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DESPITE PERSONNEL ISSUES
NMC CREES moves forward
Northern Marianas College president Dr. Sharon Hart and other college leaders expressed confidence in the future of NMC’s Cooperative Research Extension Services program during last week’s Board of Regents meeting.
“We are moving forward with strengthening CREES operations on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian to ensure that we continue to provide quality services and programs to farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders,” said Hart.
Some farmers have expressed doubts about the program’s future with the college’s recent decision to let go of CREES director Manglona.
As per policy, the college does not comment on matters dealing with specific personnel issues.
As of last week, CREES staff on Rota was down to one employee, while Tinian has four, according to CREES staff member Patricia Coleman during a presentation.
Michael Ogo, who works with CREES in the area of aquaculture, said the low number was due to staff turnover.
According to Hart, vacancies are being addressed, as positions will be announced for hiring within the next few weeks.
She also said the position of CREES dean and director will be filled “at the soonest possible time.”
A presentation by led Coleman, Ogo, and Dr. Jang Kim expressed confidence in the program’s future ability to provide services to the community.
Ogo said they are looking into working with a local farmers co-op to develop a community kitchen on top of the soon-to- open Garapan Public Market. This way, farmers could turn in extra produce to the community kitchen.
Hart emphasized the college would continue to strengthen its relationships with federal programs that provide funding through grants and other financial assistance to CREES.
“Our CREES team is filled with highly skilled and talented professionals who will be able to ensure there is no interruption in key services,” she added.
