NMI officials who worked closely with Gov. Arnold I. Palacios couldn’t thank him enough — not only for what he had done to touch their lives but also for the sacrifice he made for the Commonwealth.
Special Assistant for Broadband Policy and Development Glen Hunter described Governor Palacios’ leadership as one defined by dedication, foresight, and an unwavering belief in what the CNMI could become.
Extending his deepest condolences to First Lady Wella, their children, and the people of the Commonwealth, Hunter vowed to remain committed to carrying Governor Palacios’ mission forward — with honor, determination, and gratitude for his extraordinary service.
Appointed two years ago to a newly established broadband policy and development office, Hunter is among those who saw Governor Palacios’ vision for a connected and resilient CNMI. This vision, Hunter said, will continue to inspire him and many others whose lives were touched by the late governor.
“Governor Palacios led the Commonwealth with vision, determination, and deep love for our people,” Hunter said. “Throughout his distinguished career, he championed progress across every sector, always guided by a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our islands and future generations.”
Among Governor Palacios’ most enduring contributions was his commitment to building strong, modern infrastructure — especially in the digital sphere — because he understood that a thriving digital economy was essential for diversifying and sustaining the CNMI’s future, Hunter said.
Recognizing that robust digital infrastructure was critical to national security, especially amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, Hunter said Governor Palacios worked directly with the Department of Defense to secure vital support for infrastructure projects that would both enhance the CNMI’s digital capabilities and align with broader national interests in the Pacific.
Governor Palacios, Hunter said, was motivated by this forward-thinking approach when he signed Directive 2023-003 creating the BPD office after taking office in 2023. The late governor took great pride in the new office’s rapid development—building major partnerships with global leaders like Google and securing significant federal funding to deploy essential digital infrastructure across the islands. He was personally involved in every step, from strategic planning to advocacy, ensuring the CNMI stayed at the forefront of digital progress.
“From the very start, Governor Palacios saw a digital economy as a catalyst for broad-based growth and resilience,” Hunter said. “Under his leadership, the CNMI launched transformative projects that continue to shape our future.”
These include over $200 million in broadband infrastructure investment, with an end-to-end underground fiber-to-the-home network set to connect every household and business islandwide; multiple trans-Pacific submarine fiber-optic cable landings delivering world-class international connectivity; and the naming of the “PROA” cable—a state-of-the-art hyperscale ICT facility. The initiatives also include workforce development programs, digital literacy campaigns, equity initiatives, and cybersecurity plans designed to prepare the people of the CNMI for success in an increasingly connected world.
“To him,” Hunter said, “these are not just projects — they are Governor Palacios’ legacy. His vision is on the verge of full realization, promising a more diversified economy, expanded access to education and healthcare, and new pathways for innovation and opportunity.”
A humble, steady, and simple leader
Sen. Celina Babauta, Governor Palacios’ ally in the 24th Senate, said he was a man she had known, respected, and worked alongside for over 20 years.
She remembered that during her term in the House of Representatives, she had to inform then-Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios that the House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations — which she chaired — would be issuing him a subpoena to testify in the investigation of then-Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ public expenditures.
Babauta said it was one of the most sensitive investigations the Commonwealth had to undertake. Yet, when summoned to speak, Palacios didn’t resist. He didn’t attempt to dodge it. He never once used his executive influence to dissuade, intimidate, or suppress the integrity of the process.
Instead, Babauta recalled, Palacios accepted the subpoena with grace and humility. “That moment remains etched in my memory — not for the political weight it carried, but for the character it revealed.”
She said they did not always agree. They had their differences — on policy, on strategy, on approach. “But when the sun set on every debate and disagreement,” she said, “we found common ground in the ideals we held dear for our Commonwealth. And for that, I am forever grateful.”
The CNMI, she added, has lost “a humble, steady, and simple leader — a man whose life and legacy deserve a stately funeral befitting the quiet strength and fatherly presence he gave to all of us.”
Thank you for love and sacrifice
To BPD program manager Edwin Propst, Governor Palacios sacrificed his health for the Commonwealth — and for that, he said, he will be forever grateful.
“He truly loved our people, our islands, our community,” said Propst, visibly emotional as he recalled that he and Hunter had just met with the governor Tuesday afternoon. “We discussed so many pressing issues facing the Commonwealth. Never did I think that would be our last meeting. If I had known, I would have hugged him and told him how much I love him, appreciate him, and admire him.”
“It has been such a painful, emotional day for so many of us,” Propst said.
The sight of the governor, so busy and trying to fit everything into one day, remains vivid in his memory.
What inspired him most, Propst said, was that despite all the criticism and “attacks” the governor received, “he never wavered from doing what was best for the CNMI people.”
A steady leader
Former special policy advisor and special assistant for climate policy and planning Tina Sablan said she is thankful to Governor Palacios for his many years of love and service to the CNMI people.
He was more than a former boss to her — he was a governor with a steady hand, a thoughtful leader, a stabilizing force in times of crisis, and a dear friend, she said.
Palacios was House speaker when Sablan served her first term in the 16th Legislature more than 15 years ago. “He was a steady leader then,” she said, “a skillful manager of an often divided and strong-willed Legislature.”
Sablan described him as unfailingly fair, courteous, and kind to all — regardless of political affiliation.
They remained friends long after their time in the Legislature, through the 2022 gubernatorial election, and during the first years of Governor Palacios’ administration, when Sablan served in his Cabinet.
“I learned so much from him throughout our years of friendship and working together,” she said. “And there is so much that I will miss.”
Some of her fondest memories of him had nothing to do with politics or work, but everything to do with “the genuinely good-hearted man that he was.”
“He adored his family,” she said. “He loved First Lady Wella and called her ‘hon’ even when she wasn’t around. He was proud of his kids. He often spoke about his siblings and parents — especially his dad.”
Sablan recalled how Governor Palacios would pause meetings, even with high-level officials, to take video calls from his grandchildren and promise to call them back. “It was so, so endearing.”
She said the governor treated his staff like family, always supportive and understanding of anyone who needed time off to care for loved ones — including herself.
In fact, the last time she saw him was at the Guam airport a few months ago, as she prepared to accompany her father for medical treatment. Governor Palacios was there for important meetings, but still made time to greet her and her family.
“He gave me a big hug and told me to take good care of my father. He wished us both well. I could not have known that would be the last time I would see him,” Sablan said. “I wish we had had more time.”
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios delivers his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Northern Marianas College’s student center in 2023.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios with Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez and Chief Justice Alexandro Castro during a gathering of Palauan community members two years ago.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios speaks as Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang listens during a press conference on Capital Hill.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang with cabinet members and other CNMI officials.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios with his Joe Palacios, Becky Palacios Cruz and Lucy Palacios.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios speaks as members of the cabinet and lawmakers listen during a press conference in March 2023.