CNMI must regroup

The Issue: Time is of the essence in the review of substantive issues before us.

Our View: We can no longer perpetuate mañana in the way we address major issues.

Over the years, we’ve spent precious time nurturing our grand sense of fragile mañana. We were convinced that the good times will never end. It did! No one had an inkling of the impending severity of the crisis that eventually descended here some four years ago. We were dazed by it all only to add fuel to a financial meltdown–plummet in revenue generation.

It should be understood that on an average, it takes at least three years before we could see fruition of wealth and jobs creation measures approved in both chambers. Furthermore, it takes at least five to ten years to determine the success or failure of new economic ventures. It is for this reason, and this reason alone, that all must learn the essence of time in the review and consideration of substantive public policy matters.

In short, the CNMI can no longer bluff its way through adolescent disposal of major socio-economic issues. We can’t even afford ignoring developments in nearby industrialized countries, i.e., Japan and other economies of scale in the Asian region. More often than not, the ripple effects eventually land on our shores whether we like it or not. We have to be forward looking, reviewing and reassessing major events as they unfold. Specifically, we must ask ourselves: What is the relationship of these events for these isles?

For instance, Japanese businesses do not necessarily agree that real economic recovery has been attained. Most look to 2002 as the year when once again, the entire business community would review whether in fact Japan has reached its goal of economic recovery. In the meantime, Japan being the world’s second strongest economic power must deal with other external events that may help or derail all its recovery efforts. This is an issue that local leadership must guard daily for it may mean not just a bad case of cold, but a deadly flu.

We also hope to see all sectors converge under a single roof to trump their cards on how to build a more prosperous future for these isles. The right hand must know what the left hand is doing. This is imperative for an archipelago that isn’t blessed with rich oil fields or other natural resources. Let’s do it. Today! Si Yuus Maase`!