2024 NMI FestPac delegation still welcomes donations
The CNMI’s delegation to the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture is still short of around $100,000 to facilitate their trip to Hawaii this June.
Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture director Gloriana Teuira and 2024 FestPac NMI Delegation committee organizer Mary Margaret “Maggie” Sablan said $99,000 is still needed to purchase $160,000 worth of airfare tickets for over 100 delegates.
While FestPac is still a few weeks away, both acknowledge that they need to pay the airfare tickets today, May 13.
“So, we are hoping the rest of the money will kind of fall into place. We’re praying that’s going to happen,” said Sablan.
Teuira shared that there is a portion of the funding expected to come from Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation, but unfortunately time is not in their favor as they haven’t been able to receive the money yet.
Not wanting to overburden the government, Sablan shared, “The money we asked for from the government, didn’t cover our airfare 100%. Because I believe that we are all hurting—the businesses, the government, the people, our residents, our families—so we have to show our leaders also that we are trying to help ourselves. This is not a joy ride for us, we are working hard also. We are fundraising, we’re asking for sponsorships, and you know we’re also asking family also to come out and support us, and if we have to, we can also stand outside on the curbside and ask for money.”
“We’ve already made deposits for the tickets but it’s not enough to fully cover the tickets. We’re waiting for the SNILD, because [Gov. Arnold I. Palacios] did his part already, all of these things [funding received] are going into what we can put in for the tickets, but I’m just saying that if they’re not going to give it, just say that they’re not going to give it. It’ll be a very big challenge for Hawaii if we are down to the last minute and we say that we are pulling out. Imagine all the things they have to go through to take us out of the housing and the program, and it’s on their website already,” said Teuira.
Teuira also shared that as they are in the 11th hour, “I think the coordinator side of me is talking right now that tickets should’ve been paid off three months ago.”
“We are still following up on letters we’ve sent out,” said Sablan, adding that they are still welcoming donations even during and after the FestPac.
Sablan shared that each delegation was given four years to prepare for FestPac, but unfortunately for the CNMI, organizing the delegation only started six months ago.
“I was appointed in October and so we didn’t have very much time and that is why our categories of participation are very small.”
She shared that at the festival itself there are 10 categories of participation—fashion, culinary, blacksmith, carving, and floral designs, among others. With a total of 100 delegates attending, the NMI will have participants in performing arts, which include dancers and musicians, then visual artists, seafarers, carvers, and weavers from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
“Every FestPAC, each country is only given 100 delegates that the hosting country will cover. Anybody outside the 100, their delegation has to cover them from food to lodging, etc.,” said Teuira. “So, this 100 going to Hawaii we only need to bring them down to Hawaii then Hawaii takes care of their food lodging, transportation, and accommodation.”
Both admitted they’re not included in the 100-member delegation.
“We prioritize the artists and our ambassadors, so we are kind of like on the edge, but we’ll figure ourselves out, but it’s okay, as long as our 100 are taken care of.”
Teuira and Sablan added that they still also need to provide everyday needs like first aid kits and water for the delegation and since there are 10 different locations across Hawaii for the event, transportation for officials to the sites are also needed.
“We are trying to see how to make things more efficient and still take care of our delegation in Hawaii,” said Teuira.
Sablan said that along with the airfare, they are required to bring gifts to the host, organizers, and each of the 28 countries participating, as well as pay for the delegation’s uniforms, banners, and flags.
Teuira said that she’s been thinking of conducting a coin drive since that was pretty successful in the past and said if everyone in the community gave even just $2 each that could potentially cover all their needs.
Both Teuira and Sablan hope to see more sponsorships and funding come in as well and shared their appreciation to those in the community who have joined to help in any way they can.
FestPac pix
