THE Senate on Friday handed a framed copy of Senate Resolution 23-6 to the family of the late Abner Fernando Venus, the former president of the Basketball Association of NMI.
The resolution honored and recognized Venus “for his principled contributions to the betterment of the community” of the CNMI.
Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero and the resolution’s author, Sen. Celina R. Babauta, personally handed the resolution to Venus’s wife Cristy who was with their children Ruby Ann, Marc Christian, and James Michael.
Also joining them were basketball coaches Elias Rangamar and Ray Lizama who were with Venus when he organized the Basketball Association of NMI more than 20 years ago.
Rangamar said Venus, who played for Mount Carmel School and was also a basketball coach, was instrumental in the sport’s development in the CNMI.
For his part, Lizama said Venus helped him organize the Masters Basketball Federation in 2010.
He said Venus was a very close and a dear friend of his and considered him his right man during the years they ran the masters federation.
According to S.R. 23-6, the 23rd Legislature joins the CNMI people “in extending acknowledgment and commendation to Abner Fernando Venus for his steadfast efforts to enhance the well-being of the Commonwealth and its people.”
Venus, who also officiated various basketball leagues in the CNMI for many years, died of complications due to diabetes on April 17, 2023. He was 58.
Cristy Venus, center, Marc Christian and Ruby Ann hold the framed copy of Senate Resolution 23-6 as they pose with senators for a photo in the Senate chamber on Friday. The resolution honors the late Basketball Association of NMI President Abner Fernando Venus.
