This past Saturday, Governor Arnold Palacios (left) and Lt. Governor David Apatang (right) welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo (center), who was recently appointed as Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) in May 2024. During the meeting the Commander reaffirmed regional commitments and discussed other collaborative efforts with the CNMI. Governor Palacios and Lt. Governor Apatang also led the Admiral and his team on a brief tour around Saipan. They were joined by Admiral Brent DeVore, Commander of Joint Region Marianas; Admiral Gregory Huffman, Commander of Joint Task Force Micronesia; and other military leaders.

The Commonwealth Economic Development Authority (CEDA) is pleased to announce the approval of up to $57 million from the U.S. Treasury under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0 for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The funding will support loan guarantees, loan participation, and collateral support programs.

Governor Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Governor David M. Apatang recently proclaimed July 16, 2024 as “CNMI Rural Transit Day.” They were joined by Special Assistant for Transportation Alfeda Camacho Maratita and members of the CNMI Office of Transit Authority (COTA).

The Northern Marianas Housing Corporation (NMHC) announces the availability for public review and comment, the Program Year 2024 Annual Action Plan (AAP).

Governor Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Governor David M. Apatang, along with U.S. military personnel and other CNMI officials marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Saipan and Tinian with a re-enactment of the beach landing at the Veterans Memorial in Susupe, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the American Memorial Park’s Court of Honor and Marianas Memorial.

As we bring this forum to a close, I thank you, Madame Chair, my fellow Marianas governor, for your leadership and hospitality, and all the leaders of Micronesia for coming together these past few days in the spirit of friendship and collaboration.

“We must keep our cultures strong, our values as people of Micronesia, and our friendships with each other”

“We must keep our cultures strong, our values as people of Micronesia, and our friendships with each other”