‘Shocked and deeply saddened’
HAGÅTÑA (Office of the Guam Governor) —Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio issued the following statements on the passing of CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios:
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Governor Arnold Palacios. Arnold was a dear friend and a kind, compassionate leader. He represented his love for his island and his people in every conversation, every partnership, and every decision. He worked tirelessly to deliver the very best for the CNMI — something I had the privilege to witness firsthand. He was also a proud father and a graduate of Father Dueñas Memorial School, Class of 1974, ties that deepened his connection to Guam and our shared Marianas heritage,” said Governor Leon Guerrero.
“On behalf of the People of Guam, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Wella, their family, and all those who knew and loved him. We also offer our full support to Acting Governor David Apatang as he leads the CNMI through this time of mourning and transition.”
Lt. Governor Tenorio added, “My condolences to the people of the CNMI on the loss of an honorable man. Governor Arnold Palacios was a good man and strengthened the bond between the CNMI and Guam. Despite the challenges facing his government, he maintained his optimism for the CNMI’s potential and worked hard to improve the future of his people. Our prayers are with First Lady Wella and the Palacios family.”
Flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of his life and legacy.
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‘A long-standing advocate for good governance’
(CNMI Judiciary) — It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Governor Arnold I. Palacios of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. In addition to serving as Governor, he dedicated decades of public service to the people of the Commonwealth, as Lieutenant Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, and as a long-standing advocate for good governance.
Throughout his years in public service, Governor Palacios was a leader and statesman whose life was dedicated to the well-being of the Commonwealth and its people. Governor Palacios worked closely with the Judiciary to ensure that the court’s operations continued and people had access to justice. He recognized the vital role of an independent and functioning judicial branch. Governor Palacios met with Judiciary leadership, working to balance fiscal responsibility with the operational needs. His willingness to listen and collaborate allowed the courts to maintain essential services and retain key personnel during uncertain times. His partnership during these challenges reflected his respect for the separation of powers and his commitment to good governance.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Governor Palacios,” said Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro. “His leadership and integrity were hallmarks of a life dedicated to service.” Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja said, “Governor Palacios understood that true leadership begins with listening and serving others. His legacy will not only be remembered in the offices he held, but in the lives he touched during his years of public service.”
Our heartfelt condolences go out to First Lady Wella, his family, and all those whose lives he impacted through his lifelong commitment to public service.
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‘A steadfast leader’
(PSS) — The CNMI Public School System joins the entire Commonwealth in mourning the untimely passing of our Honorable Governor Arnold I. Palacios.
Governor Palacios was a steadfast leader whose decades of public service exemplified his deep commitment to the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. His leadership was rooted in integrity, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to the betterment of our community.
“On behalf of the CNMI Public School System, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Governor Palacios, especially to First Lady Wella Palacios and their children,” said Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence Camacho. “The Governor’s belief in the power of education and his support for our schools and students will always be remembered and honored.”
Governor Palacios was deeply committed to advancing the quality of education in the CNMI. He recognized that our students are the future of the Commonwealth, and his legacy will live on through the lives he has touched and the progress he helped build.
As we grieve this profound loss, we also stand in unity with our fellow citizens, offering prayers for peace and strength to the Governor’s family and loved ones. Flags across all public schools will be flown at half-staff in honor of his memory.
The CNMI Public School System will continue to honor Governor Palacios’s legacy by remaining committed to providing educational opportunities that empower our students and strengthen our islands.
May he rest in eternal peace.
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‘Someone many of us looked up to’
THE 20th Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Youth Congress is deeply saddened by the passing of Governor Arnold I. Palacios. On behalf of all the youth of our islands, we would like to send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to First Lady Wella Palacios, their children, grandchildren, and the entire Palacios family during this very difficult time.
Governor Palacios was someone many of us looked up to — not just because of the position he held, but because of the kind of person he was. He always encouraged young people to speak up, get involved, and take pride in our identity as islanders. His leadership inspired us, and his legacy will live on in the future he helped build for the youth of the CNMI.
At the same time, we would also like to extend our warmest support and best wishes to Governor David M. Apatang and Lieutenant Governor Dennis C. Mendiola as they now step into their roles to lead the Commonwealth. We know these are challenging times, but we believe in your leadership and your hearts for the people.
The Youth Congress remains committed to working with all our leaders to build a brighter, stronger future for our islands. We honor Governor Palacios’ memory by continuing the work he believed in — and we stand ready to support the leaders who now carry that torch.
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A profound loss
(CHCC) — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation joins the people of the CNMI in mourning the passing of the Honorable Arnold I. Palacios, Governor of the CNMI.
We join the people of the CNMI in mourning this profound loss. At this time of sorrow, CHCC stands in solidarity with the Palacios family and all those grieving across our islands.
Governor Palacios was a steadfast public servant whose leadership and vision helped guide our islands through both challenge and progress. His steadfast support for advancing healthcare and public service demonstrated a clear commitment to the well-being of our islands.
To the Palacios family, we extend our heartfelt condolences. May his memory be a blessing, and may we find comfort in the strength of the community he helped build.
