Admin, House at opposite ends on fishing base issue

The House of Representatives on Monday expressed opposition to the Fitial administration’s decision to cancel the public market project for the Garapan fishing base.

The 18-member House, led by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s allies from the Covenant Party, unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the local farmers and fishermen’s petition for the governor to reconsider the cancellation of the public market project.

But the administration, which had offered the site to an Ohio-based investor that sought to build a floating hotel on Saipan, stands by its position.

Press secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said yesterday that the administration wanted to maximize the use of public resources and believes that the Commonwealth would benefit more from a multi-million dollar investment than a public market.

“We believe that it’s a strategic decision. What we have in mind is what’s best for the entire Commonwealth, not just for one segment of the population. We’re thinking of what’s best not just for the short-term, but what’s best over the long-term,” Reyes said.

He added that the governor’s decision is in line with his vow to focus on economics, rather than politics.

On Jan. 25, 2006, Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Ignacio T. Dela Cruz told the Department of Public Works to withdraw the bid for the public market. Dela Cruz said that the fishing base, the proposed site for the market, was prime property and should be reserved for “high yield development.”

The governor’s decision prompted local fishermen and farmers to start the petition. These residents have been lobbying for many years for the establishment of a public market for fish, produce and locally made handicraft.

The project also includes the construction of a state-of-the-art marina with slips, a fuel and ice facility at the north side of the fishing base adjacent to the finger pier and boat ramp.

In House Resolution 15-42, the lawmakers noted that funds had already been set aside for the project. Public Law 13-10 provided $500,000 for the architectural and engineering design, construction, and collateral equipment. Saipan Local Law 14-11 provided an additional $500,000. The Northern Marianas Housing Corp. approved $310,000 from the community development block grant program. Another $500,000 was set aside from the Commonwealth’s Covenant funds.

Furthermore, the public design is complete.

“The driving force behind the public market is to recognize the importance of developing a sustainable industry in agriculture, fishing, and value-added locally made products and stimulating entrepreneurial interest among local farmers, fishermen, artists, and craftsmen,” read a portion of the resolution.

The Garapan fishing base is a historic site, having served as Saipan’s commercial port before World War II. Today, the base is used as a boating ramp and parking area by over 150 fishermen who go fishing every weekend.