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Power vacuum averted
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Posted on Jan 08 2006
Today will mark the first day in office of Gov.-elect Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov.-elect Timothy P. Villagomez.
The new leaders were scheduled to be officially sworn in during a private ceremony at midnight of Jan. 9, 2006 at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi Purpose Center.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Miguel Demapan would officiate the oath-taking rites, which would be exclusive to the Fitial and Villagomez families.
A source close to the incoming Fitial administration said the purpose of the private ceremony was to ensure that there would not be a vacuum in the CNMI leadership between the Jan. 8 conclusion of Gov. Juan N. Babauta’s term and Fitial’s assumption to office.
The public swearing-in ceremony for the new administration will take place at 2pm today. Due to inclement weather, the venue has been moved from the American Memorial Park to the Marianas High School gymnasium in Susupe.
During the ceremony, Fitial will deliver his inauguration address and introduce his Cabinet members.
About 300 to 500 international guests are expected to witness Fitial’s oath-taking. This includes heads of states from all over Micronesia, ranking government officials from nearby countries and the United States, and prominent businessmen from Asia.
An island-style fiesta and entertainment, including a fireworks display at 8pm, will follow the ceremony. An exclusive inaugural ball will be also held from 6pm to 10pm at the Saipan World Resort. The formal event will be on a by-invitation basis.
Members of the 15th Senate and the 15th House of Representatives will also be sworn in at their respective chambers at the Legislative Building, at 10am today.
