In 1976 President Gerald Ford signed the Covenant, an agreement for self-government. Then the CNMI Constitution was established. The U.S. Constitution stated that all U.S. citizens have the right to vote, but we cannot vote for the president of the United States. Maybe it’s because we are a commonwealth.
The CNMI Constitution’s Article 12 stated that only NMI descent can buy and own land.
Just like when we watch a hostage situation in a movie. All law enforcement personnel are rushing to the scene from different agencies. One law enforcement agency says “it’s our jurisdiction,” others say it’s our “case,” but they all forgot that they are all working for the government. Another example is the dog, the cat and the rat. If the dog sees the cat, the dog will chase the cat, if the cat sees the rat, the cat will chase the rat, but they are all animals.
Now some groups want to abolish Article 12, and some groups don’t want to do so. Others claim that they are born here in the CNMI so why can’t they own land?
The best solution is respecting all both sides of the Constitution. “If we cannot beat the system then let’s join it.”
But what most bothers me is the history of the NMI.
Ferdinand Magellan came to the Marianas in the 16th century. Someone stole something from his ship so he called the Marianas “islands of thieves.” When the garment industry still existed on island, all clothes they made here in the CNMI were shipped to the mainland and were labeled “Made in the USA.” Then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called us “criminals” and now with our speaker of the House proposing casinos on Saipan I don’t know what our brothers and sisters from Tinian and Rota would call us.
Speaker Tenorio, with all due respect, the people of Saipan have voted already. No casino! And no means no, period.
Sir, my opinion is that someone fly over to Disneyworld and look for an investor that can build carnival grounds for our children. Wouldn’t it be great to have lots of rides, games, entertainments, booth for food and drinks? On a Friday night parents would bring their children to the carnival grounds for enjoyment, just like the 4th of July, which happen only once a year. The business community would rent booths and the investor and the government would collect revenues.
RAY AGULTO
Kannat Tabla, Saipan
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