Manglona asserts jurisdiction over release of homestead lots

Rota Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona yesterday asserted claims he is responsible for the release of 173 agricultural lots on the island of Rota, countering earlier reports that recipients have yet to receive their respective homestead lots.

“We understand the Coastal Resources Management issued a permit to the Division of Public Lands for release of 173 agriculture homestead lots. We’ve been assured these homesteaders are getting their lots over the areas approved.
If homesteaders are not getting their homesteads, maybe they’re from other areas of Rota not yet cleared by United States Fish and Wildlife Services,” said Mr. Manglona in a news release.

Mr. Manglona has accused the USFWS and the media of “discrediting” the mayor through wrong and misleading information.

“What they should have said was that the Mayor of Rota is responsible for the release of the homesteads. This is a fact. I made it possible to reopen the homestead program for agricultural homesteads in Rota, after long years of waiting, and despair,” said the mayor.

In a letter to the mayor, USFWS Field Supervisor for Ecological Services Paul Henson had asked Mr. Manglona to clarify misinformation that the delay in the release of some 184 agriculture homestead lots on Rota to their recipients is due to federal restrictions on the habitat of the endangered Mariana crow.

“I am concerned that this mistaken impression on the holdup of the homestead program may generate negative sentiment towards the Mariana crow and jeopardize ongoing conservation and ecotourism efforts for the natural resources on Rota,” said Mr. Henson.

The Mayor has expressed disappointment over the animosity brewing between Rota and USFWS following reports that the federal government has cited a local zoo owner.

USFWS is also reportedly threatening Mr. Manglona with a federal suit for cleaning and beautifying an ancient latte site on Rota’s north shore for the recreation and enjoyment of the island’s people and visitors.

“Rota’s relationship with USFWS could be better. But USFWS has gone to its lawyers. It’s hard to negotiate matters when you’re threatened with lawsuits,” Mr. Manglona said.

“USFWS has cooperated with 184 lots. There are other areas of Rota ripe for homesteads where the Federal government stands in the way. I hope and pray the USFWS will ease up on Rota and start speaking with us directly and not through federal trial attorneys. Our door and heart are open to them,” he added.

Meanwhile, the mayor has also renewed efforts to seek for Rota’s autonomy as regards the transfer of public lands.

He cited that the people of Rota have been requesting for this autonomy from the central government for quite some time now.

“Granting homesteads is presently not under my control. The Division of Public Lands controls the land. If someone delays release, definitely its not me. Give me control and I will accept the responsibility if I fail to discharge it properly,” the mayor said. (MM)