Tops vol 3 no 1

Vol. 3 Issue No. 1 your local magazine

12

20

2014 Mahi Derby Photo Spread

Boka Boka

Follow Up:Tax RebateCasino Bill

16

10 World TB Day

cover photo: Hamburger SteakCoconut Tei Restaurant

nside:

contents

Tops+ More is a reading/information resource published by Bison Relations. Our office is located in Chalan Piao with mailing address at P.O. Box 503674 CK. For customer service, advertising rates and other inquiries email at [email protected] or call (670) 989.6505/989.6550. Articles, manuscripts, photographs and other infor-mation published herein are property of Tops + More Magazine and or with permission of the writer/author.

We are online and search us on:

http://www.issuu.com/topsmagazine/docs/tops_plus_more

Tops+More

Wayne PangelinanPublisher/Writer

Marianas Printing Service, Inc.Graphic Design & Print

Donna Liwag RiveraExecutive Marketing Manager

Contributing WritersJuanita MendiolaDel Benson

EDItoRIaL offIcEChalan Piao, SaipanP.O. Box 503674 CKSaipan, MP 96950, CNMI, USA

Live

Farms

3

719

2

Your

good.

Captain’s

SA Simply that

17

Over the years, I’ve come across many individuals who state their interest in entrepreneurial opportunities. Many claim it’s a pipe dream due to circumstances affecting their dreams come reality. I get it! The real culprit behind taking that first step, that leap towards owning your own

business is fear.Fear of the unknown outcome. Fear of financial responsi-

bility, fear of failure. But at most, as we age through our lives, our parents and supporters make this statement “you will never know until you try.” Simple as it sounds, it is that fear that pre-vents moving forward with dreams of being self sustainable, self employed.

A comment from friend had this to say, “I admire entre-preneurs. You must be multi-faceted to endure tough economic times. Staying in business is hard in the CNMI.”

What is it with being self employed? The gratification you get out of it is overwhelming. However, it is not necessarily true that you work less hours. You are your own boss, supervisor, own employee. All these titles or hats you wear require your needed attention and focus. Your success in your goal for finan-cial freedom rest with you and your creativity to enhance what your product may be.

Time spent on developing your business will require many hours. Constant thought of processing your ideas. The action required to start off right. In the Commonwealth there is support for learning how to start a business. One which I recommend is our small business development center or SBDC with the De-partment of Commerce in Capital Hill. They have a program for entrepreneurs and their programs are free for the public.

Mr. Perry Inos Jr., is the person in charge of the CNMI SBDC program. Enthusiastic about developing more entrepreneurs he is constantly developing new opportunities where interested individuals who seek advice and other needs to starting their own business may go to their office for assistance.

Going back to the root on fear. If fear is on your mind about going into business for yourself, you may want to use CNMI SBDC. They will show you what you need to do to ensure you get on the right track. Documentation is necessity. And while being your own boss, it is easy to let such responsibility slip.

I have been in business for many years. Although tough, I wake each morning thinking today is going to be a great day. It is my motivation to see through another day. My motivation to see that what I have built will survive and trudge forward through difficult times. It has rewards my fellow CNMIers. To each their own, but sacrifices come with each success.

There have been times when all I wanted to do was shut down. But then I think to myself, I built these businesses with my bare hands, my sweat, my tears, my fears to add. I was not about to let it fail as it is already a living and breathing entity. So what do I do when the worst gets the best of me? I wake once more to a new day and believe today is going to be a great day. I motivate myself knowing I not only provide for myself, but to a community who has and continues to grow with me.

While I speak for myself with experiences in my ventures, it varies depending on you. My opinion on being self employed is stated alone. Sharing my views are what I had to deal with from start to present day.

