Delegate candidate Galvin Deleon Guerrero criticized incumbent delegate Kimberlyn King‑Hinds for using her closing remarks at the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s 4th Economic Forum to blame the federal government for the CNMI’s tourism and economic challenges.
In a statement, Deleon Guerrero said the Chamber should be commended for bringing together stakeholders from across the Marianas—including the mayors of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, as well as partners from Guam—but said it was “disappointing and disheartening” that the delegate’s remarks focused on “finding blame instead of finding solutions.”
The forum highlighted the Marianas Visitors Authority’s new “Far From Ordinary” campaign, proposals to diversify the economy, and ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with federal partners. Deleon Guerrero said those efforts were overshadowed by King‑Hinds’ comments.
“Despite some positive signs in tourism, including increased arrivals from Japan, the Delegate focused on the inadequacy of current arrival rates,” he said. He added that while presenters discussed diversification opportunities such as light manufacturing, digital currencies, and remote back‑office operations, King‑Hinds dismissed those initiatives as insufficient compared to pre‑Yutu casino‑driven tourism.
Deleon Guerrero said he was most concerned about the delegate’s criticism of the federal government, noting that Gov. David Apatang briefed attendees on recent progress made during meetings in Washington, D.C., including discussions under the Covenant’s 902 consultation process.
“Those conversations with the administration and the Department of Homeland Security are important steps toward rebuilding our economy,” he said. “However, despite the progress of these conversations, the Delegate’s closing remarks undercut their progress by blaming the federal government for the CNMI’s economic challenges.”
He also pointed to recent letters circulated in Congress by 34 Republican House members and three Republican senators portraying the CNMI as a national security risk tied to birth tourism and Chinese influence, and calling for the elimination of visa waiver programs.
“These letters came from members of the same political party as our current Delegate,” he said. “If the CNMI truly had strong representation in Washington, those narratives would have been challenged early, corrected forcefully, and prevented from gaining traction.”
Deleon Guerrero said the remarks failed to acknowledge the work of local leaders, businesses, and community members striving to revive the economy.
“Rather than lamenting the current state we’re in, we should commend the Chamber, presenters at the Economic Forum, and the entire CNMI for taking positive, constructive, and sustainable steps,” he said.
He added that if elected, he would focus on solutions rather than blame.
“As Delegate, instead of finding blame, I will find solutions,” he said. “Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, I will build upon what’s going right…fighting for our economy, fighting for our people, fighting for us.
