Saipan — The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Youth Congress on Aug. 16 adopted two commemorative resolutions: one recognizing Beth Ann Nunez for 23 years of service to Grace Christian Academy, and another honoring the life and public service of the late Governor Arnold Indalecio Palacios. Both measures passed by voice/roll-call and were recorded as adopted with all eight members voting in favor.

Both resolutions were introduced for formal placement on the resolution calendar before being moved for adoption. The floor leader moved to place both measures on the calendar and later moved for their adoption; a second was recorded for each motion. When called, the clerk recorded that eight members voted to adopt each resolution.

The resolution recognizing Beth Ann Nunez cites her 23 years of service, commitment and ministry to Grace Christian Academy and notes that the commemorative item had been presented previously ahead of her departure last summer. The floor leader told members the measure had been presented already and asked that it be placed on the calendar for action.

The resolution honoring Arnold Indalecio Palacios recognizes his life, legacy and public service as the 10th governor of the CNMI and extends condolences to his family and loved ones. The floor leader spoke in support of the resolution, praising Palacios’s service and extending condolences to the governor’s widow and family; the floor leader also extended well wishes to Governor David M. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola and said the Youth Congress’s offices remain open to work with the new administration.

Votes at a glance

- Youth Congress commemorative resolution 20-01 (recognizing Beth Ann Nunez): Adopted, vote recorded as 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain.
- Youth Congress commemorative resolution 20-02 (honoring former Gov. Arnold Indalecio Palacios): Adopted, vote recorded as 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain.

Other business and announcements during the session included community announcements and youth programming. Members announced a Grace Christian Academy fun fair at Sugar King Park (10 a.m.–3 p.m.), a San Roqui Parish fiesta and mass on Sunday, Aug. 17 (mass at 4 p.m.), an American Memorial Park outreach fair (10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.), the youth-led Roots CNMI initiative supporting local small businesses with chapters in several high schools, and a shoreline youth fishing workshop for ages 9–17 scheduled for Aug. 23–24.

The Youth Congress adjourned the first day of its third regular session at the call of the chair after the miscellaneous business and announcements.