Senate committee holds public hearing on Joseph C. Guerrero nomination to Marianas Visitors Authority board

The Senate standing committee held a public hearing on June 12, 2025, at approximately 1:08 p.m. at the Honorable Sus Pipimoffner Memorial Building Chamber, Capitol Hill, Saipan, to consider Governor Arnold Palacios and Lieutenant Governor David Apatang’s nomination of Joseph C. Guerrero to the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) Board of Directors to represent the Third Senatorial District.

The hearing focused on Guerrero’s stated priorities for MVA if confirmed: improving air service, accelerating execution of existing strategic plans, strengthening community engagement and rebranding the Marianas around authentic Chamorro and Carolinian cultural experiences. Jamika Regis Tyrone, managing director of the Marianas Visitors Authority, told the committee that tourism remains in recovery and said “Joe is one of these people” who can help pursue collaborative strategies to rebuild arrivals. The committee received oral testimony from one public speaker in support and Devin McManus announced eight written letters of support that will be included in the committee report to the full Senate.

Why it matters: MVA is the territory’s principal tourism-marketing agency. Committee members and…