‘We are very honored by Haaland delegation’s visit’

U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, center, assistant secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor, extreme left, and deputy assistant to the President and Asian American and Pacific Islander senior liaison Erika L. Moritsugi pose for a group photo with Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, second from left, and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang before the start of their meeting in the Office of the Governor’s conference room Friday morning. (FERDIE DE LA TORRE)

U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland met last Friday with Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang during which they discussed, among other things, the CNMI’s ongoing recovery from Typhoon Mawar, which hit the Marianas in May. Haaland also announced $1.14 million in Technical Assistance Program grant funds from the Office of Insular Affairs to support some projects in the CNMI.

The delegation’s visit to Saipan kicks off a weeklong visit to the Pacific Islands.

Joining Haaland’s delegation are assistant secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor and deputy assistant to the President and Asian American and Pacific Islander senior liaison Erika L. Moritsugi, who joined last Friday’s meeting to discuss the Mawar recovery and the importance of preserving the cultural history of the CNMI.

Haaland said they are honored to be in the CNMI and that, although the visit is a short one, they are going to make the most out of the time here.

U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s delegation pose for a group photo with Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang at the site near the Kalabera Caves, prior to a tour of the caves themselves last Friday. (OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR)

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and assistant secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor pose with Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang after laying a wreath at the American Memorial Park last Friday. (OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR)

U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, center, and assistant secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor, right, check out the Court of Honor during a tour of the American Memorial Park last Friday. (OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR)

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s delegation pose for a group photo with American Memorial Park employees after laying a wreath at the park last Friday. (OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR)

Haaland said that Cantor, who is a former U.S. ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, has a very deep knowledge of the issues here.

“The United States is a Pacific country and so we’re honored to be a partner in the success that these islands seek to enjoy,” she said.

Haaland said they are also very proud of President Joe Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda, which ensures that a lot of projects and work can move forward to benefit the people here.

Palacios said they are honored by the visit of Haaland, Cantor, and Moritsugi, who is a high-level staff from the White House for Asian Pacific Islanders.

Palacios said the visit would only be for 48 hours, but wish it were a week or two, but added that he is aware that they’ve very busy.

“…We welcome this opportunity and are very honored by your visit,” he said.

Apatang added it’s rare when the CNMI receives ranking visitors from Washington, D.C. “I think it’s just the second time we have had a visitor from the Interior Department. And we really appreciate it and I hope you enjoy your stay here on the island,” Apatang said.

He said their administration just came into office last January and they’re looking forward to additional assistance. “We still need a lot of assistance. I’m very happy and our people appreciate that you made the time to come and see us here in the Commonwealth,” Apatang said.

The meeting was closed to the media.

After the meeting, Haaland toured the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., which has received funds from OIA.

She also visited natural and cultural resources across the island, including Bird Island and Kalabera Cave, which has also been a recipient of OIA funding support.

Haaland also honored American veterans by laying a wreath at the American Memorial Park Court of Honor.