The Year In Review

It’s been a long and turbulent ride for most of the receding year. We were out of focus. Hardly did we have a conceptual understanding of the trip ahead. And, we even left behind the very map that would guide us through peaks and valleys. We’re lost, digging through thick forest, hoping to find a nearby town to no avail.

Financially, our government is basically bankrupt, fueled by a far worst crisis–leadership crisis. It wasn’t until this year that a measure was approved to allow expansion of current investments while simultaneously encouraging fresh rounds of investments. It’s known as the Investment Incentive Act of 2000.

Now, there’s hope for economic revival although this was recently met by troublesome tidings: The US may be sliding into a recession while Japan guards all activities across the Pacific. Any slide could erode her efforts on economic recovery right into a recession. This is worrisome given that when Japan catches a cold, we end up with a bad case of the flu, pneumonia or both.

The economic stimulus package in the form of bond flotation came along a bit too late. Santa Claus must have missed these isles for the last three years. But why, we’ve always been here, Santa? Seesusss! Even Santa contracted the much dreaded Chamorro logic syndrome. Woe!

The CNMI survived another exclusion from the federal minimum wage, labor and immigration. Our thanks to Jack Abramoff, Tony Rudy and Congressman Tom DeLay for their successful efforts in the defending the economic freedom of these isles.

Meanwhile, a lot more businesses closed this year. It reflects the dire economic straits forced by influences from within and without. Ironic that while our house is on fire, eh, da buggas or so-called leadership saw and treated it no better than “business as usual”.

While tourism slips and slides southward, the apparel industry has stood its grounds through it all. But no one has stood in defense of the sturdiest industry this year. What a grateful way to say Si Yuus Maase` for fueling the local coffers of some $42 million in direct taxes. It’s a strange attitude that is best left at Puerto Rico Dump. We’re long on ramblings but awfully short when it comes down to presenting real economic substitute. Eh, is anybody home?

In the process, we simply perpetuate the cargo cult mentality as though public officials aren’t mandated by oath to improve the lot of their people. This neglect reverses addressing and resolving the qualitative aspect of the livelihood of our people some 12 years back. This royal neglect has resulted in greater hardship for people at the grassroots level. Maybe it is this soul who’s lost in the snail-like shuffle of complacency from upstairs or have I been knocking on the wrong doors?

Personally, I look forward to a far more exciting year. Yes, I may have stepped on some ugly toes though it was never meant to crush them into pieces. I just wanted you to know that this faithful guardian of the public has his ears to the ground with undaunting courage to set issues straight from A-Z. I have no time to nurse a bruised politician’s ego for most of them are alleged adults! The key point is to encourage accountability of their performance in public office. Many have yet to learn to spell and make accountability a working vocabulary.

However the long and bumpy ride, I hope that as this year recedes into history that we would regroup for the challenges of the Year 2001. Let us break our shell of mañana so we can begin to see the larger picture of major issues that warrant responsible, accountable and proactive undertaking on the part of leadership. Sen mas, Felis Año Nuebo to one and all!

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