TODAY’S Liberation Day parade will push through unless last minute changes require that it be postponed, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela said yesterday.
Tudela said he would monitor the weather situation with the Emergency Management Office. Tropical storm Chataan was expected to approach the Mariana Islands tonight.
According to the National Weather Service, scattered rain showers are expected today.
“We will still have the parade,” said Tudela. The fireworks, he added, will also push through.
Fireworks display on Guam has been canceled.
Tudela said more people would be involved in this year’s Liberation Day parade. “Everybody’s excited,” he said.
Tudela said he wants this year’s celebrations to be “more successful” than last year’s.
Tudela attributed the cooperation his office had been receiving from the community to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
He said Sept. 11 created a sense of solidarity among residents.
“9-11 brought people together,” said the mayor. “What we lack in resources, we make up in spirit.”
Safety measures
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Safety said it will field over 60 personnel to ensure the safety of the people during today’s parade and other Liberation-related events.
Acting DPS spokeswoman Rose T. Ada said personnel from two shifts will be deployed at the parade and at American Memorial Park.
Ada said the personnel are members of the Tactical Response Enforcement Team, the Criminal Investigation Bureau, the Fire Division, the Boating Safety Unit, Traffic, Patrol and other units.
Ada advised the public to stay away from the road and keep on the roadside during the parade to prevent untoward incidents.
DPS will close Beach Road in Chalan Laolao from the 13 Fishermen Park to American Memorial Park, as well as all the intersections connected to the highway from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ada asked the public to use alternate routes during these hours.
