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Congress member, DOD officials among the expected inauguration dignitaries
Construction of inauguration stage 100% complete by today
CNMI law enforcers rehearse yesterday the posting of colors for Monday’s inauguration of governor-elect Arnold I. Palacios and lieutenant governor-elect David M. Apatang as workers finish building the stage in front of the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. (FERDIE DE LA TORRE)
A member of the U.S. Congress and several officials from the U.S. Department of Defense will be among several dignitaries who will attend the inauguration of governor-elect Arnold I. Palacios and lieutenant governor-elect David M. Apatang this Monday.
Inauguration subcommittee vice chair Oscar M. Babauta disclosed yesterday that several off-island dignitaries have confirmed their intention to attend the ceremony.
Babauta said that several DOD officials, along with their respective staff, and a member of the U.S. Congress will be arriving.
“That will be the highest level of federal officials that will be landing on our shores over the weekend,” he said, without disclosing names.
As for the inauguration stage being built in front of the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, Babauta said that construction will be 100% complete by today, Friday, but the stage is already complete structurally and finishing touches will just involve aesthetics. “It’s just the aesthetic that we’re working on now,” he said.
Babauta said he saw the stage Wednesday and that he is satisfied with the result. “We’re working on the final product or toward end of which is the aesthetic in itself and decorations will probably will start tomorrow and Saturday,” he said.
Babauta said the private sector is pitching in to help reduce the cost of the inauguration.
Although Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has allotted $250,000 for inauguration activities, Babauta said that Palacios and Apatang are cognizant of public funds’ expenditure and have clearly stated that they are probably keeping it at $150,000 or less.
“We welcome the positive contributions of our private businesses. We welcome those gestures of alleviating the painful financial conditions of this government that is facing right now,” Babauta said.
He said this is taxpayers’ money so whatever is not used would revert back to the general fund.
Babauta said lunch is free to the public.
He said Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro will administer the oath of office for Palacios, while Associate Justice John A. Manglona will administer the oath for Apatang.
Babauta said Palacios and Apatang will be sworn in using the English language so that everybody, including the off-island dignitaries, will understand.
