Flags flown at half-staff on Guam in honor of CNMI Gov. Palacios' life and legacy.
- Admin
- Jul 24
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 25
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Guam and other Pacific island leaders joined the CNMI in mourning the passing of CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios on Wednesday night.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero ordered flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of his life and legacy.
Palacios passed away at Guam Regional Medical City at 10 p.m. Wednesday. He was 69.
He was flown to the GRMC in the afternoon following a recommendation from the medical team at Commonwealth Healthcare Center Corp. after "experiencing a medical incident" this morning.
Officials issued the following statements:
Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero: We are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Gov. Arnold Palacios. Arnold was a dear friend and a kind, compassionate leader. He represented his love for his island and his people in every conversation, every partnership, and every decision. He worked tirelessly to deliver the very best for the CNMI—something I had the privilege to witness firsthand.
He was also a proud father and a graduate of Father Dueñas Memorial School, Class of 1974, ties that deepened his connection to Guam and our shared Marianas heritage.
On behalf of the people of Guam, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Wella, their family, and all those who knew and loved him. We also offer our full support to acting Gov. David Apatang as he leads the CNMI through this time of mourning and transition.”
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio: “My condolences to the people of the CNMI on the loss of an honorable man. Governor Arnold Palacios was a good man and strengthened the bond between the CNMI and Guam. Despite the challenges facing his government, he maintained his optimism for the CNMI’s potential and worked hard to improve the future of his people. Our prayers are with First Lady Wella and the Palacios family.”
Guam Del, James Moylan: "I am deeply saddened by the sudden and untimely passing of my friend, Gov. Arnold Palacios. I had the honor of working closely with him and saw firsthand the kind of leader he was: principled, humble, and devoted to the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Gov. Palacios led with integrity and heart. His love for his community shaped every decision he made, and his legacy of service will continue to inspire. He was more than a public servant.
He was a true son of the islands whose vision and humility left a lasting mark. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, the people of the CNMI, and everyone grieving this tremendous loss. May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his life by continuing the work he so passionately believed in.
Speaker Frank F. Blas Jr. “The people of Guam stand with our brothers and sisters in the CNMI in mourning the loss of Gov. Arnold Palacios, a dedicated public servant, a steadfast leader, and a true son of the Mariana.
Governor Palacios led with clarity, conviction, and a deep love for his people. His passing leaves a void not only in the hearts of those who knew him personally, but across our region, where his leadership and advocacy for the Northern Marianas were widely respected.”
“Gov. Palacios was a trusted friend and a valued regional partner,” Speaker
Blas added. “He believed in the power of unity among the islands and worked to strengthen our shared bonds. As we grieve his passing, we also honor the legacy of service he leaves behind.”
Vice Speaker Tony Ada: “Our thoughts and prayers are with First Lady Wella Palacios, their children and family, and the people of the CNMI as they navigate this time of unspeakable sorrow and loss. May they find comfort in the outpouring of support and love from near and far and may the memories of the governor’s steadfast leadership be a source of strength in the days ahead.”
Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane: “I extend my deepest condolences to the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and to the family of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios. News of his sudden passing is heartbreaking. As a journalist,
I had the privilege of interviewing Governor Palacios during the Covid-19 pandemic while he served as lieutenant governor.
More recently, I had the honor of reconnecting with him in Saipan as I began my term in the 38th Guam Legislature. While in Saipan, Gov. Palacios and I spoke about his plans to help rebuild the CNMI’s economy. He was focused, optimistic and deeply committed to creating more opportunities for the people of the Marianas.
Sen. Shawn Gumataotao: “I am truly saddened by the news of the death of my friend and CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios. I extend my condolences to First Lady Wela and their family, Lt. Gov. David Apatang and to the citizens of the commonwealth.
Before I was elected senator, I had the privilege to work with Governor Palacios and his administration in support of Center for Homeland Defense and Security Programs in both Hawaii and Saipan. He was such a good person and a great leader of Micronesia. Gov. Palacios will be missed.
Sen. Wilian Parkinson: It is with profound sadness that I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Gov. Arnold Palacios, to the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and to all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.
On behalf of the people of Guam, and from my own family, we offer our sincere sympathies and support during this difficult time. May his legacy of service and dedication continue to inspire and uplift future generations. May the perpetual light shine upon him and may God grant him eternal peace.”
