David Apatang sworn in as CNMI's 10th governor
Photo:
Facebook / Mariana Press
David Mundo Apatang was sworn as the CNMI's 11th governor early this morning, July 24, at the Governor's Office conference room on Capitol Hill.
The 77-year-old Vietnam War veteran was sworn in by Chief Justice Alexandro Castro. He succeeds the late governor Arnold Palacios, who suddenly passed last July 23 after being medically evacuated to Guam earlier in the day.
During the emotional swearing in, which was held in front of Cabinet members, lawmakers, and Apatang's family, the former lieutenant governor's voice cracked several times as the raw emotion of Palacios' passing the day before overcame him.
Apatang paused a few seconds and struggled to say "governor" after Castro asked him to repeat the words, "I will faithfully and honestly discharge my duties as the governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to the best of my ability, so help me God."
Castro then hugged Apatang after the oath-taking with tears and sorrow palpable in both their faces.
Apatang then addressed the assembled crowd at the packed Governor's Office conference room that now he commands.
"Today (Thursday) is a very sad day. It's really hard to express what happened. Actually, you know, when we started this journey, we weren't expecting it to be like this," he said.
Apatang said, like many in the Commonwealth over a rainy evening and early morning, he wasn't able to sleep.
Commenting on his relationship with his predecessor, Apatang said he and Palacios didn't always see eye to eye, but there was always mutual respect and admiration.
"Just like my inaugural speech, if you look back, I always say that if there's any difference between myself and the governor, it always comes up to working together at the end for the Commonwealth and our people.
"My heart goes out to the family, first lady Wella, and their children. We will be working on an arrangement for the governor's arrival and his state funeral."
Apatang then promised to carry on Palacios' work, saying, "We will continue to work together to follow his dreams and accomplish what we need to do for our people, just like he wants to do. That's exactly what we're going to do."
With a Cabinet meeting set after the oathtaking, followed on Friday by a meeting with special assistants, Apatang reached out to the Legislature to help him plan for Palacios' state funeral.
The swearing in ended with the new governor taking a group photo with his family before being congratulated by dozens of well-wishers.
A couple of hours later at the same place, Senate President Dennis James Camacho Mendiola was sworn in as the CNMI's 14th lieutenant governor.
Castro again administered the oath of office while Mendiola's son, Brian, held the Bible. Mendiola's wife is currently in Washington.
In an impromptu speech after he was sworn in, Mendiola said his ascension to the post of lieutenant governor is not a time for celebration.
"It's unprecedented time, of course. Nobody expected [us] to be here. It's not time for celebration. It's time for mourning for our late governor, and we're going to go ahead and respect that."
Mendiola, a former commissioner of the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services and former special assistant of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, extended his condolences to the family of Palacios.
He also admitted to having a heavy heart in accepting his new post.
"I can go ahead and say that it's a constitutional mandate that I ascend. So, I'm going to go ahead and take this responsibility and, you know, work with the governor to ensure that we push a lot of these, you know, this situation that the CNMI is facing forward in the best interest of our people."
In a light moment, Mendiola said he doesn't mind being scolded by Apatang since the latter earlier said that he would often scold Palacios when they had arguments because he was older by eight years.
Apatang also said he has requested Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero to expedite the death certificate for Palacios so the CNMI community can pay their respects to the late governor.
As per the CNMI Constitution, the Senate presidency now goes to Karl King-Nabors, the former Senate vice president.
King-Nabors said despite their differences, he always respects Palacios and extended his heartfelt condolences to first lady Wella and the rest of the family.
"These are difficult times. We're a small community. Regardless of the difficulties or whatever perceived misunderstandings we might have, or misalignments, unalignment with our political agendas, we feel the loss of our community."
He said, for now, Senator Donald Manglona remains floor leader with the Senate reorganisation awaiting the return of senators Celina Babauta and Corina Magofna, who are both off-island.
King-Nabors added that former senator Paul Manglona is expected to take over the vacated seat of Mendiola.
