Chamberonomics 38...Behind Closed Doors

March 1, 2008

Submitted by Ron Hodges

A conspiracy broke last week in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands involving a Catholic sister being strong armed by business interests on Saipan.

I am not sure if it was the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, HANMI, or the Fitial administration (all have been lobbying in D.C. recently). One accused conspirator was Sister Stella Mangona. Sister Stella would be the most credible person on Saipan to testify about anything. This extraordinary story is in North Star, titled “A Slave is a Slave is a...” by Fr Joe Billotti, who has systematically explained how upstanding Saipan residents were unjustly implicated in a conspiracy to hasten federalization here.

Father Joe’s response is complete and accurate and I highly recommend residents of Saipan reading this shocking story.

If these people would try to discredit a Saipan sister, is anyone safe to speak against their financial agenda? The three groups are lobbying against the minimum wage increase and seek to freeze the minimum wage to 50 cents per hour.

We are shocked by this conduct. This is the formal resignation of A1 Real Estate from the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. Please delete all reference of A1 Real Estate with the Saipan Chamber of Commerce until this latest corruption can be addressed and resolved.

Years ago, tobacco companies paid “experts” to give false testimony for their companies in court, or swear that cigarettes do not pose health risks. That boldface lie is the only story I have ever heard comparable with the shenanigans this administration, HANMI, and the Chamber have pulled here.

RON HODGES

Puerto Rico, Saipan