Cabinet under review

All members of the Cabinet, boards, and commissions have been asked to submit their courtesy letters of resignation as they would undergo a review by the incoming Torres administration.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, who will be spending the Christmas and New Year holiday with his family in Idaho, asked all government heads to turn in their courtesy resignations by 3pm today to the Office of the Governor. The resignations should be in sealed envelopes.

In a statement, Torres said that they remain committed to achieving greater things for the people of the CNMI despite the administration’s accomplishments. “Even with our many accomplishments, we are committed to achieving even greater things for the Marianas.”

“With a new incoming administration with new goals, now is the appropriate time to evaluate where we are today, how well we are serving the people, and who is best to accomplish the new administration’s goals.”

Torres, who was the lieutenant governor of then-governor Eloy S. Inos and became the CNMI chief executive after Inos’ death, won last month’s elections with Senate President Arnold I. Palacios (R-Saipan) as his running mate. The governor-elect and lieutenant governor-elect defeated the tandem of former governor Juan N. Babauta and Dr. Rita A. Sablan.

Torres said he and Inos, after the 2014 elections, came into office with a lot of goals. “Chief among our goals was improving our economy and bringing prosperity back to the islands, securing the retirement benefits of our government retirees, and making government work for the people in an effective and accountable manner.”

Inos, however, died in December 2015 pushing Torres to the top post. “Through the years, our administration has faced many challenges in accomplishing these goals. …The issues regarding immigration, labor, and military activities threatened to impede or even derail our economy. Of course, typhoons Soudelor and Mangkhut and Super Typhoon Yutu devastated the infrastructure of our islands and the livelihood of its people.”

Torres said his administration managed to navigate the rough waters. “Our administration nonetheless persevered and overcame the challenges to accomplish its goals. Today the economy is vibrant and government retirees are secure in their benefits. The delivery of government services is more effective and efficient than ever before. I am proud of the work we accomplished together.”