CNMI responds to Guam mayor's call for help after Typhoon Mawar

"The policy-making body and the executive branch, too much talk, no execution. Who is going to execute? Us, the mayors, and then what do you do? Kill us," 

Mayor Jesse Alig  said on May 30 at a Guam Legislature Emergency Session 

It was that speech at the Guam legislature’s emergency session that sounded the alarm. It’s what motivated CNMI Department of Corrections commissioner Anthony Torres to take action and bring government agencies together for a Typhoon disaster relief drive. 

"The fact that he went to Adelup and voiced his concerns. It struck a chord in me and it moved me to do something. Anything in my power to make something happen and that is where we are at right now in getting the team together and helping our brothers and sisters in Guam," Torres said. 

He’s communicating with the Mayor's Council of Guam and waiting to hear from Adelup on what other help is needed. Torres tells us DOC is preparing to deploy 10 of its staff to help the mayors on the ground. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is also ready to send lineworkers to help. 

Saipan Mayor RB Camacho said, "This is what you call brother and sisters. We need to help each other and as the mayor, I humbly ask the business community, the nonprofit group to please come forward and let's join hands and rescue our brothers and sisters in Guam."

They’re hoping to fill one container and are collecting donations outside of the Multi-Purpose Center until June 7. 

 

"Please, I know we are trying to stretch our wallet but give whatever you can. Again, this is our brothers and sisters on Guam, and if I may recall they did similar things for us post-Yutu, Mangkhut, and Soudelor. So it is truly the Marianas heartbeat and well all beat as one," said CNMI police chief Clement Bermudes. 

Rep. Ed Propst added, "We are fully committed to assisting the good people of Guam. We are one Marianas. We are always looking after each other."