Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands members pose for a photo with Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres, center, following HANMI’s general membership meeting on Aug. 24 at Saipan World Resort.
HOTEL Association of the Northern Mariana Islands Vice Chair Dennis Seo said some inmates who are under the work release program, or who have completed their sentences and have participated in an on-the-job training program at the Department of Corrections could potentially be tapped to fill vacancies in hotel operations.
HANMI on Aug. 24 held a general monthly meeting at the Saipan World Resort with Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres as guest speaker.
Torres talked about his department’s community outreach program and collaboration with hospitality stakeholders.
Seo, who is also the Pacific Islands Club general manager, said, “We learned what they [Corrections] do, the public services, the cleanup and the community outreach in Garapan and Marpi areas.”
“The presentation was about how Corrections and HANMI can work together,” Seo said in an interview with reporters on Thursday.
“For example, Corrections has some on-the-job training courses, with certification for those who have completed them. Prisoners will also be doing some projects or some physical practice to improve their skills,” Seo said.
Noting the touchback rule, which requires contract workers to exit the islands, Seo said: “Hotel operations are just getting back on track and there will be vacancies. There will be chances for those individuals who completed a course at Corrections to get a job in landscaping, or culinary positions to name a few.”
He added, “We might pick up more bookings from visitors, making them feel comfortable, for what the Corrections community outreach program is doing for the community, cleaning and beautifying.”
Torres’ presentation included a slide show of the work that Corrections staffers and inmates have been doing as part of their Community Outreach Program.
Torres proposed a collaboration with HANMI members to establish joint initiatives in cleaning up beaches, streets, parks and public spaces.
“Additionally, this collaboration presents an excellent opportunity for meaningful rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said.
“By involving inmates in these community cleanup initiatives, we can offer them a chance to contribute positively, develop new skills, and experience the gratitude and satisfaction that comes from giving back to society. Through this collaboration, we could have the potential to transform lives and break down barriers, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose within our community,” Torres added.
