SAIPAN — Marianas Beach Resort says it has continued making its public land lease payments even while closed for typhoon damage, in a statement issued days after Senator Corina L. Magofna pressed the Department of Public Lands for a compliance update on the resort’s lease.
In an official statement posted to its social media Sunday, MBR said the hotel will remain closed while dealing with extensive damage from Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. The resort said its below-sea-level power generation facilities in the hotel’s basement were badly damaged by excessive heat and flooding, rendering the generators and voltage regulation equipment “completely destroyed.” Reopening is not possible until specialized equipment is completed, the statement said, adding that safety is always a priority.
“Although the Governor’s Office has indicated there may be possible deferment of lease obligations, MBR has continued to make those lease commitments even though it’s closed, in an effort to do our part to help the CNMI in its overall recovery efforts,” the statement said.
The statement closed with an apparent reference to the scrutiny, without naming any official. “Let’s continue to work together. Unfortunately, as always, there’s a lot of noise out there. Not surprisingly, one has to remember it is an election year,” it said. “Be safe, stay strong CNMI. We will continue to get through this together.”
On Friday, Magofna, the Senate Vice President and Chairwoman of the Committee on Resources, Economic Development, and Workforce, wrote to DPL Secretary Sixto K. Igisomar requesting a written update on whether the resort’s lessee is current on all monetary and non-monetary obligations, documentation of any relief granted and, if money is owed, an itemized accounting. She asked for a response within 15 business days.
MBR’s statement, if borne out by DPL’s records, would answer the central monetary question in Magofna’s letter. Its reference to the Governor’s Office and possible deferment of lease obligations also speaks to the letter’s request to document any relief granted and the authority for it.
