CONGRATULATIONS on 30 years of serving the people of the commonwealth. Also, it’s great to now get “real time” news from the CNMI from your new, and well-done Web page edition. Finally, a hearty “well done” to Laila C. Younis, who I remember as a very earnest young lady when I was privileged to be a part of the Younis family as editor of the paper in the late 1980s.
I continue to marvel at the comprehensive reporting job done by the paper’s relatively small staff. The people of the CNMI don’t realize just how much local news they receive through the Variety each day. I also admire Abed Younis’s continuing resolve to be an independent voice in the media that now seems to be dominated by a single company.
The Variety’s expansion onto other islands is a testament to Mr. Younis’s vision and dedication. He has come a very, very long way since the days he and his wife did the weekly paper by hand. Now, his plant boasts a modern color press, international staffing and gifted journalists from several nations.
Thanks to Mr. Younis for giving me a chance many years ago to come to the commonwealth and meet many, many people I consider as part of my family—Chamorros, Filipinos, Mainlanders and ex-pats. I have never forgotten my years there and the wonderful people of the commonwealth.
It was an honor and a privilege to be a small part of the 30 years of service Younis Art Studio, Inc. has given all of you.
Si Yu’use Ma’ase for giving me some of the best memories of my life and allowing me to write about the life and times of the CNMI.
DAVID T. HUGHES
Herndon, Virginia
