‘We’re entering new phase of history’

Under overcast skies, Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres took their respective oaths of offices yesterday in front of an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 people at the Governor’s Office on Capital Hill.

Left, Gov. Eloy S. Inos is sworn in by Supreme Court Associate Judge Perry Inos (not in picture) while his eldest daughter Dora Anne holds the Bible. Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres is sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexandro Castro (not in picture), while his wife, Lady Diane holds the Bible. (Mark Rabago)

The newly sworn in governor said his new administration is ready to write a new chapter in the history of the Commonwealth—one that will hopefully take advantage of multi-billion dollar investments, a rebounding tourism industry—all the while improving the lives of the people of the CNMI.

“We are entering a new phase of our Commonwealth’s history and with the expected new investments of several billion dollars, I am confident that there will be many new opportunities that will benefit all of our people. We will not lose sight of the fact that your government must work for the people and not the other way around,” he said in his inauguration message.

Inos, who spoke eloquently with a strong voice, said it is also important that the CNMI not only develop new businesses, but also help existing businesses grow. He said the Commonwealth must expand its economic base so that it can weather any global economic downturn.

“One of the key components for continued economic growth is improving our education system. We will work together to improve the educational opportunities for not only our children, but also those wanting a better life for their families. It is imperative that our people are educated and trained as they seek the high quality jobs coming to our islands,” he said.

To this end, the governor vowed to work with the Northern Marianas College and the Public School System.

“We cannot lose the opportunities to succeed because we didn’t do enough to provide the necessary tools to our teachers and students.  I pledge to work with NMC and PSS as well as the other stakeholders in the educational community to identify solutions to their most pressing needs,” he said.

Healthcare, utilities

Inos added that his administration would continue its efforts to improve, modernize, and revolutionize the healthcare system of the Commonwealth.

“We must and will do more to guarantee that the best doctors, nurses, and medical equipment are available to our loved ones here in the Commonwealth. We cannot continue to live in a society where our people must travel off-island to receive necessary medical procedures. My administration is determined to address this situation immediately and, working with the medical community, I am confident that our Commonwealth will see a significant improvement in the coming months.”

The governor also said he and Torres will continue to follow through on the government’s commitment to CNMI retirees as well as make strides in lowering the cost of electricity to consumers of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.

“We will continue to honor our commitment to fully fund the government contribution. I thank you for your patience over the past year as we identified a solution to restore your hard earned pensions.

“We have made great strides in stabilizing and improving the operations at the CUC, but there is much more that we can and will do. Improved infrastructure coupled with alternative energy sources will help us accomplish our goals of reducing the financial burdens placed on families by the high cost of utilities. My administration is committed to improving the operations of CUC. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to make the CUC a better partner to the citizens and businesses of the CNMI,” he said.

902 talks

Inos said he would also be addressing issues that have cropped up recently regarding the U.S. Department of Defense’s planned use of the Francisco C. Ada International Airport as an alternative airfield as well as the militarization of Tinian and Pagan.

“One of my first orders of business will be to formally request President Obama to appoint his representative for the 902 consultations. There are many issues that need to be addressed between our Commonwealth and the United States government and the Covenant section 902 process will provide the vehicle in which many will be resolved. I am confident that we will have a spirited discussion across the board but at the end of the day both the Commonwealth and the U.S. government will come to many agreements that will continue to demonstrate our willingness to be equal partners with them while at the same time preserving our values and culture,” he said.
The governor added that he’s very encouraged with the decision by the President in which he conveyed to the CNMI three miles of submerged lands jurisdiction.

“This was an important first step and I will continue to work with Delegate [Gregorio Kilili C.] Sablan to extend this boundary further. These lands are an important part of our heritage. The next step in completing this conveyance is to finalize the agreement with the military on the exception for military access.”

Inos also said he values Sablan’s help and will continue to work with the CNMI’s nonvoting delegate to Congress to bring solutions to the islands’ plethora of problems.

“My administration and the Legislature will continue to engage the services of our Washington representative, The Honorable Gregorio Killili Sablan, as we expand and improve our relationships with the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch.  Unfortunately, he could not be here today as the U.S. House of Representatives is in session, but I pledged to him our heartfelt thanks for all of his hard work on behalf of the CNMI. One of the most pressing issues facing our Commonwealth is ensuring that we have a stable and hardworking labor force so that investors will have all the tools necessary to build and maintain new businesses. I look forward to working with Delegate Sablan as we tackle this and many other issues in the U.S. Congress.”

Lack of hotel rooms

Inos also acknowledged the dearth of hotel rooms to satisfy the demand of the now thriving tourism industry.

“To our travel industry partners here with us today, I extend our appreciation for your continued promotion of the Northern Mariana Islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. We have much to offer your clientele but we know that we still have much to do to improve our destination. As tourism is currently the leading economic driver for our Commonwealth, we pledge our continued partnership and collaboration with you, both on and off island. We fully appreciate that we need to add more hotel rooms and improve our infrastructure to accommodate the increased interest in our islands. I am so thankful to the new investors that are building hotels, not only here but also on our other islands. We know that this is not enough but we will work with you to provide the necessary resources,” he said.

He also pledged to the people of Rota and Tinian that his administration will find solutions to inter-island connectivity.

“You deserve to have easy and dependable access to not only goods and services but also your family here in Saipan. Solving this problem will also help improve the economy in both places and provide easier access for our tourism industry.”

Looking back

Inos started his speech by reminiscing about the challenges he and former lieutenant governor and now Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider (R-Tinian) faced when they were thrust to the position of leadership following the resignation of former governor Benigno R. Fitial.

“Two years ago, when I was sworn in as your governor, our Commonwealth was at a crossroads. The then Senate president, Jude Hofschneider, and I were thrust into office in a very non-traditional manner. Jude and I could not rest, as we were all too painfully aware of the many challenges our Commonwealth was facing. We did not lose sight of who we are as a people and what makes us so strong. We the people of the CNMI have never wavered in times of adversity—we rise to the occasion and band together.”

Looking back, Inos wasn’t afraid to admit that he was surprised at just how much his administration accomplished over the last two years.

“We identified a solution to the NMI Retirement Fund crisis while reducing our general fund deficit by more than $230 million, we secured and have spent more than $40 million on Capital Improvements Projects, we merged and consolidated agencies to eliminate redundancy and achieve efficiency, our tourism industry witnessed substantial growth with increased activity from our friends here in the Pacific region, we negotiated and signed a contract for a multi-billion dollar integrated resort here on Saipan, we signed agreements with new investors for a resort in Tinian, and we are poised to sign a $15- to $23-million construction contract for the Puerto Rico Dump closure—this is a project that has been through four administrations.”

Aside from members of the 19th Legislature, officials from Judiciary, and heads of government agencies, yesterday’s inauguration was also attended by dignitaries from off-island: Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., Peleliu State Gov. Temmy Shmull, Ngardmau State Gov. Renguul Victor Masahiro, Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo, Guam Speaker Judy Won Pat, Guam Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz, Guam Sen. Rory Respicio, Guam Sen. Tina Muna-Barnes, Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar, Brig. Gen. Steven Basham, Maj. Gen. Michael G. Dana, Federal Court Justice Alex Munson, Guam Superior Court Justice Vernon Perez, and Japan Consul General Hitoshi Kikuchi.

Fr. Ryan Jimenez, the apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, led the invocation and the benediction, while Rep. Angel Demapan (R-Saipan) was the master of ceremony. Until Friday, Demapan was Inos’ press secretary.

Note: The speech of Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres will be reported in tomorrow’s edition of the Saipan Tribune.