Fresh from the Fiscal Response Summit last week, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce headed by president Velma Palacios and other business leaders have started preliminary talks about reopening the CNMI economy and encouraged Gov. Ralph DLG Torres to consider lifting some of his restrictions to get the economy started without compromising the community\u2019s health and safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are for the gradual reopening of our economy as we are also concerned for everyone\u2019s health and safety,\u201d Chamber president Velma Palacios said. <\/p>\n
She acknowledged that business leaders affiliated with the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Northern Marianas Business Alliance Corp., and Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands have begun preliminary discussions about steps needed to reopen the economy. \u201cThe hope is to present a plan to the Office of the Governor on a multi-step approach that will promote safety and economic activity,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
No measure will be taken without Torres\u2019 approval of course, Palacios said. \u201cIt should be important to note we are a long way from \u2018normal.\u2019 Until we have an approved community-based plan, businesses will continue to follow social distancing and follow prescribed guidelines in the governor\u2019s executive order,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
At the Fiscal Response Summit and representing the business sector, Palacios was joined in the online summit by Chamber vice president Joseph C. Guerrero, along with other leaders of business-centric agencies and non-profit organizations. \u201cThe summit required in-depth deliberations regarding government expenditures, revenue, allocations, and financing. We all know the ripping effects of government operations across our community, especially the private sector, so there was a great deal of \u2018give-and-take,\u2019\u201d Palacios said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we hope the end product will put us on a better path moving forward, to assist in the recovery. Additionally, in response to the governor\u2019s call to action in reopening the economy in phases, the Chamber, together with NMBAC and HANMI, have convened to discuss plans for this multi-phase approach,\u201d Palacios added.<\/p>\n
She assured that the business community is grateful for the governor and the COVID-19 Task Force\u2019s continued work in keeping the CNMI community safe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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