BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
It is my sorrowful duty to announce officially the passing of the Honorable Jose Rebuenog Lifoifoi, the fifth Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, yesterday May 18, 2020, here on Saipan.
Lt. Governor Palacios and I, along with our families, join the Commonwealth in mourning the passing of Speaker Lifoifoi. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Cecille, their children, and grandchildren.
Speaker Lifoifoi led a great life that was highlighted by his time in public service in the Legislature, as the Chairman of the United Micronesia Development Association, and as the Chairman of the Commonwealth Ports Authority Board of Directors.
Our islands will remember one of its dedicated public servants as a pioneering leader in our economic development and infrastructure improvement. Speaker Lifoifoi also had a strong presence throughout Micronesia, especially in the Republic of Palau, where he served as Palau’s Honorary Consul to the CNMI. He has left an enormous impact with our brothers and sisters all over the Western Pacific.
The CNMI lost a former Speaker of the House and a true statesman. To me, he was my special Chairman, as I like to call him. He was an advisor, who became my mentor. He was a good and honest man, who understood and practiced the value of being a man of his word.
Diann and I, along with our families are so grateful for having had the privilege and honor of knowing Chairman Lifoifoi. We extend our sincerest condolences to Auntie Cel and Chairman’s children and families. We pray for his journey to our Lord, and we pray for the Lord’s blessings of strength and faith for us all. Godspeed, Chairman.
As a mark of solemn respect for the life and service of the Honorable Jose Rebuenog Lifoifoi, fifth Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, I hereby order, that the flag of the Commonwealth, together with the flag of the United States of America, remain at half-staff at the Juan Atalig Sablan Memorial Building and upon all public buildings, instrumentalities, and grounds within the Commonwealth until the day of his interment.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this
19th day of May, 2020.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
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