Na' Gas Gas Tinian Program introduced
The Eighth Tinian Municipal Council and the CNMI Youth Congress are expecting hundreds of youth volunteers to help in beautification projects on the island of Tinian as part of the Na’ Gas Gas Tinian campaign.
“It means ‘Keeping Tinian beautiful,” said Youth Senator JoVon Charfauros (Precinct No. 5), referring to the slogan, which was written in the Chamorro language. “It refers to the pride the people of Tinian have in having such a clean and beautiful island,” she added.
There are very few locations on Tinian with reported heavy trash problems. The Tinian Municipal Council and the CNMI Youth Congress want to keep it that way. “We do not want to wait until a problem arises,” said Juanita Mendiola, chair of the council.
In early May the Eighth Tinian Municipal Council adopted a resolution that focused on education and practical application as means of protecting and beautifying the environment. The Tinian Municipal Council created Na’ Gas Gas Tinian shortly thereafter. After months of planning, the project has finally gotten off the ground.
“The groups will pick up trash at various beaches and public areas in an island wide community efforts,” said Ms. Mendiola. “Not only are these areas vital to our tourism industry, they are part of our home.”
Begining January of the new year until May, youth groups or organizations on Tinian, including the CNMI Youth Congress, will clean up or help in replanting of trees and flowers in public areas.
“I just want to remind everyone out there that this is a collaborative effort,” said Jeanette Sablan, Youth Congress Senator (Tinian High School). “We must all help each other by bringing along garbage bags and making sure that after a beach barbecue, none of your trash is left behind,” she added.
“Let’s work together in keeping our island the way it is now, pristine and beautiful,” said Ms. Mendiola.
