RB urges community to enforce supervision of minors
The Saipan Mayor’s Office urges parents and guardians in the community to strictly enforce supervision of minor children, particularly after curfew hours based on the memo released last July 19.
Saipan Mayor Ramon B. “RB” Camacho said recent observations revealed an alarming number of minors roaming the community well past curfew, posing risks to the safety and well-being of the community according to.
The mayor emphasized the importance of adhering to Public Law 15-29, which establishes curfew hours for minors to provide stricter penalties for those who do not comply with the curfew law, and for other purposes.
Under Public Law 15-29, any person not covered by subsections (b) and (c) of this section who violates the terms of this chapter may be imprisoned for a period not exceeding 30 days, and up to 250 hours of community service. Additionally, any parent, guardian, or other adult person having the lawful custody, permanent or temporary, of any minor who suffers, permits, or lets, either willfully or negligently, such minor to violate the provisions of this chapter shall be fined not more than $750.
Minors below 16 years old have a curfew of 9pm to 5am, while 16 years old and older (up to 21 years old) will have 10pm to 5am.
Camacho said “We all have a role to play in keeping our community safe. By enforcing curfew laws and supervising our children, we can prevent them from falling into harmful activities and protect them from potential dangers. I urged the public that if you see something, say something.”
The mayor reassures the public that local law enforcement will be stepping up efforts to monitor curfew violations and take appropriate actions to ensure compliance. “The community’s cooperation is essential in creating a safe environment for everyone.”
Camacho highlighted several concerns associated with minors being out past curfew, including the temptation to engage in harmful activities such as drug and alcohol use, vandalism, and other criminal behavior. Furthermore, unsupervised minors are at increased risk of being harmed by others.
In addition, the mayor would like parents or guardians to be vigilant in knowing the whereabouts of their children, especially after curfew. Parents should educate and communicate with their children about the importance of the curfew laws and the risks associated with being out late. Camacho also encourages community members to report any sightings of minors violating curfew to local authorities to ensure their safety.
Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho
