CNMI, Guam Joint Congress Schedules Inaugural Session SAIPAN, CNMI (Saipan Tribune, Oct. 22, 2013) — Judith T. Won Pat The CNMI and Guam Legislatures will hold an inaugural session for the newly formed Mariana Islands Legislature Association Congress on Nov. 12 and 13, with the cruise line industry, trade between the two territories, and health care among the topics of discussion. Guam Speaker Judith T. Won Pat formally invited CNMI House Speaker Joseph Deleon Guerrero (Ind-Saipan) and Senate President Ralph Torres (R-Saipan) to the inaugural session. Deleon Guerrero, in an interview yesterday (October 21), said he would request a joint meeting of the CNMI House and Senate later this week to discuss participation in the inaugural session. “Besides the three topics that the Guam speaker mentioned, another topic that could also be discussed is airline services between the CNMI and Guam,” Deleon Guerrero said. Won Pat, in her Oct. 10 letter, also asked that the invitation letter be extended to other members of the CNMI Legislature that the speaker and president deem appropriate. Won Pat, also the president of the Association of Pacific Islands Legislators, asked that her office be advised of all the members who will be part of the CNMI Legislature delegation no later than Oct. 23. “We look forward to constructing the Mariana Islands Cooperative Initiative and exploring areas of joint economic development and mutual benefit between the governments of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For this inaugural meeting, topics of discussion that will be covered include cruise line industry, trade between Guam and NMI, and health care and other matters,” Won Pat said. The MILA seeks to improve the quality of life, relationships and future of the CNMI and Guam communities. The CNMI and Guam Legislatures, in forming the MILA, agreed that by binding, the islands’ voice “will be strengthened in discussions and considerations with federal entities and other governments regarding issues affecting our region.” In her visit to Saipan in July, Won Pat noted the need to create a healthcare network for all islands in Micronesia. A report by insurance firms and hospitals on the matter is expected to be done soon.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Oct 2013 08:23:57 +0000
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