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Guma Sakman MOU is extended
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Posted on Mar 15 2019
The memorandum of understanding between the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and non-profit group 500 Sails was extended for one year, ensuring the continued existence of the Guma Sakman and the continuation of the group’s swimming, sailing and canoe building programs.
“500 Sails extends its heartfelt thanks to DLNR Secretary Tony Benavente, the 500 Sails board of directors, and the many program participants and supporters who stepped forward to help ensure the continuation of our…programs,” said 500 Sails officials in a statement.
The organization said the over 2,000 signatures on the change.org petition “showed how the community felt” about extending 500 Sails’ use of the lot where the Guma Sakman is located at the Civic Center Beach in Susupe.
Among the comments contained in the petition include the following: “This is a great location for 500 Sails and the swimming program. Please keep it going for our children and our community.”
Also: “I have personally seen the work of 500 Sails and the benefits the organization provides to the community. We need to support their efforts and allow them a permanent place to continue the work of building the traditional canoes. The CNMI should embrace the work that 500 Sails is doing and promote a true Indigenous Marianas tradition. I fully support 500 Sails!”
For more information about 500 Sails programs, visit the 500 Sails Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/500SailsDolphinClubSaipan, or call Emma Perez at 285-4268 or Pete Perez at 783-0890.
