Telling it like it is

This is a reply to Mr. Bill Stewarts’ opinion on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009. He was to the point, and sometimes the truth hurts! I moved to Saipan in early 2001, and have always taken the time to read anything he has published because it is always valuable, never slanted and contains very factual information. I admire his straightforward and honest comments and remarks. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience after residing here for over 30 years.

Anyone who has not taken the time (25 minutes) to view Adam Yamaguchis’ documentary on Saipan’s decline is not open to the facts. It does not give a happy or warm feeling when you see where we are headed. If you care about the future of Saipan, please take the time to watch it. It is a great lesson of government inaction or, as Mr. Stewart wrote, “neglect.” If all the schools could take a field trip to La Fiesta to see first-hand the disrepair and total lack of maintenance whatsoever, they could see what the majority of both past and present do-nothing elected leaders have left behind for them to remember when they are of age to voice their selections and opinions at the polls. Of course, the liability issue of walking into “La Fiasco”, with the rotten plywood(etc.), is not where our school children or teens should be going.

It is an old story of the blame-game that’s full of lame excuses! Yes, too little, too late. The garment factories are not to blame for packing up shop and leaving the island. When you rent a house, most landlords require a security deposit to cover any expenses incurred if a tenant leaves the building in a state of disrepair or requiring cleanup.

The Fitial administration is now seeking prospects from any investors with legitimate ideas who will renovate, restore and transform La Fiesta from an eyesore to the jewel it once was. The only thing I have noticed being done there is to have the Department of Corrections come and trim as well as clean up the foliage sporadically. Maybe CUC could provide replacement wiring also, so there would be electricity again. Thank you Mr. Stewart and Mr. Yamaguchi for telling it like it is! I would love to see some private investor(s) to have the foresight and guts to bring the mall back to life.
[B] Steve Myers[/B] [I]Marpi, Saipan[/I]