11 Mar 2014

CNMI group hopes to jump start territory's economy

4:29 pm on 11 March 2014

Northern Marianas non-profit group that wants public debate on the legalising of casino gaming on Saipan says it wants to jump-start the island's economic revival.

It says it wants to achieve this not only through tourism development but other endeavours as well.

The Marianas Economic Research and Development Foundation says aside from seeking an integrated resort and tourism development that includes Saipan casinos, it is also setting its sights on agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries.

The group also says while it needs about 3,200 signatures for its casino petition, it is hoping to get at least 4,000 of Saipan's almost 13,000 registered voters to place the question in the November ballot.