NIMO hosts Christmas party, hails top employee

 The Northern Islands Mayor’s Office hosted Thursday a Christmas party for its employees as an appreciation for their hard work and contribution this 2011.

NIMO staffers and guests enjoyed barbecue and other local fares at the Capitol Hill office.

Mayor Tobias Aldan said yesterday’s party was also a chance to hand out gifts and prizes to those who were awarded Employee of the Month this year.

They were Patrick C. Santos (January), Francisco L. Kaipat (February, November), Francisco Jerome K. Aldan (March, December), Jeromy R. Topulei (April), Jesus C. Santos (May), Santiago Fitipol Castro (June), Lerins Stoll (July), Vicente Lairope Mettao (August), Lee Michael Olaitiman Sylvan (September), and Robin O. Kaipat (October).

The awardees were recognized for being persistent in completing assignments despite degree of difficulties, demonstrating good work habits, displaying leadership qualities, and working beyond the call of duty.

Aldan said the awards serve as an incentive and a way to boost the morale of the staff. The awardees were given certificates signed by the mayor.

The awardees also received gift packs and gift certificates donated by various local businesses, including Coca-Cola, Marpac, J’s Restaurant, Marianas Resort, McDonald’s, Country House Restaurant, Hyatt Regency Saipan, and Tan Siu Lin Foundation.

During yesterday’s event, the mayor also presented the Employee of the Year award to Francisco L. Kaipat for his distinguished and exemplary performance throughout the year.

“You are being commended for your leadership, contributions, and achievements in providing quality services to the Northern Islands community and the CNMI,” read the certificate signed by Aldan and Gov. Benigno R. Fitial.

Kaipat, who has been with the NIMO for two years, said he didn’t expect to receive the award because all the staff are hardworking employees.

“It’s a good Christmas gift for me,” said Kaipat, the community worker assigned to Alamagan, who received gift certificates for two at Coral Ocean Point, Saipan Grand Hotel, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Hafa Adai Beach Hotel, and Saipan Grand Hotel.

A father of five, Kaipat said doing his job is easy to do with the help of Aldan and the NIMO staff.

“Teamwork helps a lot. I believe I also have commitment for my job. We plan to continue with our work next year to help the residents of the Northern Islands,” Kaipat told Saipan Tribune.

Asked for his Christmas wish, Kaipat said, “My wish is for everybody to be safe during the holidays.”

The mayor congratulated Kaipat and the rest of the NIMO staff for a job well done in 2011.

“Keep up the good work. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful 2012. God bless us all,” said Aldan.