IN yesterday’s issue of Marianas Variety, there is an article based upon an interview with Mr. Charles P. Reyes, the press secretary of the governor, saying that Emmanuel College received a license to operate a postsecondary license from the board of regents.
I NEVER said during the cabinet meeting that Emmanuel College had received a provisional license from the board, and it is not true. I said that it was my opinion that the board of regents would likely view the application in a positive way, and that such an institution would benefit the community. I also said that the board of regents would probably vote on the Emmanuel license during their the next official meeting which was tentatively set for April 12, but may be rescheduled. The board of regents has not yet met to officially consider the license application for Emmanuel College.
WHAT I DID SAY WAS, “Emmanuel Nursing School had received the required license from the Nursing Board.” That is completely different from obtaining a license to operate a postsecondary institution from the board of regents of Northern Marianas College.
Northern Marianas College and its board of regents are autonomous under the CNMI Constitution. Having worked with NMC in one capacity or another since before the college was a college, some 24 years, I understand very clearly the rights and authority under the Constitution of NMC and its board.
To anyone who has been misled by this article please accept my apologies.

DANIEL H. NIELSEN
Special Advisor to
the Governor for Education