‘US territories have a voice in Trump’s win’

Gov. Ralph DLG Tores said that President-elect Donald J. Trump’s victory would result in the five U.S. territories having a direct link to the White House. The businessman-turned-reality star was elected the 45th U.S. President, beating Hillary R. Clinton and getting 276 electoral votes against the 218 of the former Secretary of State.

The Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee, which consists of representatives from the five U.S. territories—American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands—was one of the things the Republican Party had agreed to during the GOP National Convention where Trump accepted his nomination.

Torres is co-chair of the committee with Guam Gov. Eddie B. Calvo. He said in a statement that he was among those who pushed for the creation of the committee to Trump and the Republican National Committee being the co-chair.

“I congratulate Mr. Trump for becoming the next President of the United States. I also want to extend my sincerest appreciation to Secretary Clinton and her supporters for being active participants in our democratic process,” said Torres.

“As a co-chair on the Republican Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee, I personally advocated to Mr. Trump and the Republican National Committee for the creation of a commonwealth and territories advisory committee that will appoint a direct link to the White House.”

He said he pushed for the creation of the committee. “That decision has always been with the CNMI’s best interests at heart. I will personally make sure our people have a voice on the national table so that we can continue to raise the standard of living here for everyone.”

Working in harmony
Torres hopes the nation would now unite and work together after a stressful and highly contested campaign. “There is no doubt that this year’s presidential election was stressful, frustrating, and even strange. I pray that our country reunite for a smooth transition of power between administrations.”

“But it’s important to note that our democratic process allows for us as citizens and as a U.S. Commonwealth to write our own stories of success. Here at home, we have to continue the work of creating a better standard of living for everyone who calls these islands home.”

He also assured the community that his administration would continue to work hard to move the CNMI forward. “I will continue to work with the people you elected this year to ensure our economy continues to grow, so that we can address the issues that matter the most to you.”

“That includes creating more jobs for our people, meeting the needs of our retirees, improving our health care, and providing more to our students for their futures,” he added.

Kilili’s message
Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) also congratulated Trump. He said that, although he supported and vigorously campaigned for Clinton, he respects the choice made by the U.S. voters.

“The American people have spoken and Mr. Trump is now President-elect Trump. Though, I supported Mrs. Clinton because I think she is the most qualified candidate for the office, I must respect the people’s choice.”

“Mrs. Clinton reportedly has called Mr. Trump to concede the election. Congratulations to President-elect Trump and to his supporters, including Gov. Torres and the local GOP.”