"My understanding of it is that it is the last, most recent election's highest vote getter, so that would be senator Paul [will be returning] to the Senate," he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
an hour ago
- Otago Daily Times
What could replace NCEA - and how to have your say
The Government announced sweeping changes to school qualifications on Monday morning, including the end of the NCEA system that has been in place for more than 20 years. What is happening to NCEA? The government plans to replace it with a new educational qualification system Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said will give graduates "the skills to succeed in the modern global economy". The qualifications will still retain a standards-based assessment as NCEA does. NCEA Level 1, which typically takes place in Year 11, will be abolished. Students in Year 11 will be required to take English and Mathematics and sit a new 'Foundational Skills Award' test that documents achievement in literacy and numeracy, or te reo matatini and pāngarau. It is not yet clear if the new Foundation Certificate for Year 11 will simply be the current online literacy and numeracy tests. Two new qualifications replace NCEA Level 2 and Level 3. Year 12 and 13 students will now qualify with the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) respectively. Students will be required to take five subjects and pass at least four to attain each certificate in Years 12 and 13. A to E pass fail grades will return instead of "excellent, merit, achieved and not achieved" rankings, and the government says plans include "working with industry to develop better vocational pathways so students are getting the skills relevant to certain career pathways". Read the full discussion document here (PDF) The new qualification will be underpinned by a new national curriculum for Years 9-13 that will clearly outline what students need to learn in each subject and when, providing more consistency. "This is about making sure our national qualification opens doors for every young person, whether they're heading into a trade, university, or straight into work. Parents can be assured their kids will get the best possible opportunity to thrive," Education Minister Erica Stanford said. NCEA - which stands for National Certificate of Educational Achievement - has until now been the main secondary school qualification. It was introduced between 2002 and 2004, replacing School Certificate, University Entrance, Sixth Form Certificate and Bursary qualifications. When does this take effect? The changes will be phased in over the next five years, starting in 2026. The proposal is open for public consultation until 15 September before final decisions are made. Learn more about submitting on the proposal here Feedback would then be analysed, and in November Cabinet would consider the final policy recommendations. What about my children who are doing NCEA right now? The government says students who are currently Year 9 in 2025 will continue to receive secondary school learning under the old curriculum and will be assessed under NCEA Levels 1, 2, and 3. Students who are currently Year 8 in 2025 will begin to receive new curriculum learning from 2026 and will be assessed under the new award and qualifications. "It is important that changes to the curriculum and the qualifications are aligned - so that students are being taught and assessed under either the current curriculum and NCEA, or the new curriculum and qualifications," the discussion document says. So, for a period of time during the transition, teachers will be grading across two different frameworks. Why is NCEA going away? "The evidence shows NCEA is not consistent and can be hard to navigate," Luxon said. "It doesn't always deliver what students and employers need." "While NCEA was designed to be flexible, for many students that flexibility has encouraged a focus on simply attaining the qualification," Stanford said. "This has come at the cost of developing the critical skills and knowledge they need for clear pathways into future study, training or employment." There have been many reports about students suffering anxiety over NCEA exams. Last year, barely half the teenagers who tried to pass the critical NCEA literacy and numeracy benchmark via online tests succeeded. The Education Review Office has called for changes to NCEA Level 1 or to drop it altogether.
