Fitial instills hope in NMI's future

At Issue: Speaker Fitial instills hope and promise in the future of these isles.

Our View: Let’s rally behind his leadership to rebuild economic prosperity.

In any community throughout democratic societies, the public and private sectors normally work as partners, forging meaningful socio-economic plans–plans to better the livelihood of its people–through wealth and jobs creation.

This very partnership seemingly fizzled out some 16 years ago. The relationship became even more acutely alienated when in 1993 our detractors clandestinely started using the agenda of US Textile Labor Unions under the guise of reform.

In ensuing years since 1993, we lost focus of economic reality in the islands. In fact, we participated in such juvenile attitude by voluntarily maligning the apparel industry which, ironically, became the only sure revenue generating industry when tourism went south some three years ago. We can’t even find substitute industries yet have the audacity to brave such juvenile position.

In the process, the legislature took on the convenient role of a mute when tasked to articulate our rights to self-government both in Washington and right here at home. Worst of all, it became hostile to the business community when in fact the latter needed stimulus packages to muddle through the crisis. Sadly, reactionary measures that stifle current investment became the rule rather than the exception.

Sadly, too, our much glorified Marianas Washington Representative played basically the same role, awfully quiet in asserting our rights to self-government. In fact, he went on a collision course with the business community here on the imposition of federally mandated minimum wage. He wanted it included in federal legislation.
Has he really studied the impact of such federal proposal on the local economy? Is this why we’re spending some $1.6 million in taxpayers money for an office that is seemingly deaf to local sentiment on on this issuet?

We are grateful for Speaker Ben Fitial and the new coalition of leadership for bringing hope to the battered minds of the grassroots who have long pined for better days amidst the current doldrums. He’s determined to revive direct flights into the islands to reboot our tourism industry. He’s also very keen to budgetary matters and will ensure that our focus veers from padding an over bloated public payroll in favor of turning a greater portion of public funds to the people via more meaningful programs.

Foremost, we thank you Mr. Speaker for declaring that “there will be no federal takeover” of these islands. March on for we will march by your side in defense of our rights to self-government. It’s the most powerful instrument in the reinstatement of stability for future investment. Si Yuus Maase` yan ghilisow!