JOE Sablan retired in 1993 as firefighter chief of the Commonwealth Ports Authority and fishing has been his additional source of income since then.
With more than 700,000 tourists visiting the islands at its peak in the mid-1990s, fishing was a lucrative business for many locals like him who supplied fresh fish to many restaurants and hotels.
œI used to supply fish for Hyatt, Fiesta Resort and World Resort, Sablan told the Variety.
Back when there were so many tourists on the islands, the local fishermen were selling fish œlike hot cakes and were even paid in cash.
These days, but, selling fish to restaurants has become more hard and competitive due to the declining tourist arrival rate.
Statistics from the Marianas Visitors Authority showed that close to 370,000 tourists visited the CNMI by the end of fiscal year 2010, or half of the peak figure in 1996.
Sablan and his crew now catch fish just twice a week because of the steadily declining market.
They usually do their fishing during daytime for safety reasons.
Their catch, like tuna and blue marlin, is often patronized by roadside vendors instead of restaurants and hotels.
Sablan is not optimistic the CNMIs economy will soon recover judging from the number of tourist arrivals.
œIts going to take time, maybe at least 10 more years, before our economy gets better, he said.
Sablan, who is also a Federal Aviation Administration certified pilot for small planes, said it is painful to witness the islands economic decline.
He said he feels the pain of government employees who are forced to work 64 hours per payroll because the government cannot pay them anymore.
œIts sad to see our economy go this way, he said.
Retirees like himself are also worried about the continuity of their pension due to the Retirement Funds growing financial troubles.
He said the current crisis should teach locals that its vital to learn new skills and become self-reliant.
Through his government job and fishing, Sablan managed to send his four children to college.
They now live and work in Arizona.
Article source: http://www.mvariety.com/2011011933590/local-news/local-fishermen-feel-economic-pain.php
No Tag
Halo Sobat, Nama Saya Sofyan Syah, Memulai Dunia Blogging Sejak Nov 2011, Meskipun Masih Baru terjun di Dunia Blogging, Saya tidak patah semangat Untuk menjadi Yang terbaik dari yang Terbaik, karena saya yakin, Tidak ada hal yang tidak Mungkin.Buat saya Blogging Is My Life.Senang rasanya jika sobat sudah Berkunjung di blog ini.
Komentar :
Post a Comment