THE Senate has unanimously adopted a joint resolution acknowledging and commemorating Cielo Citlalli Gutierrez Long, the first female elected speaker of the CNMI Youth Congress, and the first elected Youth Congress speaker from Tinian.
Long served as the 17th CNMI Youth Congress floor leader and the 18th CNMI Youth Congress speaker.
Authored by Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider, Senate Joint Resolution 22-12 recognizes Long “for her unselfish contributions to the community as a scholar and a member of the 17th and 18th [CNMI] Youth Congress.”
Long, who was born and raised on Tinian, recently graduated salutatorian of Tinian Jr./Sr. High School’s Class of 2022.
“Long, as a result of her utmost determination and hard work, is the first individual from the island of Tinian to have gained admission into Harvard University, one of the most prestigious universities in the nation,” the joint resolution stated.
In her time serving in the CNMI Youth Congress, Long successfully introduced and passed five bills, namely banning the use of plastic checkout bags; requiring all public schools to provide free menstrual products; requiring all public schools to conduct at least one full semester of Chamorro/Carolinian class; allowing Youth Congress sessions to be held on all respective islands in the CNMI; and reducing gas prices at the pump by exempting gas wholesalers and retailers from paying their business gross income tax for a period of six months.
She has also devoted her time to nonprofit organizations, including the Ohala Foundation and the Sisters of the CNMI, and is an advocate for women’s rights, working diligently with other Youth Congress members “to provide a brighter future for the CNMI.”
Furthermore, the joint resolution says that “Long has worked diligently to excel academically and to aid the betterment of the community of the [CNMI], which serves as a legacy that will inspire the youth of future generations.”
Cielo Citlalli Gutierrez Long
