Funding for AMIM scholarship program OK’d for release

 Funding for the scholarship program of the Association of Mariana Islands Mayors, Vice Mayors, & Elected Municipal Council Members or AMIM is now ready for release following the group’s final approval Friday during the 18th AMIM General Assembly.

The annual meeting, held at the Seaside Hall of Saipan Grand Hotel in Susupe, was attended by 24 AMIM members from Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam.

The AMIM Scholarship Program is open to students in the Marianas Islands who are U.S. citizen residents and are enrolled at the Guam Trades Academy or Northern Marianas Trades Institute, taking up skilled trades course such as construction, automotive, home economics, and culinary.

Scholars are required “to maintain a satisfactory performance at every term he or she receives the AMIM Scholarship.”

The islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota will each receive $1,000 in scholarship funding while Guam will receive $2,000.

Rota Mayor and AMIM president Melchor Mendiola said in an interview that the scholarship program, funded by a portion of their membership fees, will supplement the existing scholarship programs that the islands have.

“Every penny nowadays counts,” said Mendiola, adding that the release of funds will be issued upon submission of requests.

Agat Mayor Carol Tayama of Guam noted during the meeting that the scholarship program should be advertised to inform students about the financial assistance.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, in his welcoming remarks, said the annual AMIM General Assembly is “an excellent opportunity” for regional networking and cooperation.

“In considering the effectiveness of government services, it often helps to consider the models and experiences of other island jurisdictions within our region, because we often deal with many of the same problems, issues, and challenges,” said Fitial.

Friday’s meeting also involved the adoption of several resolutions introduced during last year’s assembly held in Rota.

They included the promotion of Chamorro culture throughout the Marianas through language, art, and dance; exploring the possibilities of using the CNMI as part of the regional military buildup; support for the Guam Visitors Bureau and the Marianas Visitor’s Authority in establishing the “Visit Marianas/Micronesia Cruise Package;” establishing and supporting Marianas Golf Tour; the re-opening of the inter-island commuter terminal for travel within the Marianas; requesting the Guam Department of Agriculture to re-examine the quarantine rules and regulations for inter-island exchange of livestock used for gaming; request the Guam Department of Agriculture to revise and reform policies for shipment of produce and livestock for personal use; sharing of emergency response plans among various agencies; appreciation for Maj. Gen. David Bice in dealing with the military buildup in the Marianas; and the AMIM’s desire “to move forward with one voice, one desire, one message and as one people” in areas of concern that would affect the future generations.

AMIM members decided that a goodwill tournament will take place at the next meeting, which will be held on Tinian from Nov. 16 to 18, 2012.