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No to massage parlor on Managaha
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Posted on Jan 18 2005
I was very disturbed when I read the “On by mind” column by Ruth Tighe on the Saipan Tribune on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005. The article disclosed that in April 2004, MPLA, in a disgraceful and arrogant move, approved Mirage’s Corp’s business permit to establish a massage parlor on Managaha Island.
The board of Public Lands knew very well that our Constitution prohibits activities on the island other than those that are geared toward culture and recreation. The board knew very well that the island of Managaha (Ghalaghal in Carolinian) and its surrounding waters is a sacred island to the Carolinian people. The board also knew that the Carolinian community has a very special cultural interest to the Managaha Island. It’s a place, location and an area that the Carolinian people have always called “Leliyel Roong.”
Why have massage parlor, be it therapeutic or otherwise, on Managaha? Why not on Saipan? Do we want more massage parlors, night clubs, poker machines, etc., on Saipan and now on Managaha? Lots of people are getting killed due to our inconsistent decisions and lack of control and vision as to how we want the CNMI to develop. Is this the quality or sound development we all wish for? I thought we all wanted Saipan to be a family-oriented destination for our visiting guests?
This is a very sensitive moral and cultural issue that will affect lots of people and must be stopped!
Was there a public hearing? Was the Carolinian Affairs Office or the Indigenous Affairs Office informed of this sensitive issue?
Activities that are inconsistent with our Constitution (massage parlors, rock wall climbing, loud climbing, loud music, etc.,) must be removed from Managaha Island and placed elsewhere. Keep Managaha for all of us to enjoy. Enjoy its clean air, its clean water, its tranquility, its serenity, etc…It’s too commercial as it is.
I would sincerely hope that the board of MPLA reconsider its decision to issue a massage parlor permit on the island of Managaha.
Lino M. Olopai
Saipan
