Structuring discussion of issues through panel presentations, working groups, break-out sessions and focus groups stressed communication and have proven very successful. CNMI Commissioner of Education, Rita Enos commended the conference. I just want to say how productive and needed this type of a forum is for the Insular areas. Real conversations began to resolve immediate concerns through better communication mechanisms, such as collaboration and coordination. For me and the Public School System, we advocated getting DOI and other Federal agencies' support on a CNMI interagency comprehensive workforce investment proposal.
Federal representatives are open minded and appear to be listening to our concerns.
Federal officials are genuine in their commitment to the Insular areas for needed support to access available grants and to be flexible enough to find other ways to be eligible for a grant, if the terms of a grant don't fit the needs of the territory. We are impressed with the commitment to identify or modify grants to meet our unique needs and to support changes and new ways of communicating problem solving and resource access. We appreciate the participation of so many Federal representatives. It allowed us to meet and talk with real people. We look forward to a candid, supportive working relationship with OIA and the other Federal grantors.