CNMI Governor Eloy Inos was receiving treatment in Seattle, Washington.
Saipan, CNM – CNMI Governor Eloy Inos passed away Tuesday. He was 66 years old.
News of Inos’ passing was received by Lt. Gov. Ralph Torres through Inos’ family at 9:42 Tues. Morning.
The CMMI Governor was receiving treatment in Seattle, Washington. He was recovering from surgery when he passed away. A press release from the administration states that despite “initial signs of improvement after his surgery, Inos’ condition worsened.” Details from his doctors on his medical condition are not available at this time, according to the release.
Inos’ passing comes almost a year after he was inaugurated for his first term as Governor. Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has been acting governor on his behalf since Inos traveled to the mainland for heart treatment.
Torres was sworn in Tues. afternoon as Governor while Rota Senator and CNMI Senate President Victor Hocog assumed the position as Lt. Governor in a general assembly at the multi purpose center in Susupe.
“[Inos] has made me feel loved and cared for. I want everyone to know that when I called him, he was there. When I called him, he was always there. When I asked for his advice he always gave my the right advice whether I like it or not,” Torres said in his speech to the public.
In a statement Congressman Gregorio “Kilili” Sablan said, “We have lost a wise and hard-working leader today. Our hearts are broken knowing that we can no longer look to Governor Eloy Songao Inos to guide the Northern Mariana Islands.” Sablan added, “Personally, I will miss his counsel and the experiences of a lifetime of public service and private accomplishment that Governor Inos always so generously shared.”
The Executive branch called for a moment of silence on Tuesday and pause for prayer for the family, administration, and the people of the CNMI during this time of mourning.
Condolences have also poured in from Guam where Governor Eddie Calvo and Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio said in part “We were deeply grieved to hear about the passing of Governor Eloy Inos. He was a strong leader to the people of the Northern Marianas, a good husband and father, and a dear friend to us and the people of Guam”. On Tuesday Governor Calvo ordered flags be flown at half-staff until the day of interment.
Speaker Judi Won Pat sent condolences on behalf of the Guam Legislature writing in part “I am deeply saddened to learn of Governor Inos’s passing. Governor Inos championed for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for more than 40 years both in the public and private sectors. He gave generously of his time, talents, and resources to enhance the lives of the people of the Northern Marianas.”
Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo issued a statement that says in part “He was a tireless advocate for the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and whose leadership was instrumental during a time of great change and opportunity.”
Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar sent her condolences on behalf of Joint Region Marianas writing in part “Governor Inos will always be remembered for his dedication to the CNMI and for his friendship to the U.S. military. He will be forever missed.”
The Bank of Guam also mourns the death of Inos. Bank of Guam President Lou Leon Guerrero sent her condolences on behalf of the Bank of Guam writing in part “We share the deep loss with our family and friends in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, and we are there for them during their time of grief and loss.”
You can read full statements below.
From Guam Governor Eddie Calvo:
For Immediate Release:
Governor Calvo and Lt. Governor Tenorio sent their condolences to Governor Eloy S. Inos’ daughte
“We were deeply grieved to hear about the passing of Governor Eloy Inos. He was a strong leader to the people of the Northern Marianas, a good husband and father, and a dear friend to us and the people of Guam,” they stated in their letter to now acting Governor Torres.
“Governor Inos always put his people first and worked hard to find ways to improve the quality of life in the Northern Mariana Islands.”
Governor Calvo this afternoon ordered flags be flown at half-staff beginning today until the day of interment.
From Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo:
Hagåtña, Guam – Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today issued the following statement on the passing of Governor Eloy Inos of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Governor Eloy Inos. He was a tireless advocate for the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and whose leadership was instrumental during a time of great change and opportunity.
“Today the CNMI has lost a respected public servant. On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family and the people of the Northern Mariana Islands during this difficult time.”
From CNMI Congressman Gregorio Kilili Sablan:
Northern Mariana Islands – Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan issued the following statement on the news today that Governor Eloy Inos of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has passed away.
“We have lost a wise and hard-working leader today. Our hearts are broken knowing that we can no longer look to Governor Eloy Songao Inos to guide the Northern Mariana Islands.
“Andrea and I send our deepest condolences to the Governor’s family. We will keep him and them in our prayers.
“Governor Inos gave all he had to the people he served until the very end. We watched his declining health with sadness over the last years. Yet, when others might have let go of their responsibility to others to care for themselves, Governor Inos clearly used every ounce of his strength to keep working for the people and the islands he loved.
“His dedication is an example to us all.
“Personally, I will miss his counsel and the experiences of a lifetime of public service and private accomplishment that Governor Inos always so generously shared.”
