AGP Executive Report

Disaster Finance: The SBA has approved more than $30 million in federal disaster loans for CNMI businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters hit by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with the EIDL program still open for economic injury losses. Legislative Funding: CNMI Senate passed a compromise package for Sinlaku relief and tourism recovery, including $300,000 from CEDA dividends for Tinian and Rota response and $960,235.74 in tobacco settlement funds for the Marianas Visitors Authority. Power & Energy: CUC is targeting Dec. 2027 for a major Saipan/Tinian/Rota solar-plus-storage project, while Tinian’s damaged power plant decision remains under review; separately, Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge jump that raises average residential bills by about $58 starting July 1. Tourism & Jobs: MVA deputy managing director Judy Torres received a PATA Award of Merit, and CNMI’s public school system launched a Nurse Assistant Summer Program to build local healthcare credentials. Recovery Oversight: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho renewed complaints to FEMA over leaks and workmanship gaps in temporary roofing installed after Sinlaku. Regional Security: USPACOM commander Adm. Samuel Paparo visited Guam and Tinian, including STRONG Roof disaster-relief operations. Trade & Ports: Port Authority of Guam secured a clean FY2025 audit but is pursuing a phased 17% tariff increase to offset margin pressure. Workforce Fraud: A Saipan businessman was sentenced to 12 months home detention for visa fraud tied to the CW-1 transitional worker program.

Military & Readiness: U.S. Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Paparo wrapped up a Guam-CNMI visit June 28-30, including a Tinian stop tied to the STRONG Roof disaster-relief effort that installed 130+ temporary roof panels after Typhoon Sinlaku. Aviation & Exercise Support: The A.B. Won Pat International Airport is serving as a military support and divert location for Valiant Shield 2026, with exercise activity expected mostly outside commercial windows. Defense Tech in the Marianas: The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to fly with allied forces during Valiant Shield 2026, marking another step toward collaborative uncrewed combat operations in the Indo-Pacific. Energy Costs: Guam’s PUC approved a GPA fuel surcharge (LEAC) increase effective July 1, lifting the average residential bill by about $58 per month. Power on Tinian: CUC says the future of Tinian’s damaged power plant is still undecided as federal engineers weigh repair vs. replacement. Disaster Recovery Oversight: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho says residents are still reporting leaks and gaps in temporary roofs installed after Sinlaku, and he’s renewed appeals to FEMA for fixes. Tourism Recognition: Marianas Visitor Authority Deputy Managing Director Judy Torres received a PATA Award of Merit for her tourism leadership and recovery work. Workforce Training: CNMI Public School System launched a 2026 Nurse Assistant Summer Program for 12 students, aimed at industry-recognized CNA credentials. Local Business & Appointments: CNMI Republican Party endorsed Delegate candidate Kimberlyn King-Hinds for reelection, citing disaster recovery, jobs, and efforts to open military repair work opportunities for CNMI businesses. Maritime Research & Minerals: Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus is running deep-sea expeditions east of the Mariana Trench to map habitats and critical minerals around Guam and the CNMI.

Energy & Utilities: Guam’s PUC approved a GPA fuel surcharge jump effective July 1, pushing the average residential bill up about $58 (from 13.6 to 19.4 cents per kWh) through Jan. 31, 2027. Disaster Recovery & Housing: In CNMI, Saipan Mayor RB Camacho says residents are still reporting leaks and gaps in temporary roofs installed after Typhoon Sinlaku, and he’s renewed pressure on FEMA for fixes. Power on Tinian: CUC says the future of Tinian’s damaged power plant is still undecided as federal engineers weigh repair vs. replacement. Regional Defense & Aviation: USPACOM commander Adm. Samuel Paparo visited Guam and Tinian, including the STRONG Roof effort; meanwhile, Valiant Shield 2026 continues with CNMI/Guam support activity and the MQ-28 Ghost Bat set to join allied air operations. Tourism Recognition: Marianas Visitor Authority deputy managing director Judy Torres received a PATA Award of Merit for long-running Marianas tourism leadership. Shipping/Biosecurity: Guam lawmakers advanced an invasive species inspection fee simplification measure backed by shippers and port stakeholders. Workforce & Training: CNMI Public School System launched a 7-week Nurse Assistant Summer Program for students to earn industry-recognized credentials. Federal Funding: FEMA reports CNMI has more than $52 million committed in disaster assistance and loan offers as recovery shifts toward rebuilding the economy. Citizenship Policy Watch: After the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order, Republicans are still pushing bills that could sharply restrict automatic citizenship at birth.