I leave this post for you to ponder on, but I also encourage more of our people to go into business for themselves, and to be ready to face challenges. Should you have the urge to share your ideas, your passion, your challenges, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. With your consent, I may use your input on my next issue. Don’t let your dreams fade. Take the leap and see exactly what some of us are doing. And while doing so, remember to continue to support our local economy by support-ing local businesses.

dreamLive your

by: Wayne Pangelinan

Tops + MoRE MaRch 20142

Whether it is night fishing or daylight fishing, the bottom-fishing concept remains the same, baited hooks, rigging of lines to meet the specifications of types of fish

you seek on that day of fishing.Depth, wind, water, current, all determine if

not only the said make a day great or bombard you with the word “dimalas” (Chamorro for lost/lucked out) when fishing our island pond. I usually go out for what I know I can catch in depths from 35 feet onto 150 feet, by the simple spinner rod with strength of 30 lbs on the rod and 40 lbs on the lead line with anywhere from 1-3 hooks. Learning this did not come from past knowledge but from profound fishermen like William Hunter, Will Schroeder, Robert Reyes and Joe Muna. Robert and Joe are fishing buddies from our CNMI Customs and they have shown me a variety of options when fishing both inside and outside the pond. William and Will are also fishing buddies that learned over the years and are seemingly interested in sharing their knowledge openly with no restrictions. These guys I fish with make each experi-ence a learning one for me. It is always challenging, but when providing for business or personal consumption, it is a worth-while endeavor I truly love doing.

Staying Inside It was late in the morning, about

10:00am when a call came through. “I’m heading out! Want to follow?” says Robert (Bob) Reyes. Immediately my response is yes! Oops! Have not asked my boss if it is okay I spend a

day out on the pond, nevertheless my excite-ment got the best of me and sure enough, my request was granted with a “be safe out there”.

So here we go, its 11:00am now and I thought to myself, hmm, I am not sure if this is good time to head out, but who am I to challenge this. I was heading out with Bob Reyes, the man who has won the Enforcement Derby 4 years in a row. Yup, I was eager to get out there with him and watch how he does this, his spots, his patience and skill that kept him on top of the leader-board, the man to beat, the fisherman everyone targets on the Enforcement Derby.

Bottom Fishing Tales of the deep and shallow

Humbled with a smile and laughter, Bob, his fishing buddy and I head out. I explain with experience that when going with Bob, he shares his most avid stories of fishing inside the reef, the challenges and fights of certain species that he believes his style of fishing inside reef pays off more than going outside trolling. I was astounded by what he has shown me.

We go out in his 15-foot boat. No canopy I fear that the burn from the sun will hurt more than the constant snags of hooks

and line cuts on my fingers. Hats, sunglasses, water for hydration, well, a few cans of beer too. We rev up

and he takes us out to his spots. While he teaches me to rig my hook and

lines on his style of fishing, I see him cast and it sinks down. In about 5-7 seconds, he is reeling with tug and pull on his rod. It’s bent down low enough as if it may snap at anytime.

He turns to me and smiles, a few more seconds, he raises a beautiful 10” Emperor Fish (Mafute). I

was more excited to get my rigging down and follow in his ways. Time and time again, he cast out and reels in. I

start and here I go, cast out, wait patiently, nibbles, but no bite. 1 minute, 2 minutes and the seconds keep counting.

Bob says, “pull it in, they may have taken your bait already”. Using store

bought Calamari, they are quite soft and easily taken by fish. He says to check on it constantly as they go pretty fast.

He speaks the truth, I was sitting idle in the water with no

bait, so in no way would I be able to catch anything. Rig up once more,

hook with bait and cast out. Wham! A bite that pulled my rod low like what I saw

with him. I reel fast, Bob smiles and said to me, “now your fishing!”

Hours go by, and more and more bites, thinking about the time we left dock and the time we start catching amazed me,

but then again, he knows his spots and what to look for. I have become a fisherman inside reef.

Now on my own from experience and teach-ings from Bob, I have gone out several times. I am proud of my catch. I try to go out on different times so I may understand what works for me and sure enough Bobs techniques and locations

work. I follow with due diligence on what I have seen and learned, then practice and practice and to-

day, Gonzalo “Freon Man” Pangelinan calls me Mafute King! Funny but truth be told, it works for me!

