“We are reaching out to our people. Japan has done so many good things for us so we feel that this is the time to give back to them,” Demapan said.
Prior to the fund drive, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos will lead a memorial service at the Paseo De Marianas.
Demapan said they plan to continue the drive for next two Thursdays in the same area. They will also conduct other relief efforts.
Inos said people have been calling to volunteer their houses for any Japanese who may want to seek shelter in the CNMI.
He said the islands also have public facilities for evacuees.
There are, however, issues that need to be addressed by U.S. immigration authorities regarding an extended parole for the Japanese evacuees who may have to stay in the CNMI for a while, Inos said.
“We are still exploring it. But we are opening the island for the affected people of Japan,” he said.
Inos said the CNMI government will make an official offer of help to the Japanese people.
Condolences
The Consular Office of Japan announced yesterday that it will begin accepting signatures in the Book of Condolence for the victims and those suffering from the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami disaster that hit northeastern Japan on March 11.
The consulate is on the second floor of the Bank of Hawaii Building in Puerto Rico.
The Book of Condolence will be opened on:
March 17, Thursday — 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
March 18, Friday — 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
March 21, Monday — 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
March 22, Tuesday — 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
March 23, Wednesday — 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call 323-7201/2.