Sen. Shelly Calvo: Gov. Palacios was a champion of civic empowerment, regional unity, and cultural preservation. His leadership transcended jurisdictional boundaries, inspiring collaborative progress and uplifting the voices of the Marianas through every role he held—from the legislative chamber to the Governor’s Office.
We honor his legacy: one rooted in dignity, service, and love for these islands. May we carry forward his vision with integrity and continue the work he so passionately began. To his beloved family and all who knew and loved him — we offer our deepest condolences and prayers. Gov. Arnold Palacios will be remembered not only as a leader but as a unifier, a servant, and a stew
Sen. Chris Barnett: “Gov. Palacios served his people with principle and quiet strength that spanned decades and was rooted in a deep love for the islands, an unwavering commitment to public duty, and a steadfast belief in the power of unity. I had the distinct honor of attending his inauguration ceremony. On that day, he stood before the people he was called to serve and spoke with clarity and humility about the values that would guide his administration.
He reminded all of us of the importance of listening to one another with ‘civility, respect, yan i spiritun inafa’maolek.’ He did not shy away from the realities of leadership. He spoke plainly about the work ahead, saying, ‘There are no easy answers and no quick fixes, just plain old hard work and sacrifices.’ He made a promise—to ‘work harder than we’ve ever worked before’ to help build ‘a better future for the Commonwealth.’
Those were not just words. They were a call to a higher standard of public discourse, and a reflection of how he had always led, which was by listening, consensus-building, and leading with mutual respect.
Palau President Suranegl Whipps Jr.: We are deeply saddened by the passing of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For more than 30 years, Gov. Palacios dedicated his life to serving his people with integrity and compassion.
On behalf of the people and government of Palau, First Lady Valerie and I extend our heartfelt condolences to First Lady Wella Palacios, their family, acting Gov. David Apatang, and the people of the CNMI during this difficult time.
Gov. Palacios’ legacy of leadership and his commitment to strengthening the bonds among our island communities will continue to inspire us all. May his memory be a blessing and a guiding light for future generations.
American Samoa Del. Uifa’atali Amata Radewagen: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of a good friend in Gov. Palacios. He is a longtime family friend, and he was a friend to American Samoa over the years. I’ve known him since his youth, and he was a close friend to my brothers.
I send my heartfelt condolences to the people of the Northern Marianas, and to his dear family in this time of grief, who will be in my prayers. We think especially of First Lady Wella Palacios, their children, and entire family. Condolences also to my brother Milton Coleman, brother-in-law to the governor’s father, and my niece, Marie, who worked closely with him as a Chief of Staff within his government.
He was a dedicated public servant, and his memory will be honored in CNMI and across the Pacific. Gov. Palacios was a sincere leader, who desired the best for CNMI and the territories, and he led with purpose, compassion, and dignity as a statesman. He will hold an important place in CNMI’s history.
He worked for good fiscal decisions, promoting responsible caretaking of the islands, upholding values, and preserving the culture for the future. He set an excellent example for future leaders in the region.
Bank of Guam/Joaquin Cook: From his early years in the CNMI Legislature to his election as governor, Arnold Palacios carried with him a deep sense of purpose rooted in compassion, cultural pride, and the desire to build a stronger future for the islands he loved. He led with a steady hand through challenges and always put the well-being of the people first.
To First Lady Wella, their children, and the entire Palacios family – please
know that you are in our prayers. To the people of the CNMI, we share in
your sorrow and your pride as we honor the legacy of a leader who never
stopped believing in the strength of his people. His memory and example
will continue to guide us all.
Our Bank of Guam Familia joins the CNMI and the entire Marianas
community in mourning the loss of a beloved son of the islands. We offer
our prayers and heartfelt sympathies, and pledge to honor his legacy
through continued service to the people of our region.
Archbishop Reverend Ryan P. Jimenez: On behalf of the Archdiocese of Agaña as well as the bishops and Catholics of the Pacific region, I extend prayers on the passing of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
I send our love and condolences to his dear widow, First Lady Wella Palacios and the family. May our loving God hold them close to his heart and comfort them in their time of sorrow.
Governor Palacios led the people of the Northern Marianas with tremendous strength, dedication and conviction. His faith in God was also important to him. Together with his wife Wella, Governor Palacios was an active member of the Catholic community and Kristo Rai Church in Garapan.
