that may exist within that agency,” said Deets.

The House committee has acquired documents showing that North has contacted the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and offered to provide negative information about Majority Whip Tom Delay, Majority Leader Richard K. Armey and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher. All have opposed efforts by Democrats to tightly regulate the islands’ economy.

Republicans who support the commonwealth’s free-market policies have questioned Democrats’ motives in trying to change a system that has brought economic prosperity to the islands.