$7M Shortfall - TP Administration Facing Cuts

Its not rocket-science to know that a government looms with a budget shortfall. It happens with every administration and the Torres-Palacios camp is no different to such challenges.

Some people say its the extravagance, the spendings of the government, and with the backing of the Casino at the time, who would've thought we'd be in this situation once again, yet here we are.

A Seven-Million shortfall is no chump change and from what I am hearing their is a possibility of a 10% salary cut across the entire government.  How does this fair with you? 

You see, during the campaign trails, TP staunch supporters brought up Babauta's record of austerity measures during his tenure as Governor of the CNMI. Similar situations when shortfalls of government revenue plagued his administration had him make tough decisions that many were not happy with or supported such actions.

The economy tanked as tourism faced critical challenges that are not stemmed from the CNMI as a destination, but that of a global scale. It is said when Japan has the sniffles, the CNMI had the flu. With our destination attracting asian travelers at most of our arrivals, the statement holds true that if our targeted market travelers have their financial woes, you bet the CNMI will face devastating consequences to it.

Today you have the TP administration facing a similar shortfall. Government revenues are down due to the storms that halted business activity. Wait, sounds familiar with global economic recession in our region? 

My point is simple. I've heard during the election WARS that Babauta was a horrible governor for many things and in particular the economic downfall of our CNMI. Some portions to that may be true, but the bigger picture is what could've been done?  TP faces their challenge in the first quarter of their term. How long will the 10% salary cut go? Will this take place, if so when? Are the Governor and Lt. Governor following suit with this salary cut as well legislators?  The ones who will hurt most are those earning under $20K per year to survive.

Tough situation for our Governor and Lt. Governor, but sacrifices have to be made to ensure the government stays afloat.   Wait lets analyze this situation a bit further.

- Babauta Administration placed austerity measures and cutting back hours from every employee, hence paying them for what they worked for.

- TP is rumored to be cutting 10% of salaries across the board, but with this cut, are employees still expected to work the full 40 hours per week? Will they impose an austerity measure concept?

I guess, no matter how it is played, a reduction in hours or salary to help the government reduce its operating deficit will happen with each administration doing what is necessary. However, those that spoke ill of former governor Babauta, the trends of running a government is like a business. sacrifices, budget cuts, salary cuts, benefits cuts, everything CUTs will happen based on the type of economy we have.

Whats important now more than ever is a few things listed below, however, the changing landscape requires a lot more than what is listed below.

1. IPI to continue to flourish and pay up what is owed to the people and the CNMI.

2. CPA airports must compete globally for flights, it has to have a marketing purpose to bring in more flights.

3. The CNMI needs to invest on its own national carrier. We are depended with foreign or outside carriers and should they decide to pull out, we will once again feel and see an economic downturn.

4. Roads and other infrastructure needs to be upgraded.

5. Hospitals to ensure proper healthcare requires doctors specialized in fields that cater to our people as well visiting guest.

6. Stop the payout for airlines to fly our route, this had set precedence with them. Now it is easy to say, we will pull out because the route isn't making money! Then we throw a bone (money) to them. Hence, we continue to hemmorhaging our fragile economy.

Please know these are just my opinions and no one else's and it is not intended to attack anyone or any administration, but I am simply looking at what is transpiring before my eyes. I hope that what the rumor is stating about cuts will not happen, but if it does, be frugal CNMIers.

Are your fishing lures a secret?

I am a sucker for flashy lures set out in the water, however, it’s performance will show me exactly whether they are lures purchased for return on investment. My wife recently purchased a lure I wanted, the Zacatak lures supposedly runs beautifully in the water creating live motion squid action- yet I have not run this out in our Marianas pond since it arrived. I’m curious to see this in action and I can tell you this though, anything shiny with a hook, wahoos will definitely hit.

Gaji lures in my arsenal so far has had my greatest return on investment. These have surely produced and particularly the bubble gum 7” lure has brought in countless numbers of pelagic fish roaming our pond. I’m sure my fellow CNMI fishermen have their preference when it comes to chasing Pelagics as I do mine and for that big game fun, any day out on the pond is surely a treat.

I can’t continue this post without acknowledging Arthur Tuhk of seeUsmile lures as well. His inexpensive lure sets are worth considering as they too bring in the catch I desire. As of today, it’s been about 3 months since “My Boni” and I hit the pond. And with this insurgent of trade winds making its way tonight towards the Mariana Island chain, going out anytime this week may be a challenge due to winds up to 25 knots and waves hitting anywhere from 5’-10’. It isn’t impossible to fish in these conditions, but it will not be as fun battling heavy winds and large waves, hence it isn’t the safest and ideal conditions.

Anyhow, what’s your lure arsenal that deserves a shout out?

Way to go Baby!

A 6-year doctorate program at Walden University was challenged and completed in half the time. Boni, you are an amazing woman. Setting your sail out and believing that you can accomplish your goal of receiving your doctorate and in half the time is really something to brag about. 

You make all of us proud and you’ve given your father a dream come true. You have motivation and drive and it is seen with the children and others. I too am so proud of your accomplishment, I’m sure you are too and from what you said about this achievement, you did this for the children, that is humbling of you, but you must also remember, you did this for you. I love you and congratulations to you love!

The TP Tsunami!

Governor Ralph Torres and Lt. Governor Arnold Palacios very much deserved their win in the 2018 November elections. They worked hard and amassed a following tide creating the TP Tsunami of vigorous support from it campaign managers. The social media movement created the tides and those candidates who fail to get on board with technology took a back seat.

