Video conferencing over needless travel

In today’s technology, video conferencing is commonplace in corporate America, as well as with the public and non-profit sectors throughout the world. The money saved using video conferencing could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars due to not having to spend for airfare, hotel, food, cabs, etc. for the individuals making the trips.

Since the inauguration of Juan Nekai Babauta as CNMI governor in January 2002, the cost of his overall travels to the United States and Pacific Rim countries is estimated to have exceeded $6 million. So in just three and one-half years in office, the annual average amount spent on travel is nearly $2 million. How much could have been saved with the use of video conferencing over going physically? The money saved could have been used to pay some bills in arrears.

The recent announcement of the governor going to Japan on June 17 for the second time will no doubt be exorbitant, especially if he brings an entourage of 10 people, like he did on the first trip, in comparison to a video-conference between parties.

Since the CNMI government is in a world of hurt financially, then why hasn’t the governor inquired about using this technology? It is either because he does not care, or just plain enjoys taking trips that cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars each time he steps onto an airplane.

The decision by JAL to pull out of the CNMI altogether in October 2005 is imminent. Will another trip reverse that decision? The odds appear to be against that. So why is the governor taking another trip? It must be so that he could sit down in a plush restaurant with JAL officials and drink saki, as well as consume filet mignon while discussing the inevitable pullout of the Asian airline. And lest we forget, since the governor is trying to dissuade JAL from pulling out of the CNMI, he will gladly pick up the dinner check since it is being paid for by the taxpayers of the island community and not coming out of Babauta’s wallet.

When the financial chips are down, you do not add insult to injury by continuing to take away more from a diminishing pot of monetary resources. The course of action to take is “cutback.” For 15 years (12 as CNMI Representative in Washington, D.C., and three and a half as governor), Babauta has never included the term “cutback” in his vocabulary; and even if he proclaims that cutbacks have been implemented, the non-payments to a host of organizations will effectively negate these proclamations.

Dr. Jesus D. Camacho
Delano, California