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MVA chairman tenders courtesy resignation
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Posted on Jan 11 2006
Marianas Visitors Authority chairman David Sablan has tendered his courtesy resignation to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial last Monday, as the new administration disclosed appointments to major Cabinet positions.
Sablan said his resignation becomes effective Tuesday subject to Fitial’s acceptance or rejection. Sablan clarified, however, that he continues to serve the MVA board until a successor is appointed and confirmed by the Senate.
“It’s really up to the governor to accept or reject it,” Sablan said.
The Fitial administration has named no appointments yet to the MVA board.
In tendering the resignation, Sablan fulfilled his earlier statement that he would submit that letter to the new governor right after the Fitial administration takes over the helm of government.
Sablan had supported the failed re-election bid of former Gov. Juan N. Babauta and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente. He had assured, though, that he would fully support the incoming administration’s pick for his replacement.
Sablan has chaired the MVA since 1998 and has held that position several times for a total of about 20 years. The Saipan Chamber of Commerce gave Sablan its prestigious “2005 Business Person of the Year” award on Tuesday.
Sablan’s involvement in the Northern Marianas’ tourism industry began in the 1960s, when the islands were still part of the Trust Territory government. He established the then Intercontinental Hotel in 1976, which began changing the landscape of Garapan into Saipan’s premier tourism and commercial district.
