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MVA OKs $160K security contract
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Posted on Nov 27 2006
Plagued with reports about robberies, burglaries, and vandalism in tourist sites, the Marianas Visitors Authority board approved yesterday a $160,000 contract with the GS4 security company to secure these sites.
MVA managing director Perry Tenorio said this company would provide security for five major sites: Banzai Cliff, Grotto, Bird Island, Obyan Beach, and Laulau Beach.
Due to its limited budget, the MVA could only prioritize certain areas, he said.
“These are the frequented sites,” said Tenorio.
He said GS4 would provide security service for 21 months ending in fiscal year 2008.
In a separate interview, board member Ed Maratita said the MVA used to have Securewest for security services in tourist sites. He said Securewest served for at least two years.
Police have reported several crimes such as robberies, burglaries and or burglaries and theft committed in tourist areas, victimizing tourists and residents alike. Earlier this year, there were also reports of vandalism at historic sites on Saipan and Tinian.
Rep. Ray Tebuteb earlier disclosed that, based on information reaching him, historic sites, particularly Japanese monuments, are being vandalized by a certain group of people.
Tebuteb said these actions only justify the need to make the Department of Public Safety commissioner a member of the Marianas Visitors Authority board. The lawmaker had introduced a bill for that purpose.
A few months back, the MVA board asked for DPS assistance to curb tourism-related offenses.
The MVA admitted getting unpleasant feedback regarding tourists’ stay in the CNMI from the “overly aggressive solicitation” by female entertainers in Garapan, to the throwing of rocks at passing cars in the Tanapag and San Roque areas, theft of tourists’ items, and vandalism of tourist sites.
It was reported that a Japanese couple was hit with a metal object and robbed by an Oriental-looking man while at the Blow Hole on Tinian.
Likewise, the Okinawan monument on Tinian, which was built by the Micronesia Repatriation Association in honor of the war dead from Okinawa, was reportedly vandalized.
Graffiti was all over the tower, and its descriptive sign and flower stand were reportedly damaged.
