Babauta, White head executive committee

Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Juan L. Babauta and Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association president Michael White will head the executive committee for the 2006 Micronesian Games.

Aside from Secretary Babauta and White, the executive committee would also be composed of retired judge Edward Manibusan, Office of Personnel Management director Juan I. Tenorio, retired instructor and softball legend Antonio Satur, Marianas Cable Vision sports director Bob Coldeen, DFS president Marian Aldan-Pierce, Division of Sports and Recreation director Antonio Rogolifoi, Saipan Major League president Rose Igitol, yacht association president Lisa Black, attorney Vicki King-Taitano, Marianas High School teacher Bob Winkfield, volunteer supervisor Marcie Tomokane, Emergency Management Office director Rudolfo Pua, Department of Public Safety commissioner Santiago Tudela, and Department of Public Health deputy secretary Jack Taitano.

Secretary Babauta also said that members of the executive committee will head other committees such as publicity; finance, fundraising, and marketing; sports; food, accommodations, and transportation; protocol and foreign affairs; security; medical services; ceremonies; and logistics, to name a few.

According to the order, the committee may add additional members provided that they are appointed only upon written approval of the governor.

The executive order signed by Gov. Juan N. Babauta Wednesday also stated that the executive committee shall plan and coordinate with NMASA, the CNMI government, and the community to “ensure that the CNMI’s hosting responsibilities are organized, well-prepared, and all responsibilities and that all duties of the committee are fulfilled.”

The executive order also indicated that an advisory group consisting of 12 individuals would be created as well. The group must include representatives from the Governor’s Office, the Lt. Governor’s Office, the Senate, House of Representatives, Youth Congress, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Public School System, Marianas Visitors Authority, Commonwealth Development Authority, Departmenf of Public Works, DPS, and the Saipan Chamber of Commerce.

The Micronesian Games will be held on Saipan from June 23 to July 7. The NMI first hosted the regional sports event in 1969 and later in 1990.

Secretary Babauta had earlier explained that the first and foremost goal of the committee is to secure funding for renovations and constructions of sports facilities, as well as the housing aspects that will be used by the 1,500 to 1,700 athletes, coaches, and officials from around the region during their stay.

He said yesterday that the committee would meet sometime next week to discuss important issues relating to the hosting.