Previous Story
Inos: Hostile environment at public library ‘unfortunate’
The hostile working environment at the Joeten Kiyu Public Library between library staff and its former executive director, John Oliver Gonzales, was “unfortunate,” according to Gov. Eloy S. Inos.
Yesterday, Gonzales officially stepped down after turning in his resignation letter to JKPL Library board chair Mark Rabauliman.
Inos in a statement said he and Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres “acknowledge and recognize the library staff’s disappointment in the library’s leadership and their hope for change.”
“We recognize Mr. Gonzales’ service, and we encourage the library staff to continue setting exceptional service benchmarks for our children, stakeholders, and the general public,” Inos said.
The governor said Gonzales “should be commended not only for his tenure at the library but his community contributions through the Marianas Alliance of Non-Governmental Organization and various services representing the CNMI throughout the Pacific region.”
“While it was unfortunate that a hostile working environment existed at the library between Gonzales and the library staff, the administration is keen on the continuation of the library’s services to the public through the library staff’s dedication and under new leadership,” Inos said.
Gonzales’ resignation comes almost a month after JKPL staff walked out on him complaining of a “climate of fear” at the library, forcing the hand of library board members to resolve the conflict.
JKPL’s Children Library associate Erlinda Naputi will be the acting executive director in Gonzales’ stead.
