NMI delegation pushes Commonwealth’s interests at RNC

The interests of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands were pushed at the national level, with Se. Vinnie Sablan making sure of this on his personally-funded travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, last week for the Republican National Committee’s Winter Meeting from Feb. 1 to 3.

“Although the gathering was party-centric, the discussions focused on improving the welfare of everyone in the communities that we serve and regardless of party affiliation,” said Sablan, who is lieutenant governor candidate. The initiatives that were discussed with multiple leaders of our nation are geared toward ensuring quality and equitable application to our Commonwealth.

“This is the best way to enhance the livelihood of our people and islands,” Sablan added.

The event, attended by numerous high caliber leaders from throughout the nation, zeroed in on rebuilding economies devastated by the global pandemic, and hardening defense infrastructures against man-made threats.

“ I am honored to have met with many of the nation’s leading voices specific to improving our peoples’ lives and solidifying our borders against all threats—natural or man-made,” stated Committee-to-Elect chair James Ada. “As entrusted leaders of our Marianas, I am confident that Gov. Ralph [DLG] Torres and lieutenant governor candidate Sablan will continue to deliver on this expectation.

“As a longtime member of the RNC, I can state resolutely that decisions made, and initiatives proffered by it, have benefitted all of the CNMI for decades,” added Ada, who also attended the convention.

Aid to increase and spur economic restoration and to expand educational opportunities, through post-graduate options throughout the United States, were among the initiatives discussed.

The CNMI was the only U.S. territory recognized by the RNC for being fully represented at the meeting, and the duo’s efforts will ensure that our voices are heard now and into the future, CNMI-GOP executive director Jason Osborne noted.

“The CNMI had an amazing presence at the meeting,” said Osborne. “Lieutenant governor candidate Sablan and chairman Ada met with several key RNC members about shipbuilding, healthcare, and other job-generating opportunities in the CNMI.”

The CNMI-GOP is encouraged by its dialogue with Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee regarding air travel and tourism, as well as multiple conversations with key leaders from Utah, New Mexico, Kentucky, California and Oregon.

Airfare, room, meals and ground transportation was funded by the CNMI-GOP.
Contact GOP president Candace Celis at cqcelis670@gmail.com for information on joining the movement to elect Torres-Sablan. (PR)