Rota wants “shooting resorts” despite safety concerns

Rota is willing to host “shooting resorts” if both Saipan and Tinian will oppose legislation easing the gun control law in the CNMI in a bid to encourage investments in this sector, according to its mayor, Benjamin T. Manglona.

It’s only through such proposal that the island municipality will be able to develop its economy and approach near the growth being experienced in the two neighboring islands, he said in lobbying for the passage of HB 12-212.

The measure, which seeks to amend the Weapons Control Act to allow use of high-caliber handguns and rifles for use in the proposed shooting resorts, is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Resources, Economic, Development and Programs.

“This… bill answers the call of real investors who knock on our door right at this moment. This bill aims to help us do something now to better our own economy,” said Mr. Manglona in a letter to REDP chair, Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes.

While the Commonwealth expects new investments with capital of up to $20 million once this is passed, the legislation has drawn opposition from some sectors in the community due to potential harm to public safety and proliferation of deadly weapons here.

But Mr. Manglona underscored the significance of such measure in trying to stir business activities in his island municipality, saying he doesn’t want Rota to remain a “zoo” as compared with the two other islands.

“Please don’t enforce a CNMI policy on us. It may fit some islands, but not here,” he wrote to Mr. Reyes. “Your caution will be our downfall. Rota is way behind.”

He said the municipality cannot rely anymore on subsidies doled out by the central government, and must seek ways to increase revenues and provide jobs to its people.

“We will have the opportunity to grow and prosper if [the amendment] becomes law. If Saipan and Tinian don’t want them, then please approve a bill that applies only for the first senatorial district [Rota],” added Mr. Manglona.

At the same time, the mayor warned failure by the Senate to enact the bill would force local officials to put the proposal in a referendum or take other step so that such resorts can be established on their island.

“Don’t smother Rota’s dreams and hopes. Help us with farsighted Commonwealth-wide laws,” he said.

Mr. Manglona disclosed they are in “active negotiations” right now with investors hoping to build shooting resorts not only on Rota, but Saipan and Tinian as well.

He said these people have planned resorts that would have shooting sports being used in the Olympic games and would follow strict rules and regulations of the International Shooting Federation.

While there are enough safeguards built in the proposal, he said he would support further amendments to the bill in order to strengthen the safety use of the weapons.

“If safety is the real issue, let us make it safe, but please don’t kill the goose that will lay the golden egg,” said Mr. Manglona. “We, in Rota, are in desperate need of new investment and opportunities. We need job opportunities for our people.”

The mayor is expected to present his testimony during a public hearing scheduled on Friday on Rota by the Senate committee. Other town meetings are set on Tinian and Saipan next week.