‘Little ones’ flip switch of giant Christmas tree

Members of the public take in the sights after the official lighting ceremony for the giant Christmas tree at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe on Friday. (Mark Rabago)

“I feel I was here doing this thing two months ago. Time runs so fast. But I’m happy to be here again this year and I want thank you all for coming down to join us, join the community to do our annual Christmas tree lighting here at the Multi-Purpose Center… I requested that the little ones would participate in the flipping of the switch to light up our annual Christmas tree lighting event,” he said.

Some of the children told Saipan Tribune it was an honor for them to turn on the lights of the Christmas tree that illuminated the entire area and could be clearly seen from Beach Road.

Inos, who later that evening would be certified as the winner of the 2014 runoff election for governor with his running mate, Senate President Ralph DLG. Torres (R-Saipan), said the lighting of the giant Christmas tree signals the start of the holiday season in the Commonwealth.

“This is the season for friendship, a season to give, a season to forgive. If you still have those butterflies in your stomach, take some Pepto Bismol and everything will be OK. Yes, it’s a season to rejoice and a season for everyone to give thanks to the good Lord for the many good things that He has given us during the past year and we pray that the good Lord will guide us in the coming year 2015. Bless us with prosperity, bless is with good tidings, and bless us as a community. Let us help one another make Saipan and the Commonwealth a very, very wonderful place to live,” said the governor.

Inos also extended his gratitude to everyone who made the event possible, especially to those who set up the giant Christmas tree and the island band that serenaded everyone in attendance with classic yuletide tunes.

“I also want to thank the folks who made this all possible. The staff of the Governor’s Office, the DPW folks, I know there were also some folks from Corrections that also helped. Especially, I want to thank our choir in blue. Thank you! It’s always nice entertainment. I know you do this every year and I hope you don’t retire,” he said.

The island band was made up of personnel from the Department of Public Safety and the Commonwealth Ports Authority.

Aside from Inos and Torres, other officials who attended the Christmas tree lighting last Friday were House floor leader Rep. Ralph Demapan (R-Saipan), Senate vice president Victor Hocog (Ind-Rota), Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Perry Tenorio, and press secretary Angel Demapan. L.J. Castro served as emcee.