CNMI prison's outreach program cleans up Saipan tourist district

"We are here. We are clearing out this area and we want to work in sections in this highly visible area in downtown Garapan," CNMI Dept. of Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres said.

He added, "Right now, we’ve got 14 inmates. My goal is to expand this, to double it, with 15 more."

The CNMI Dept. of Corrections Community Outreach Program and some community volunteers taking the initiative to beautify Saipan’s tourist district. The overgrown vegetation makes the high-traffic area an eye-sore.

The issue was voiced by Rep. Ed Propst. Propst told KUAM, "This is our tourist district...I really affirm we all have to pitch in and make something happen."

The legislature committing to support causes like this amid the island’s fiscal crisis.  The area they cleaned this week is likely private property, but they’re volunteering to beautify the entire street. 

CNMI House Speaker Rep. Edmund Villagomez said, "We’ve done some cleaning in this area and one of the things we are finding difficult is maintenance…it is really nice to see the DOC stepping up to put a program together to help with those efforts. I encourage other agencies and also folks in our private industry…to also pitch in and also help our visitors authority in beautifying our CNMI not just for our tourists but also for the residents alike."

The prison’s outreach program has also contributed portable toilets in northern Saipan’s iconic tourist sites using funds they won at the liberation day float competition.

"We are seeing an uptick in tourists coming to our islands and so we are taking initiative," Commissioner Torres said.