PSS program manager to run for Senate seat

Illuminanda Reyes Bermudes declared her intention to run as a senator representing Saipan at an intimate gathering near the Legislature on Capital Hill yesterday afternoon.

“Solutions not illusions,” Bermudes, fondly known as “Lumi,” said as she addressed a crowd mostly wearing red shirts.

Bermudes is running as an independent candidate. She is the current program manager of the Public School System’s Chamorro Language and Heritage Studies, a post she has held for two years. She has been with PSS for more than 10 years.

“This is my first time to run for public office, but I have always been a public servant,” she told Saipan Tribune. “I love doing things, I love helping people.”

Education and economy, she said, will be among the priorities of her campaign. She said she doesn’t have all the answers to questions about how to make the CNMI a better place, but she will work with and listen to everyone who wants to be part of the solution.

“But don’t just tell me there’s a problem; I hope you would also share what you think could be done [to solve the problem],” she added.

Bermudes is so far the third individual known to be running for a Saipan Senate seat in the Nov. 6 midterm elections.

The other two are incumbent Sen. Luis Crisostimo (Ind-Saipan), and Rep. Ray Yumul (R-Saipan). Crisostimo said he will seek re-election under Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s Republican Party, while Yumul said he will run as an independent.

Kimo Rosario, chairman of Bermudes’ campaign committee, and John Oliver Gonzales, vice chair of the committee, introduced Bermudes to the crowd of adults and children.

“Today we begin our journey,” Gonzales said.

He said Bermudes came from humble beginnings. Bermudes is one of four children of a carpenter and an administrative assistant, and went on to become the one taking care of family matters.

Bermudes said she wants her campaign to be different. She said she doesn’t want to fundraise or solicit donations, because many in the community are now having financial difficulty.

“There are too many issues to face but we should never forget to smile, and have fun. We must have hope,” she said.

Beginning on April 13 and every Friday thereafter, Bermudes will have a sit-down and conversations with community members about a host of issues, at the Minatchom Atdao. Her campaign team is expected to complete their official campaign platform in the next few days.