The CNMI Veterans Affairs Office (VAO) under the Office of the Governor continue to address Veterans’ healthcare challenges, such as the vendorization of CHCC Pharmacies on all three islands, credentialing and increasing numbers of Healthcare Providers on all three islands, and asking our only inter-island commuter airline, Star Marianas Air, to become a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) vendor.

The Governor’s State Workforce Development Board convened on March 11, 2022 under the leadership of the newly appointed Chairperson, Velma Palacios.  A part of the agenda included the continued eligibility of the Northern Marianas College, Guam Marianas Training Center, and the Island Training Solutions as approved providers of training for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs administered by the Department of Labor – Workforce Investment Agency. 

The CNMI Department of Labor – Workforce Investment Agency held business engagement-information sessions on March 2 in Tinian and March 8 in Rota.  Members of the business community, from both public and private sectors, received information on services from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the CNMI Apprenticeship State Expansion Programs to support their workforce needs. Both sessions were well attended.