Legislature involvement in anti-crime TF sought

The Legislature should be properly represented in the newly-created anti-prostitution task force to aid the government draft legislative measures that are in tune with the present situation.

House Committee on Health and Welfare Chair Malua Peter said involvement of the Legislature in overall government action against prostitution and other criminal activities in the Western Garapan area, more so in the whole of the CNMI, is essential in making any program succeed.

Ms. Peter said nothing has been forwarded to the Legislature yet, much more to her committee, on the status of activities that will be taken to finally rid Western Garapan of prostitution and other illegal activities.

“We want to be part of the task force. We can aid law enforcement officials in curbing prostitution by introducing timely legislation,” said Ms. Peter.

The anti-prostitution task force includes representation from the Attorney General’s Office, the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Department of Public Safety, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and other public offices and private sector organizations.

Last week, the task force agreed to tap the services of former AG chief investigator Phil Godwin in desperate attempts to curb the proliferation of prostitution and other illegal activities on Saipan’s prime tourist area.

Mr. Godwin is being considered for a two-month consultancy services with the recently-created task force against prostitution and other crimes in the Western Garapan area.

Tapping of Mr. Godwin’s services was reportedly discussed during the task force’s meeting Maundy Thursday, where members agreed to hire the former federal investigator as consultant to the anti-prostitution body.

With his consultancy services, task force members are optimistic the CNMI government will finally put an end to the growing problems of sex trade and other illegal activities in Western Garapan, which have apparently tarnished Saipan’s image as a safe and wholesome tourist destination.

The task force is reportedly convinced that they need the services of an investigation expert, not to mention someone who have worked with America’s prime probing body, in order to finally eliminate proliferation of crimes and prostitution on the island.

The mission of the newly-instituted task force is to provide concrete solutions with regard to mounting problems of prostitution and increasing crimes committed against the island’s tourists.

A survey commissioned by the Department of Public Safety conducted from September to December 2000 top-billed prostitution as the most prevalent concern in the area.

Prostitution equally tied with public parking in the list of the district’s most pressing concerns. Purse snatching, theft, burglary, sewage, trash bins, closed roads, street market, and littering completed the roster of problems a tourist destination venue can certainly do without.

While police authorities and community members both agree that prostitution is an act that is so hard to prove, businesses especially hotel establishments are seeking a solution to this burning social problem. (EGA)