I WAS stunned and saddened to read that Sam McPhetres contract was not renewed at Northern Marianas College.
Sam has contributed greatly to the community with his comprehensive knowledge of the history and culture of the island. I audited his course about the CNMI at NMC and always felt that other physicians and nurses would have benefited from the perspective that the course provided.
When I uncovered an unrecognized teen suicide epidemic on the island some years ago, Sam was among the first people I consulted and his insights were helpful.
Later, in 2003, when I was given the Governor’s Humanities Award for this work by the Humanities Council, I truly regarded Sam as having been among those deserving the award since his insights helped myself and others to implement a successful intervention program.
NMC should reconsider this decision to terminate his contract. It is a disservice not just to him but also to his students and the community of the Northern Mariana Islands.
ANTHONY ANDREW
BOTTONE, M.D.
Tacoma, Washington
