Gov. David M. Apatang last Feb. 6 formally nominated Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja to serve as associate justice of the CNMI Supreme Court, setting off a series of judicial appointments following the resignation of Associate Justice Perry B. Inos.
At a Feb. 9 press conference at the Governor’s Office on Capitol Hill, Apatang also nominated Associate Judge Joseph James Norita Camacho to replace Naraja as presiding judge of the Superior Court, and former attorney general and former Tinian mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas to fill the resulting associate judge vacancy.
If confirmed, San Nicolas could become the first Superior Court associate judge from Tinian.
Apatang said Inos submitted his resignation effective Feb. 6, prompting the need to “move up the line along the court system.”
“On behalf of the lieutenant governor and myself, I have submitted a letter to the Senate, nominating presiding judge Naraja to move up to associate justice of the CNMI Supreme Court, and nominating judge Camacho to replace him as a Presiding Judge,” the governor said.
He added that he is “nominating JP San Nicolas from the beautiful island of Tinian to replace Judge Camacho,” noting it would be an honor to see Tinian represented on the bench.
Apatang urged the Senate to act swiftly on the nominations to avoid disruptions in court operations.
“We want to ask the good senators to expedite the hearing and try to confirm all these three individuals,” he said.
Lt. Gov. Dennis C. Mendiola described the appointments as a milestone for the judiciary and the Commonwealth.
“Today marks an important moment for our judiciary and for the people we serve,” Mendiola said.
He said Naraja’s elevation reflects “not only his legal acumen, but the trust placed in his integrity, fairness, and dedication to the rule of law.”
Mendiola said Camacho’s leadership would enhance the administration of justice, adding that judicial interpretation must respect “our history, our customs, and our collective sense of fairness.”
On San Nicolas, Mendiola said the nomination embodies “a unified, one Marianas perspective with an associate judge chosen from the beautiful island of Tinian.”
Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro welcomed the nominations and thanked the governor for moving quickly to fill the vacancy.
“It is very important because the governor is ensuring that the rule of law in our Commonwealth is maintained at all times,” Castro said.
He said the nominees are experienced attorneys familiar with legal issues across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, and stressed that the judiciary must reflect local norms and values.
“The people want to see a judicial system that recognizes and honors their norms and values also,” Castro said.
Naraja, who would serve an eight-year term if confirmed, thanked the governor and lieutenant governor for their confidence. He noted that his tenure would place him among the longest-serving jurists in the Commonwealth when combined with his 24 years on the Superior Court.
“I will do my very best for the betterment of our community. The people deserve no less,” Naraja said.
He also called the simultaneous nominations historic.
“Today is also a historic event in the CNMI, as you appointed three jurists in one day,” he said.
Camacho said he hopes to build on efficiencies within the court system, particularly through expanded use of technology to reduce delays for residents of Tinian and Rota and for attorneys off-island.
“If anybody that knows me on the bench, I'm a very big fan of efficiency, and I'm hopeful to build on that, in particular to the technology,” Camacho said.
He noted that timely confirmation is critical because certain administrative duties, including signing child support payments, fall under the presiding judge.
“For a single parent that's waiting for that child support check, that means a lot to them,” he said. “So, having a quick nomination and a quick confirmation makes a whole world of difference to them.”
San Nicolas said he was honored by the nomination and emphasized the importance of judicial independence.
“An independent and impartial judiciary is fundamental to our system of government,” San Nicolas said.
He said he approaches the nomination with humility and respect for the Senate’s constitutional role in the confirmation process.
“I look forward to appearing before the Senate in due course,” he said.
San Nicolas, who was raised on Tinian, became emotional as he acknowledged his parents and family across the Marianas.
“I was raised on Tinian, shaped by a small community where hard work and respect for others are part of everyday life,” he said.
“If confirmed, those values will guide me on the bench, always alongside my duty to apply the law fairly and impartially.”
In separate letters to Senate President Karl R. King-Nabors, Apatang cited Article IV, Section 5 of the NMI Constitution in nominating Naraja and San Nicolas, and 1 CMC § 3204(a) and Article IV, Section 10 in nominating Camacho as presiding judge. All three appointments require the advice and consent of the Senate.
The governor said supporting documents, including résumés, statements of financial interest, police clearances, and drug test results, will be submitted to the Senate.
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