Guam starts relief drives for CNMI

In the wake of what could be considered the worst disaster for Saipan in recent memory, Guam has started mobilizing relief efforts for the Commonwealth.

A Pacific News Center report states that boot drives are now being held in Guam for Saipan.

According to Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo, Guam’s Homeland Security is in touch with the CNMI and getting information on what type of assistance is needed. In a Facebook post on Aug. 3, Calvo reached out to the Guam community if they have any families on Saipan.

“We’re planning on holding an event to raise money to help them,” Calvo said.

Guam’s 33rd Legislature is also responding and working on donating relief supplies to Saipan, according to a staff.

Guam Legislature Speaker Judith Won Pat said she has communicated with acting governor Ralph DLG Torres to offer assistance.

“We are working closely with the Ayuda Foundation, headed by Carlotta Leon Guerrero, to provide necessities. I have encouraged the people of Guam to support relief efforts, as even small contributions can make a difference,” Won Pat said.

“As island neighbors in the Marianas, we are bound together and must assist each other in times such as this…On behalf of Guam Legislature and the people of Guam, we hope for the quick recovery and restoration following the recent devastation of Typhoon Soudelor,” she added.

Former Interior assistant secretary Tony Babauta is also working with Guam Sen. Michael F. Q. San Nicolas in coordination with Matson Guam—which is donating freight services—to assist Saipan.

San Nicolas’ senior policy adviser John Paul Manuel said that they secured a 40-foot container from Matson to fill up with donations.

“We’re collecting donations—non-perishables and monetary donations—and we’ve gotten a lot of donations from organizations here on Guam and they have brought over already so hopefully we can get the container shipped. No due date on when will the shipping be since we just secured the container today and we are still working on the details,” Manuel said.

In a statement, San Nicolas said that he reached out to Babauta and asked for his help due to Babauta’s extensive network in regional matters.

“Within minutes, we were working with Matson to make this happen. Matson was very eager to assist. Being able to ensure that the generosity of the people of Guam reaches the shores of our Saipan neighbors makes this effort complete, and Matson made this possible” San Nicolas said.

Babauta said he is grateful that Matson was able to contribute and respond in helping the relief efforts.

“Matson demonstrates time after time their dedication to the growth of our economies as well as contributing to relief efforts for our islands when disaster strikes. I am grateful to Matson for their response and for their generosity and also applaud San Nicolas for leading such relief efforts on Guam for our brothers and sisters in Saipan,” Babauta said.

Manuel noted that GTA TeleGuam is collecting amongst their employees and contributing to the relief drive while the Psychology Club at the University of Guam is also doing relief drives.

“We have been getting a lot calls to be donated for the relief effort in Saipan and expected to have more,” Manuel said.