Billed as a “magnificent” facility offering inter-island travelers a memorable experience, Commonwealth leaders officially opened the long-awaited Saipan International Airport Commuter Terminal yesterday.
Governor David M. Apatang led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola, Senate President Karl King-Nabors, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, CPA Executive Director Esther Ada, CPA Vice Chairman Antonio B. Cabrera, Saipan Airport Manager James Deleon Guerrero, Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho, Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog, and other government officials.
Bishop Romeo Convocar led the benediction, and remarks were given by Governor Apatang and CPA officials Cabrera and Ada.
Star Marianas President Shaun Christian and Micronesian Air Cargo Services owner John Stewart, along with their staff, joined NMI officials in touring the new commuter terminal.
In his remarks, the governor said, “Finally, the commuter terminal is ready for use. The long wait has been well worth it.”
After seven years of patiently awaiting completion of the “magnificent” commuter terminal, Governor Apatang said, “I am sure inter-island travelers, both residents and visitors, will have a travel experience to remember and cherish.”
He recalled that for seven years, NMI residents and visitors relied on a makeshift terminal north of Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport.
The makeshift terminal, he said, was always meant to be temporary, yet it took seven years before it was replaced with the new facility.
“To all travelers, please accept our apologies,” the governor said. “Although it was hard, this experience taught us one thing: inconvenience is bearable, and patience always prevails.”
On the opening day Monday, the governor shared the moment with Commonwealth residents and inter-island travelers. He said the terminal “belongs to all of us” and urged everyone to care for it. “Let’s keep it clean, welcoming, and a place we can be proud of.”
The governor acknowledged the pressure on CPA to start and complete construction without further delay.
He recalled that the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios would not accept a “yes, I will do it tomorrow” response from CPA. Palacios wanted the commuter terminal completed so travelers would no longer endure the temporary terminal, which was often hot, uncomfortable, and unwelcoming.
He told CPA, “You have done right.”
Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola for his part said, he was excited. The completion of the commuter terminal is long-awaited project. The people of the CNMI are also excited, he said.
“I’m sure that they are going to appreciate the cool air and nice environment while waiting for their flights,” he said.
He added that the mayors of Tinian and Rota can share the same thing. “We went from a really hot terminal to new one. It’s amazing for the people, and I am excited and I commend the people who worked hard on this,” he said.
Marianas Visitor Authority Managing Director Jamika Taijeron described it as “beautiful terminal and is a great improvement for both the visitors and residents.”
“It is something to be definitely proud of as visitors will be able to come comfortably make their way over to Tinian and Rota. She congratulated the CPA team for the completion of the terminal.
Citing MVA’s new branding, Far From Ordinary, she said that what makes CNMI destination far from ordinary is the fact that “we have multi-island where people can visit and each of every island offers a very different and very unique experience.”
She added that the new terminal will facilitate travel and support MVA’s promotional efforts.
