Royal Court coronation venue moved

Due to yesterday’s heavy showers, the Royal Court Coronation will no longer take place at the Liberation Festival grounds across Kristo Rai Church in Garapan.

According to Liberation Executive Committee chair Victorino Cepeda, the event will take place at the Hafa Adai Hotel after rain hampered efforts to restore electrical power to the site.

“The [Commonwealth Utilities Corp.] was here yesterday to put the power, but that was not possible because of all the rain,” he said. “So the coronation will be held with the Queen’s Ball at Hafa Adai Hotel.”

The coronation will reveal who among the eight candidates is this year’s Liberation Queen. Vying for the title are Lady Leiana K. Ogumoro, who represents the Refaluwasch Foundation and community; Lady Nadia B. Manglona, who represents the island of Rota and the Rota High School JROTC program; Lady Myla Capilitan, who represents Filipino community; Lady Sarah T. Igisaiar, who represents the Chuukese community; Lady Sweeda N. Glad, who represents the Indian community; Lady Heather O. Woodruff, who represents the Palauan community; Lady Monarie R. Cabrera, who represents the Kagman High School JROTC; and Lady Sheyvonne A. Maratita, who represents the Chamorro community.

The 2004 queen receives $1,000 in scholarship, while the first and second runners-up receive $700 and $500. Each candidate will also receive a crown, a scepter, a royal robe, and a necklace or bracelet, and two gowns.

Activities at the festival grounds did not resume last night; however, Cepeda remains hopeful that it may resume tonight.

“We can start [tonight], but again, that depends on the weather and if it will allow the CUC to restore the power,” he said. “Bringing power back is the only thing left to do, and once that happens, we will open up.”

Cepeda said electrical power is also needed for the rides featured at the festival.

Full operation is also an issue facing the committee as several booths have yet to be repaired. Cepeda, however, said a good number of booths are still in good shape and will be in business when the festival resumes.

Cepeda added that staff from the Office of the Saipan Mayor have been braving the wet weather, working in hopes of completing repair work as early as possible.

Several people have already began constructing the review stand that will be occupied by dignitaries during the Liberation parade, which Cepeda said would go on as scheduled this Sunday at 9am. The parade course begins at the National Office Supply and concludes at the Kristo Rai Church.

The Liberation Fest grounds sustained damage from Typhoon Tingting on Monday. Over three units containing 12 booths were heavily damaged. The Command Post was also destroyed.