Children and adults lined up at the fund drive booth at the Paseo de Marianas to give their donations while Fitial, his wife Josie, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, Japan Consul Tsutomu Higuchi and other administration officials conducted a memorial service for those who perished in the catastrophe.
Chalan Kanoa Bishop Emeritus Thomas Camacho led the prayers.
Fitial, in his remarks, said CNMI residents “are here to help the people in Japan.”
“I know we can’t all go to Japan but something is getting there and that is our help,” he added.
“We all are preachers of God. And God is good,” he said.
Inos, for his part, said “this is the right thing to do,” referring to the CNMI’s effort to provide assistance to Japan.
“Let us give our helping hand. It’s the only thing we can do,” he added.
‘We will never forget’
Higuchi said he was pleased to see a lot of people at the Paseo that night.
“Thank you for extending help. We will never forget your kindness,” he told the crowd.
Soon, he said, Japan will be back on its feet.
As of yesterday, the number of people confirmed dead or listed as missing in Japan had surpassed 20,000.
Higuchi said Japanese people have the courage and spirit to overcome very challenging times.
The other administration officials who joined the memorial service were Press Secretary Angel A. Demapan, Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Perry Tenorio, MVA Chairwoman Marian Aldan-Pierce, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Melvin O. Faisao, Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Executive Secretary Abe Utu Malae and newly appointed Department of Public Safety Commissioner Ray Mafnas.
