1.6K ask for public market retention

A total of 1,675 individuals have signed a petition asking the governor to reconsider his decision to cancel the planned construction of a public market at the Garapan fishing base.

The petition, initiated by local farmers and fishermen, was recently presented to acting Gov. Timothy Villagomez. The 1,675 signatories were all U.S. citizens residing in the Commonwealth.

With the petition now submitted to the Governor’s Office, the proponents of the petition is urging community members to continue supporting the campaign by writing individual letters to the administration, lawmakers, and local media.

“The petition indicated the immense historical significance of the site to the people of the Commonwealth before and after the war and it has become the best location to hold major events such as July 4th celebration activities, Flame Tree Arts Festival, fishing derbies, car shows, and many others.

“With the construction of the public market and the development of a state-of-the-art marina, it will also become a major tourist attraction inclusively for visiting dignitaries,” the group said in a news statement.

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.

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 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.