AMONG the numerous dignitaries who witnessed the inauguration of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang on Monday were a U.S. congresswoman and three heads of states from neighboring Pacific islands, all of whom expressed well wishes to the new CNMI leadership.
U.S. Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen of American Samoa
“It’s been really wonderful so far,” said U.S. Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen of American Samoa.
“I really took to heart the speeches of the governor and lieutenant governor, and for my part, I want to do everything I possibly can to work closely with this administration and be able to help from Congress,” she told Variety in an interview.
“Saipan has been my second home for many years. I spent 13 years of my life with my family here, so I know everybody,” she added.
Her father, the late Peter Tali Coleman, served as deputy high commissioner of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands whose capital was Saipan.
Also in attendance was Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero who was with her husband, first gentleman Jeffrey Cook.
Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero
“I thought it was very, very ceremonial, a very historical event for the governor and lieutenant governor,” Leon Guerrero said. “[I am] looking forward to working with them for the good of our islands. We were once a united Marianas and we’re all the same people, and I’m very excited that [Governor Palacios] is cooperative and wanting to work with us.”
Leon Guerrero said Palacios and Apatang’s inaugural speeches were “very telling of what they want to accomplish and how they want to address the challenges of the CNMI, and I wish them all the best. If there’s anything that our people from both the political and the private sector can do to help reach us at that level, certainly we will do that.”
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said “it was a very great ceremony, and a great opportunity to be here to strengthen the relationship between Palau and the CNMI. We’re so grateful for all the support the people of the CNMI have shown to the Palauans that live here in the CNMI. It’s just so great to be here to be able to celebrate with the new government. We wish them the best and good health, progress, and prosperity.”’
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.
To the Palauan community in the CNMI, he said, “Continue being good ambassadors for Palau while you’re here, and share that Palauan love with the people of the CNMI.”
Chuuk Gov. Alexander Narruhn said he enjoyed the inaugural celebration.
“It was great. Just the inauguration by itself, it was short, but it was full of substance, and I loved the speeches. It was also an honor and a privilege for me to be invited to this inauguration, and I loved it,” he said.
Chuuk Gov. Alexander Narruhn
Narruhn said he received several inaugural invitations from throughout Micronesia, but ultimately chose to attend the CNMI inauguration.
“I’m very thankful to Governor Palacios and Lt. Governor Apatang for being good hosts to our Chuukese citizens. From the bottom of my heart, I salute them, I thank them, and I hope our working relationship continues,” he said.
“In terms of our oral history, we have a history with Saipan and the people of the Marianas…. We have similar cultures, so I’m looking forward to a great working relationship in our region, for our development and for anything that we can put together for our people, and the people of Chuuk who are here on Saipan.”
To the Chuukese community in the CNMI, Narruhn said, “Be good. Do what you came here for. Study hard, work hard, and take care of the people. Be friendly with all people of Saipan, and be appreciative of what the people of [the CNMI] offer. All of these opportunities, we’re very thankful for, so we’re looking forward to a great working relationship between our governments, and most especially our people, our communities.”
Dignitaries are seated during the Palacios-Apatang inaugural ceremony at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe on Saipan.
