(Press Release) — The Class of 2021 of the Pacific Century Fellows-Marianas Chapter had its second retreat on May 20, 2021 in the conference room of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, with the 13-member cohort gaining a more in-depth perspective on environmental development in the CNMI.
From zoning permits to environmental quality, to marine biology, fishing, natural and costal resources, the cohort was given sufficient information on environment protection and development.
Class of 2021 member and Saipan Chamber of Commerce executive director Lee Tenorio said from a business perspective, Commonwealth Zoning Office Administrator Geralyn D. Dela Cruz’s presentation on zoning permits was most useful because there is value in identifying the variety of permits that are needed to conduct a residential or business project.
“Working with local businesses, small and large, it is a typical concern on permitting with regards to the one-start application process as it consists of multiple agencies for approval,” said Tenorio.
Tenorio learned that to move forward with projects whether it’s building, renovating, or expanding, permit requirements need to be completed. With the knowledge of such information, it will give him a clear and concise direction on how to proceed.
Victoria Deleon Guerrero, director for Mount Carmel School’s Institutional Development, said all presentations regarding environmental development were very informative.
“As an educator, it’s helpful for me to meet the various leaders who are involved with natural resource management and the different sectors that exist so I can also introduce these professions to my students to consider as they think about college,” she said.
Deleon Guerrero added that it’s a great opportunity to be able to speak with leaders in the community to understand what’s going on, what our challenges are, what’s effective, and what we are doing to move forward with development without compromising our environment.
Another educator, Dr. Riya Nathrani, found the presentation from the Micronesian Islands Nature Alliance and the Bureau of Environment and Coastal Quality the most informative and useful. Dr. Nathrani said she enjoyed learning about the programs MINA conducts to enhance the environment, from the Bring Back Our Trees campaign to doing beach clean-ups with Tasi Watch rangers.
Dr. Nathrani has worked with MINA’s Environmental Conservation Program for the past two years. This program has allowed her students to get involved in several projects in school where they learn about environmental protection and preservation.
“I enjoyed hearing from BECQ about their goals on improving environmental quality. The presentation focused on coral reef conservation, pesticides, waste and air quality management, and wastewater and erosion control,” said Dr. Nathrani.
Dr. Nathrani added that these topics allowed her and other PCF class members to discuss the implications leaders have in the community and how environmental factors can influence decisions that everyone makes.
The Class of 2021 will have its third retreat on June 16 and the group will talk about health and humanitarian services in The Marianas. Other members of the Class of 2021 are Nicole Babauta, Broc Calvo, Weston Thomas Deleon Guerrero, William “Billy” Richard Grow II, Hedwig Hofschneider, Julie Ann Litulumar, Ana Mendiola, Annette Pladevega, and John Gilbert Saludez.
The PCF-Marianas Chapter would like to thank Dela Cruz, Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality-Division of Environmental Quality acting director Zabrina Shai, MINA program manager David L. Benavente, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council vice chair John Gourley, Rep. Sheila Babauta, BECQ Division of Coastal Resources Management Director Janice Castro for their inputs in the discussions.
The Pacific Century Fellows Marianas Chapter is a nine-month leadership development program organized by the Tan Siu Lin Foundation and modeled after the Pacific Century Fellows of Hawaii.
The Pacific Century Fellows-Marianas Chapter, Class of 2021, pose with the CNMI vice chair of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, John Gourley, 5th right, after his presentation on effective conservation and proven development of the region’s fishery resources.
