Heat, overcrowding fail to dampen rites

There was sporadic drizzling throughout the island, but it was hot and crowded at the sites of the inauguration for the CNMI’s three highest-ranking public officials and new set of lawmakers. The sweating and soaking, however, did not prevent many people from staying until the end of the rites.

Rain showers greeted guests shortly before the scheduled 2pm inauguration of Gov.-elect Benigno R. Fitial, Lt. Gov.-elect Timothy P. Villagomez and Resident Representative to the U.S.-elect Pedro A. Tenorio at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

The showers prompted many attendees who were slowly walking toward the entrance of the MHS Gym to rush inside the building. By then, most of the dignitaries and VIP off-island guests were already secured in their seats. When the drizzle momentarily halted, the guests and the audience started to feel the heat.

People began trying to cool off by fanning themselves using the souvenir programs, cardboards and fans.

Associate Justice Alexandro C. Castro was the first one among the VIPs to fan himself using a souvenir program. As the ceremony proceeded, almost all the VIPs on stage, including Gov. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Villagomez, were now observed fanning themselves.

When called to deliver his message, Resident Rep. Tenorio could not help but exclaim: “It’s really hot in here!”

Gus Kaipat, who sang the national and CNMI anthems, told the Saipan Tribune that more than 1,000 people were inside the gym so the air-conditioners were overloaded.

Kaipat, however, maintained that the decision to change the venue of the inauguration from the Amphitheater at the American Memorial Park to the MHS Gym was still the right move, considering it was raining hard the past few days.

“It’s better that we sweat than we get soaked,” said Kaipat, smiling.

But some disagreed. Tony Benavente, public information officer for the Saipan Mayor’s Office, said the rites should have been done outdoors, just like in past inaugurations.

“Not everybody is enjoying it because of the temperature here,” said the sweating Benavente as he continued fanning himself using the souvenir program.

A member of the transition team disclosed to the Saipan Tribune that a couple of air-conditioners were just blowing air, but not causing the temperature to go down.

But still, Benavente and the rest of the audience barely noticed the oven-heat when the governor was called to take the podium where he delivered his much-applauded speech.

In the inauguration for the lawmakers, it was almost the same story. Shortly before the scheduled 10am ceremony, brief rain showers caused the audience to run inside the chambers at the Senate and the House of Representatives on Capitol Hill.

The session at the Senate was very smooth. Spectators had enough space to watch the ceremony and the session.

But the House was crowded. The atmosphere, however, was manageable. The security was very strict at the House. Unlike in previous inaugurations where members of the media were provided a designated place, security officers barred reporters from entering the session hall in the initial stage of proceedings.

As the crowd got thinner during lunchtime, security officers then permitted reporters and photographers to get in.

“It was crowded,” complained Placido Tagabuel, an employee of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.

Tagabuel said he only watched the ceremony and session of the House because there was not enough space to squeeze in to the hallway leading to the Senate. Tagabuel said more chairs should have been placed outside and speakers should have been installed to prevent overcrowding.

Joe Castro, a member of the audience, suggested the same: speakers for the benefit of the spectators and visitors. Castro said he had to go in and out to take fresh air during the proceedings. He added that lawmakers should consider “expanding” the building to accommodate more people because the community has the right to know what is going on.

Castro also noted that the media should be given space because not everybody had time to watch the ceremony.

Eddie Dela Cruz, a technician at the Division of Environmental Quality, also suggested that more chairs should have been put out “so everybody feels more comfortable.”

Yesterday’s ceremonies both at the legislature and at MHS still carried on with hardly any delays. It was hot, but the people patiently waited. Others believed that the infrequent drizzling was more of a blessing or good fortune for the incoming administration.