Disaster Recovery & Power: CNMI’s recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku is moving from emergency response to rebuilding, with FEMA reporting more than $52 million committed and Saipan’s grid restoration at 83.8% as CUC says key power materials (transformers, poles, conductors) are arriving to speed remaining work. Tinian Power Decision: CUC says the future of Tinian’s damaged power plant is still undecided as federal engineers weigh repair versus replacement, with temporary engines facing July relocation deadlines. Local Business & Health Services: A Guam oncologist opened a new practice at Tumon Sands Plaza, aiming to expand accessible cancer care. Maritime & Trade: Guam’s Port Authority secured a clean FY2025 audit but is proposing a 17% tariff increase as cargo volumes soften—important for regional transshipment to the CNMI. Biosecurity & Shipping: Guam lawmakers advanced a bill to simplify collection of invasive species inspection fees tied to cargo voyages, backed by shippers and port stakeholders. Workforce Development: CNMI’s Public School System launched a 7-week Nurse Assistant Summer Program for students to earn industry-recognized credentials. Military Readiness in the Marianas: Valiant Shield 2026 continues to shape the region, including B-2 bomber LRASM live-fire drills and MRIC air defense testing on Guam, while the MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to join exercise operations from Rota. Aviation/Infrastructure Note: The A.B. Won Pat International Airport is serving as a military support and divert location during the exercise period. Legal/Immigration Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order, while Congress moves to pursue similar changes through legislation. CNMI Economy & Politics: The CNMI Republican Party endorsed Delegate candidate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, citing disaster recovery focus and efforts to open military repair work to CNMI businesses.

Deep-Sea Research: The Ocean Exploration Trust’s E/V Nautilus is launching back-to-back deep-ocean missions east of the Mariana Trench to map habitats and assess marine critical minerals across 25% of U.S. waters around Guam and the CNMI. Power & Recovery: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed grid materials are arriving for Saipan restoration, with transformers and poles coming in as FEMA generators phase out. Solar Push: The Commonwealth Ports Authority and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at Saipan’s airport, with 40 acres earmarked. Energy Costs: Guam’s Public Utilities Commission approved a fuel surcharge jump that will raise the average residential power bill by about $58 starting July 1. Aviation/Defense Activity: Valiant Shield 2026 continues to use Guam’s airport as a military support and divert location, while Rota hosts the MQ-28 Ghost Bat for coalition air operations. Workforce & Training: CNMI’s Public School System launched a 7-week Nurse Assistant Summer Program for high school students, building toward industry credentials. Business & Ports: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is set to hold a recovery-focused luncheon with CUC on power restoration, rates, and future infrastructure investments. Tourism Policy: CNMI leadership urged Congress to keep visa-free travel options for the Marianas as arrivals and revenues remain far below pre-typhoon levels.

Defense & Aviation: The U.S. Marine Corps tested an Iron Dome-derived MRIC air-defense system on Guam during Valiant Shield 2026, signaling a push for survivable, layered protection for dispersed island forces. Uncrewed Systems: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to fly with allied fighters in Valiant Shield 2026 out of Rota, advancing human-machine teaming in contested airspace. Tourism & Air Service: CNMI’s first international flight in over two months landed on Saipan as Jeju Air resumed Seoul service, with more direct routes planned as the islands rebuild after Sinlaku. Power & Utilities: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed grid materials are arriving to speed Saipan restoration, while Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge hike that will raise average power bills. Local Business & Recovery: Saipan Chamber of Commerce plans a July 1 luncheon on recovery and utility investments, and a July 20 workshop will connect local firms to federal contracting opportunities. Workforce & Training: PSS launched a 2026 Nurse Assistant Summer Program for Saipan and Rota students, aiming at industry-recognized credentials. Legal & Labor Risks: A Saipan-area visa fraud case ended with an elderly defendant sentenced to home detention for abusing the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker program.

