The courtyard project consultant, former Rep. William S. Torres, said Demapan “voluntarily relinquished” his post because of his “heavy schedules.”
The new officers are former Rep. Ana S. Teregeyo, as chairwoman; CNMI Women’s Association president Susana Blas Deleon Guerrero, as vice chairwoman; and Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council administrator Frances Muna, as secretary and treasurer.
“It’s about time that women take the leadership posts and I believe they will be very effective in their respective responsibilities,” Torres said.
Demapan remains acting chairman of the credentials committee which evaluate nominations of previous and present leaders whose names will be recognized at the courtyard project site across from the U.S. Post Office in Chalan Kanoa.
The panel began accepting nominations in 2009.
Ramon B. Camacho, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council chairman, commended the new leadership headed by Teregeyo.
Camacho encouraged community members to submit the full names of their nominees, including middle names, term of service, village of residency and other important personal information.
Last week, Teregeyo met the different directors and head of various government agencies to discuss the project.
Phase 1 includes the construction of a parking lane and a sidewalk as well as the installation of perimeter lightning, which was already completed early this year.
Phases II and III, which covers the memorial courtyard, the gateway and other facilities, are now in the process of implementation.
The courtyard, also known as the Kios Ku project, is the first leadership memorial park to be constructed in the CNMI. The park will highlight and recognize the contributions of past and present leaders of the islands.
Torres said the present and future generation of local residents will soon have a place to visit so they can be inspired and become more familiar with the “invaluable contributions” of their local leaders to the socio-economic and political evolution of the islands.
“For many years now, the only leaders and heroes known to the local residents are foreign conquerors, who hailed from Spain, Germany, Japan and those from the U.S. Naval Administration and representatives of the United Nations Trusteeship Council from the United States,” he said.