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A deep loss to the people of the NMI
(NMI Settlement Fund) — It is with great sadness that we received news of the unexpected passing of Governor Arnold I. Palacios. His death is a deep loss to the people of the NMI and especially to retirees. Governor Palacios was a steadfast friend of retirees, and in working with him on Settlement Fund issues, we never doubted his commitment to doing the best he could for our members. Governor Palacios was always attentive to our concerns and professional in his responses. We will deeply miss his leadership and assistance.
On behalf of all of us at the Settlement Fund, we extend our deepest condolences to First Lady Wella Palacios and the family of Governor Palacios. Governor Palacios has left a lasting legacy of devotion and commitment to protecting the welfare of the people of the NMI. He will be remembered for his service and steadfast dedication to our members.
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‘He served with integrity, dedication, and a clear commitment to the values of inafa’måolik and tipiyeew’
(SCC) — The Saipan Chamber of Commerce joins the Commonwealth in mourning the passing of Governor Arnold I. Palacios. We extend our heartfelt condolences to First Lady Wella Palacios and the entire Palacios family during this time of loss.
Governor Palacios served the CNMI with integrity, dedication, and a clear commitment to the values of inafa’måolik and tipiyeew. His leadership was marked by a focus on unity, economic progress, and service to the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.
“On behalf of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, I extend our deepest condolences and join the community in mourning the passing of Governor Arnold I. Palacios,” said Chamber President Joe Guerrero. “His enduring service and deep love for our islands reflect the spirit of inafa’måolik and tipiyeew — guiding principles that unite us as one people. We honor his legacy and lift his wife, Wella, and the Palacios family in prayer during this time of profound loss. Si Yu’us ma’åsi’ yan ghilisow, Governor Palacios, for being a strong advocate for small businesses and for laying the groundwork and infrastructure toward a thriving economy in which every CNMI resident could prosper.”
The Chamber acknowledges Governor Palacios’ lasting impact on the business community and the Commonwealth as a whole. His legacy will continue to influence future generations of leadership in the CNMI.
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A long history of public service
(Hotel Association of Northern Mariana Islands) — On behalf of our member hotels, we are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Governor Arnold Palacios, and our thoughts and prayers go out to First Lady Wella Palacios and his family at this time.
Governor Palacios has a long history of public service. He was a leader of conviction who held a steady course in his work to improve the Commonwealth economy and the livelihood of its people. We appreciate that he always had an open door for the hotel industry, especially during these challenging times.
We join the Marianas community in reflection and gratitude for his many and lasting contributions to our Commonwealth.
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‘A beloved son of the islands’
HAGÅTÑA, Guam (BoG) — Bank of Guam extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on the passing of Governor Arnold Indalecio Palacios.
Governor Palacios was a devoted public servant whose leadership and legacy will be remembered across the Marianas for generations to come.
His decades of service — marked by integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the people of the CNMI — stand as a testament to what true public stewardship looks like.
From his early years in the CNMI Legislature to his election as Governor, Arnold Palacios carried with him a deep sense of purpose rooted in compassion, cultural pride, and the desire to build a stronger future for the islands he loved. He led with a steady hand through challenges and always put the well-being of the people first.
“Governor Palacios was more than a leader — he was a man of the people. To First Lady Wella, their children, and the entire Palacios family — please know that you are in our prayers. To the people of the CNMI, we share in your sorrow and your pride as we honor the legacy of a leader who never stopped believing in the strength of his people. His memory and example will continue to guide us all,” said Joaquin P. L.G. Cook, president and chief executive officer, Bank of Guam
Our Bank of Guam Familia joins the CNMI and the entire Marianas community in mourning the loss of a beloved son of the islands. We offer our prayers and heartfelt sympathies, and pledge to honor his legacy through continued service to the people of our region.
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From the Offices of Carolinian Affairs, Youth Affairs, and Women’s Affairs
WITH deep sorrow, we join the rest of our community in mourning the passing of our Honorable Governor Arnold I. Palacios. On behalf of the Carolinian Affairs Office, Youth Affairs Office, and Women’s Affairs Office, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the First Lady Wella Palacios and the Palacios family during this difficult time.
Governor Palacios was a true son of the Marianas whose life was rooted in service to the people. His leadership was grounded in the belief that government should work for everyone, uplifting our indigenous cultures, creating opportunities for our youth, and strengthening the role of women in all areas of our society.
“Governor Palacios always reminded us that the strength of the CNMI lies in the unity of our people,” said Felix Nogis, executive assistant for the Carolinian Affairs Office.
“He was deeply committed to bridging our Chamorro and Refaluwasch communities through celebration of our heritage by ensuring we had a place at the table when decisions were being made. This was instrumental in bringing our people together.”
Under his administration, the Governor pushed forward programs and policies that invested in education, job training, and pathways to leadership for our youth. He believed in preparing the next generation to participate and to lead.
“He always saw potential in our youth,” shared Robert Magofna, Special Assistant for Youth Affairs.
