Demapan outlines vision for islands in new federal role, speaks to the future

BY MARK RABAGO
Saipan Correspondent

GARAPAN, Saipan — Less than a month into his appointment as deputy assistant secretary for Insular and International Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, Angel Demapan is already making waves in his new role — beginning with a return visit to the Northern Mariana Islands, where he was once a youth congressman, now as one of the highest-ranking islanders in a White House administration.

The 47-year-old former Saipan lawmaker is now responsible for shaping federal policy and coordination on issues affecting the NMI, Guam, American Samoa, and the Freely Associated States.

“It’s been very, very busy but exciting to really just dive into the details,” Demapan said. “It’s a testament to the Trump administration’s commitment to the islands and the Pacific region.”

Demapan, who was the spokesperson of former governor Benigno R. Fitial, said his job is to ensure that the federal government works collaboratively with local governments to strengthen economic development, infrastructure, and self-sufficiency. 

“From the federal side, our role is to advocate for the insular areas and also to represent the federal interest,” he said. “In order to strike that common ground, it's going to be very important that we learn what steps the commonwealth government is going to take.”

His remarks came just hours after attending the May 29 State of the Commonwealth Address by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios. It was Demapan’s first official appearance in the NMI in his new role.

He appreciated the governor’s reflection on past challenges but hoped for more details on forward-looking plans, Demapan said. “I would like to hear more on how we plan to move forward as a commonwealth government,” he said, noting that it would help the federal government determine how best to assist.

He also raised concern over reports of mass business closures in the NMI and said the discrepancy between those numbers and the governor’s claim of more business openings needs clarification. “We should quantify that. If a hotel closes and a small retail store opens, what is the economic impact?”

Demapan said he plans to visit Guam and the Freely Associated States as part of his regional outreach, although specific dates have not been finalized due to existing commitments in Washington, D.C.

He confirmed to the Journal that meetings with NMI officials, including Palacios, Senate President Dennis C. Mendiola, and business leaders, are scheduled for June 5, when William Hague, principal deputy assistant secretary for insular and international affairs of the U.S. Department of the Interior; visits Saipan. Meetings with officials in Guam are also planned.

With renewed Compact of Free Association agreements in place, Demapan emphasized that the U.S. is now engaged in ongoing discussions with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau.

“The disbursement consultations will require presence in the freely associated states,” he said, signaling more travel is ahead.

Asked about potential delays in releasing Technical Assistance Program and Maintenance Assistance Program grants, Demapan told the Journal that the new administration is currently reviewing all federal grant programs. No new TAP grants have been awarded yet.

“We’ve made a strong case on how critical the Interior grants are for the insular areas,” he said. “We believe our programs deserve different treatment than those meant for the mainland because these are really assistance funds — meant to help with operations in health, education, and basic governance.”

He also addressed Guam’s annual request for more Compact Impact Aid, telling the Journal that while the formula is fixed, the department will explore other support mechanisms to address shortfalls in jurisdictions hosting COFA migrants.

The NMI native, who began his public service career as a member of the NMI Youth Congress, said his journey from Capitol Hill to the national stage reflects what is possible for islanders.

Demapan urged young people not to limit themselves. “Dare to dream big, and don’t think of being an islander as a limitation. I am a very proud islander — and I hope this appointment shows that even from a small community, we can make a difference on the grandest stage.”

With meetings the week of June 2 expected to further shape federal-insular relations, Demapan said he remains focused on one goal: “To make sure my presence is not in vain — and that my appointment brings positive change to the islands.” mbj