Bermudes to run for Saipan senator

Educator and advocate Illuminanda “Lumi” Reyes Bermudes officially announced her decision yesterday to run as an independent Saipan senatorial candidate this November.

“There is a need to instill trust in government leadership that is focused on public service—and not in politics,” Bermudes said.

She spoke strongly about how everyone deserves to be afforded with opportunities to succeed. “I will be the voice of the voiceless,” she promised.

Her desire to run for elected office is reflected by her passion and commitment to public service. She brings with her more than 15 years of experience. On those years, she served as former special assistant for the Office of Youth Affairs and technical assistant for the Office of the Governor’s Special Assistant for Administration.

Bermudes

She is also the former chairperson of the CNMI Board of Parole, and has over 10 years of volunteer work for various youth organizations.

Currently, she is the program director of the Chamorro, Carolinian and Heritage Studies Program of the Public School System.

“I believe that my experience as a public servant in serving our children has cemented that commitment in making a difference,” Bermudes said in a statement.

Bermudes’ entry into the Saipan Senate race pits her with four other candidates. She claims, however, that her proven experience and advocacy sets her apart from her opponents.

“[A]lthough we have differences in beliefs, opinions, and ideas, what we need is for us to recognize that the best decisions are made by a consensus. And that is the missing link of what we see and experience today,” Bermudes said.

Her re-entry into the political fray, after narrowly losing during her first run in the 2012 last general elections, is buoyed by her unchanging focus and commitment toward the government’s need to invest in human capital and education.

“Human capital and development must be tied to education and training. We have a progressive public education but the support is not there. While we have statutes, initiatives and policies in place, we just do not see the balance,” she said.

“I love my islands, my people and I strongly believe in what we can make of it. We have potentials that we need to take advantage,” said Lumi, as she is fondly called. She is known for being work oriented and focused.

She added, “Everyone who know me or even of me, know that I am a doer.  I don’t wait for things to happen, I find ways to make it happen.” (PR)