GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Monday extended a warm welcome to the officers and members of the Association of Pacific Ports, which is holding its four-day 108th annual conference at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.
Port of Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon Weissman also delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of APP President Bobby Olvera Jr. who, in his own written remarks, said it was his great pleasure and honor to preside over this year’s conference.
Commonwealth Ports Authority Board Chair Kimberlyn King-Hinds is the conference chair.
Olvera joined King-Hinds in welcoming the other APP members to Saipan, saying that they are looking forward “to learning more about our host port — the facilities, operations and, most importantly, the team who keeps it all working to support and facilitate the CNMI’s economy.”
He anticipated that their visit to the Saipan and Tinian ports “will give us a first-hand look at the CNMI’s port operations.”
“As the old saying goes, ‘when you’ve seen one port, you’ve seen one port’ and I can’t wait to share my newfound knowledge with colleagues back home,” Olvera said. This year’s conference “serves as one of the best opportunities to network and develop relationships with your counterparts from around the Pacific,” he added.
“Whether you’re making new acquaintances or reconnecting with old friends, make the most of your time here. Now more than ever before, the eyes of the world are upon ports and our responsibility to ensure fluid supply chains in an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner. The APP annual conference is your best chance to further this goal,” he said.
Torres, for his part, said the important thing about partnerships is “choosing the right people who care for the right things.” He said he was very blessed to have the right people during the Covid-19 pandemic and Super Typhoon Yutu. It was in those times when everyone realized the importance of ports, he added.
“It is also important to have a state-of-the-art airport and acknowledging that our challenge, as we move forward, is not just funding itself,” he said, adding that his administration is considering private-public partnerships.
The governor also announced that his administration is working with the U.S. Department of Transportation in seeking additional assistance and other opportunities to get a ferry for inter-island travels in the CNMI.
“And one thing I ask of all of you is to look at our facilities and help us grow, help us move forward,” he said.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres delivers his welcoming remarks as Port of Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon Weissmann looks on during the Association of Pacific Ports 108th Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Saipan’s ballroom on Monday.
