Entire CNMI delegation back from Palau

All members of the CNMI delegation to the IX Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Palau have returned, with the last batch arriving yesterday.

According to Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary and delegation head Juan L. Babauta, the representation of the Commonwealth was well rounded as the 226 delegates managed to participate in all fields.

“We had exhibits set up, [we did] demonstrations, entertained with dancing and music, presented gifts to the host country, and even our canoe voyagers made the highlights,” he said.

The canoe, navigated by Antonio Piailug, made its entrance along with another CNMI vessel that originated from Yap. Both vessels braved uncooperative wind conditions to get to the festival site. The canoe from Yap was piloted by Piailug’s brother, Cesario. The two are sons of the famed navigator Mau Piailug.

The delegation consisted of traditional craft makers, tattoo artists, contemporary artists, band performers, cultural dancers, and traditional medicine practitioners.

Babauta said the delegation “took over” the closing ceremony of the festival after another group that was scheduled to perform said that it was not ready to do so.

“We had the floor,” he said. “We normally have about 45 minutes to perform, and with that, maybe four to five numbers can be performed, but at that time, it was like we took over. The band also played for about an hour and a half.”

Babauta explained that the trip was a success, especially because the local culture was exposed to the other countries.

“We presented them with our traditional Carolinian and Chamorro cultures. We showed that we have talent, with people doing the arts and crafts, and we also demonstrated our traditional medicine. Of course, our canoe voyagers really shined,” he said.

Babauta said participating in the festival also enabled members of the delegation to build relationships with other delegations.

“We got to meet a lot of different people and learned the different lifestyles and cultures and build relationships with other Pacific islanders.”

Babauta said the stay in Palau went smoothly, as the delegation experienced only minor problems.

“Two of our delegates got sick and had to be taken to the hospital,” he said. “[But] the health department there was on top of everything and advised us on the various illnesses, and we were also briefed by the Palau government as to what to expect and the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of the community.”

Also taking part in the Festival were delegates from Guam, the Marshall Islands, American Samoa, Yap, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Palau, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Hawaii.

Babauta also acknowledged the assistance and support of group leaders within the delegation.

“[They] were very supportive and very cooperative as far as trying to get message out to all the 200-plus delegation members. Without their help, assistance, and cooperation, we wouldn’t have been able to pull such a large contingent. About 10 were meeting constantly as far as some of the minor stuff that we needed to take care of and send out to the other members [of the delegation],” he said.

Babauta also thanked the CNMI Legislature, which appropriated $100,000 for the trip. Funds were also provided by the DCCA while other resources were generated through fundraisers. In all, Babauta said expenses totaled about $160,000, with about $50,000 provided by DCCA.

Babauta also expressed appreciation to the delegates, the community, and the parents of several delegates for their support and understanding despite a setback during the delegation’s return home.

“We appreciate the understanding of the community and we’re glad they understood that the circumstances was beyond our control. However, we tried our best,” he said.

Babauta said flights were reportedly overbooked, resulting in several delegates returning later than scheduled.