THE administration of President Donald Trump is committed to helping the CNMI, U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs Jared Smith said.
During a press conference on Monday on Capital Hill, Smith called it “very heartening” to see the commitment that everyone in the recently formed working group has shown to help the island community thrive. “That has been my first impression,” he said.
Smith and USDOT Aviation and International Affairs Negotiation Division’s Tricia Kurbin traveled to the CNMI on short notice to start discussions aimed at addressing the Commonwealth’s challenges with air transport, which have adversely affected its tourism industry.
Prior to the press conference, they met with Gov. David M. Apatang, Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola, U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, Commonwealth Ports Authority Board Chairman Ramon A. Tebuteb, Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Jamaika Taijeron, and other executive branch officials to discuss air transport issues.
Smith praised the leadership of the governor, the congresswoman, and the lieutenant governor, saying, “I’m very happy with our conversations today. I think this will be a fruitful collaboration.”
“With the new administration in the CNMI,” Smith added, “this is a new start for everybody.” He said the working group plans to make these discussions an ongoing effort to address the Commonwealth’s air transportation problems.
“The Trump administration is committed to helping where we can and within the authorities that the federal government has, specifically the executive branch. I imagine myself and my USDOT colleagues will be coming back here,” Smith said.
King-Hinds noted that all this happened “in quick short order,” since the conversation began only two weeks ago. She highlighted how unusual it was for federal officials at Smith’s level to travel without the usual process involving USDOT’s regional office in Hawaii organizing the trip.
“But Jared made that decision, and we agreed that it was something to do immediately. Now he’s here,” King-Hinds said, adding that even officials from the Department of Defense were surprised by the instant travel arrangement.
“That tells me the Trump administration is deeply committed to figuring out the situation and assisting the CNMI to the extent authorized by law to move things forward,” King-Hinds said.
She expressed hope that by providing USDOT with a better understanding of the CNMI’s challenges, “we also get some advocacy from them to the U.S. Congress” for legislation to help address air transport problems, such as the pending proposed amendment to the cabotage law.
“I can’t underscore how grateful I am for how responsive you have been. Please extend to the secretary my deep appreciation,” King-Hinds told Smith.
U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs Jared Smith speaks during a meeting Monday with CNMI officials at the administration building on Capital Hill. Also in photo are Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola, senior policy advisor Clyde Norita, acting Special Assistant for Administration John “Bolis” Gonzales, and USDOT Aviation and International Affairs negotiator Tricia Kurbin.
Office of the Governor photo
U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds speaks as Gov. David M. Apatang, Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola, U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Assistant Secretary Jared Smith, and other CNMI officials listen during a meeting on Monday in the governor’s conference room.
Office of the Governor photo
Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Jamaika Taijeron makes presentation during the meeting with visiting U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Assistant Secretary Jared Smith in the governor’s conference room on Capital Hill on Monday. Also in the photo are Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez and Senate President Karl King-Nabors.
Office of the Governor photo