Where are the bigger Fish?Fishing buddies William Hunter, Will Schroeder and Joe

Captain’s Log

continued on page 5 Tops + MoRE MaRch 2014 3

Everyone in the CNMI must do their part to make travelling on our highways and roads safer.

www.dps.gov.mpSaipan 664-9001/9122/9125 • Rota 532-9433/9530 •Tinian 433-9222/2041

The Click It or Ticket campaign combines

the efforts of the CNMI Department

of Public Safety on Saipan, Tinian and

Rota, Highway Safety Office, (National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Motor

Carrier Safety Assistant Program

(MCSAP). For more information contact

DPS.

4-7 years

Birth-12 months

8-12 years

1-3 years

Muna have many stories to tell. I have gone out with each of them on different occa-sions, and boy did we share and learn from each other.

A day that was beautiful where William Hunter and I went out, 4 am, we are at the marina warming up the engine. We head out, no lines in the water yet, but we did bring our trolling rods just in case. William

looks at me and says, since its still dark out, lets head out to a reef line he knows off about a mile or two from coastline reef West of Saipan. I was there to learn and I obliged with a huge smile.

Reaching our destination, he says we catch bigger fish here, but this is not our final destination, we will head towards Tinian once we can see from the early morning sunrise. No time wasted, we prep and drop our lines. This was about 120-160 feet in depth. He goes first, I wait for his line to reach bottom. I follow right after, nibbles and nibbles and strike! He reels fast up and sure enough a much larger emperor caught on his single hook, Mine started to bite and reeling up a good fight with a 10” emperor and there we went on and off for the 1 hour right before sunrise.

Bound for Tinian was the plan, right when sunrise came, the sun peeking through the eastern horizon. Rays emanating atop Mt. Tapochao, clear blue skies can be seen. A few twinkling stars and the moon was still visible as the sun showed its might bringing a new day to the Commonwealth.

With the sun beaming light across the islands horizon, we picked up our spinner lines and dropped our trolling lines to hopefully snag a few game fish on the way to Tinian. Revving at trolling speed we cruise and talk story about Williams fishing days when he had his boat. I was so glad to go out with an experienced boater and fisherman. He shared what he knew, his knowledge of the open ocean, his fishing days of good and bad, his lines used, type of lures, and preferred bait. Today was that day he would prove to me what he says.

“Go over there, a little past that cliff and we

will try, this is where I would

catch many,” William says. Following his advice we travel the dis-tance. We were about to stop at

the rec-ommended

place. By that

time he had already started reeling in the trolling lines to prep for some shallow bottom fishing once more. Close by the cliff line off Tinian’s North, the water was beautiful and calm. Current below were not kiting our lines and allowed to drop straight down.

We hit jackpot! At about 7:15am our lines were let loose. One after another our reels kept going. I was amazed by the size and quality of fish surrounding Tinian’s North cliffs. Going through our morning, we were both on a roll, then Williams rod goes off and he is fighting, he loosens his drag, he does not now what was caught on the line, but it was big. For 25 minutes or so, he is fighting this fish then suddenly the reeling became easy and on the end of his line and hook was a Trevally! At least half of it as a shark took its bottom half. “Whew, my arms almost gave up!” says William. “It was a nice fight and man, if only the shark did not take it, it would be a nice photo op,” he says with enthusiasm. I’d have to agree, and looking at it, it was a pretty big fish if it had the rest of its body.

My day with William ended just about 1pm in the afternoon. A good catch and a great time spent the open ocean. Our cooler was filled with colorful fish and our skin burnt too, but all in all, it was a great fishing day.

I want to go with you!Will Schroeder, a teacher at Saipan

Community School shares his love for fishing. Years back it was he who bought William Hunters boat. It was years ago when he too first started fishing and time and time again, his failures and successes continued to build his appetite and interest to go after big game. Trolling was some-thing he did more often than bottom. One

weekday, I said I was going out and Will says, “I want to go with you!”

My response was sure, lets meet up at the Marina. 3:30pm, he meets me and we head out for a few hours of late afternoon

continued from page 3

continued on page 6 Tops + MoRE MaRch 2014 5

to sunset fishing inside reef. It was a slow day, nonetheless, we caught fish, we had fun, we shared stories. And part of why I went out that day was I was studying the times and tides for inside reef fishing on my own.

