Galvin Deleon Guerrero backs tighter border posture in visa waiver debate, cites birth tourism and security risks
SAIPAN — Congressional candidate Galvin Deleon Guerrero weighed in this week on the growing debate over the CNMI’s visa waiver framework, saying he shares concerns about national security threats and warning the Commonwealth should avoid policies that “make ourselves vulnerable to bad actors.”
MVA’s Taijeron urges safeguards over termination as senators push to end EVS-TAP
SAIPAN — Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Jamika Taijeron is urging federal policymakers to preserve the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program while continuing to strengthen safeguards, following a Jan. 15, 2026 letter in which U.S. Sens. Rick Scott, Jim Banks, and Markwayne Mullin asked the Department of Homeland Security to revoke the CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP) and require Chinese nationals to obtain standard tourist visas to visit the CNMI. The senators also urged ending Hong Kong’s participation in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, citing birth tourism and security concerns.
Guam honors two new apprenticeship graduates in HVAC, heavy equipment mechanics
HAGÅTÑA, Guam — Two new graduates of Guam’s Registered Apprenticeship program were recognized this month as the Guam Contractors Association, in partnership with the Guam Department of Labor, highlighted their completion of skilled trade training in HVAC and heavy equipment mechanics.
CNMI Innovation Incubator sets “Love Local” Valentine’s pop-up market for February 7
SAIPAN — The CNMI Innovation Incubator is asking the community to mark their calendars for “Love Local,” a Valentine’s-themed small business night spotlighting local entrepreneurs on Saturday, February 7, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Beach Road Plaza parking lot.
Saipan Mayor asks DPW to repaint faded road lines, address lighting concerns on key northbound routes
SAIPAN — Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Jose Blas Camacho is asking the Department of Public Works to address what his office describes as growing public safety concerns tied to faded roadway markings and limited roadway lighting on heavily traveled northbound routes.
Guam Governor Leon Guerrero, Lieutenant Governor Tenorio host Japan delegation led by PM’s special advisor
HAGÅTÑA, Guam — Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio met with a high-level delegation visiting Guam on behalf of the Japanese government, led by Sadamasa Oue, a special advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan.
CUC schedules power interruption for Talafofo on January 28
SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is advising customers in Talafofo that it will conduct a scheduled power service interruption on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.
Apatang hosts Korea University delegation to discuss partnership with NMC, educational tourism
SAIPAN — Gov. David M. Apatang hosted a delegation from Korea University on January 15 to discuss a potential partnership with Northern Marianas College, an effort the administration says could expand educational opportunities and support the CNMI’s growing educational tourism sector.
HANMI urges stakeholder input on visa waiver debate, says senators’ data outdated
SAIPAN — The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands is urging federal policymakers to engage directly with CNMI stakeholders before making any changes to the Commonwealth’s visa waiver framework, pushing back on a Jan. 15, 2026 letter from three U.S. senators calling on federal agencies to revoke the CNMI’s EVS-TAP travel authorization for PRC nationals.
King-Hinds pushes back on senators’ call to revoke EVS-TAP, says CNMI hospital not overwhelmed by tourist births
SAIPAN — CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is disputing claims cited by three U.S. senators who urged the Department of Homeland Security to revoke the CNMI’s EVS-TAP travel authorization and make other changes to visa waiver programs used by visitors from China and Hong Kong.
