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4 MVA board members reappointed
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Posted on Aug 29 2005
Gov. Juan N. Babauta has renewed the appointment of four members of the Marianas Visitors Authority’s board of directors.
The Senate is expected to confirm the nominations of MVA board chair David M. Sablan, vice chair Marian Aldan Pierce, Tinian representative Martin San Nicolas, and James Lin in a session in Rota tomorrow, Aug. 31.
The terms of office of Sablan, Aldan Pierce, and San Nicolas expires effective today. Lin’s term ended in April.
If confirmed, the board members will serve an additional four years.
The only other government-appointed member of the MVA board is Edward Maratita of Rota. His current term also expires today. It was renewed earlier.
Babauta said that he decided to re-appoint the board members to ensure continuity in the implementation of MVA programs, amid the many challenges facing the local tourism industry today.
The Northern Marianas is currently receiving less and less tourists from Japan and other main markets. The situation is expected to turn for the worse when Japan Airlines ceases operation of its Saipan flights effective Oct. 4, 2005.
Sablan, for one, has almost 30 years of experience as an MVA board official.
Aside from the five members appointed by the administration, the MVA board has four members appointed by private members of the tourism agency. They are World Resort Saipan general manger B.K. Park, Pacific Micronesia Tours Inc. general manager Seiji Sato, Pacific Development Inc. general manager Yoichi Matsumura, and J.M. Guerrero.
MVA board members serve the agency without any compensation.
