Okinawan delegation meets with Babauta

Gov. Juan N. Babauta yesterday met with officials of the Micronesian Repatriation Association of Okinawa to discuss the proposed activities lined up for the celebration of the annual memorial service for Okinawans in June.

MRA Chair Choken Ginoza, together with International Travel Service of Okinawa Managing Director Masaru Oshiro, Pacific Development, Inc. Vice President Jesus T. Guerrero and General Manager Yoichi Matsumura, also updated Babauta on the arrival of 262 Okinawans and 120 Japanese tourists on two different occasions.

Members of the delegation, who will arrive on Saipan via Japan Airlines, are expected to stay on the island for at least four days, Ginoza said.

He added that the 262 Okinawans are expected to participate in the annual peace memorial services, held in honor of those who fought during the World War II.

“Although we are getting old, we still hope to continue the services for many more decades to come with the younger generation. We will pray for world peace,” he said.

The memorial service is scheduled to take place in Tinian on June 4 at the Okinawan Memorial Tower in the Carolinas at 11:30am; Rota on June 5 at Mt. Sabana.

Ginoza said there will be two memorial services scheduled for Saipan: from 9am to 10am at the Okinawan Peace Memorial Tower next to the Last Command Post, and from 11am to 12pm at the Suicide Cliff on June 3. All memorial services will be followed by a reception.

Ginoza also informed Babauta about the 14th Annual MRA Student Exchange Program, which will be conducted in collaboration with the CNMI Public School System.

At least five students—three from Saipan, one from Tinian, and one from Rota—with chaperones will be sponsored by the group for a five-day tour to visit Okinawa.

The select students, who will be required to submit an essay on “Why I want to go to Okinawa,” will have to pass the requirement set by the MRA. After the program, the students will be back to the CNMI with the MRA to attend the June 23 memorial services.

Ginoza also disclosed the scheduled 37th Zenkoku Nanyokai convention, which will be held at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel on June 4 at 5pm.

Zenkoku Nanyokai, which means All Japan South Sea Conference, is expected to draw 120 Japanese participants. The convention was established by individuals who were born in the CNMI during the Japanese Administration.