Four volunteer groups cited for annual ‘Steward Award’

Beautify CNMI has recognized four volunteer groups for its Environmental Steward Award during its recent two-year anniversary concert with ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro.

The four volunteer groups who were recognized as Beautify CNMI’s Stewards were Friends of the Marianas Islands, Marianas Dive, Paseo de Marianas Promoters and Max Aguon and the Pantalon Boys.

Friends of the Mariana Islands, which won the Steward Award for the second straight year, participate in weekly Beautify CNMI activities. As members of the Restoration Committee, they have adopted Garapan, Laulau Bay, and Isa Drive. They also helped with the restoration of the Navy Hill Lighthouse, a drainage clearing project between Fina Sisu and Chalan Kanoa, and have helped with numerous tree plantings.

Marianas Dive was recognized for its monthly underwater and beach cleanups and for its promotion of responsible diving. The group also lobbied for the passage of HR 15-100, now Public Law 15-124, which prohibits the taking of Spotted Eagle Rays. This year the group plans to install several dive moorings off of Tinian to reduce damage to corals caused by anchors.

PDM Promoters participates in the monthly cleanup of Garapan, but every morning you can see them in the Paseo cleaning and making the area look nice In the evenings the members keep an eye on things. They have also sponsored the Recyclable Christmas Tree Ornament contests and the Recyclable Easter House contest, both of which promoted recycling among the islands’ elementary students.

Max Aguon and the Pantalon Boys have adopted Sugar Dock. Every day they pick up trash and they manicure the area on a regular basis. They have also put up barriers to keep people from driving on the beach, which drips oil, creates ruts in the sand, and kills vegetation.

The four groups were given trophies at the recent Jake Shimabukuro concert in front of an audience of 500 people.

Dr. John Joyner of the Coastal Resources Management accepted the award on behalf of Max Aguon and the Pantalon Boys who were not able to attend the event.

According to Beautify CNMI volunteer Angelo Villagomez, the community made nominations and the winners were selected by the chairs of the Beautify CNMI coalition.

Deputy Secretary of Labor Cinta Kaipat said she is proud of the winners as they were nominated by their peers.

“The beauty virus continues to spread. Our campaign to beautify the CNMI keeps growing and I can’t wait to see what our third year brings,” Kaipat said.