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Ben&Tim hailed for decision to visit investors at own expense
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Posted on Nov 28 2005
The incoming administration’s leadership the decision of governor-elect Benigno R. Fitial and lieutenant governor-elect Timothy Villagomez to go on a business trip to Asia at their own expense.
House leadership spokesperson Charles Reyes Jr. said the speaker and vice speaker made the decision in consideration of the government’s financial condition.
“It’s unusual for government officials to go on official trips using their own money. This trip is a welcome departure from the current administration’s practice of going on government-funded trips that have not shown tangible results,” Reyes said.
In their meetings with foreign businesspeople, Fitial and Villagomez will discuss tax and other incentives available to new investors in the Commonwealth.
“We hope we can succeed in encouraging foreign investors to put up new businesses in the CNMI,” Reyes said.
He also lashed at Fitial’s critics who have accused the next governor of promoting economic growth at the expense of the islands’ environment and social needs.
“While the governor [Fitial] believes that it’s very important to bring in new money to the Commonwealth, he also places a high value on social benefits, the environment, and the well-being of the indigenous population,” Reyes said.
He recalled that Fitial strongly supported PaganWatch, which fought a company’s proposal to extract Pagan pozzolan because of environmental concerns.
“The governor is not concerned about pure profit. He has a social conscience,” Reyes said.
Fitial and Villagomez will visit Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and the Philippines during their trip. They are expected to be gone for at least one week.
In related news, Reyes said that the House of Representatives has not set a schedule for its next session. The House members are not expected to meet while the speaker and vice speaker are off-island.
“We have a month,” Reyes said.
The new administration will assume office on Jan. 9, 2006.
