The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is mourning the death of former Lt. Gov. Diego Tenorio Benavente, a towering figure in local politics and public life. He died peacefully at home on Nov. 20, surrounded by family, after choosing comfort and time with loved ones over aggressive treatment for acute leukemia. He was 66.
Gov. David Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola issued a joint statement calling Benavente’s passing “a profound loss for the Commonwealth,” and praised his more than 30 years of public service as “a mentor, a steady voice of reason and a friend.”
They extended condolences to his wife, Vicky Benavente, and their family, noting that Diego “served with honor and heart.”
Benavente’s public career spanned six terms in the House of Representatives, including eight years as speaker, and a four-year term as lieutenant governor from 2002 to 2006. He was widely respected for his principled leadership, including efforts to modernize waste management, protect Saipan’s lagoon from commercial net fishing, and oppose casino legislation he believed would harm the community.
A public memorial is expected to be announced in the coming days. Flags across the CNMI have been lowered in his honor.