However, I was quite surprised that Washington Delegate hopeful under the Republican banner did not fair well. Granted the united front the Republican Party boasted, somehow left Mr. Demapan hung out to dry. I truly expected a closer race with incumbent Gregorio Sablan. The amassing of support showed true colors as it mostly went to Governor Torres and Lt. Palacios while others had to fend for themselves in the running. The CNMI showed their colors of democracy and the old told-tale of voting down the line of one party affiliation, did not prevail at this time.

Times are changing and people are changing their ways and views. Of course, you’d still have a mass majority maintain their support, the die hard party affiliate and their are those seeking change. No matter the political affiliation, democracy was seen. Congratulations to those who won and I speak for myself in hopes that our elected officials will do right by its people of the Commonwealth. May god bless us all and continue to bring our island nation to prosperity.

Congratulations to our Governor and Lieutenant Governor Torres and Palacios!

Tackling 31 knots!

On the 17'er (original Boni) the 31 knots winds with capping waves of anywhere from 8'-11' and wind waves between 2 and 3', this was such a challenge with the Boni. Although a reliable boat and well maintained, I can admit that I too was in fear, but I had to keep my composure and focus to ensure my crew and I get home.

Approximately 12 miles out and the weather changed dramatically. Coast Guard on the VHF started reporting high surf advisories and small craft warnings. I had intended to go after pelagic fish at reef coke about 8 miles west of Tinian and about 12 miles South of Saipan.  We had to pull up and call it day.

The truth to this was our day had yet to end as the fight began from wave to wave. The Boni held strong, my eyes burning from salt water constantly splashing through, we are soaked and my crew sitting as still as possible on the deck to avoid massive rocks from what seems to be tidal waves ahead of us. Crashing waves on the bow, washing through with force that you feel the density of water.

All lines on board, no lures out as my battle with nature to get home safely was the only thing on my mind. My Zuk 70 HP four stroke kept going, trudging forward with every push on the throttle it responded immediately. Fuel we had was enough, but for how long if we had to continue fighting each wave as it comes.

In site of of land! Saipan was a mere 7 miles when some rain clouds cleared the way. I operated on the GPS and manual compass to heed my bearings. then there it was, a beautiful site of the slight mountainous island we call home.  A sigh of relief, but ur battle has yet to be completed. The bashing of fiberglass onto the wave as it hits, I worried about cracking the hull, but I assured myself that the Boni would bring us home safely. in the 12 mile stretch, we traveled at mainly 5-7 knots against the hurling 31 knots. Our time to get back was 4 hours and 37 minutes. That was an ordeal!

I miss the Boni and how she handled, but as upgrade, the new MY Boni, is a Glass Pro vessel built in Hawaii in 2001. Backed by twin Honda 50 four stroke engines, this baby moves. At top speed I can run 31 knots, but then again that is rarely done unless the water is flat like a piece of paper laying on the floor.

She handles very well and the space, for this 20'er and 7' beam, I cant ask for a better boat. Minor improvements are taking place and today we are installing the outrigger holes on the boat. She is being prepared for the upcoming fishing derbies in the CNMI.


My brothers and I fished several times with the Boni, but they have yet to experience MY Boni. I am sure they will get a kick out of her when they do, one day of course. I've caught numerous fish over the last few years and now MY Boni has proven a work boat and we are catching more.

Wish us luck as we gear up! Fish on CNMI!

Caught the FLU bug!

Its that time once again and I'm down with symptoms.

The flu bug caught me several days ago and today its hitting hard. No one is a fan of getting sick, yet we are vulnerable in the tropics of these illnesses. Sad but true, we are all vulnerable.

What does this mean for me, ugh...Fatigue, body aches, migraines, bowel movements, muscle and joint pains and meds do not do me justice. Time and rest is what's on my mind right now, but here I am at work to ensure that my duties don't fall behind and granted I am the go to guy for any facility needs for this program.

Stay clear of me today and until this flu subsides from my system. Oh Zzzz's how much I want you now.  Stay healthy CNMIers!

Salt-water therapy or I'm cranky!

This weather is making me feel the need for salt-water therapy! Winds are not falling to the ideal fishing weather and I am getting cranky...

I took a friend out Wednesday evening for a short fishing trip at 19 knots winds with gust to 22 knots at the time we were in the water. I was fine and trying to maintain my deep drop line in search of Silvermouths or any great tasting deep water fish in our Marianas Pond.

However, the trip had to be cut short. With only 2 drops under my belt and three (3) 2 lbs kale kale, I had to head back. Why? Why so soon?

Well, my fishing partner got sick. He freaked out as well seeing 9 foot swells coming towards the aft of the boat as we were in idle and drifting with the winds. I turn to see the depth finder and yell its time to drop. As I look back, I see his face. His eyes glistening as if tears are in them. His body movement swayed with the rocking of the boat in the high swells. His one arm holding on to the support rail for the cover and his head turns over towards the edge of the boat and spewing vomit out the side.

Chum for those fish nearby I thought, but hey, I am not that mean. I told him lets pick up and head home. Instead of saying we are leaving because he is sick, I told him we are leaving because there was too much current. In fact, the current was strong and pulled out about 1K of line on 650 feet drop, but thats how it goes.

So leche' 10-11 or 21 as I want my therapy I guess it will not happen this weekend... Ugh!