I WANT to question the accountability of our very own Superior Court on completing its work and asking how long does it take a matter to be under advisement before a judge is required to make a decision?
On Dec. 21 2006, my father’s case (Jose CH. Camacho) was heard in Superior Court by Judge David Wiseman to force the government to pay compensation that is still owed to him up until today.
Judge David Wiseman has put it under advisement and is still being advised today.
Everyone today is talking about the Constitution. Judges talk about their salaries being protected by the Constitution. Others talk about obligations under the Constitution regarding the budget.
I agree and understand that we do have a formal document call the CONSTITUTION which clearly states and spells out the rights of a citizen and by all means a guarantee.
Virtually, the Constitution we have is in fact comprised of several elements such as PROCEDURE (where citizens have rights and understandings of such findings), REPRESENTATION (where those in office should conduct themselves as representatives of their constituents), DIVISION OF POWER (to prevent power by popularity not productivity); and DISCLOSURE (where affairs of government, funding and accountability have to be set right).
But the Constitution cannot survive effectively when informal attitudes and practice of behavior is present.
It is clear that the CNMI government is generally operated by POLITICS itself, but the Constitution remains the same — when it is legal and constitutional today must not be condemned as illegal tomorrow due to differences in power and parties!
We want to talk about the Constitution that says when you take private land you have to pay fair compensation now. When the cars drive on As Lito Road every day is it fair that the utilities and roads use our private land without paying for it? The government paid millions for useless wetlands to friends and family. What is it going to take for the court to order the government to pay under the Constitution? Maybe the court is afraid because it will not get money for itself for salaries.
Since 1992, 15 years to be exact and still counting, my father has been waiting for such compensation. Governors came and left, promises made and broken. Judges appointed and hearings held. Nothing has been done to resolve the matter.
My father’s case has been long overdue and is seeking compensation for personal property which was not offered to be sold in the first place but an exchange in return — but POWER kicked in and decided that it is best to be compensated. My dad did not have any problems both ways but since we talk about the Constitution today, maybe the court should follow it and tell the government to follow it. Is there an answer?

LEILA SAKISAT CAMACHO
Boise, Idaho