‘Grateful for the support, hopeful for the future’
After months of campaigning and garnering an amount of support, Independent candidates John Oliver Bolis Gonzales and James “Jim” Rayphand shared that looking back, they feel gratitude for their supporters and congratulated incoming U.S. delegate for the Northern Mariana Islands Kimberlyn King-Hinds.
Following the release of the official results in the 2024 CNMI general election, yesterday Saipan Tribune reached out to all candidates who ran for the U.S. delegate seat, including the independent candidates. In his official statement, Gonzales shared, “I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our NMI delegate-elect Kimberly King-Kinds.”
He added his well wishes to Hinds, “I wish you all the best in your next chapter as you faithfully and diligently work to improve the lives of our people, especially the marginalized who are suffering and struggling to simply survive and for our economy to be resuscitated, grow, and prosper once again. Biba Marianas! Guinaiya yan Tinayuyut hu ofresi håo mo’na my NMI delegate.”
Gonzales also thanked God and said he looks forward to his new life as a private citizen.
“I offer my humble thanksgiving to God for accepting His plan over mine, trusting in Him for sparing me again from the undoubtedly cruel realities and liabilities that come with being a public figure in a CNMI-wide elected position. I thank Him for ensuring that I have my private life as a private citizen with the liberty of enjoying my time with my three sons and dads. I will continue to help our children, youth, and families through community action as as a community organizer and freelance grants writer and business consultant. More importantly I will remain a servant of my faith as a lector. As always, I will enjoy my freedom to enjoy life wherever and whenever my love of adventure travels bring me.”
Rayphand also shared his statement, “Our democratic system of electing our community’s leadership is the best model and option there is, so despite a poor showing for me personally I appreciate and respect the process. Of course, we hoped (even expected) to do much bette— it stings that we didn’t do well, but I am already and genuinely pulling for Kim (King-Hinds) to be at her best. I wish nothing but the best for the other candidates as well. The idea that any relatively unknown, average guy like me can even get on a ballot for a seat in U.S, Congress is a win in and of itself. Mostly I feel a real sense of gratitude for the opportunity along with the love and support shown by those who supported me in this venture including many who openly supported other candidates.”
He shared that he hopes as the CNMI moves forward “to see new sources of funding streams in support of existing industry (i.e. tourism) and to facilitate new industry.
“Sky’s the limit as far as what new industry might viably take root here. Ultimately we need to create more opportunities (particularly in the form of new jobs) for our citizens.”
Saipan Tribune also reached out to Liana Hofschieder but received no reply as of press time, however she posted a short thank you on her social media page to all who showed her support in the race.
“ Thank you for all your guidance and vote of confidence. And especially, un dangkulu na si yu’us ma’asi for your patience and unwavering support along this difficult and challenging journey. Hu guaiya hamyu!”
John Oliver Gonzales
Jim Rayphand is a former director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc.
