Palacios appoints ex-Rota DCCA resident director Maratita to MVA board

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios has appointed former Rota Department of Community and Cultural Affairs resident director Dwayne L. Maratita to serve as a member of the Marianas Visitors Authority board of directors.

If confirmed by the Senate, Maratita will represent Rota to serve the remaining term vacated by Agita T. Quitugua, which will expire on March 23, 2026.

Palacios notified Senate President Edith E. DeLeon Guerrero (D-Saipan) last week that he and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang are confident that Maratita’s membership on the MVA board is critical and that his appointment will ensure consistency and continuity in fulfilling MVA’s goals and objectives.

The governor said the statutory restriction of Public Law 11-15 which prohibits government employees from serving as board members of the MVA, places an undue burden as it limits the pool of otherwise qualified potential appointees from Rota.

Accordingly, Palacios said, he is waiving such restriction as authorized by the Commonwealth Code.

Maratita is currently one of the grant writers for Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog’s office.

Palacios informed Maratita that he and Apatang are confident that he will devote time and efforts to fostering a sustainable tourism industry.

Arnold I. Palacios