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Ethics training to ‘maintain public’s trust’—Torres
The CNMI government’s ethics training workshop on Capital Hill last Tuesday tackled a number of issues and concerns.
“Some key discussion points focused on obtaining a detailed understanding of the proper protocol to handle conflicts of interests, gifts provided to public offices, and the ‘dos and don’ts’ surrounding political activity,” a statement from the office of Lt. Ralph DLG. Torres said.
The training was conducted by the Office of the Public Auditor, with OPA legal counsel George Hasselback leading the presentation alongside OPA lawyer Ashley Kost.
A majority of Cabinet members and agency heads reportedly attended the ethics training. Present were Public Works Secretary James Ada, Corrections Commissioner Robert Guerrero, Public Safety Commissioner James Deleon Guerrero, Public Lands Secretary Pete A. Tenorio, Commerce Secretary Mark Rabauliman, and Finance Secretary Larrisa Larson, among others.
Representatives of some departments also attended.
“I called the members of the Cabinet together for this ethics training to gain a firm understanding of how best we can maintain the public’s trust through diligent adherence to the CNMI Code of Ethics,” Torres said.
Torres’ office initiated the ethics training.
“There are many in the public who understandably need reasons to rebuild their trust in their government. It is my hope that with a firm understanding of the rules and laws that are intended to protect public finances and the public trust, we can make the necessary steps toward showcasing our commitment to the people and our desire to provide the best government for the CNMI,” Torres said.
In coming months, each department head will be scheduling individual training from OPA for their respective staff, Torres said. (Joel D. Pinaroc)
