Candidate application now open for ’05 Lib Day

The 2005 Liberation Day Executive Steering Committee has finalized this year’s rules and requirements in order to have an early start for the islands’ largest community celebrations.

Committee chair Eloy Inos said he and the committee members will be working with various government agencies, private companies and community organizations to ensure this year’s celebrations go smoothly.

“This is a team effort and we are seeking everyone’s cooperation and assistance. We have to work together to make this year’s festivities bigger and better,” he said.

The 2005 Liberation Committee has fresh, new faces, as well as veteran committee members assisting in the organization of the event, scheduled to start on June 1, 2005 to July 8, 2005 at the Garapan Fishing Base, across Kristo Rai Church in Garapan.

Rose A. Hocog has been appointed as the Queen’s Committee chairwoman and is currently seeking the support from non-profit groups and different ethnic associations to sponsor candidates and highlight this year’s theme, “Celebrating Liberty, Peace and Freedom.” Interested associations and candidates may apply at the Saipan Mayor’s Office in San Antonio or call Rose at 287-6927.

Interested applicants must be female, from 15-21 years old, residing in the CNMI, of good moral character, single, never been married, does not have children and in good health.

The Committee has also recently issued a two-part invitation to all public and private schools for grades 6th to 12th and to the community in the Open Category to participate in an Essay Contest that “focuses on enabling youth and adults to better understand and appreciate as well as make meaningful connection with our annual Commonwealth celebration.”

The essays in both categories should focus on the “meaning of liberty and freedom in the context of the internment of the indigenous people at Camp Susupe in the early 1940s and the lessons that could be drawn from this experience in pursuing freedom, liberty and democracy consistent with United States policy.”

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Liberty, Peace and Freedom.”

The Open Category is for all other members of the greater community, including college students. First place winner will receive $1,000, 2nd place $500, 3rd place $250 and 4th place $150.

For the School Category, first place winner will receive $500, 2nd place $250 and 3rd place $150. There is no entry fee to participate and all submissions are property of the 2005 Liberation Day Executive Committee.

For more information, contact the Office of the Mayor at 234-6208 or 6280.

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ESSAY REQUIREMENTS
* A cover sheet that includes only the essay’s title, word count, the entrant’s name, address, phone number and category (for student or open category).

* Entrant’s name must not appear on any pages of the manuscript other than the cover sheet.

* One entry person, manuscripts should be printed double-spaced on 8.5 by 11 inch white paper with minimum 1-inch margins.

* Word length is 2,000 words minimum and 3,000 words maximum for the Open Category and 2,000 words maximum for the Student Category.

* Postmark deadline is June 1, 2005.

* Entries that do not meet these submission guidelines are automatically disqualified. Entries are not returned.

* Send or submit entries to Hon. Juan B. Tudela, Mayor of Saipan, Attention: 2005 Liberation Day Executive Steering Committee. Faxed or e-mail entries are not accepted.

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Mayor Juan B. Tudela, Honorary Chairman
Eloy Inos, Chairman
Tony DlG. Cabrera, Vice-Chairman
William Torres, Advisor
Marian DLG. Tudela, Treasurer
Angie F. Sablan, Secretary
Rose Ada-Hocog, Queens
Paul Reyes, Float & Parade
Felipe Atalig, Concession Committee
Frank Sablan, Site & Enforcement
Alfredo Guerrero, Site Permits
Ruth J. Coleman, Military & Veteran Affairs
Laila Y. Boyer, Public Relations & Program
Herminia Fusco, Fundraising & Solicitation
Larry Guerrero, Utilities
Joseph T. Flores, Safety, Security, Traffic & Parking
Jonas Barcinas, Entertainment
Alice Fleming & Emy Palican, Hospitality & Dignitaries
Diego Blanco, Transportation
Roman Benavente, Education
Glenn Palacios, Rides & Fireworks
Rick Taisacan, Site Beautification