Military & Aviation: A.B. Won Pat International Airport is being used as a support and divert location for Valiant Shield 2026 (June 22–July 1), with commercial operations expected to stay largely unaffected. Defense Tech: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to fly with allied fighter aircraft during VS26 from Rota, testing human-machine teaming in counter-air missions. Power & Infrastructure: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed grid materials are arriving, with Saipan power restoration at 83.8% and more transformers/poles coming as FEMA generators phase out. Renewables & Business: Commonwealth Ports Authority and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at the Saipan airport. Workforce & Training: CNMI Public School System launched a 2026 Nurse Assistant Summer Program for 12 students, aiming at Certified Nursing Assistant exam readiness. Tourism Recovery: CNMI welcomed its first international flight in over two months—Jeju Air from Seoul—adding hope for visitor growth as other routes resume later in the summer. Disaster Recovery Oversight: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho renewed complaints to FEMA over temporary roof leaks and workmanship gaps after Sinlaku. Local Economy & Compliance: A Saipan businessman was sentenced to 12 months home detention for visa fraud tied to the CW-1 transitional worker program. Energy Costs Watch: Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge hike that will raise average residential power bills starting July 1.

Military & Aviation: A.B. Won Pat International Airport is being used as a military support and divert location for Valiant Shield 2026 (June 22–July 1), with commercial operations reported as unaffected and most exercise activity expected in the morning. Defense Tech: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to fly alongside crewed fighters during VS26, pushing human-machine teaming and counter-air mission testing in the Northern Marianas region. Power & Infrastructure: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says key restoration materials (transformers, poles, conductors) are arriving, with Saipan power restoration reported at 83.8% as FEMA generators phase out. Renewables & Energy Projects: Commonwealth Ports Authority and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at the Saipan airport area. Tourism Recovery: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan flights, a first international arrival in over two months, with service planned through Oct. 25. Workforce & Education: PSS launched its 2026 Nurse Assistant Summer Program (June 27–Aug. 14) to train 12 students toward Certified Nursing Assistant credentials. Disaster Recovery Oversight: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho renewed complaints to FEMA over temporary roof leaks and workmanship gaps after Sinlaku. Local Justice: A Saipan businessman was sentenced to 12 months home detention for visa fraud tied to the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker program.

CNMI Politics & Workforce: Independent gubernatorial candidate Lawrence Camacho says the Filipino community is a “swing vote” in the Commonwealth, pledging continued engagement beyond election season; his running mate Edith Deleon Guerrero urged candidates to hear Filipino residents’ daily concerns directly. Disaster Recovery & Power Infrastructure: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed power system materials are arriving in CNMI, including transformers, poles and conductors, with Saipan power restoration reported at 83.8% as FEMA generators are phased out. Tourism & Air Service: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan flights, with four weekly flights through Oct. 25, as the Marianas Visitors Authority calls restored seats “hard-won” for tourism recovery after Sinlaku. Energy & Local Business: Commonwealth Ports Authority and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at Saipan’s airport, with 40 acres designated for the project. Defense & Regional Industry: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat will join U.S.-led Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 near the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and Japan, testing collaborative combat aircraft integration with allied fighters. Labor & Compliance: A Saipan-area businessman, Angel Paras Cruz Jr., was sentenced to 12 months home detention for visa fraud tied to the CW-1 transitional worker program, including wage and work-hour violations and unsafe living conditions.

Indo-Pacific Defense & Aviation: The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat will fly with U.S. and allied fighter aircraft during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, with the production-representative drone set to support offensive and defensive counter-air missions from the Northern Marianas area. Power Restoration & Grid Resilience: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed power system materials are arriving for Saipan, including transformers, poles, and conductors, as FEMA generators are phased out and restoration work continues. Tourism Recovery via Air Service: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan flights, with four weekly flights through Oct. 25, a key step for CNMI visitor recovery after Sinlaku. Local Energy Costs: Guam’s Public Utilities Commission approved a fuel surcharge hike that will raise the average residential power bill by about $58 starting July 1. CNMI Business & Solar Development: Commonwealth Ports Authority and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at Saipan’s airport. Workforce & Compliance: A Saipan businessman was sentenced to 12 months home detention for visa fraud tied to the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker program. Disaster Response Accountability: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho says residents continue reporting leaks and workmanship issues with temporary roofing installed after Typhoon Sinlaku, and he’s renewed pressure on FEMA for fixes. Federal Contracting Opportunity: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will host a Mentor-Protégé Program Indo-Pacific workshop focused on Air Force small business contracting pathways.

