The dare to have full ownership of land by foreigners will test the Northern Marianas descent’s ability to uphold the present structure of Article 12.
The result of this challenge will be exciting.
Article 12 ought to be abolished to evade further uncertainty. We can no longer recognize who is NMD. Our administration does not have any tracking device to detect an individual’s blood quantum to find out if the person is one-quarter NMD. This is presently one of the uncertainties we have to deal with when we commence discussing Article 12. In addition, we do not have the capital to subsidize the enforcement of Article 12.
The DNA testing at CHC now cost from $500 to 700 per-person. At a diagnostic clinic, the cost for three people is $450. These are the main reasons why I propose the ending of Article 12. Who will pay for these expenses? Apparently, the violator of Article 12 will not pay for it. The government will be obliged to do so. This is my major concern.
I truthfully treasure our soil as a material culture linking us to our ancestors. But we can no longer enforce Article 12.
When attorney Ted Mitchell passed away no one was left to insist the enforcement of Article 12. That is depressing to hear, but it is the reality.
The above statements are my own opinion regarding Article 12. I do not belong to any group.
THOMAS CABRERA CAMACHO
Chalan Piao, Saipan
