SAIPAN, CNMI (6 July 2006) -- As if desecrating Japanese memorial shrines are not bad enough, some people are now throwing rocks at tourist buses passing through their villages, according to Representative Ray Yumul, Ind.-Saipan. He said reports have reached his office that tourist buses have been attacked with rocks in some villages, which he did not identify. "I received a report that in certain villages on the way to tourist sites, the buses would be (hit with) rocks. There was one report of shattered window glass. It's really sad to hear such activity," said Yumul. "We're encouraging (the people) to be courteous to people. Please don't throw rocks at the buses. We should have a warm and hospitable (environment). But we have our own internal issues that we need to sort out," he added. Yumul said the Marianas Visitors Authority should invest on educating students to value the presence of tourists and treat them with respect. "And we really should educate our people not to damage these sites (tourist and memorial shrines) because these are basically our bread and butter," he said. | | "That's what brings tourists here, to see the natural beauty (of our environment) and the parks. But if they come and see the trash, the graffiti, the smelly bathrooms, who would want to recommend to visit this type of environment?" he added. Concerned citizens, including members of the Japan Business Economic Council, have expressed concern over the desecration and vandalism committed at some Japanese memorial shrines in Marpi. "There is daily security at that location now," said Yumul. SOURCE - Marianas Variety |