The better I understand, the better I can plan my fishing days. We keep talking and then he strikes, a tug, a pull, the rod bends down, thinking he might have caught his line and hook on coral, he waits patiently. Sure enough it was a fish and it came out of the coral and he starts reeling. Our catch was good. Our time spent was great. Our sharing was greater.

As we head back right before the sun disappears on the horizon, Will says, “thank you! This was a great experience and I am forever grateful”. How can you respond to something like that? So humble, kind, words of respect, I simply nodded and said next time again.

It’s been too long!For several months, I have asked time and time again Joe

Muna to go with me or I go with him. For his tales has got me eager to see his spots on where his fishing hay days got him speaking story after story. I want proof!

One day I called him and said, “the water is looking nice, why don’t we head out?” He was hesitant and by this time a few months have passed since my first request to go with him or with me.

I told him I would not take no for an answer, and immedi-ately I contacted his wife to get an approval, caught him by hook and bait, his wife simply said take him! And that was it, no ands, ifs or buts, he was going with me!

I guess you could say different practices by different indi-viduals as they have their science to fishing our Marianas pond. All the while I try to absorb the content, idea, planning, strategy, but never forgetting safety as the pinnacle of information and practice. Joe wanted to leave in the morning, but when the sun already is out in comparison to William Hunter who wanted the catch the sunrise while in the water already. No problem for me as I get to sleep in a bit longer.

At 7:00am was our meeting time. He picks me up and we head down to the Marina. The sun is up and bright. Low tide as we started our journey to Joe’s spot that he claims his best fishing that will surely keep me wanting to go back.

And so were off, outside reef heading south towards Tinian. I shared my tales with him when William and I went out, he says, yes, we are almost at the same area, but where we go, you’d be catching the Emperors bigger, stronger, and their pull will get you pumped. Now I am excited!

The night before, I went over to his home. We planned a rigging night of lures and lines to prepare ourselves for the day ahead. So we did. He showed

his style of rigging, the science behind it and the rationale to its lengths and types of hooks and lines used. I was grateful to have seen this and once again learn.

Approximately 8:30 am, we are reaching the channel between Saipan and Tinian. Fairly good weather and water was calm and tranquil. But all changed real quick as we were about half way between the islands the waves picked up. The winds were forceful and we were getting battered in between on my 17 footer. Joe says, “it’s not good, best we turn and go elsewhere,” and so we did. His experience had me follow. Who was I to chal-lenge it? His spot he claims is towards the back of Tinian, distant from the cliff lines, but afar from Tachumi reef. I have never been to that side of the island and his points to locate the fishing ground by markings is his tale of his fishing story. Joe continues to say “I remember vividly the area based on points that I use as guides.” Again, I am the follower on this joy ride. Fish tales or not, I want to catch!

Unfortunately, the weather did not allow us the opportunity to fish at Joe’s abundant locale. So we switched gears and went to different areas. On this day we went both outside and inside reef fishing. Our day was a bit hard, fighting of waves and looking for the reef lines we wanted to fish at. Towards noon we decided we’d move inside and that is where I took him to my spots that I learned from Bob Reyes.

At first, Joe was feeling disappointed. He was not catching, but getting caught on rocks loosing hooks, sinkers and time. I on the other was catching one after another. He shouts at me and says, “Why am I always getting stuck!” I look over at his area and laughed. My reply was “don’t throw towards the rocks nei!” It was that simple and he grinned at me, I believe he was going to give me an excuse. But he kept his peace and did what I said, sure enough, I hear this in the background, “ey, ey, ey, eeeey! I got one!” Then I say, “oh now your having fun, your fishing,” and we both laugh as our day was just about to get better!

It was good day despite loosing time. Joe and I made every attempt to catch fish, but while doing so, had fun in the process. That day we turned up with a variety of fish both inside and outside reef. Any day is great out on the water.

continued from page 6


Capitol Hill, Saipan------ Antonio and Congxiang Palacios proud life partners and business owners of SA Farming began their business venture in the Agriculture indus-try in 2009. Before that Congxiang arrived on Saipan in 1999 and began employment in the Garment industry and continued till she met Antonio, since then, the couple became life partners and soon after Business partners when Congxiang had an idea of opening a business putting their skills to use.

