Inos breaks own record by signing 11 proclamations in 1 day

Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos broke his own record by signing 11 proclamations on Thursday, packing the governor’s conference room on Capital Hill with police officers, corrections officers, other law enforcement officers, tourism officials and supporters, stakeholders, and other members of the community.

Of the 11 proclamations, one was signed at the Office on Aging in China Town in the morning. That was to proclaim May Older Americans Month.

The rest were signed in the afternoon in the governor’s conference, starting with the CNMI Tourism Month proclamation witnessed by Marianas Visitors Authority board members, employees, tourism club members from Hopwood Junior High School, and other stakeholders.

Inos reiterated that “Tourism is Everybody’s Business,” which remains the CNMI tourism’s motto.

In fiscal year 2011, the tourism industry contributed $250 million in direct impact and $660 million in indirect impact to the CNMI economy. Japan remains the major market, comprising about half of total arrivals.

In FY 2012, the government is projecting a 42-percent increase in arrivals based on the addition of new air service to Japan, Korea, and China, as well as continued growth of the Russian market.

MVA officials announced the kick off of the annual Taste of the Marianas every Saturday in May, among other activities to celebrate Tourism Month.

“As people throughout the world become more aware of the unique recreational, cultural and lifestyle appeal of the Northern Marianas, tourism can play an even greater role in improving the lives of our people and our visitors’ lives as well. Our message will continue to be that this is a highly resilient sector that will return to strong growth when the overall economic crisis abates and one that can contribute more than others,” Inos said.

Law enforcement, public safety proclamations

The front area of the Office of the Governor’s building was teeming with men in uniform before and after Inos signed six proclamations related to law enforcement and public safety.

The first one was CNMI Correctional Officers and Employees Week from April 29 to May 5.

“So who’s guarding the inmates?” Inos asked in jest as he prepared to sign the proclamation in front of dozens of corrections officers and related personnel.

Inos also signed a proclamation declaring both CNMI Police Week from May 13 to 19 and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day on May 15.

“Since the first recorded death in 1791, almost 20,000 law enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice and has been killed in the line of duty, including members of the CNMI’s Department of Public Safety, Commonwealth Ports Authority, and other federal law enforcement agencies,” states the proclamation, read by a police officer.

An Emergency Medical Services officer read the yet-to-be signed proclamation declaring Emergency Medical Services Week.

Another EMS officer read a proclamation declaring May 23 Emergency Medical Services for Children Day.

Next came the Click It or Ticket Enforcement Mobilization Month from May 23 to June 5, promoting the use of seatbelts.

“Increasing regular use of seat belts is the single most effective way to protect motorists, reduce fatalities, injuries and save lives,” the proclamation reads.

A 2011 survey in the CNMI revealed a 12.78-percent increase or a total of 93.66 usage rate by travelers on highways.

The previous year recorded an 80.88-percent usage rate by travelers on CNMI highways.

Inos also signed a proclamation declaring May 13 to 19 CNMI Safe Boating Week.

In 2011, CNMI boating safety officers responded to 10 boating accidents, one sunken vessel, eight capsized vessels, and one vessel aground.

Boating safety officers also responded to two drowning cases, two near-drowning, one stranded surfer, two stranded swimmers, five overdue fishermen, and one missing swimmer.

‘Discover America’s Hidden Gems’

Inos proclaimed May 6 to 15 Historic Preservation Week, celebrating “the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals in helping to preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has helped shape us as a people.”

The proclamation was read in English, Chamorro, and Carolinian.

The theme for CNMI Historic Preservation Week is “Discover America’s Hidden Gems.”

In line with this, the Historic Preservation Office will provide special activities, including historic tours of little-known historic sites, reach out to a growing audience of neighbors, tourists, students and preservationists by promoting historic places in the community, and encourage newcomers to learn more about local preservation programs.

CNMI historian Don Farrell joined Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Melvin Faisao and other DCCA officials and employees at the proclamation signing.

Inos also designated May 10 Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, recognizing early childhood professionals to raise awareness of the importance of quality child care and early learning opportunities.

The last proclamation signed was the one designation May 2012 Foster Care Month, with the theme, “Change a Lifetime.”

In April last year, Inos signed 10 proclamations in a single day in three different locations.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial designated Inos to sign all proclamations declared by the Office of the Governor effective Jan. 27, 2010.