The consequence of indecision

The operations of the Outer Cove Marina has been mired in controversy. Tenants are divided over how it should be run and both sides to the issue have been long on heated exchange, awfully short on solutions.

For quite awhile now, its fate hangs in the nether world of indecision. Then came the recipe for disaster, the original House Bill No. 12-250. Next came the substitute measure with substantive amendments to it. There are several major issues of concern in the current controversy:

1. How would the substitute measure address and resolve the Commonwealth Ports Authority’s reliance on transfer fees to meet its debt service of some $34 million?

2. The long-term consequence of ruination of the tourism industry if travel agents (who have packaged Mañagaha Island) can’t send tourists to the island.

In short, potential revenue decline may cripple CPA’s ability to pay its debt service and the reputation of instability versus the NMI’s fragile tourism industry.

While the measure authorizes some $3.5 million to buy out MRC, it doesn’t necessarily mean the exact amount would be spent. Amendments to the measure requires an independent appraisal of the value of MRC and a full disclosure of how much it has spent. In the end, it could very well mean a buy-out far less than what’s authorized.

Certainly, there would come a time in the near future when the facility may be put out for bids to interested businessmen. This may not be a problem. The greater concern though is the period between bidding, award and the restart of operations of the facility and the realization of revenue.

The issue is a matter of public policy. The legislature must thoroughly review the substitute measure to protect the interest of the tourism industry, other parties and the ability of CPA to meet its debt. If a further snafu emerges, CPA may be forced to lobby for some $34 million to meet its annual obligations. I am not sure that the legislature can identify additional resources to cover this requirement.

Mind you, the local government can’t even clear the $4 million it owes hospitals in Honolulu. It now operates under more than $40 million in deficit. It can’t meet its share of retirement obligations of more than $26 million. Eh, we even cut down the all important scholarship program while simultaneously delivering speeches about helping our young people. It just doesn’t follow, does it?

Felis Noche Buena!

In the olden days when life was simple, most houses in the old village had baskets below windows filled with local doughnuts from yams to assorted pastries.

It’s intended for anybody and everybody. It’s such a small island community where the joy of sharing is in abundance, if not, overflowing. It must have been a beautiful tradition that somehow disappeared when the demands of modernity took over.

Today, if you want doughnuts from yam, either you plant it or head to local markets and cringe when the cashier rings up the cost of this delicacy. What was once free is no longer!

Well, time and lifestyles have certainly changed, right? Gee, we went from young coconuts to beer, softdrinks and hard liquor or fish to red meat loaded with fat, yeah? Eh, in the process we firmed up what I call the Potato Couch Culture, yeah? Anyway, may you and loved ones have a Very Merry Christmas yan Noche Buena!

Strictly a personal view. John S. DelRosario Jr. is publisher of Saipan Tribune.