Kudos to Pete A.

On behalf of the CNMI students in Hawaii, I would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt appreciation to our very own Resident Representative to the United States, the Honorable Pedro A. Tenorio, for taking the time to hold a dialogue with CNMI students currently studying in Hawaii.

On Sunday, Nov. 28, en route to Washington D.C., Pete A. took some time to meet with the students in Hawaii to discuss pertinent issues being addressed by his office. In what turned out to be a very productive discussion, Pete A. discussed the status of the crucial Delegate Bill pending in the U.S. Congress, the probability of having sufficient potable water flowing throughout the households in the Northern Marianas, the effects the lifting of quota restrictions may have on the garment industry as well as concerns brought about by the Dekada movement.

The students showed much interest in the issues as they took turns asking questions as well as offering possible solutions and alternatives to reduce the government deficit and get the CNMI back on the road to economic prosperity. The students also expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to interact with a leader from home despite the fact that they are currently away from home. The students had the opportunity to interact with Pete A. one-on-one and also enjoyed a round of ping pong with him.

In recognition of their participation and concerns for our homeland, I would like to acknowledge the students from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kapiolani Community College, Chaminade University, and the Hawaii Pacific University that made the effort to attend: UHM Chamorro Club president Brant Songsong, UHM Chamorro Club vice president Erin Camacho, Chaminade Marianas Club’s Geralyn Dela Cruz, Francis Buniag, Jose Tenorio, Tommy Dela Cruz, Reneacia San Nicolas, Stanley Fujihira, Tina Haberman, Eric Palacios, Eleuterio Jun Palacios, and Rebecca Pierce. Special thanks also to Clare JJ Tenorio for hosting the event at their apartment complex.

Once again, on behalf of the students who attended, we extend our most profound appreciation to our Washington Representative for his continued service to our people and for the effective leadership he exemplifies in his duty to protect our interests in the nations capital. Winston Churchill said it best when he said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Kudos Pete A.! Biba Estudianten Marianas!

Angel Demapan
Honolulu, Hawaii