CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios and Lieutenant Governor David Apatang have named thirteen department heads in their first announcement of appointments to critical agencies. The annoucement comes as they grapple with the islands' deficit.

Palacios announced, "We are very happy that we are now able to begin to constitute our cabinet." He made the decision in his first month in office.

Those requiring Senate confirmation are secretaries of commerce, finance, labor, public works, and lands and natural resources. The governor and Lt. Gov. David Apatang convened the new leadership in a press conference Wednesday afternoon. Those chosen applied to the post. There are still a number of appointments the executive needs to make, including the Department of Public Safety and his own chief of staff. The appointments were delayed due to resources being redirected to address the deficit. 

"These are challenging times to say the least," said Palacios.

A former gubernatorial rival former House Democrat Tina Sablan also on the hill as the Senior Policy Advisor.  She said, "A big part of my focus in this role will be to follow through with the commitments that are outlined in the unity pledge that the governor and lt. governor agreed to."

The acting secretary of finance Tracy Norita says she will sound the alarm if needed when it comes to the government's finances, which are now on life support as they open up the financial books revealing overspending from the previous administration. 

Norita said, "In meeting with the governor and lieutenant governor we talked about aligning our values in building integrity and trust in government so I am honored to serve in their administration to do that with them to the best of my ability."

Ultimately, Palacios says the buck stops at his desk. 

Meanwhile, the senate readies to hold confirmation hearings. Senator Celina Babauta, who chairs the committee for executive appointments, told KUAM: "it is my and the committee's intention to conduct a fair and reasonable confirmation hearing process on all nominees..."

Full list of appointments made today:

  • Dept. of Corrections: Commissioner Anthony C. Torres
  • Dept. of Commerce: Sec. Joseph Rios
  • Dept. of Finance: Sec. Tracy Norita
  • Dept. of Labor: Sec. Leila Staffler
  • Dept. of Public Works: Sec. Ray Yumul
  • Dept. of Lands and Natural Resources: Sec. Sylvan Igisomar
  • Carolinian Affairs: Felix Nogis
  • Veterans Affairs: Frances Sablan
  • Management and Budget: Virginia Villagomez
  • Youth Affairs: Delbert Pua
  • Military Affairs: Daniel Aquino
  • Senior Policy Advisor: Tina Sablan
  • Criminal Justice Planning Agency: Paul Tenorio