Antonio and Congxiang started off small by selling Betel nut, from there, as business flourished, included other products, such as Dragon fruits and Dragon Cactus. Later adding a variety of Fruits and Vegetables. When Asked, Why did you decide to start your own Business? Ms. Palacios, Replied “Me and my husband love farming, so I thought it was a good idea that we open a business” For the couple, it wasn’t about the money, it was about doing what they loved, and they loved farming. She also mentions “farming is what brought us together”

As for experience in the agriculture industry, Mr. Palacios seems to be the top planter of the two, as he worked in agriculture in government agencies gaining and applying the knowledge he ob-tained working for the government to his business. He States “I love farming growing up, and since then I have been an avid planter”.

When asked; how did CNMI SBDC and other resources assist you? Mrs. Palacios states “Direc-tor Inos has helped us a lot, provid-ing business training, assisting us in creating an effective business plan, and helping us seek Agriculture programs. With the help of Director Perry Inos Jr., we obtained a USDA farm loan of about $35,000 for the expansion of our farm”.

For the proud couple, starting a Business was “hard but no problem” Ms. Palacios states. When asked if there were any obstacles, she says “there were many obstacles, but we did not care about it. We were sure about opening our business no matter what”.

How did you fund your Business? Mr.Palacios simply answers “our pocket money”.

For the couple, the biggest challenge they face is getting approved from Department of Public Lands to utilize land to expand their Farming Business. What is your most memorable triumph? “Our most memorable triumph is the addition of other Fruits and Vegetables, especially our Dragon Fruits” Mr. Palacios states.

SA Farming’s short term goal is to get approved from DPL for the usage of land. As for Long term goals, Mr. Palacios states “Our long term goal is to get tourist to visit our property, explore our botanical farm and experience what we do”.

Lastly, the advice that Mr. & Mrs. Palacios give to others in starting a business is “to start a business with the CNMI Small Business Development Center!” SA Farms are open on everyday 6am-6pm. For inquiries contact (670) 783-0918 or via email at [email protected]

SAFarmS!

CNMI SBDC IS SpoNSoreD aND fuNDeD By: DepartMeNt of CoMMerCe, CoMMoNwealth DevelopMeNt authorIty aND paCIfIC ISlaNDS SMall BuSINeSS DevelopMeNt Network.

CNMI SBDCCOMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN ISLANDS

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER... in Partnership with the U.S. SBAPISBDCN PISBDCN

University of GuamSCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORKIN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

ContaCt Info:Perry Inos Jr. |CNMI SBDC Director | [email protected]: (670) 664-3018 | Cel: (670) 287-3018 | Fax: (670) 664-3067

Department of Commerce Bldg.Pohnpei Way, Capitol HillCaller Box 10007, Saipan, MP 96950

/cnmiisbdc @cnmisbdc

by: Keone Chariton

Tops + MoRE MaRch 2014 7

Hey Parents,

Remember, you are “REQUIRED BY LAW” to have your child vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases prior to enrolling your child in any daycare facility or school in the CNMI.

Here are some things to do with your back to school activities:1. Make sure your child is up to date with all required shots.2. Obtain a Health Certificate.3. And you have met the health requirement for enrollment &

you have one of these as proof:


27lbs. of fish flesh tops the leader board as Cal Reyes and his crew bring in a late catch of the day at the 2014 Saipan Fisherman Associa-tion Mahi Mahi Derby. The average weight in the Mahi category came in anywhere from 15-17lbs, but the bull caught by Reyes and his anglers take home victory leading by a 10lbs lead in weight. Mahi everywhere! Mahi here, Mahi there, its Mahi Madness!

Among the 30 plus vessels that went out on March 22, 2014 Mahi derby, its all game when the smell of competition looms at the Saipan Marina. Familiar faces are seen and smiles and laughter are seen from one point of the Marine to the other. Fish tales and the ones that got away are the tell tale stories each captain and angler express when shared among the many who make our CNMI fishing events a spectacle.

Cal Reyes jokingly states, “we missed each other (the fish) on the way there, the other way, until we met in the middle.” Cal and his crew caught the winning catch close by Goat Island. He shares a photo opportunity with his winning catch and remains humble for he and his crews success.

