Acting Gov. Eloy S. Inos described the $300,000 project as “momentous.”
He said the courtyard will properly recognize the island’s social, political and business leaders, including the “architects” of the CNMI Constitution.
Former Speaker Pedro R. Deleon Guerrero lauded the Saipan Municipal Council for initiating the project and said he hopes the government can maintain the courtyard.
The project, he added, will encourage the youth to emulate their leaders and uphold the traditions and culture of the island.
He said the courtyard can be a one-stop shop for those who want to conduct historical research regarding past leaders and their achievements.
Dan Barcinas, a sophomore student of Northern Marianas College, said the CNMI should honor its past and present leaders.
“This will make us understand and learn about our leaders,” he told Variety.
His classmate, Lloyd Mendoza, said the courtyard will motivate the new generation to become good leaders in the future.
Barcinas, Mendoza and other NMC students attended the ceremony along with their instructor Sam McPhetres as part of their class requirements.
McPhetres said his office has a collection of historical documents, including pictures and film, from the Trust Territory to the present.
Saipan Municipal Council Chairwoman Antonia M. Tudela said the project will benefit not only the community, but also tourists.
She said the courtyard will include a gift shop and outdoor furniture for rest and recreation.
Among those who attended the groundbreaking ceremony were the CNMI’s first governor, Dr. Carlos S. Camacho, former Saipan Mayor Jose C. Sablan and former Saipan Council Speaker Vicente T. Camacho.
