THE people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Governor, the late Arnold Indalecio Palacios, on July 23, 2025.
To our First Lady, Wella Palacios, and your family, we extend our deepest condolences during this time of sorrow, as you — and we, the people of the CNMI — mourn the loss of your beloved husband and our Governor.
This moment reminds me of the late Governor Eloy Inos, who also passed away while serving the people of the CNMI. May they both rest in peace with the Lord.
We thank you, First Lady Wella, for standing beside the Governor throughout his many years of public service. Governor Palacios dedicated his life to the people of the CNMI — serving as a department head, representative, senator, lieutenant governor, and finally, as our Governor.
We also mourn a personal loss, as we have lost a cherished member of the Faustu Clan. Under the leadership of Ms. Linda S. Torres, we have been planning a family reunion. During our meetings, we often expressed pride that our clan had produced a Governor. Though he is now gone, he will always live in our hearts.
My husband and I had the honor of attending the memorial Mass held for the Governor at the Basilica in Guam on July 25th. It was a well-attended and moving service. We thank Governor Lou Leon Guerrero of Guam for organizing that special Mass in his honor.
We returned to Saipan on July 26th and learned that the remains of the late Governor Arnold I. Palacios had also arrived from Guam that same day. Airport Road was filled with people and cars to welcome him and his family home. Even the rain could not keep the people away — it was a powerful sign of how much he was loved.
From the bottom of our hearts, we, the people of the CNMI, say Si Yu’us Ma’åse and thank you, Governor Arnold Indalecio Palacios, for your unwavering dedication and service to our islands.
Adios, until we meet again, Governor. May you rest in peace with the Lord.
Sincerely,
WINIFRIDA C. CAMACHO
Kagman III, Saipan
