Friday, August 17, 2007

123. Exodus--Saipan-style

Has anyone else noticed how empty Saipan is feeling? The roads are much less crowded than just a few months ago. Stores and restaurants are empty. It feels like half of the people have left. Although I understand the schools are still over-crowded, I've heard from at least one person that enrollment is down in some of them, too.

I know families who have left, families who have sent their kids to the U.S., and more who are talking about leaving.

The reality of the out-migration is staggering.

4 comments:

Brad Ruszala said...

Just look at the cars for sale at the Fishing Base as an indicator. At least those of us who are staying will get good deals!

It's still sad though.

Samatakah said...

Please, tell us mainlanders more.

Anonymous said...

More for us.

Saipan Writer said...

Samatakah, The economy is really bad and people are leaving in droves. It's noticeable on the streets, in the stores, in (no) line at the bank.