Governor Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Governor David M. Apatang, along with Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence Director Maisie B. Tenorio and community partners, designated February 2024 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios recently signed a proclamation recognizing Catholic Schools Week in the CNMI during a proclamation signing event held last week at the Mount Carmel Cathedral. The national theme for the 2024 Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.”

The life and contributions of Manuel “Kiyu” S. Villagomez were recently commemorated in a centennial commemorative event held at the Joeten Kiyu Public Library. Mr. Villagomez was an astute businessman whose contributions to the community continue to benefit our CNMI today. The celebratory event was organized by the Northern Marianas College and the staff of the Joeten Kiyu Public Library, where the celebration took place. 

CNMI Governor Arnold I. Palacios, together with Commonwealth Ports Authority Board Chairperson Jose “Joe” Ayuyu, recently met with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to discuss a range of issues including port enhancement projects and infrastructure development. Murkowski is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Subcommittee, member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, and Vice Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. Governor Palacios is in Washington DC this week for a series of meetings with senior leaders from federal and military agencies.

Congratulations to Mr. Jose B. Palacios on being sworn into the CNMI Cannabis Commission (CCC) board of directors! Governor Palacios and Lt. Governor Apatang both trust that Mr. Palacios will continue to positively impact the CCC. 

Congratulations to Mr. Frank Lee San Nicolas Borja on his appointment to the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority! 

CNMI Governor Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Governor David M. Apatang recently greeted Captain Francesco Saverio Veniero of the MSC Belissima, a Meraviglia-class cruise ship from the renowned Swiss global cruise line, MSC Cruises. The ship made a port visit to Saipan on Thursday morning, allowing its passengers, totaling up to 5,686 guests, to disembark and partake in various tour activities on the island.

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of a true pioneer and Marianas daughter, Felicidad “Daling” Ogumoro, who dedicated her life to public service and whose positive, indelible impact in the CNMI continues to resonate today. 

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commonwealth Medicaid Agency (CWA) has implemented several changes to eligibility requirements. Individuals enrolled in the Medicaid program are advised to review the new regulations, as these changes may impact their eligibility status.

The CNMI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs (DCCA) – Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) announced that it was postponing a benefit-level reduction that was earlier publicized and which would have been implemented on January 1, 2024.