Latest news with #CNMI
RNZ News
11 hours ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Pacific Waves for 31 July 2025
Earthquake triggers tsunami warning in Tonga; Experts on earthquake's impact in the Pacific; CNMI residents advised to 'prepare' following earthquake; Unpacking historical ICJ ruling for Pacific communities. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
AllAfrica
21 hours ago
- Politics
- AllAfrica
Northern Mariana Islands lose their last best hope
I was in awe of Arnold Palacios, who passed away on July 23. Having spent a good part of my career dealing with public and private corruption, I never once saw a top official ask to be investigated and mean it. That takes courage and, ultimately, a deep love for one's constituents and country. Imagine, for example, the mayor of Chicago asking the feds to come and examine the city's books. That request will never happen. But it did happen in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Corruption is, of course, not rare in CNMI, and no sane person pretends otherwise. Governor Palacios' own words tell his story. In a presentation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington in 2024, he described how, when he came into office, he tried to find out what happened to around $1.6 billion in federal funding (CARES, ARPA, etc) that had been given to the CNMI, (population around 45,000) during the pandemic era. As he said: 'the last thing we want to do, or want to see, is for the CNMI community to suffer over a long period of time because of some of the careless squandering, or even criminal squandering, of resources that were given to us by the federal government. We saw it, I saw it, a lot of people in the community saw it happening. And so, we wanted that to be validated by a robust financial investigation. We needed to come clean. I wasn't about to cover up all these things.' The governor repeatedly asked federal agencies to help. On April 24, 2025, he asked CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds to ask FBI Director Kash Patel to do 'intensive investigations of public corruption' in CNMI, mentioning he has 'considerable evidence to provide.' In the FDD interview, he said the situation left him feeling like 'John the Baptist out in the desert. That's how lonely it has been.' That's also astonishing bravery. Indeed, Arnold Palacios' briefing and comments at FDD should be required viewing for all elected members of Congress and state legislatures in the United States. A word about Director Patel's shutting down investigations into former CNMI Governor Ralph Torres, the Imperial Pacific casino and related matters in July 2025 was perplexing and stupid. This decision needs to be reexamined. There's more to all this than just 'local' corruption. Governor Palacios recognized the threat posed by China to CNMI and the United States. How right was he? The US Congress' China Select Committee, which has access to 'all the intelligence,' issued a rare statement of condolence on learning of Governor Palacios' death, saying in part, 'He was a devoted public servant and a true patriot who courageously stood against Chinese coercion, steadfastly defending the sovereignty of the CNMI and the American homeland. His principled leadership and unwavering dedication to his people will leave a lasting legacy and will not be forgotten.' Chinese investment always appears as a panacea solving one's economic woes, but it invariably leads to corruption, crime and a local constituency that is beholden to China's interests. You would think CNMI's long experience with Chinese casinos—most recently Imperial Pacific on Saipan, which came after the earlier garment industry debacle—might have opened some eyes. Still, there's a push for more and more and unvetted, or poorly vetted, Chinese investment in the CNMI, as if there are no dangers and no alternatives, but there are. This is all part of China's political warfare intended to subvert societies and to insert Chinese influence. Get in the way and expect to be fiercely attacked, as Gov. Palacios was, and as former Federated States of Micronesia President David Panuelo and former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani can attest. Chinese proxies are rife in the CNMI, throughout the Pacific and in Washington DC itself. They've been in place for years and their tentacles are everywhere. Now, the one man who had the character, inside experience and clout to stop them in CNMI is gone. There will be plenty of crocodile tears about Palacios' passing in certain quarters but, if there's one thing Chinese proxies hate, it's transparency and clarity. Palacios scared them. They are no doubt glad he is gone. Expect the clamoring for 'China investment' to ramp up soon. If China's proxies are close enough to the levers, they may even ground down the CNMI economy to justify more Chinese access as 'the only way out.' That would be Beijing's standard operating procedure. Hopefully, Governor Arnold Palacios was not the CNMI's last best hope. And instead, we are his last best hope. Let's see if Governor Palacios' successors take up his calls for serious US government-led investigations into the corruption that has squandered CNMI citizens' prosperity for too long while lining a select few pockets in CNMI and elsewhere. If they instead declare, 'let sleeping dogs lie,' or 'let's just move along,' or 'it's the culture,' then you'll know they were, and are, in on it as well. That shows contempt for the CNMI and its citizens, for whom Arnold Palacios put his life on the line. Governor Palacios, well done, thou good and faithful servant. Colonel Grant Newsham is the author of 'When China Attacks: A Warning to America.' A retired US Marine, he served in the Indo-Pacific for decades and was instrumental in establishing Japan's amphibious force. As a US foreign service officer, he covered a number of regions, including East and South Asia, and specialized in insurgency, counterinsurgency and commercial matters. This article first appeared on Pacific Island Times and is republished with permission. Read the original here.
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Northern Marianas Governor invites public to pay tribute to Arnold Palacios
The flag of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Photo: 123rf The body of the former Northern Marianas Governor Arnold Palacios will arrive in the Commonwealth today from Guam. Mr Palacios was medivacced to Guam after collapsing in his office on Wednesday morning - he died that night. He was 69 years-old. In a statement, the CNMI Offices' of the Governor, and Lieutenant Governor announced the scheduled arrival of Mr Palacios at 10:30am local time. Photo: Mark Rabago "In honor of his lifelong public service and lifetime legacy, I hereby request all members of the Cabinet to join us accordingly to welcome our late governor, accompanied by first lady Wella and their children and family. Only the immediate families and authorized personnel are allowed at the designated arrival tarmac area," a statement from the offices of Governor David M. Apatang and Lt. Governor Dennis C. Mendiola read. Following the arrival of Palacios' body, a motorcade will proceed to Cabrera Funeral Home, located at the Cabrera Center along Beach Road, Garapan. "All members of the public are also respectfully invited to join us at the airport along the motorcade route as we honor and receive our late Governor Palacios with dignity, respect, and lasting gratitude," the statement continued. The route will begin along the road from the Commuter Terminal, right along Chalan Tun Herman Pan, left along Chalan Monsignor Guerrero, and right on Beach Road traffic light. "Your presence would be a meaningful and heartfelt gesture of deep respect and unity during this solemn moment as we pay tribute and join his family in grief and mourn for our late governor Palacios," the statement ended.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
David Apatang sworn in as CNMI's 11th governor
David Mundo Apatang was sworn in by Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro as the CNMI's 11th governor on 24 July at the Governor's Office conference room in Saipan. 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.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
David Apatang sworn in as CNMI's 10th governor
David Mundo Apatang was sworn in by Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro as the CNMI's 11th governor on 24 July at the Governor's Office conference room in Saipan. 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.
