Covenant Party vows to work for better economy, education

Over two thousand supporters of the newly-formed Covenant Party and standard bearer Benigno R. Fitial trooped to the Susupe Civic Center in Susupe Saturday night to witness the unveiling of the newest political group in the Commonwealth.

Mr. Fitial officially introduced Public School System Commissioner Rita H. Inos as his running mate and partner to forward the party’s long-term economic and education programs.

Aside from Dr. Inos, Mr. Fitial also introduced other candidates running under the Covenant Party led by seasoned politician Herman Rogolifoi Deleon Guerrero who is seeking the Washington Representative post.

Seeking a senate seat is Juan Ayuyu and Diego Sorigao of Rota while contesting for a seat in the House of Representatives is Alejo M. Mendiola. The party fielded Julian S. Calvo for the mayoralty post.

On Saipan, Janet Maratita, Antonio M. Camacho, Benjamin M. Cepeda and Atanacio Taitinifong for Precinct I; Oscar M. Babauta and Jesus Lizama for Precinct II; Malua T. Peter, Rosario M. Elameto, and Charles P. Reyes Jr. for Precinct III; and Ray Mafnas for Precinct IV.

On choosing Dr. Inos to be his lieutenant governor, Mr. Fitial underscored the capacities of the educator to support the next administration in carrying out responsibilities and programs for the youth.

“She is the best choice because once there is an economic revival, it will create opportunities for the young generation, and Dr. Inos will help the administration to create programs to bolster the economic advancement of the youth,” said Mr. Fitial.

The tandem underscored the need to pursue economic programs that will bring in new investments and opportunities for the Northern Marianas people, regardless of race and nationalities.

The party boasted of seasoned politicians as members and supporters, ensuring pro-people and pro-investment agenda which will spur economic activities.

“I am going to try my very best, with my experience to revive the economy. We have seasoned politicians as candidates who are economy-oriented, the Covenant Party embraces the Commonwealth, everyone who breathes the Commonwealth air,” said Mr. Fitial.

Dr. Inos on the other hand, vowed to give her immerse support to Mr. Fitial to advance the agenda for CNMI 2002 and the vision for the future generation.

Meanwhile, Washington Rep. candidate Mr. Deleon Guerrero vowed to oppose any efforts of the US Congress to federalize the CNMI which threaten the sanctity of the Covenant.

“I will aggressively lobby against it and will strongly urge and call for the resumption of the 902 Covenant consultations,” said Mr. Deleon Guerrero in his speech.

The kick-off rally coincided with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Covenant signed between CNMI and the United States. Party leaders expressed satisfaction over the overwhelming support of Saipan, Tinian and Rota residents.

Yesterday, the candidates held a three-hour motorcade campaign around the island which kicked off at the Civic Center in Susupe at exactly 12pm. (EGA)