Statement of Interior Assistant Secretary Kia’aina on the Passing of Northern Mariana Islands Governor Eloy Songao Inos

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 29, 2015) – Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Esther Kia’aina today released the following statement on the passing of Northern Mariana Islands Governor Eloy Songao Inos:

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Governor Inos. My prayers are with his family and the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Department of the Interior remains steadfast in supporting Governor Inos' efforts to improve and to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the Northern Mariana Islands. I look forward to honoring his legacy with Governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres and Lieutenant Governor Victor Borja Hocog at the helm. I am fully confident in their leadership and continuity during this critical time."

The Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas carries out the administrative responsibilities of the Secretary of the Interior in coordinating Federal policy for the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and administering and overseeing Federal assistance to the freely associated states of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau under the Compacts of Free Association. The Assistant Secretary executes these responsibilities through the Office of Insular Affairs.

###