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Civil Service finally has its own office, hearing chamber
After years without an adequate facility, the Civil Service Commission finally cut the ribbon to a new office and hearing chamber on Friday in a dedication ceremony at Springs Plaza.
“It’s been housed in a very, I understand, unsanitary facility, down by Beach Road,” said Gov. Eloy S. Inos in his remarks. “But finally, through the hard work by the chairman and the personnel officer [Isidro K. Seman], we were able to find some limited funding to be able to build the necessary renovation and the construction of this beautiful chamber where employees will finally be able to present their case.”
Gov. Eloy S. Inos and members of the Civil Service Commission pose for a photo in their new hearing chamber after an office dedication ceremony last Friday at Springs Plaza, Gualo Rai. From left to right, are commissioners Charles M. Calvo, Arsene M. Borja, Inos, Herman Guerrero, Catalina L. Tebit, and Felicitas “Tee” P. Abraham. (Contributed Photo)
“…I would like to urge that you meet expeditiously and resolve those many outstanding grievances and employee complaints,” he added.
After his remarks, Inos pounded the gavel three times to formalize the opening of the new hearing chamber.
Guerrero cited Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider (R-Tinian) and Inos as the “masterminds” behind the “reactivation of the civil service” and the new civil service hearing chamber.
Public Law-80, first introduced by Hofschneider, moved the Office of Personnel Management back under the Civil Service Commission.
Guerrero said the law brings the two offices together that are “responsible for human resources of the CNMI government.”
The commission also swore in last Friday two new members, providing a quorum to the body.
The new members are Felicitas “Tee” P. Abraham, vice chair from Saipan, and Catalina Tebit, also from Saipan.
Tebit, who has worked for the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs for over 30 years, told Saipan Tribune that she was “very excited” with her appointment. Tebit would like to see hardworking government employees get the bonuses and lump sum that’s been long overdue for those entitled to them. She would also like to work on within-grade increases so employees can get compensated and salary increases.
“I’d like to do my best and protect the interest and benefits of civil service employees,” Tebit said.
The Civil Service Commission members are Guerrero, Abraham, Charles M. Calvo, Arsene Borja, from Tinian, and Tebit. Two seats remain vacant, one for Rota and Saipan.
