Sworn in
On Wednesday morning, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang administered the oath of office to Jamika R. Taijeron and Sachiko N. Gerrard to serve on the Marianas Visitors Authority board of directors. Governor Palacios and Lt. Governor Apatang extend their congratulations to Taijeron and Gerrard on their appointments.
Visiting federal officials
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios welcomed White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Associate Director for Puerto Rico and Territories Gretchen Sierra-Zorita to the CNMI and discussed a number of ways that her office can help advance some of the Commonwealth’s pressing needs through her and her newly established office’s advocacy at various federal agencies. Governor Palacios also welcomed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs of the U.S. Department of the Interior Keone Nakoa and the newly appointed Director of Office of Insular Affairs John D. Brewer. In a separate, but related meeting, Governor Palacios and the guests from the White House and Department of the Interior discussed immigration, workforce development, financial assistance, and other issues with CNMI lawmakers.
Courtesy visit
On Friday, May 12, which was also Manamko’ Takeover Day, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Honorary Gov. Ana Nakatsukasa received a courtesy visit from the Japanese Association for Recovery & Repatriation of War Casualties during their third trip to the CNMI. The organization has been tasked by the government of Japan to conduct field recovery and repatriation of Japanese war remains. They recently conducted field recovery operations on Saipan and will continue their work on Tinian. Governor Palacios expressed his continued appreciation and support to the association and the Consular Office of Japan on Saipan, and welcomed the association members back to the CNMI on their mission of recovery and repatriation.
Police Week
As part of CNMI Police Week, the annual blue Mass took place on Monday morning at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral to pay tribute to law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve today. Attending the Mass were Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Clement R. Bermudes, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Acting Commissioner Juan A. Pua, Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony C. Torres, Commonwealth Ports Authority Ports Police Chief Juan T. Dela Cruz, other officials and representatives from various law enforcement agencies. In proclaiming the week of May 14-20, 2023 as CNMI Police Week, Governor Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang call upon the community to participate in the ceremonies and observances honoring law enforcement officers, past and present. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the officers’ dedicated service and sacrifice while preserving the rights and security of all citizens, as well as showing respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes.
Peace Officers’ Memorial Day
On Wednesday morning, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Clement R. Bermudes, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Acting Commissioner Juan A. Pua, Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony C. Torres, CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Special Assistant Franklin R. Babauta and Commonwealth Ports Authority Ports Police Chief Juan T. Dela Cruz gathered at the Department of Public Safety’s Peace Officers’ Memorial Monument in Susupe to pay tribute to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives or have been disabled in the line of duty for their invaluable contributions to the safety, security, and service of our community. Governor Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang recently proclaimed May 15, 2023 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day. They encourage community participation in appropriate ceremonies and observances, paying homage to law enforcement officers, past and present. “These individuals have exemplified faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities, providing dedicated service to their communities while upholding the rights and security of all citizens.” The proclamation also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring the survivors of our fallen heroes.
