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Support pours for Fitial inauguration
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Posted on Jan 05 2006
The Ben&Tim Foundation, created after the winners of the 2005 election were revealed two months ago, has raised close to $50,000 for the inauguration of Gov.-elect Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez.
Inauguration committee chair Kevin P. Villagomez said yesterday that the fundraising proceeds would be used before the committee taps the $200,000 appropriated by the Babauta administration for the inauguration events.
Besides monetary donations, businessmen and community members have also pledged in-kind support for the activities.
Members of the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, for instance, have offered room rate discounts to dignitaries attending the inauguration. Local travel agencies are also arranging free sightseeing tours for Fitial’s international guests.
“The community support is overwhelming. People are more than willing to help,” Villagomez said.
He added that, the inauguration, which is expected to attract 300-500 guests from off-island, is a great opportunity to showcase the beauty of the Northern Marianas and the hospitality of its people.
Heads of states from all over Micronesia, ranking government officials from nearby countries and the United States, and big businessmen from Asia have been invited. Some of them were expected to arrive Thursday evening, according to Villagomez.
The activities will kick off with the Inaugural Golf Tournament at Lao Lao West Golf Course on Saturday, Jan. 7. The tournament will begin at 8am. It is exclusive to Fitial and Villagomez’s invited guests.
At 3pm Sunday, Jan. 8, an inaugural Mass will be conducted at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral for all the elected officials in the CNMI. The Mass is open to the public.
Members of the 15th Legislature will be sworn in at 10am Monday, Jan. 9, at the Legislative Building on Capitol Hill.
At 2pm, Fitial and Villagomez will be sworn in at American Memorial Park. An island-style fiesta and entertainment, including a fireworks display at 8pm, will ensue.
An exclusive inaugural ball will be also held from 6pm to 10pm at World Resort Saipan. The formal event will be on a by-invitation basis.
