2-year term for NMSA officials proposed

White

A proposal allowing Northern Marianas Sports Association officials to stay in office for two years was discussed during the group’s monthly meeting last week at the conference room of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Michael White, who was again elected NMSA president, said the provision on term of office is included in the proposed NMSA Bylaws to promote continuity.

“NMSA has not voted to have elected officials serve for two years. A provision to this effect is contained in proposed Bylaws, which have not yet been voted upon (or even distributed to) the membership. If the proposed Bylaws are adopted, the current Board (and officers) will remain in office until the annual meeting in January of 2018,” White said.

Currently, NMSA officials served for one year with the annual election held every January. The two-year term was mentioned as most sports federations from other countries follow longer term of office that usually lasts for four years. The change is also timely as the CNMI is preparing for the hosting of the 2021 Pacific Mini Games.

When NMSA members present at the meeting raised concerns on officials serving longer terms, but not performing their duties and putting the association and its respective sport in a bad light, they agreed that a mechanism should be in place to remove the erring official from the board.

Meanwhile, White reiterated the importance of finding chairs for seven committees that will work with the 2021 Pacific Mini Games Organizing Committee. The Pacific Games Council is requiring NMSA and the CNMI to fill up these positions so that preparation for the Mini Games can move faster.

Interested individuals can choose to chair the following committees: infrastructure, facilities, and equipment; international relations; games village and support services; technology and systems; commercial services; human resources; and revenue and marketing.

“We’re looking for people who can get the job done for free. These are all volunteer work,” White said during the NMSA meeting.

Interested individuals must submit a resume and letter telling what committee she/he would like to chair. They must be turned over by Feb. 29 thru fax at 234-6547, via email at mwhite@saipan.com, or snail mail at P. O. Box 5222, Saipan, MP 96950.