From left, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., CNMI first lady Wella Palacios, CNMI Gov. Arnold Indalecio Palacios, U.S. Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata of American Samoa, Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Guam first gentleman Jeff Cook at the multi-purpose center on Saipan, Monday.
SAIPAN (Office of the American Samoa Congressional Delegate) — U.S. Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata of American Samoa represented Chairman Bruce Westerman and the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources at Monday’s inauguration of Gov. Arnold Indalecio Palacios and Lt. Gov. David Apatang of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
“I look forward with enthusiasm to working with Governor Palacios and Lt. Governor Apatang, and the other officials present, on the many issues of common concern throughout the Pacific islands and the U.S. territories,” said Aumua Amata.
“I lived in Saipan when my father was the last head of government not of Northern Marianas heritage,” she noted, referring to the late Peter Tali Coleman who served as deputy high commissioner and acting high commissioner of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands whose capital was Saipan.
“Although my parents are long departed, my family has a permanent tie in the CNMI as Northern Marianas blood flows through the veins of family members. Although the time flew by, it was a delight to see some of my family here,” Amata said.
The other dignitaries in attendance included Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, Guam Speaker Therese Terlaje, Chuuk Gov. Alexander R. Narruhn of Chuuk, the Federated States of Micronesia, previous governors of the CNMI, federal and local judges, legislators, among others.
“No matter what policy differences there are between the political parties, those of us from the islands can continue to work together as a team on many issues, as we strive to ensure equal treatment with the states on key initiatives across the board,” Amata said.