Military & Defense: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to join U.S.-led Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, with the uncrewed aircraft operating from Rota and flying alongside crewed fighters as part of Indo-Pacific readiness drills. Power & Utilities: Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge hike that will raise the average residential power bill by about $58 starting July 1, while CNMI recovery continues as CUC reports new power system materials arriving to speed Saipan’s restoration. Disaster Recovery Watch: Saipan Mayor RB Camacho says residents are still reporting leaks and gaps in temporary FEMA roofing after Typhoon Sinlaku, and his office is pressing for fixes. Tourism & Air Service: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan flights, marking the first international service in over two months since Sinlaku and offering four weekly flights through Oct. 25. Local Business & Energy Projects: CPA and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at Saipan’s airport, with 40 acres designated for the project. Labor & Compliance: A Saipan businessman was sentenced to 12 months home detention for visa fraud tied to the CW-1 transitional worker program. Federal Contracting: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will host an Indo-Pacific Mentor-Protégé workshop on July 20 to help local firms pursue Air Force small-business contracting opportunities.

Power & Utilities: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed grid materials are finally arriving for Saipan restoration—transformers, poles and conductors—pushing restoration to 83.8% and load to 28.5 MW, though CUC must front costs amid a tight cash position. Energy Costs: Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge jump that will raise average residential power bills by about $58 starting July 1, underscoring how fuel volatility is hitting island households. Tourism & Air Service: CNMI welcomed its first international flight in over two months as Jeju Air resumed Seoul–Saipan service, with more routes planned; leaders stress that keeping air access is key to rebuilding visitor arrivals after Sinlaku. Visa Policy: CNMI officials warned that ending EVS-TAP for Chinese travelers without a replacement could worsen the islands’ visitor-driven economic slump, while lawmakers continue to scrutinize the program. Maritime & Logistics: The U.S. Navy is seeking commercial tankers to expand its Pacific logistics fleet, a move that could affect regional shipping and fuel availability. Business & Contracting: Saipan Chamber events are geared toward recovery and federal contracting—featuring CUC on power resilience and a Mentor-Protégé workshop aimed at helping local firms compete. Defense Presence: Rota hosted Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat as it joins U.S.-led Valiant Shield 2026 drills, highlighting the Northern Marianas’ role in Indo-Pacific military readiness. Labor & Compliance: A Saipan visa fraud case ended with an 82-year-old sentenced to home detention, spotlighting enforcement against abuse of the CW-1 transitional worker program.

Power & Recovery: CUC says long-delayed power system materials are now arriving for Saipan, with transformers, poles and conductors helping push restoration to 83.8% as FEMA generators are phased out, though CUC must front costs amid a strained cash position. Utility Rates: Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge jump that lifts the average power bill by about $58 starting July 1—another reminder of how fuel costs ripple across the region’s islands. Tourism & Air Service: CNMI welcomed its first international flight in over two months as Jeju Air resumed Seoul–Saipan service, with more routes planned—key for rebuilding visitor arrivals after Sinlaku. Visa Policy: CNMI leaders urged Congress to keep visa-free travel for Chinese visitors, warning that ending EVS-TAP without a replacement could worsen the weakened tourism economy. Maritime & Logistics: The Navy is seeking commercial tankers to expand its Pacific logistics fleet, aiming to keep ships fueled at sea—relevant to regional shipping flows that support CNMI. Business & Energy Projects: CPA and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at Saipan’s airport, targeting renewable generation alongside grid resilience. Workforce Integrity: A Saipan-area businessman was sentenced to home detention for visa fraud tied to the CW-1 transitional worker program, alleging wage and work-hour violations and unsafe conditions. Defense Presence: Rota hosted Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat as it joins U.S.-led Valiant Shield 2026, underscoring growing Indo-Pacific military activity around the Marianas.

