Commonwealth honors retired associate judge Wiseman

“Everything has a beginning and an end. The time to end this chapter seems about as right as it could be.”

Thus stated David A. Wiseman in his retirement speech after serving 15 years on the bench, making him the longest in the CNMI Judiciary’s history to serve as associate judge of the Superior Court.

In concluding his speech during the Judiciary’s special proceeding for his retirement on Friday in the CNMI Supreme Court, Wiseman said he takes pride and joy having made, along with his several colleagues, what he believes to be significant advancements for the CNMI Judiciary.

“I believe that my judgments have maintained a competence in the law, untouched by partisan interests, public clamor or fear of criticism,” Wiseman said during the packed ceremony attended by government officials, Cabinet members, lawmakers, judges, justices, lawyers, former judges, court employees, and friends of the judge and his wife.

Wiseman said the result of many of his decisions have contributed to “a solid legal foundation in the CNMI.”

Wiseman made significant efforts for judicial involvement in improving the community—the most recent being the Drug Court, which is expected to be well underway in July.

“I am proud to say that the legacy I leave on the court is one that has been surrounded by a high degree of distinction, honor, and integrity which I always strived to maintain,” he said.

Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres said Wiseman has been in the forefront in the establishment of the CNMI Drug Court, which is very important considering the epidemic of methamphetamine or “ice” in the Commonwealth.

“The Drug Court is a historical moment for all of us especially to the families who are affected,” Torres said.

The governor said he and Wiseman have always talked about the next judge to fill up his position.

Torres said he really wants to get Wiseman’s input and appreciates his advice as what characteristics to see in appointing a new judge.

“I want to personally thank you for your service,” the governor told Wiseman.

Chief Justice Alexandro Castro made the welcome remarks.

All justices and judges also made remarks about Wiseman.

Associate Justice John A. Manglona recalled that he and Wiseman used to be neighbors on Rota.

Manglona remembered how his father really valued Wiseman’s advice.

Manglona said that last week, the Judiciary and the CNMI Bar Association had a symposium and that Wiseman was there, giving advice to young lawyers.

“Judge, we will miss your company. We will miss your friendship,” Manglona said.

Associate Justice Perry B. Inos said the thing that really stood up for Judge Wiseman is that he is fair and impartial.

“The words that you received today are very true,” Inos said.

Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja said he and Wiseman, being the senior among the judges, shared administrative responsibilities of the court’s affair.

Naraja said Wiseman’s written decisions are exceptional.

Naraja said Wiseman is an inspiration to all the judges and court staff.

Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo said Wiseman takes the law very seriously.

“He loves being a judge every single day,” Govendo said, adding that Wiseman has been a great help not only to him but also other judges whether it’s advice or past decisions.

Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho said Wiseman is very generous in sharing his knowledge.

“We became good friends,” Camacho said.

Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio remembered that when she was nominated on the bench, Wiseman, who was in San Francisco, California at that time, called her early morning just to congratulate her.

Kim-Tenorio disclosed that Wiseman is known for being updated on gadgets.

Kim-Tenorio said she and other judges and staff are also going to miss the bananas that Wiseman loved to share with them.

Vivian S. Dela Cruz, judicial assistant to Wiseman, and Conrad Y. Ohashi, law clerk for Wiseman, read the Judiciary’s Resolution for Wiseman’s outstanding services and contributions to the Judiciary. Dela Cruz tried to control her tears.

Senate vice president Arnold Palacios (R-Saipan) and Rep. Angel Demapan (R-Saipan) led the lawmakers’ presentation of resolutions for Wiseman’s great contributions to the CNMI. Saipan Mayor David Apatang also gave resolution to the judge. The Judiciary and CNMI Bar Association presented gifts to him.

Wiseman received standing ovation after his wife, Faythe, retired his judicial robe.

In his speech, Wiseman said it is a deep sense of gratitude, achievement and regret that he is retiring from his position as an associate judge.

“I am truly grateful for having had the very special and profound opportunity of being able to serve the people of the CNMI, in several capacities, over a period of about four decades of a career spent in the CNMI, 39 years to be exact,” Wiseman said.

Wiseman and his wife arrived on Saipan on July 7, 1977 (7-7-77) when they were both enrolled as Peace Corps volunteers, serving the pre-Commonwealth government of Rota.

As the 15th judge to serve the CNMI Judiciary, Wiseman served 15 years.

Wiseman shared his stories how he witnessed and participated in the incipient of the CNMI government and the Judiciary and their evolution.

He remembered that there were only 14,000 people at that time in the CNMI and that a person can identify a new car on the island driving along the small one- or two-lane roads.

He said there was only one TV—the Trust Territory TV station in black and white, the power and water were on and off, and making a call to the U.S. mainland was a trying and an expensive experience.

“About $3-$4 a minute and most of the call was spent yelling, I can’t hear you,” said Wiseman, drawing laughter from his colleagues and guests.

Wiseman, visibly trying to control his emotions, expressed special words of praise and gratitude for her secretary, Vivian Sablan Dela Cruz, whom he described as his friend and loyal employee who started out with him in his law office in 1984.

He said Dela Cruz has three children, all his God-children.

He said Dela Cruz has been his loyal and competent employee for 32 years.

“How fortunate I have been to have had her dedicated services and loyalty for more than three decades,” Wiseman said.

He served the people of the CNMI as a designated judge of the U.S. District Court for the NMI for 14 consecutive years.

He spent more than 38 years of his career in the CNMI. Wiseman also served the first, second, and third CNMI Legislature as legal counsel and the fifth and 11th as a committee counsel. He represented several government agencies as a private attorney, while simultaneously serving as a special judge for several years.