Happy Birthday NMI, NMC

The Issue: It’s the 26th for the CNMI, 20th for NMC tomorrow, Saturday, March 24th.

Our View: These are two historic events that have shaped the destiny of Chamolnians in these isles.

It was 26 years ago that the Northern Marianas became the newest member of the American political family. Nine years later, our people became US Citizens under the Covenant agreement.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the new relationship was the founding of our constitutional government in 1978. Since then, new challenges have emerged calling for the strengthening of our democratic institutions. Albeit difficult, new challenges are worth the sacrifices in our dedicated efforts to retain and nurture the true essence of self-government.

The NMI must now focus on leadership committed to harnessing the talents of all sectors to make these islands the paradise that our children deserve. Indeed, we have been negligent on qualitative issues–improving the quality of life here–for both the indigenous people and friends alike. This challenge alone requires real leadership capable of handling substantive matters of state in both good and bad times.

Indeed, the NMI was derailed by external influences that have forced a downward spiral on its fragile economic foundation. In the process, we fueled the economic downturn by resorting to ruinous protectionist measures. It is really up to us to retreat, reassess and embrace shifts in paradigms given new challenges brought about by the Information Technology. Overall, we need to constantly refine our democratic institutions until accountability becomes second nature.

Meanwhile, we give our fondest Happy Birthday to the Northern Marianas College upon its 20th anniversary as the only institution of higher learning here. Its efforts on all fronts to serve the needs of students on Saipan, Tinian and Rota reflect its commitment to actively partake in preparing our young and old to secure lifetime skills.

We will be remiss if we didn’t say Si Yuus Maase` to key people who have played a key role in the establishment and strengthening of NMC some 20 years ago. For your ultra-sense of dedication, we extend our most profound sense of gratitude for your contributions.

It is also good tidings that NMC has joined hands with all sectors of the NNMI Community to work on focused training programs aimed at upgrading the quality of the local work force. This effort should see fruition down the stretch as NMC begins aggressive educational programs, including strengthening continuing education programs for employees in both sectors.

It has been a long journey for both the NMI and NMC. Much remains to be done in our collective efforts to meet the needs of our people. Congratulations and Happy Birthday!