Torres-Jones camp warns CNMI economy will worsen without leadership change

The Republican gubernatorial ticket of former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Benjamin Jones warned Sunday that the CNMI economy could continue its downward spiral unless voters elect leaders with the experience, political connections, and ability to bring back investors.

Speaking before members of the Filipino community at Marianas Business Plaza on Oct. 25, Torres, Jones, and Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds argued that the Republican ticket offers the CNMI its best chance of economic recovery, citing Torres' close relationship with President Donald Trump, his experience as governor, and interest from off-island investors in returning to the Commonwealth.

The gathering, billed as an opportunity for Republican candidates to listen, learn, and show appreciation for Filipinos in the CNMI, also included a question-and-answer session on immigration, tourism, education, and the rising cost of living.

Jones said investors who previously did business in the CNMI have been contacting Torres about his possible return to office.

"As a matter of fact, they're calling him and they're asking him, Ralph, are you going to be running for governor? Because we want to come back and do business with you," Jones said.

He said Torres' connections in Washington, Australia, and Asia, coupled with his experience in government, give the Republican ticket an advantage in attracting investments.

"He has what it takes. He just needs to make a phone call," Jones said.

Torres, meanwhile, pointed to the decline in air service and the workforce as evidence of the CNMI's worsening economic situation.

"During our administration, we had over 116 flights per week. Today, there's 16 flights per week. We used to have 27,000 workforce in CNMI. Today, it's 12,000 workforce," he said.

Torres said his administration would prioritize restoring airline connections and lowering electricity costs. During the question-and-answer session, he proposed inviting regional airlines to a summit shortly after taking office, followed by meetings with federal agencies to address the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.'s aging power infrastructure.

He said his goal is to lower electricity rates to 22 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Torres also identified cybersecurity and ship repair as possible industries to diversify the CNMI economy beyond tourism.

King-Hinds said the upcoming election is particularly important because the CNMI has limited time to secure federal legislation stabilizing its foreign workforce before the current CW-1 program expires in 2029.

"The only way we're going to have a fighting chance is if we elect a governor that can work with President Trump," she said.

"And ladies and gentlemen, there's only one governor running on the platform that can deliver that, and that is Ralph Torres."

King-Hinds said CNMI leaders have secured agreement among gubernatorial candidates on the need for labor stabilization, but getting Congress to approve legislation remains difficult.

She warned that failure to extend the program could trigger an exodus of foreign workers and further cripple the local economy.

Torres said his administration previously worked with federal officials to extend the CW program and would again work with King-Hinds to address immigration concerns, including the touchback requirement affecting long-term foreign workers.

The former governor said even a household worker employed by his family for 20 years had to leave in August because of the requirement.

Jones, a former educator, said economic recovery would also allow the Public School System to restore five-day classes and expand career and technical education.

He proposed allowing high school students to graduate with professional certificates or practical work experience that could help them secure employment locally.

During the question-and-answer session, Jones said reviving airline service and tourism would provide the revenue needed to restore education funding and eventually develop other industries, including ship repair, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and sports tourism.

King-Hinds also discussed legislation she introduced to expand visa-waiver access to Filipino visitors, saying this could strengthen tourism and make it easier for families to visit relatives in the CNMI.

She said the proposal would help diversify tourism while strengthening family connections between the CNMI and the Philippines.

Filipino community members also questioned the candidates about the economy, education, foreign workers, and the government's ability to deliver on campaign promises.

Filipino community advocate Irene Holl, speaking in Filipino toward the end of the gathering, expressed support for Torres based on her experience seeking his assistance for Filipino workers.

Holl recalled how Torres responded when long-term foreign workers faced uncertainty over their immigration status. She also cited his intervention when Filipino workers sought assistance during a labor dispute involving Imperial Pacific International.

She said Torres was approachable and willing to help Filipinos even when their concerns were outside his direct authority.

Holl said her support for the former governor was based on these experiences and her belief that a Torres victory would also benefit the Filipino community.

The gathering was held ahead of the Nov. 3 general elections, with the Republican candidates urging eligible Filipino-American voters and their families to support the party's entire slate.