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In defense of Mr. Jesse S. Palacios
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Posted on Aug 11 2005
The island of Pagan, if I am not mistaken, is entirely public land. Thus, the whole island belongs collectively to the NMI descents and not exclusively to the PaganWatch group. By the way, what is the PaganWatch group and whose interests does this group really represent? Apparently, it is not representing the interests of the entire NMI descent population. In a recent letter to the editors of both local papers, the PaganWatch group bashed the good reputation of Mr. Jesse Sablan Palacios—an NMI descent—claiming that the latter’s hiring at the MPLA is a direct conflict of interest.
First, I want to remind the group that the MPLA board is comprised of five active directors appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Additionally, policy decisions for the agency, including Azmar’s permit request, are made by the five-man board and not by Mr. Palacios. Second, I am sure that PaganWatch is fully aware that the board denied Azmar’s request to mine the island of Pagan. Having said this, I view the group’s latest desperate act as nothing more than a grave injustice to Mr. Palacios in view of the fact that Jesse neither decides on MPLA matters and the unfortunate demise of Azmar International (by virtue of the MPLA board of directors’ denying the company’s permit request). Given the facts presented herewith, where is the conflict of which they speak of?
Finally, as an NMI descent myself and speaking on behalf of a fellow NMI descent (Mr. Jesse S. Palacios), I believe that an apology from Ms. Cinta Kaipat and Mr. Peter J. Pangelinan Perez to Mr. Jesse S. Palacios is without question in order.
Kimo Mafnas Rosario
Koblerville, Saipan
