Northern Marianas College president Dr. Sharon Hart and other college leaders expressed confidence in the future of NMC\u2019s Cooperative Research Extension Services program during last week\u2019s Board of Regents meeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are moving forward with strengthening CREES operations on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian to ensure that we continue to provide quality services and programs to farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders,\u201d said Hart.<\/p>\n
Some farmers have expressed doubts about the program\u2019s future with the college\u2019s recent decision to let go of CREES director Manglona.<\/p>\n
As per policy, the college does not comment on matters dealing with specific personnel issues.<\/p>\n
As of last week, CREES staff on Rota was down to one employee, while Tinian has four, according to CREES staff member Patricia Coleman during a presentation.<\/p>\n
Michael Ogo, who works with CREES in the area of aquaculture, said the low number was due to staff turnover.<\/p>\n
According to Hart, vacancies are being addressed, as positions will be announced for hiring within the next few weeks.<\/p>\n
She also said the position of CREES dean and director will be filled \u201cat the soonest possible time.\u201d<\/p>\n
A presentation by led Coleman, Ogo, and Dr. Jang Kim expressed confidence in the program\u2019s future ability to provide services to the community.<\/p>\n
Ogo said they are looking into working with a local farmers co-op to develop a community kitchen on top of the soon-to- open Garapan Public Market. This way, farmers could turn in extra produce to the community kitchen.<\/p>\n
Hart emphasized the college would continue to strengthen its relationships with federal programs that provide funding through grants and other financial assistance to CREES.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur CREES team is filled with highly skilled and talented professionals who will be able to ensure there is no interruption in key services,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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