By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
CITADEL Pacific hosted a cocktail party at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan’s Mari Bar on Thursday to celebrate two decades of business investments in the Marianas, including companies offering cutting-edge telecommunications services and high-quality fuel.
Clients and friends joined IT&E Chief Executive Officer David Gibson, other company officials, and employees as they reflected on 20 years of connecting people, powering the islands’ businesses, uplifting communities, and enabling significant moments in the region.
The parent company of IT&E and IP&E, which does business as Shell Marianas, expanded into the CNMI in 2005. Its president and chief executive officer, Ricky Delgado, saw the potential of the Pacific region as a place to invest in a variety of industries.
The company’s road to success began when Pacific Telecom Inc. acquired Verizon Pacifica. Over the years, Citadel has acquired additional companies in Guam and the CNMI.
After navigating challenging years marked by natural disasters, the pandemic, and economic shifts, the company now embarks on a journey to transform the telecommunications business in the Marianas.
Gibson said the next chapter, fueled by transformational opportunities such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment or BEAD program, will provide people with more affordable, smarter technology; greater access to safety, healthcare, and education; and stronger, more resilient infrastructure built on a foundation of buried fiber to reach every building in the CNMI.
In celebration of the company’s 20th anniversary, Gibson, on behalf of the Delgado family, thanked the CNMI community for its partnership, trust, and continued belief in the company. “None of this would have been possible without the dedication and heart of the Citadel team across the CNMI, and without the trust of the customers, partners, and community members who choose us every single day,” he said.
“Here’s to the next 20 years and to the progress, innovation, and shared success we will build together,” Gibson added.
IT&E Executive Director Velma Palacios, who has worked for the company for over 25 years, said it has been a journey full of challenges. The telecom company has experienced numerous technological advancements and even natural disasters. “Through those years, we’ve been there, keeping the people connected,” she said.
“Whatever we do, we are always here for the community, and we will continue to be here for another 20 years,” Palacios added.
IT&E Government Relations and Community and Customer Service Senior Manager Janice Tenorio, who has been with the company for 13 years, said, “It’s a great company to work for. It has great people, great bosses, and we are here for the community.”
Tenorio expressed gratitude for the company’s support of her community involvement, including her roles on the Board of Education, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., and, most recently, the Northern Marianas College Board of Regents.
She also praised IT&E’s services. “We give the customers what they want and make sure they leave satisfied, with a smile on their face,” Tenorio said.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
