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Lifoifoi resigns from CPA board after 16 years
Citing health concerns, Jose R. Lifoifoi has resigned as a member of the Commonwealth Ports Authority board, where he served for 16 years, 14 of which as chairman.
Lifoifoi, 82, confirmed with Saipan Tribune that he submitted his resignation letter to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres recently and that it took effect last Jan. 7.
“It was a resignation and not just a courtesy resignation,” said Lifoifoi in an interview yesterday at the inauguration ceremony for Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios at the Northern Mariana Islands Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
Lifoifoi and his wife, Cecilia, were among the guests at the ceremony.
He said he spoke first with Torres before submitting his resignation.
Lifoifoi said his wife just had a major operation on her back. “I have my own health problem too—arthritis,” he said.
Leaving CPA after serving the board for 16 years leaves Lifoifoi with mixed feelings.
“I’m sad but, at the same time…Nobody is taking care of us in the house. Only me and her,” said Lifoifoi, pointing to his wife.
In his letter to Torres dated Jan. 7, 2019, Lifoifoi said his wife needs his full assistance. He needs to accompany his wife to Manila, Philippines for a series of medical checkups required by her doctor.
“I am grateful to the past and present CPA board members, management and staff for their full cooperation and confidence in me during my term,” Lifoifoi said.
He thanked Torres for his trust and support during his term as CPA chairman.
Cecilia Lifoifoi said her husband’s resignation is very timely as she needs him to assist her in her personal needs and to accompany her to Manila for her medical checkups in succeeding months.
She said her husband is also due for a knee operation.
“I have no relative to take care of me on Saipan except for him,” Cecilia Lifoifoi said.
Lifoifoi first served as CPA board chairman in May 2002. He last attended a CPA board meeting in February 2018. Last Dec. 18, the CPA board of directors elected Kimberlyn-King Hinds as its new board chairperson, replacing chair Lifoifoi.
The CPA directors had already tendered their courtesy resignation letters to Torres.
