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Graffiti hits newly painted bus stops
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Posted on Oct 29 2008
Many newly repainted bus stops on Saipan have been spray-painted with the word “xenocide” and the Department of Public Safety is now looking into the ones responsible for the vandalism.
Saipan Tribune observed that among the bus stops spray-painted with the word were ones near the Northern Marianas College and Joeten Housing, and several others along Middle Road—across PTI, near Coca-Cola, near DHL, and across Family Outlet.
The writing style is noticeably similar, which indicates that possibly only one person is behind the spray painting.
A government employee told Saipan Tribune yesterday that DPS should look into the matter seriously considering that xenocide means the killing of foreigners.
“It is very alarming because there’s not only one bus stop spray-painted with xenocide but many,” the employee said. “It’s scary.”
A Wikipedia entry says that Xenocide is a science fiction neologism that simply means an act of genocide directed toward aliens.
Genocide refers to deliberate destruction in whole or in part of an ethnic, racial, religions, or national group.
Xenocide is also an online game—anything from attacking people to stealing money to playing the casino, to chatting with friends.
Asked for comment, DPS spokesperson Lei Ogumoro said yesterday that police are investigating this case seriously, just like any other crimes.
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Ogumoro said.
She encouraged the community to help DPS in catching the person or persons behind the spray-painting of bus stops.
“When they report to the police, we ask that they get a good description of the suspect or suspects as well as the vehicle involved so it can help with future prosecutions,” Ogumoro said.
It was the Department of Corrections and first lady Josie Fitial who teamed up with the beautification project at bus stops right before the opening of classes. DOC used eight to 10 inmates in sprucing up the bus stops.
