Camacho seeks to champion better business and community relations

Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho met with 20 business representatives from Precinct 1 last Thursday at the Saipan Mayor’s Office in Susupe as part of efforts to create a better understanding between businesses and the community.

In the first meeting of its kind, business representatives from major resorts in the district such as Pacific Islands Club Saipan and Coral Ocean Point Resort, as well as the many supermarkets that cover the area, gathered and listened to Camacho’s plan for a more close-knit community.

Camacho also asked those gathered to voice their concerns and ideas on how to help build a stronger and safer community. Topics such as crime, unemployment, hiring complications, and the overall village cleanliness were discussed.

Camacho later said in an interview that this was part of his efforts to reach out to different groups that make up the Saipan community. He said he has already met with religious leader and different ethnic groups, “so now we’re approaching the business community.”

He said he is taking this extra step because many have not been used to working together in beautifying the villages and, creating a safe community.

Camacho said one of his goals is to start softball teams for young people in each precinct sponsored by businesses. He hopes not only to get young people involved but also establish a good relationship among business owners and community members. He shared that he’s gotten positive feedback so far.

“[We’ve gotten] a lot of positive signals from the business community. And they’re so happy also to sponsor the softball game from Precinct 1 itself,” he said.

He plans to bring this idea to businesses in other precincts too. He said businesses in Precinct 1 are willing to sponsor a softball team. The idea, he said, is to have businesses in all five precincts on Saipan being invited to also sponsor a team.

“I’m encouraging businesses to work together…because it will benefit…all of us…by promoting a safe community, safe village, and a clean island. …I want the businesses also to be involved. …These businessmen and -women consider this place as home already. …So this is what we’re trying to do, we’re trying to connect everybody.”

Camacho plans to meet with more business members in other precincts soon.