Heinz Hofschneider and Ray Yumul join in on the celebration as the day comes to an end. Their presence as the Independent hopefuls for Governor and Lt. Governor, both of whom love the ocean and are avid fishermen themselves, are seen at gatherings around the Marina.

by: Wayne Pangelinan

Phot

os b

y: W

ayne

Pan

gelin

an

20

14Carl Reyes with the winning catch!


While the celebrations continue and spectators taking photos with fishermen, the outcome of community support stands proud as each spectator welcome fishermen home to safety from the open ocean. Some fisherman claim rough seas, while others say its not bad.

Joe Muna expresses that the waters passed Goat Island was rough, while Will Schroeder on his 13 foot-boat says otherwise as he jour-neyed off towards the Fish Aggregate Devices (FADs) miles out.

“ It wasn’t that bad, but our lone catch was caught at around 3pm. 9 hours of nothing at first,” states Will.

Gonzalo “Freon Man” Pangelinan headed North and fought swells, but with all the comments, there is one thing they all agreed upon, they all had fun!




By Del BensonContributing Writer

I have received a number of emails from community members, a call from a political leader and an email from another. I vis-ited with several others both with opposite votes. Many of the emails brought up various points. The pro-casino representa-tive I visited with said he disagreed with some language/items

in the bill but still voted for it. He has concerns regarding revenue and feels this is a solution.

Leaders and those who think of themselves as leaders, please pay attention to what is being said. This bill is being criti-cized by supporters and proponents. Here is my take.

Please do not work in the shadows and the dark. Stay way from the secret negotiations and self servicing agendas. Work in the light and be transparent. How many of you condemned the corruption of the past administration and in the moment made a thoughtless decision and voted on a bill so full of holes, unintend-ed consequences, our right faults and mistakes, unreal excep-tions, no time and date deadlines, overlooking critical details, etc.etc. etc. With blinders on and a sense of “pass it now”, the message was delivered—that the people don’t need be part of this process. What is wrong with another public hearing or anoth-er ballet initiative? Are the people who voted for you important. (This is how some folks feel.) Remember the 190 million dollar contract. How was that received? DON’T RUSH. Bad bills destroy confidence.

Please acknowledge a mistake and correct it. Do it right. Our people can be very forgiving.

There is no magic lottery ticket to solve our economic/retirement problems in the CNMI. Let us learn from our past mistakes and those from the USA. Economic development takes place with small incremental steps. One

massive development is a two edge swordMany small and medium business can create stability....if

utility rates or loosing rebates don’t kill them. Can’t our leaders put as much effort into creating a business development that fosters growth as they have in passing the casino bill? Let’s not hop around on one leg. We can’t forget that we still overspend and have too many elected officials. Sorry but there are pro-grams that might need to be cut because we can’t afford it. It’s not always about raising taxes and revenue. Positive business environments take time to develop.

One hundred small businesses that employee 5-20 people can account for thousands of jobs.

We need an attitude of working to create our financial se-curity and not government handouts. We need to plant gardens, clean up our own trash, not take advantage of our visitors and be friendly. Become education and entrepreneurs. How about being honest and fair with each other. Be civil.

We have a great tool with our rebate, let’s help business who might be willing to come to the Commonwealth and benefit from out tax rate. Can’t we be business friendly instead of “get money from the businesses”? Stop creating laws of the week only to try and fix it next week. We NEED STABILITY.

Our islands are beautiful and can be a wonderful place. I love Saipan and love living here in-spite of our challenges. Many don’t get past the challenges and difficulties. But those who do find paradise, during moments, love and never leave Saipan behind. Let’s work together.

Tax RebateCasino Bill

FOllOW up


In recent news it is circulated that the Republican and Democrat parties are being revived. It appears that there is no more Covenant or any other party other than the two and perhaps the Independent slots under which anyone can run for office. Unfortunately, I still have yet to see or hear any philosophy,

plans or agenda to which people will believe in and adhere to. The parties remain loyal to individuals rather than anything beyond per-sonal attachments to which people can make educated decisions when choosing who to elect into office.

