by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
A Tinian inter-island airline has been accused of discrimination by the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) after it sought to have a “weight specific” officer assigned, in line with the aircraft’s weight limitations.
Star Marianas, which has been offering complimentary transport for USCBP personnel from Saipan to Rota to meet pre-screening needs for flights to Guam, reached out to USCBP port director Ferdinand Mallari to request a “lightweight” officer, if possible.
This led Mallari to label the airline’s actions as discriminatory.
“I have repeatedly informed you about this request for a ‘weight specific’ officer,” he stated.
“This is inherently discriminatory, and I do not condone or accept such requests. Please refrain from making similar requests in the future.
“You will receive whoever is assigned, as all our officers are equally qualified and trained for their roles.”
In response, Star Marianas board chair Robert Christian emphasized that the request was not meant to discriminate but was related to essential weight limitations for their aircraft.
“Our request was strictly due to our aircraft’s limited capacity and the critical weight restrictions necessary for safe operation,” he noted.
“To suggest that we are discriminating against USCBP officers is unfounded and undermines the cooperative spirit of this program.”
Christian expressed disappointment in Mallari’s comments and mentioned that Star Marianas would be reevaluating its voluntary participation in the arrangement with CBP.
“We were not only surprised by your message but also disappointed by its unprofessional tone and lack of constructive communication.
“Star Marianas will continue to emphasize the need for officers with lower body weights while we reassess our voluntary involvement in this program.
“Let me be clear: our participation in the program allowing USCBP pre-clearance on our flights is completely voluntary.
“We are not obligated to continue this arrangement, and, to my knowledge, USCBP can also choose to end its participation.
“Your description of our request regarding the assigned officer’s weight as ‘discriminatory’ is both incorrect and offensive.”
