In defense of AG’s Cup results

I normally do not respond to letters to the editor but the one from Joey C. Charfauros on “Stealing Candy from Babies” is the exception. If Mr. Charfauros has an axe to grind with the current administration or with the Office of the Attorney, that is his prerogative but he should not drag Mount Carmel School or the students into it in pursuit of his political agenda.

The 22nd Annual AG’s Cup Speech Competition was a great success! I take my hat off to the students, coaches, parents, and school officials who participated. I was there and it was organized professionally and the student participants were outstanding and exemplary in their performance. My son Michael won the competition and we were overwhelmed by the support and congratulatory remarks and greetings from a majority of the participants, parents, and coaches who were there.

The judges for the competition included the Honorable Alexandro C. Castro, associate justice of the CNMI Supreme Court and the founder of the event; the Honorable Edward Manibusan, former presiding judge and current president of the CNMI Bar Association; Mr. Sam McPhetres, NMC instructor and historian; Ms. Marjalee Taitano, member of the CNMI Board of Education; Mr. Fermin Atalig, Secretary of Finance; Mr. Phillip Mendiola-Long, special assistant for policy and research from the Tinian and Aguiguan Office of the Mayor; and Mr. William Cing, chairman of the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission.

The students were judged and scored based on “Content,” “Presentation,” and “Persuasion,” with 10 points assigned to each category for a total of 30 points for a perfect score. Thus, a student with a perfect score can receive a total of 210 points from the seven judges.

It is my understanding that none of the judges are employees of the AG’s Office and, with the exception of the Secretary of Finance, none of them are employees of the Executive Branch. These distinguished judges had a difficult job and they performed admirably. To attack their integrity or suggest that Mt. Carmel School, the coach, or my family “bought” their votes is insulting and simply ludicrous!

Sour grape is sour grape, no matter how you cut it. You can try to sweeten or dilute it with allegations of impropriety but all you do is demonstrate immaturity, paranoia, and hallucinations. Oftentimes, even adults need a little reminder to grow up. This is one case in point!

Mr. Charfauros’ recommendation to boycott the next AG’s Cup Speech Competition is a demonstration of a desperate and frustrated man acting irresponsibly and recklessly. To the contrary, I encourage all our public and private schools to continue their participation in and support of the annual AG’s Cup Speech Competition, Mock Trial Competition, National Forensic League Competition, Junior Statesmen of America Program, and other very worthwhile programs and activities.

I also encourage our policymakers to take time and review what our young citizens have to offer in the effort to diversify, revitalize , and re-energize our economy. Oftentimes, we need to reassess our priorities. We must resist the temptation of abandoning or diminishing the importance of our culture and heritage and other social and human development in pursuit of the almighty dollar. Our economic development plan must be balanced and sustainable. My son’s speech reminded me of this.

Thank you and congratulations to all the participants of the 22nd Annual AG’s Cup Speech Competition. May God continue to shine his blessings on you all.

Edward C. DeLeon Guerrero
Saipan