The two agencies had not been able to hold meetings since April owing to the absence of then-CDA/NMHC board member Nathan Quichocho who has been in the United States since then.
For the two boards to conduct a meeting, five members must be present to comprise a quorum.
Last week, the governor decided to replace Quichocho for dereliction of duty.
In a letter dated Aug. 10, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial decided to remove for cause Quichocho for dereliction of duty pursuant to 4 CMC §10304.
Both agencies had not been able to hold a board meeting since April as both didn’t have a quorum due to Quichocho’s absence.
It was only when former Rota Sen. Diego M. Songao came on board that the two agencies were finally able to have quorum and held a meeting on Aug. 8 for CDA and Aug. 17 for NMHC.
In his letter to Quichocho, the governor pointed out that he was sworn in as director on February 26 to carry out the vitally important missions of the two agencies especially during the current economic state of the CNMI.
He cited Quichocho’s failure to attend board meetings after April 19 that put in abeyance important projects that require immediate resolution.
In upholding the mandate of CDA and NMHC, the governor said, “I reiterate once again that there are pending matters that require board action that can no longer be postponed.”
CDA Executive Director Manuel A. Sablan said Quichocho is on the mainland U.S. and CDA had been in communication with Quichocho inquiring on the date of his return to the CNMI.
Sablan said Quichocho responded that he was planning to resign.
He told Variety there was no formal letter of resignation.
In a separate interview, CDA Board Chairman Pedro I. Itibus said Quichocho missed three consecutive meetings of the board.
According to their rules and regulations, he said, the board will advise the governor if a member of the board has been missing three consecutive meetings.
The governor, he said, took action and removed Quichocho.
Itibus said CDA had been inquiring about the status of Quichocho’s trip.
Itibus said Quichocho replied “I believe two times to Espi,” referring to CDA executive secretary Esperanza Borja.
The CDA board chairman told Variety that Quichocho requested to go off island for medical reasons.
He said it was fortunate that Songao came on board and they were able to hold their regular board meeting.
As Quichocho’s replacement, the governor appointed former Tinian Rep. Edwin P. Aldan to serve the remainder of Quichocho’s term that expires in July 2014.
At the moment, the CDA and NMHC boards are composed of Merced “Marcie” Tomokane, Itibus, Edward Sablan, Edwin Hofschneider and Songao.
Variety sent an email to Quichocho requesting for feedback; however, no response was received as of yesterday.
