PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai‘i

By Acting Gov. Timothy Villagomez

SAIPAN, CNMI (Saipan Tribune, Dec. 8) –Saipan Tribune Editor's Note: The following is the complete text of the remarks made by acting Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez during the Marianas Visitors Authority's general membership meeting held yesterday, Dec. 7, 2006, at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

I would like to address you today as not only associates and business partners, but as members of this Commonwealth family. Friends, this is indeed, the most trying of times for our Commonwealth. With the announcement this week of the closure of one of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands' largest garment companies early next year, and the anticipated revenue decline from that closure, the task of improving tourism becomes only more urgent.

It's been said that a goal without a plan is just a dream. For too long, the Commonwealth was dreaming. The harsh reality of our financial situation has been a rude awakening for many this year, and the time for hard work and focus is upon us. This morning you will hear details on the accomplishments and challenges of the Governor's 5-year Strategic Initiative Plan introduced earlier this year. As Governor Fitial said in presenting this plan, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands CAN have 1 million tourists a year, and with our garment industry declining, we NEED to have 1 million tourists a year to maintain and improve our local people's standard of living. This is our vision, and this is our plan-a plan that is our roadmap to recovery.

Ladies and gentlemen, the time to pull together is now. Industry partners, community members, executive and legislative branches, united in our goal for tourism revitalization-united to provide for this family. Or to put it more bluntly, united to survive.

Yes, we are making some progress in the right direction, and I would like to thank each of you for aiding us in these accomplishments:

- Northwest's 6-month extension of three extra flights each week from Japan to Saipan.

- Chartered flights using Japan Airlines.

- Increased arrivals from China and Korea compared to last year.

- Beginning this month, three additional flights weekly by Asiana Airlines from Inchon, Korea.

- Community-driven beautification projects like this month's Paseo de Marianas Christmas display and regular island clean-ups. Destination enhancement remains essential to attracting more visitors.

- Air China direct charter service from Beijing to Saipan commencing in two weeks. I will be attending the ceremonies of the inaugural flight and using this opportunity to meet with key industry representatives and speak with the press to reaffirm and strengthen our ties with this growing market.

The Ad Hoc Committees will be sharing with you further details of our progress and our obstacles. In closing I say, let us keep our focus. I call on the membership, our Legislative colleagues, our regional and international partners, and our community members to unite in seeing that this Strategic Initiative Plan produces tangible economic results for the people of our Commonwealth. The Governor and I believe in this plan and in its ability to turn our tourism economy around. And we believe in your ability to help make it successful.

Thank you for your support, si Yu'us ma'ase yan olomwaay.

[Timothy Villagomez is the acting governor of the Northern Mariana Islands.]

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