“He often talked about the future of the CNMI and gave our youth the tools to shape it. Whether through scholarships, internships, or youth leadership initiatives, he believed that the ideas, energy, and voices of the youth mattered.”
Governor Palacios also stood firmly with the women of the Marianas, supporting initiatives that promoted safety, leadership, entrepreneurship, and inclusion across government and the private sector.
“He was a consistent ally to women in the CNMI,” said Barbara Sablan, Special Assistant for Women’s Affairs.
“He championed our causes because he truly believed that women’s empowerment meant stronger families, a stronger workforce, and a stronger Commonwealth.”
As we grieve this tremendous loss, we remain committed to carrying forward Governor Palacios’ vision: one where cultural respect, youth opportunity, and women’s advancement are priorities. His legacy lives on in the work we do and in the communities he inspired.
With hope and renewed resolve, we look forward to working alongside our new leadership, Governor David M. Apatang and Lt. Governor Denis C. Mendiola, in continuing the noble pursuit of progress for our people. Together, we will honor the foundation laid by Governor Palacios and build upon it with unity, integrity, and purpose.
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‘His vision and dedication will live on’
(JKPL-CLC) — It is with profound sadness and heartfelt respect that Joeten-Kiyu Public Library and the Commonwealth Library Council join the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in mourning the passing of our beloved Governor, the Honorable Arnold I. Palacios.
Governor Palacios was a dedicated public servant whose lifelong commitment to the people of the CNMI was marked by humility, integrity, and visionary leadership. His unwavering support for education, culture, and public service leaves behind a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire future generations.
Governor Palacios played an active and visible role in celebrating literacy and learning. He graciously participated in our annual National Library Week Proclamation Signing events, reaffirming the importance of libraries in public life. He championed cultural programming initiatives that preserved and promoted our rich indigenous heritage and ensured they remained accessible to all.
His administration’s support led to tangible improvements in library services across the CNMI. Under his leadership:
• Joeten-Kiyu Public Library received critical support for its solar power photovoltaic project, advancing our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.
• Public libraries on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota saw upgrades in furniture and public-use infrastructure, creating safer and more welcoming learning environments.
• Governor Palacios encouraged and facilitated professional development opportunities for library staff, helping build capacity and strengthen library services across the islands.
• Governor Palacios actively supported Bookmobile Outreach Services, recognizing their vital role in reaching underserved and remote communities.
• Governor Palacios stood firmly behind the continued operations and development of Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, the Fernando M. Benavente Memorial Library (San Antonio, Saipan), the Tinian Public Library, the Antonio C. Atalig Memorial Library (Rota), and our Bookmobiles serving Saipan and Rota.
Governor Palacios believed in the power of libraries not only as places of knowledge, but as spaces of community, culture, and opportunity. His support has left an indelible mark on our institutions, our team, and most importantly, the people we serve.
As we honor his legacy, we remain forever grateful for his enduring support and belief in the transformative power of literacy, access to information, and lifelong learning. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire CNMI community.
May Honorable Governor Arnold I. Palacios rest in eternal peace. His vision and dedication will live on in the lives he touched and the libraries he helped flourish.
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‘An enthusiastic champion of the humanities’
THE Northern Marianas Humanities Council Board of Directors issued the following statement on Thursday:
“We are saddened by the sudden passing of Governor Arnold Palacios and join our Commonwealth community in mourning and reflection. He leaves us with many wonderful examples from his public life of the values and leadership that define who we are as a community. We are grateful for his unyielding commitment to protecting our fragile democracy and seeking ways to improve the functions of our government. Governor Palacios was an enthusiastic champion of the humanities, particularly as it relates to civic discourse, storytelling, and the preservation of our history and cultural heritage. We will miss our partnership and extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to First Lady Wella Palacios and his family.”
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‘We mourn the passing of a statesman’
(DPL) — The Department of Public Lands joins the entire Commonwealth in mourning the loss of our Governor, the Honorable Arnold I. Palacios, who passed away on the evening of July 23, 2025.
We, the officials and staff of the Department of Public Lands, are in grief and disbelief over this sudden loss. We mourn not only the passing of a statesman, but the absence of a leader whose steady hand, humility, and depth of purpose profoundly shaped our work and our Commonwealth. We will deeply miss his leadership and the values he brought to public service.
Governor Palacios devoted his life to the people of the Marianas —serving as Secretary of Lands and Natural Resources, Senate President, Lieutenant Governor, and ultimately our 10th Governor. His decades of service exemplified dedication to good governance, cultural preservation, and the responsible stewardship of public lands.
We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to First Lady Wella Palacios, their children, and the entire Palacios family. We also express our full support to Governor David M. Apatang as he leads the Commonwealth during this time of sorrow and transition.
As we reflect on Governor Palacios’ life and legacy, we recommit ourselves to the service of our people with the same humility and integrity that he carried throughout his career.
May Governor Arnold I. Palacios rest in eternal peace. May his memory be a source of strength for the people of the Marianas in the days ahead.