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
'He never stopped leading': CNMI bids farewell to late governor Arnold Palacios
Arnold Palacios was laid to rest following a motorcade and procession to the Marpi Public Cemetery, where he was honored by a 21-gun salute. Photo: Mark Rabago The Commonwealth of Nothern Mariana Islands' late governor Arnold Palacios was eulogised by his successor, David Apatang as a hard worker who never stopped leading. "He never stopped leading," Apatang said in his remarks during the former governor's state funeral on Saturday at the Pedro P Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. "Governor Palacios and I teamed up to win the 22nd general election. He and I committed to winning the confidence of our Commonwealth people. I know he never wavered. He and I agreed to. And that was to rebuild public trust in our government." Apatang said he and Palacios knew the road to economic recovery was going to be a tough as soon as they were sworn to office in January 2023, with the effects of Covid-19 still lingering on the global economy, causing economic implosion of the global market giants, turning the CNMI's chances of regaining economic strength less favorable. "Since governor Palacios and I took office, until the day he left us, we never once stopped to think whether all our efforts were worth it. In my morning sit-downs with him, governor Palacios and I in his office, I would often see how he carried a great burden on his shoulders." Apatang said Palacios deliberately tried to find ways to move the CNMI forward, and his strong will was evident by his fierceness to do more than what he did the day before. Office of Governor Arnold Palacios. 19 July 2024 Photo: Facebook / Office of Governor Arnold I. Palacios "In his eyes, I would see a tired spirit, but in his voice, I would sense his persistence to keep going. He never relented. He often said he wished our challenges were simpler. He went home tired, came back the next day still exhausted, but he never stopped showing up." He promised to continue Palacios' policies, aimed at long-term solutions rather than quick short-sighted fixes. "Governor Palacios had hopes and never once doubted himself that our Commonwealth would not return to calmer waters. "Governor, you and I walked into the doors of the administration building together on that proud day on 9 January 2023. You left unexpectedly before our term in office was done. But I promise you this: I will walk out those same doors when it is time with you in heart." Apatang offered his sincerest condolences to Palacios' widow, first lady Wella, and the rest of the Palacios family in his untimely passing. Guam governor Lou Leon Guerrero also spoke during the state funeral on what she described as a "final farewell to my friend, Arnold." "I have witnessed firsthand his commitment and his passion and his love for his culture, for his people, for his family," she said. "I have witnessed his compassion, his clarity, and his strength in communicating to Congress, in communicating to the White House, in communicating with his federal partners, whether it is in the White House, in the National Governors Association, in the Pacific Island Forums, in the Micronesian Island Forums, locally, regionally, and globally. "He has represented amazingly well the people of CNMI." Leon Guerrero said she was very honored and proud to work alongside Palacios, and she and the late governor tag-teamed in many ways in advocating for the Marianas-the CNMI and Guam. "When he was advocating for a stronger economy, I was right there supporting him. When I was asking for funding for a hospital in Guam, he was right there with me, supporting Guam. I will certainly miss my friend, Arnold. Know that he fought hard for his life." She then promised Apatang and Mendiola that they would also get her and Guam's full support as they take over the leadership of the CNMI. "I want you to know that Guam will be right there alongside you. We will continue supporting, working hard for our neighbors, as together we cannot be divided. We need to be united for the success of our people." After Apatang and Leon Guerrero's remarks, memorial tributes poured in for first lady Wella Palacios and the rest of the Palacios family. Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hines presented a United States flag as a symbol of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service of Palacios. That particular flag was flown over the United States Capitol on 23 July 2025, the day Palacios passed. US Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs deputy assistant secretary for Insular and International Affairs Angel Demapan also presented a memorial wreath to the Palacios family. US Navy Rear Admiral Josh Lasky, commander of Joint Task Force Micronesia, then presented the United States flag to first lady Wella Palacios. The CNMI and Guam legislatures, CNMI Judiciary, Guam Judiciary, mayors of Saipan, Tinian and Aguigan, Rota, and the Northern Islands, Lions Club International District 204, also presented resolutions and mementos honoring the late governor. The state funeral was followed by a public viewing and the mass of the Christian burial at the Mount Carmel Cathedral. Donna Flores, Palacios' daughter, described the burden of eulogising another departed family member, and a father figure at that. She said even during Palacios' last moments, he remained calm, which was a signature of his abbreviated term as governor. "He was coherent the entire time. The doctors were explaining his CT scan results to him, updating him on the situation with the receiving hospitals and transport, and clearly expressing the excruciating pain he was in. But despite the chaos, he remained calm, knowing very well that time was of the essence. And in retrospect, I believe coming to terms with his fate." In an attempt to distract him from