CNMI Democratic Party hosts Blue Banquet

CNMI Democratic Party executive director Nola HIx poses with Carmen Pangelinan and Florence Sablan last Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Pacific Islands Club Saipan for the party’s Blue Banquet. (Contributed Photo)

Democrats from across the Northern Mariana Islands gathered last Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Pacific Islands Club Saipan for the party’s first Blue Banquet, which is the party’s signature event. NMI Democrats celebrated in style while honoring its leaders, reflecting on its past, and looking toward its future.

Democratic Party chair Jonathan P. Cabrera welcomed the revelers and reminded them that voting blue in November meant that they would be voting for Democratic integrity, solutions, transparency, and accountability.

Daisy M. Propst and Lino Olopai pose for a picture during the CNMI Democratic Party’s Blue Banquet at the Pacific Islands Club Saipan last Saturday, July 2, 2022. (Contributed Photo)

“In the Northern Marianas and across the nation, Democrats are committed to uniting and healing our communities, to rebuilding an economy that promotes shared prosperity, and to restoring public trust in government,” said Cabrera.

At the event, party officers recognized members of the Central Executive Committee, recognized those who ran with the party in 2020, and honored those elected to office with a special plaque of appreciation for the work they do every day for the people of the CNMI. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of former governor Dr. Carlos Sablan Camacho (represented at the event by his wife, Lourdes P. Camacho), Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, and Efrain F. Camacho. The party thanked them for their leadership, integrity, and commitment to the ideals of the Democratic Party.

Banquet guests Anthony and Regina Duenas pose for a picture during the CNMI Democratic Party’s Blue Banquet at the Pacific Islands Club Saipan last Saturday, July 2, 2022. (Contributed Photo)

Ken Martin, chairman of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, president of the Association of State Democratic Committees, and a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, shared a special message with NMI Democrats via video. “State parties are so critical because we are the institution that remains after every election. We do the critical work of building the infrastructure for the future. We’re focused on building our party to win in this upcoming election but also to last,” he said. He encouraged CNMI Democrats to “get out there and organize and energize, and let’s make sure we win and do great things for people.”

Juanita C. Deleon Guerrero and Anicia C. Dela Cruz accept a plaque of recognition on behalf of their cousin, Efrain F. Camacho, during the CNMI Democratic Party’s Blue Banquet at the Pacific Islands Club Saipan last Saturday, July 2, 2022. (Contributed Photo)

When Rep. Celina Roberto Babauta accepted her plaque, she thanked those gathered for electing women to the House of Representatives from every precinct on Saipan. Rep. Christina Marie E. Sablan, for her part, reminded those gathered that the problems our community faces are not insurmountable, that working together, we can make the Northern Mariana Islands a place where all can prosper, where all can thrive.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan thanked the party for the special recognition and was quick to remind everyone to vote for his Democratic colleagues up and down the ballot.

From left, CNMI Democratic Party chair Jonathan Cabrera, treasurer Shawna Indalecio, banquet guest Ronna Eriich, secretary Melia Johnson, and vice chair Luella Marciano pose for a picture last Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Pacific Islands Club Saipan for the party’s Blue Banquet. (Contributed Photo)

In a little over a hundred days, voters will head to the polls, and the Democratic Party trusts that people will “Vote Blue” in 2022. When they vote blue in November, they will be voting against Republican corruption and voting for Democratic integrity. They will be voting against Republican intransigence and voting for Democratic solutions. They will be voting against Republican obstruction and voting for Democratic transparency. They will be voting against Republican excuses and voting for Democratic accountability.

If you are interested in running for office under the Democratic Party, visit www.nmidems.org, call (670) 234–5028/484–3367 (DEMS), or send an email to info@nmidems.org or chairjc@nmidems.org. (PR)