Asunton Koñgresso

Laying out the groundwork

To share with “Friends of the NMI” in the US Congress sweeping economic reform measures under review here, a delegation from the islands (comprised primarily of the House Leadership) leaves this week for Washington.

Speaker Benigno R. Fitial is head of the delegation saying “it’s most appropriate that we meet with powerful members of the US Congress who empathize with our dedicated efforts to protect the basic document that permits the NMI to work on wealth and jobs creation”.

“The chairmen of standing committees would have the privilege to meet with their counterparts in the US Congress or key staffers who work on policy matters that may affect the NMI,” he said. “For instance, the labyrinth of issues on health maintenance organizations (HMOs) versus patients’ rights is a national agenda that we must follow daily”.

“Most importantly, however, we will impress upon our friends the essence of protecting the economic freedom of this tiny group of islands to establish healthy businesses and jobs for its people”, Fitial said, adding, “it’s ironic how the national economy has mushroomed across the land the effect of which is far from trickling down to the NMI”.

“This is the very essence of leadership–being able to establish lasting relationships–with key people in the seat of power who make a difference in the protection of our freedoms”, he said. “It’s leadership’s responsibility to bring our plans that project long-term gains that translates to less dependency on US mainland taxpayers money”.

“With the presidential election heating up, it’s just as appropriate a time to connect with the likely national GOP presidential candidate George W. Bush, in the interest of protecting the framework of a lasting relationship envisioned under the Covenant Agreement”, he said. “Indeed, going through this process may be way off the heads of most people, but it’s a must that we do so to refine our relationship with the federal government beginning in January 2001 when Governor Bush takes over the helm at the White House”.

Wealth and jobs creation

House Vice Speaker Alejo M. Mendiola is a proactive lawmaker who shares the philosophy of the House Leadership on wealth and jobs creation.

Recently, he pressed for the adoption of a resolution urging the Unkai Distillery Company of Japan to establish a Shochu plant on Rota.

The Vice Speaker would present the measure upon his return from Washington. He said “we’ve talked a bit too long on the dire need for economic diversification and the steps we’ve taken in this direction is the surest way to accomplish such plan”.

“A brief glimpse into history says the NMI was successful in its sugar cane industry before the war. There’s no reason that making wine and sake can’t work here with an experienced company that owns the second largest shochu plant in Japan”, he said.

“The ripple effect would spread throughout the NMI given that Unkai will need about 100 tons of sweet potatoes per month to produce wine and the popular Japanese sake from the NMI”, he noted. “It should boost sweet potato production between Rota, Tinian and Saipan. It’s money for farmers Marianas-wide and jobs for our people in the proposed shochu plant on Rota”.

“Tourism and other sectors of the local economy would receive some major boost if we’re successful in persuading Unkai to establish the wine and sake industry on Rota,” he said. “And there’s nothing wrong with proactively seeking to expand and ensure prosperity for our people through economic diversification”.