FEATUREI Northern MarianasPacificMini Games

Personnelparticipation

Saipan made itsmark in historyhosting the Northern Marianas PacificMini Games("NMPMG") 2022 for the first time.The NMPMG began on June 17 and ended on June 25,2022.One of the Judiciary's ARPA-funded personnel,Chief Marshal Jason T.Tarkong ("J"),competed in the games. ARPAinterviewed Chief Marshal shortly after the commencement of the games.

- What sport didyoucompetein?

J: "Va'a (Outrigger Canoe)."

- What aretheeventsyoucompetedin?Andpleaselist theposition for eachevent youcompetedin?

J: "I competed in the V-12 Event. I steered and also sat on seat 5 (power seat)."

- Howdidyoupreparefor thecompetition?

J: "10 months of training, sometimes 2 training a day: from 5 a.m. for 1 hour and a half and 2 hours in the evening."

- What isoneimportant lessonyou'velearnedfromyour timeasanathleterepresentingtheCNMI inthePacificMini Games?

J: "The more I learn the more I realize how much I don't know."

- Whowereyoumost excitedtocompeteagainst?

J: "TAHITI,WORLD CHAMPIONS. It was like our local Basketball Team competing against the Golden State Warriors (NBA), or our CNMI Baseball Team going up against the New York Yankees (MLB)."

Pretrial,Probation,and Parole Proclamation

On July18,2022,the Judiciaryheld itsPretrial,Probation,and Parole Supervision Week Proclamation Signing at the American Memorial Park indoor theater.

Chief Probation Officer Matilde H.Bermudes-Rasa stated,"The Pretrial,Probation and Parole Supervision Week isa Nationwide celebration in everyone of the 50 Statesand Region 18 which includesthe CNMI,Guam,American Samoa,Federated Statesof Micronesia,Palau,Marshall and the Philippines.It wasfirst held in 1999 bythe American Probation and Parole Association.Membersof the association lobbied acrossthe Countryto make a proclamation for one week in JulyasPretrial,Probation and Parole Supervision Week and to recognize the 100,000+Probation & Parole Professionalsalso known as'Agentsof Change.' The week-long celebration isto recognize these Probation & Parole Agentsof Change for their hard work and dedication in helping the communitybyimproving the livesof the offenderswho are placed on Probation or Parole supervision."The Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision

Week acknowledges the dedication of probation and parole agents who improve the lives of offenders through rehabilitation. These professionals help communities by providing support to offenders to reintegrate into society, reduce recidivism rates, and ensure that justice is served.

Junior State of America CivicsInstitute Micronesia Site Visit

On July18,2022,high school studentsfrom the Federated Statesof Micronesia,Palau, Guam,and the Northern Mariana Islandsvisited the Guma' Hustisia for a conversation with the justicesand judges.The studentsparticipated in the week-long CivicsInstitute Micronesia,sponsored byJunior State of America and the Northern Marianas College.

Judiciary5KRun/Walk

The Judiciaryorganized a 5k run/walk event on August 5,2022 to promote health and wellnessamong itsemployees.The course,coordinated byKeith H.Ketola,Law Clerk to Justice John A.Manglona,started on the Beach Road pathway near Guma' Hustisia and continued for 2.5 km before reversing and finishing at Guma' Hustisia. The course highlighted the island'sscenic beautyand encouraged participantsto stayactive.Judiciaryemployeeswere encouraged to participate in a 5k run/walk and were granted an hour of administrative leave.The event wassuccessful,with 25 staff members,2 bench members,and familymembersparticipating.The event encouraged Judiciaryemployeesto bond and engage in friendlycompetition while showing support for the Judiciary'scommitment to promoting health and wellness. Three deputymarshalsprovided securitydetail for the event,ensuring that the event ran smoothlyand safely.The Judiciaryiscommitted to hosting more events like thisin the future,aspart of itsongoing effortsto promote health and wellness among itsemployeesand to strengthen the bondsbetween Judiciaryemployees and the community.