the physical pain he was experiencing, Flores shared random things and, at one point, relayed that a lot of people were outside the Commonwealth Health Center worried about him. "He asked, like who? I listed a few and then said, even Thomas Manglona is out there with his camera waiting. He gave me that look and said, 'Oh, what's Thomas saying?' So, I pulled out my phone and read it to him. He gave a slight grin." Flores said another trait that made the late governor special was his ability to win everyone's respect, even if someone had a different opinion of him. "When he would hear that someone out there doesn't like him or isn't happy with him, he would make an effort to get to you and change your mind. If not, at least he knew he made that effort. He came in with an open heart and mind and with a willingness to come together to find a common cause. Not always the same exact answer, but a common cause." She also had this message to Palacios' critics: "If by any chance you know of anyone holding a negative opinion of him, I highly recommend self-reflection. And if you don't agree, then I respectfully ask that you forgive him. To all of you who have worked alongside governor Palacios over the years, I want to thank you for your service and for carrying on his legacy." Frankie Eliptico, a representative of the Palacios family, said the late governor loved the CNMI and its people deeply, and that he dedicated an entire lifetime to serving the Commonwealth. "Seeing so many of you here today united in grief and remembrance is a powerful testament to the legacy that he leaves behind. While we mourn the great loss of a remarkable leader, we also celebrate a life lived with purpose and an unshakable commitment to the betterment, to the growth, and to the forward momentum of the Commonwealth." Later that day, Palacios was laid to rest following a motorcade and procession to the Marpi Public Cemetery, where he was honored by a 21-gun salute.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Scoop
Pay Equity Law Breaches CEDAW, Women's Rights Party Says
Women were shocked to hear the news that the Government had introduced far-reaching changes to the Equal Pay Act under urgency using their Parliamentary majority to pass the Bill the following day. Even Coalition Government MPs were not told of Cabinet's decision until the last minute. Dame Marilyn Waring, with nine other women, all former MPs, set up a People's Select Committee to consider evidence around the changes because organisations and individuals were denied the opportunity to have a say through the usual Select Committee process. Submissions to the People's Select Committee on Pay Equity close today [Thursday, 31 July]. In its submission to the People's Select Committee, the Women's Rights Party said: 'The unbridled power of the Cabinet has impacted on an estimated 180,000 women workers whose pay equity claims have been extinguished and are now in limbo. Many of these claims will not be able to restart under the new pay equity regime.' The Women's Rights Party said the government was in breach of New Zealand's commitments to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) by denying women the right: ' To participate in the formulation of government policy and the implementation.' [1] Countries that have signed up to CEDAW are also required to take 'appropriate measures, including legislation, to ensure the full development and advancement of women, for the purpose of guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms on the basis of equality with men.' In addition, CEDAW reinforces ' the right to equal remuneration, including benefits, and to equal treatment in respect of work of equal value as well as equality of treatment in the evaluation of the quality of work'. [2] Any changes to the law which reduced or removed the protections in relation to pay equity would be in breach of CEDAW, the Women's Rights Party said in its submission. The main determinant of the pay gap between men and women is 'occupational segregation' which relates to the undervaluing of work typically performed by women and influenced by sex-based stereotypes that regard work associated with caring, for example, as 'women's work'. The Women's Rights Party said the destruction of avenues for pay equity claims for women workers will have a life-long effect on women well into their retirement. A major source of the disadvantage women face in retirement is inequity in retirement savings because women earn less than men on average over their working life (this is called the 'pay gap penalty'). NZ Super provides crucial support to those aged over 65, but is especially important for women, who are more likely to work part-time and to have periods of time out of paid work. This, and the unequal division of unpaid work, particularly care work, is called the 'mothering penalty'.[3] Women continue to predominate in the caring professions such as nursing and teaching, that are undervalued by society and consequently underpaid. Men in those same occupational groups often rise to leadership and managerial roles that attract higher pay in greater numbers and more rapidly than women. Women also predominate in precarious and low-paid work such as aged care and disability support where they face a daily struggle in the face of cost of living increases in the basics of life – rent, food, petrol. The cancellation of the existing pay equity claims, and the tightening up of requirements to raise new claims, means that work typically done by women will continue to be undervalued. 'This will contribute to the on-going sex-based pay gap, and to the increasing level of 'in-work poverty' with its impact on family incomes and child poverty. It will exacerbate future income inequality for women in retirement as a result of a lifetime of lower wages than their male counterparts,' the Women's Rights Party said.