Power & Utilities: CNMI’s power recovery stays in focus as the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation reports long-delayed grid materials are arriving, with transformers, poles and conductors expected to speed Saipan’s restoration as FEMA generators are phased out; CUC says 83.8% of power is back, but cash strain remains as it must front emergency purchases pending reimbursement. Energy Costs: In Guam, the PUC approved a fuel surcharge jump that will raise the average residential power bill by about $58 starting July 1, underscoring how fuel volatility is hitting island households. Solar Development: The Commonwealth Ports Authority and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at Saipan’s airport, targeting 40 acres and aligning with grid resilience and future renewable expansion. Tourism & Air Service: International travel is inching back as Jeju Air resumes direct Seoul–Saipan flights, and CNMI leaders are pushing Congress to keep visa-free entry options for Chinese travelers, warning that any EVS-TAP rollback without a replacement could worsen the post-Sinlaku visitor slump. Disaster Recovery Governance: Saipan Mayor “RB” Camacho is again pressing FEMA over continuing leaks and workmanship issues with temporary roofing installed after Typhoon Sinlaku. Workforce & Compliance: A Saipan visa fraud case landed with an elderly defendant sentenced to home detention, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of the CW-1 transitional worker program. Business & Contracting: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce announced a July 20 Mentor-Protégé workshop aimed at helping local firms compete for federal and defense-related contracting. Maritime/Defense Tech: Rota hosted photos of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat as the uncrewed aircraft prepares to join U.S.-led Valiant Shield 2026 near the Marianas, reinforcing the region’s role in Indo-Pacific logistics and training.

Energy & Utilities Recovery: CUC says long-delayed power materials are finally arriving in CNMI, with transformers, poles and conductors speeding Saipan restoration as FEMA generators are phased out; CUC reports 83.8% of power restored and notes it must front costs despite a strained cash position. Renewables Deal: Commonwealth Ports Authority and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at Saipan’s airport, with 40 acres designated and EPS financing, building, operating and maintaining the facility. Tourism & Air Service: CNMI welcomed its first international flight in over two months after Sinlaku, with Jeju Air resuming Seoul–Saipan service (four flights weekly through Oct. 25), while leaders push to retain visa-free access for Chinese travelers to protect the fragile recovery. Visa Policy Pressure: CNMI officials warned a Senate hearing could jeopardize EVS-TAP for Chinese travelers, arguing stronger screening is fine but eliminating the program without a replacement would worsen the islands’ economic crisis. Defense & Logistics: MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to join U.S.-led Valiant Shield 2026 near the Marianas, and the U.S. Navy is also seeking commercial tankers to expand Pacific logistics capacity. Business & Contracting: Saipan Chamber of Commerce announced a July 20 Mentor-Protégé Indo-Pacific workshop aimed at helping local firms pursue federal contracting opportunities.

Power Restoration & Utility Finance: CUC says long-delayed power system materials are now arriving in CNMI, with transformers, poles and conductors helping Saipan restoration; officials report 83.8% of power restored and note CUC must front costs despite a strained cash position, while a separate CUC update shows a $731,518 year-to-date cash flow deficit. Business & Contracting: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will host a July 1 luncheon on recovery and future utility investments, and a July 20 Mentor-Protégé Indo-Pacific workshop aimed at helping local firms tap federal contracting pathways. Renewables & Energy Projects: Commonwealth Ports Authority and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at Saipan’s airport, with 40 acres designated for the project. Tourism Recovery & Air Service: Jeju Air resumed direct Seoul–Saipan flights, marking the first international service in over two months after Sinlaku, while CNMI leaders continue pushing to keep visa-free entry for Chinese travelers through EVS-TAP amid renewed U.S. scrutiny. Military & Logistics: Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 is underway across the Marianas and beyond, with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat set to integrate with allied forces at Rota; separately, the U.S. Navy is seeking commercial tankers to expand Pacific logistics capacity. Aviation Policy Pressure: CNMI and Guam officials told a Senate hearing that high airfare costs are driven by cabotage rules and limited competition, urging changes to improve connectivity.