It is my strong belief that CNMI is at a critical point when pol-itics in its old form should be put as the least priority and political leaders should sit down and identify the challenges that we face and how we can counteract and combat these challenges.

First and foremost is the government structure. The CNMI has grown to the point where it now necessitates the clear jurisdictional borders of each level of government. Saipan, Tinian and Rota municipalities should be clearly defined and place all local matters under their jurisdictions and full authority. Saipan currently has a Mayor whose function and authority are totally different from the island of Tinian and Rota. Except for Saipan, mayors of Tinian and Rota have the constitutional authority to appoint, in consultation with the Secretary of the CNMI state government agencies’ secretaries, resident directors for each of the state departments in their respective municipalities. These appointments go through municipal council confirmation process which is really not appropriate since these are people who will be directing state agencies at local level. To make matters more con-fusing, termination of these individuals is a gray area leaving the question of who has the authority to terminate? Is it the secretary of the agency, the mayor or governor? It is my humble opinion that directors, who should be subordinates of secretaries, for any division of any state agency should be under the jurisdiction of the Civil Service Commission requiring them to go through normal civil service personnel qualification screening. This, I believe, will

By Juanita Mendiola, Susupe SaipanContributing Opinion Writer

ensure continuity and accountability of the agencies no matter who is appointed to head the department as secretary who is, by the way, appropriately appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. Furthermore, it will reduce the number of people under control of politicians and would be targets for political harassment.

In saying all these, it is my recommendation that uniform authority be granted to all munic-ipalities. Leave the CNMI legislature to act like CNMI legislators and grant the municipalities authorities over their local resources, funds and operation. Empower the municipal councils to enact local laws to generate its own local funds and operate within its own jurisdictions such as the dog control enactments and enforce-ments.

Second, our economic scheme should be focused on estab-lishing local and sustainable industries. We are currently highly dependent on the world’s economic trend. We need to identify our local resources and tap into those for exportation balancing our in-coming and outgoing flow of products. Or, if we cannot achieve a balanced ratio then at least we should attempt to identify our basic needs and aim at developing local industries and marketability to meet those needs and sustain us through another Asian or world economic crises.

Following this is the health, education and welfare. This is a huge task and one that surpasses the challenges of what I have previously mentioned. However, we need to identify a scheme how to promote a healthy, skilled, and a strong and happy com-munity. From previous political pandering activities for the sake of winning elections, the pride of our people as a nation of island people gave way to doing what is necessary to achieve a lifestyle that is beyond our own comprehension and appreciation. We have adopted a lifestyle that is not ours and to protect that lifestyle we have succumbed to being pawns for someone’s political ambition. During the past 25 years we have let go of our own identity and we continue to live in the shadows of those in power and have become weak as people to stand up and fight for what we justly deserve. Instead of developing our people’s sense of identity and pride, we have stripped them of their dignities to the point where they have no inkling as to what their rights are as citizens thereby giving up their civic duties and responsibilities.

This, however, is a whole different matter that while it was started and perpetuated by those in power who are greedy to keep their powers and political might, it also has a lot to do with histor-ical and social perspective that first needs an in-depth study so that we can come up with a master plan to restore the Marianas as a nation. I remember reading parts of a book called “Rebuild-ing Singapore” and when I visited that island nation I could not fail to note how similar our situation was at one time. I will leave this discussion for other times with other groups who are in a better position to assist with the master plan. However, this idea must be espoused by the leadership of the CNMI whoever they may be.

It is my strong belief that CNMI is at a critical point when politics in its old form should be put as the least priority and political leaders should sit down and identify the challenges that we face and how we can counteract and combat these challenges.

NeceSSAryChanges?


