After the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Benigno Fitial, resigned from his office yesterday, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider were sworn in as the country’s new governor and lieutenant governor respectively.
Fitial, who was impeached by the House of Representatives for multiple counts related to corruption, neglect of duty and other crimes, resigned a few weeks before the start of his trial and, as a result, avoided the whole process.
Fitial’s resignation from the Governor’s office was the first in the history of CNMI.
With new leaders, it is time to move on. A lot needs to be done in the country but everyone knows nothing will be fixed overnight. People hope for economic reforms that will help the CNMI get out of recession. High rates of unemployment, caused by the closure of garment factories, and a drop in tourism revenues are believed to be the main reasons for the country’s unstable economic situation.
Hopefully the future is bright for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and its people. One can only wish that the change of leadership will bring solutions to the most important problems. If this happens, it will be the beginning of a brand new era. So, let the healing process begin!
