Governor declares state of mourning for Aldan

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres declared on Tuesday a state of mourning in the Commonwealth due to the recent passing of the mayor of the Northern Islands, Jerome K. Aldan.

In a proclamation that was signed Tuesday, the governor recognized the various accomplishments of the late mayor.

Aldan died on Feb. 18. He was 43.

“Honorable Francisco Jerome Kaipat Aldan made monumental strides to improve the infrastructure while preserving and protecting the pristine lands and waters of the Northern Islands, serving as the Gani Islands resettlement and redevelopment planner, homestead development program planner, and Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service, or NMC CREES, agricultural master planner for Pagan,” states the proclamation.

A state memorial service will be held for Aldan at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center on Monday, Feb. 27, starting at 9am. The occasion will include a 17-gun salute and full government detail. Official dignitaries from both the CNMI and throughout the region would have the opportunity to present official tributes to honor Aldan.

Following the state memorial services would be a Mass of Christian burial at 11am at the Mount Carmel Cathedral, followed by interment of Aldan’s remains at the Tanapag Public Cemetery.

“Mayor Aldan was a true public servant in every sense of the word,” said Torres in a statement to the media. “[Aldan] advocated for the resettlement and preservation of the Northern Islands and renewed conversations on the reunification of the Marianas, along with continuing plans for the health and welfare of the constituents he was entrusted to represent.”

Aldan is survived by his mother, Clotilde, his spouse Norma, and his children: Zachary, Celing, Zasha, Zavannah, and Zodeanna.

Aldan is a son of former Northern Islands mayor Tobias DLC Aldan, who passed away in March 2015.

Aldan is also recognized as one of the youngest mayors in Commonwealth history.

According to a document released by the Office of the Governor, government employees interested in attending the memorial and funeral Mass may use their annual leave credits.

For additional information, contact the Office of the Governor at 237-2200 or senior policy adviser Glenna Reyes at 483-3278.