Pacific autoGualo Rai, Saipan

$38.99*

2 Part Oil Change

5 quaRTS of convenTional MoToR oil and oil filTeR

* add $3.50 foR oil diSPoSal fee.

fRee inSTallaTion of wiPeR bladeS

MoToR cRafT, exacT fiT oR naPa wiPeR bladeS

alSo available

Tel. No.: 234-9267

Coconut-Tei RestaurantLobster

sashimi

seafood

steak

Set menu comeSwith miso soup, ice tea,

2 side dishesFree delivery in Morning and Lunch time (Garapan area only)For order call:

tel. no.: 670-234-3923

LunchEveryday 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

DinnerEveryday 5:00pm - 10:00pm (Last order 9:30 pm)

You can’t have

that good!

it’s justjust one,

cnMi local bbq TastecnMi local bbq Taste

Charcoal BBQ - CNMI Local BBQ Taste

Beef Fingers Lumpia Baby Back Ribs

You can always count on Charcoal BBQ to bring you the local flavors of grilled meats. From its famous beef fingers to their rendition of pork baby back ribs, to fish Fridays

and other local scrumptious delights from the grill, it’s no won-der Charcoal BBQ has now become a household name.

Charcoal BBQ maintains its consistency of flavors, thus, keeping its customers satisfied and back for more. Simple menu offerings that come with a burst of flavors is a sure thing with Charcoal BBQ grilled meats. Smoke emitting from its little smoke stack can be seen and smelt from a distance. A luring sense of meats on the grill sizzling with toppings of brushed on marinade soaking into the grains of the meat. Its smell becomes the attraction, and its taste… Yeah you know! Many patrons have asked for the marinade recipe. Sorry dear friends, it’s a secret.

While competition continues to loom around island with

Charcoal BBQ, Simply That Good!establishments competing for customer base, Charcoal BBQ has steadily grown. Its popularity comes from its marinades and consistency. Although the menu does not come with a hundred offers, the focus is on grilling. It is about perfection, perfection of the meals you know will always be there when asked for and time and time again, it will have the same taste you crave for.

Open for business Monday through Fridays from 8am-1pm for lunch and from 4pm-8pm for dinner and chaser favorites, Charcoal BBQ take outs bring out the best in grilled local flavors. Located in Chalan Piao, heading south bound passing Hopwood Jr. High School field, the left hand side of the road, you will see Charcoal BBQ. To follow on menu or specials, like Charcoal BBQ CNMI – Local BBQ Taste on Facebook. Here you can get promotions and mouthwatering pictures of plates going out on the day.

bringing authentic foods to taste

local entrepreneur Marianne Concepcion Teregeyo enthusiastically is all smiles about getting back into business for herself as her dream to opening up her very own eating establishment comes to fruition. From former government employee with Fish and Wildlife and private

practice Paralegal, a career shift to going into business, brings back her roots as an entrepreneur with passion to forging local flavors of authenticity at BOKA BOKA.

Located at the CDA building in San Jose, BOKA BOKA not only serves breakfast, lunches and dinners, but specialty local

pastries and delights for the on-the-go or dine-in experience. Marianne, famous for her

cinnamon rolls and her friendly smile accentuates the ambiance

while making you feel at home. The smell of her rolls baking in the oven has its aroma flowing and lingering through the establishment, mouth watering to add. Her passion to being an entrepreneur stemmed from

earlier childhood days. Recalling her early on

business days when the CNMI had one of its first

food truck roaming

the streets of Saipan at functions and roadsides, Marianne was the person behind the scenes preparing, cooking and selling her products.

I remember first hand as I too supported her food truck days. The on-the-go fast food with slush drinks and other great local favorites, she did it! Kudos to a woman who followed her dream and today she has built the courage to take on an economy by opening up a business to provide for her family and

others too. BOKA BOKA is a

much larger scale business offering a full dine in

experience. Only a few

months since

its

opening, she had felt the need to acquire more help, offering jobs to applicants, thus, enabling an economy to grow as we grow with her as well.

Marianne pushes forward with dishing out authentic local cuisine. With BOKA BOKA opened, here is an establishment that offers local foods at reasonable prices. Supported by family and friends, and those who know of Marianne’s talent for cooking, her dream of running her own restaurant is challenging and rewarding at the same time. A family run business that has her children and husband supporting her success at BOKA BOKA. This brings the true notion of a family owned and operated establishment.

BOKA BOKA opens its doors seven days a week serving up breakfast, lunch, dinners and their specialties. While I applaud another local entrepreneur on island, I am sure there are more who wish to venture into business. I say go for it!


Documents

Tops vol 3 no 1