Senate confirms nomination of Taijeron, Gerrard, Sanchez

Donald Manglona

The Senate unanimously confirmed Tuesday afternoon the appointment of Jamika R. Taijeron and Sachiko N. Gerrard to serve as members of the Marianas Visitors Authority board, and Simon A. Sanchez to serve as a member of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. board.

Taijeron, Gerrard, and Sanchez would each serve a four-year term.

Taijeron, who is the manager of DFS Group Ltd., will be representing Saipan.

Gerrard, who is the acting general manager of Aqua Resort Club, will be representing Saipan businesses. She will serve the remaining term vacated by Thomas T. H. Li, which will expire on July 17, 2023. She will subsequently serve a four-year term.

Sanchez, who is a member of the Guam Consolidated Commission on Utilities, is representing as an off-island member with utility management experience.

Before the voting for their confirmation in Tuesday’s special Senate session, Senate Executive Appointments and Government Investigations Committee vice chair Sen. Donald M. Manglona (Ind-Rota) said that Taijeron shared during the hearing with the committee new and fresh ideas as she works with the MVA board as it plans for the future.

Manglona said that, according to Taijeron, the CNMI must utilize the beauty of the islands and unique experiences the CNMI offers in terms of making the CNMI stand out.

The senator said Gerrard’s experiences in the hotel industry, which includes a greater understanding of the Japan market, are characteristics needed to market the CNMI in Asian countries as well as promote the Commonwealth, with deep knowledge of what tourists look for.

Manglona said that Sanchez possesses extensive knowledge in utilities industry, having 20 years of experience in the Guam Consolidated Commission on Utilities and serving under different capacities, including a 12-year chairmanship term. Manglona said that Sanchez has shared his vision and hopes that they address a lot of the issues surrounding utility rates and services in the CNMI. He said the committee appreciates Sanchez willingness to offer his services to the CNMI.

All eight senators present voted for the adoption of the committee’s reports that recommended the confirmation of the nominations of Taijeron, Gerrard, and Sanchez. Committee chair Sen. Celina R. Babauta (D-Saipan) was absent but was excused from the session.