TODAY marks the 47th anniversary of the enactment of the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America.
It was on March 24, 1976 when President Gerald R. Ford signed a joint U.S. congressional resolution approving the Covenant that became U.S. Public Law 94-241.
In the NMI, the Covenant was approved by 78.8% of local voters in a plebiscite on June 17, 1975. Voter turnout was 95%.
U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan said a permanent political relationship between the NMI and the U.S. “was a good decision in 1975 and remains a good thing today.”
In a joint statement, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang said they want to greet everyone a “Happy Covenant Day!”
“Nearly 50 years ago,” they said, “President Gerald R. Ford signed the Covenant…which launched one of the most remarkable political relationships in our modern world, and is the very foundation of our CNMI government.”
They added:
“On this day, we dedicate our time toward honoring those who have worked to bring about our Covenant, as it has progressively changed the course of opportunities for our islands, and has ultimately led us to where we stand as a Commonwealth today.
“We commemorate [this] significant course of events by continuing to uphold the ideals of our founders and the Covenant, which is to protect the safety and well-being of our people, promoting our health and welfare, working to revitalize and promote a more self-sufficient economy, supplementing educational opportunities for our students, and most importantly, improving the overall standard of living for each individual that calls these islands home.
“While we look back on the progress we’ve made as a Commonwealth, let us also look toward the future as we work to maintain a progressive and prosperous Marianas.”
Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero, for her part, said Covenant Day “is very significant in our lives,” adding that it commemorates a mutual commitment between the U.S. and the CNMI.
“While we continuously strive to preserve our self-government as provided for by the Covenant…, we must also reflect on today’s geopolitical issues within our region that are so close to our home here in the CNMI, [and the] protections provided [by] our unique relationship with the United States under the Covenant,” she added.
Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez said Covenant Day “is definitely a day we must observe.”
He said, “our Commonwealth will not be possible without the Covenant.”
The people of the CNMI, he added, should also continue to honor “our forefathers who played a part in putting the Covenant together,” among them, the late Edward Pangelinan who chaired the Marianas Political Status Commission which negotiated the drafting of the Covenant with the U.S.
“The Covenant gave birth to our Commonwealth, our democracy, political setup, government and unique relationship with the U.S. I wish our people a Happy Covenant Day!” Villagomez said.
