House hears Pacific Community pitch, tackles unpaid dues

The Pacific Community delegation paid a courtesy call on the House of Representatives last Feb. 24 on Capitol Hill, outlining technical support programs even as lawmakers confronted the CNMI’s long-standing unpaid membership contributions.

Leading the delegation was Pacific Community director general Paolo Vivili, who also explained the history of the organization, which was originally called the South Pacific Commission.

“SPC, of course, has been around since 1947, and so it turns 80 next year,” Vivili said. “It is, of course, the scientific and technical organization for the region. Pacific Island Forum Secretariat does all the political matters. And it’s a distinction that we are very happy to have.”

He added, “We are an extension of our members. We’re not a separate entity.”

Vivili also acknowledged the CNMI’s delinquent status.

“So, [the] CNMI, unfortunately, has not paid for 18 years. And so, for the total amount is close to a million dollars,” he said. “For [the] CNMI, the assessed contribution is $62,000.”

He said a repayment plan had been discussed with the late governor Arnold I. Palacios.

“The discussions was one year plus $1,000. As long as there is a payment and a plan program,” Vivili said. “From our side, the support we have given [the] CNMI in the past year has exceeded the assessed contribution already.”

Rep. Joel C. Camacho acknowledged the meeting with Vivili and said the CNMI will honor the promised payment plan.

“I did recall that we had some conversation after the previous meeting we had, that we were going to try to fund it in some way. As you know, two years later, we're in this economic slump. So, just bear with us,” he said.

The Pacific Community leader also shared his thoughts on deep-sea mining.

“From an organizational perspective, our role is to collect the signs provided by the country, and the country makes its own decision. So, for example, for DSM, we are neither pro-DSM nor anti-DSM.”

On shark depredation, SPC Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems director Neville Smith said, “There is definitely a noticeable increase in shark numbers across the Pacific, and members generally are certainly noticing increases in interaction and depredation.”

He said that’s a welcome development for fishermen in the region.

“That’s something we should probably be celebrating as a success,” he added. “Two decades ago, we had the opposite problem, where most shark populations were in decline.”

Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Ignacio I. Dela Cruz also spoke of past engagement.

“About 15 years ago, I was the director of Fish and Wildlife and oftentimes served and represented CNMI at the heads of fisheries,” he said. “So much technical support is at SPC, just waiting for us to request it.”

“We are now back to fill that, and be more active participants,” he added.

House floor leader Reo. Marissa R. Flores, meanwhile, floated ideas for deeper collaboration with SPC.

“These types of partnerships are very important because I see them being useful for the future generation,” Flores said.

For his part, Vivili underscored capacity building among members of SPC.

“Capacity building actually is one of the biggest things that we do,” he said. “Often it’s not a money issue, it’s a capacity issue.”

Before adjourning, House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez said, “On behalf of the members of the Legislature and on behalf of the CNMI, we look forward to this working relationship, a good working relationship, and a positive development as we move forward.”