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300-500 int’l guests eyed for inauguration
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Posted on Dec 29 2005
The incoming Fitial administration’s oath-taking ceremony is expected to draw between 300 and 500 international guests, inauguration committee chairman Joseph K.P. Villagomez said yesterday.
Ranking federal government officials, heads of states from the CNMI’s neighboring island-nations, and businessmen from nearby Asian countries will be arriving on-island starting next week to attend the inauguration.
Close to 100 guests have been invited from Japan alone, according to Villagomez. Huge delegations are also being expected from Hong Kong and China. The Philippine delegation will be led by Filipino tycoon Lucio Tan and San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang.
“We are anticipating guests from a variety of companies, including airlines, banks, accounting firms,” Villagomez said.
He said that the guests would start to arrive on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2005, to participate in activities leading up to the inauguration ceremony.
An inaugural golf tournament will be held next Saturday, Jan. 7.
At 3pm Sunday, Jan. 8, an inaugural Mass will be conducted at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral for all the elected officials in the CNMI. Dinner will follow at the Joeten Daidai Social Hall located behind the church.
Unlike traditional practice where all elected officials take their oath at the same time, the 15th Senate and 15th House of Representatives will be sworn in at 10am Monday, Jan. 9, at the Legislative Building on Capitol Hill.
The inauguration of Gov.-elect Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov.-elect Timothy P. Villagomez will take place at 2pm at American Memorial Park. A fiesta-style gathering and a fireworks display will ensue the formal ceremony, also at the park.
Meanwhile, an exclusive inaugural ball will be held from 6pm to 10pm at World Resort Saipan. The formal event will be on a by-invitation basis.
Villagomez said the transition team expects a huge crowd to participate in the inaugural activities, as the event falls on a holiday, Commonwealth Day.
The inauguration received a budget of $200,000 from public funds. Donations from Fitial-Villagomez supporters and the private sector have also been tapped to fund the event.
