Torres thanks Pacific neighbors for their aid

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres used his presence at the 15th Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting to also personally thank the CNMI’s Pacific neighbors for the help they extended after Super Typhoon Yutu slammed the CNMI last October.

“As many of you know…our islands…were hit by Super Typhoon Yutu, a Category 5 [storm] with winds [of] over 200 miles per hour. This storm devastated the islands of Saipan and Tinian,” said Torres in the meeting at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu.

“While it destroyed a substantial amount of infrastructure, including fisheries-related infrastructure, it did not diminish the resolve of our people to remain resilient as we work toward rebuilding our island home.”

That is when the CNMI’s Pacific island neighbors pitched in to help the CNMI by sending personnel and other types of assistance in helping the CNMI.

“I would like to personally extend my thanks to the state of Hawaii for their assistance extended to our islands to support relief and rebuilding efforts,” he said

Torres also credited the help of hundreds of Pacific region soldiers assigned to Joint Task Group Saipan, including those in the Army Reserve. “They supported the CNMI’s efforts on both islands [Saipan and Tinian] in debris clearing, setting up food and water distribution stations, providing emergency service supplies, and helping our islands rebuild.”

The CNMI’s Micronesian neighbors also answered the call to help the Commonwealth. “I also wish to extend my appreciation to our federal partners and all the various [non-governmental organizations].”

“Our neighboring region—the territory of Guam, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands—have been aiding and restoring normalcy to the many lives that have been affected by this devastation.”

Torres added: “Such devastation does highlight the importance of food security and long-term access to tuna resources that have fed our people for many years.”

Torres also attended the Western Governors Association meeting where he was elected to be the next chair of the Pacific Basin Development Council. He was joined by Senate President Arnold I. Palacios, the incoming lieutenant governor, on this trip.