In an interview yesterday, Del Rosario said he does not think it is the responsibility of the indigenous people — the owners of public lands — to shoulder the government’s obligations.
He said if public lands are used to pay a debt to a private entity, “you’re shutting off the indigenous people’s opportunity to benefit from public lands.”
Del Rosario was asked about the ongoing talks between the administration and the Marianas Revitalization Corp.
The government and the company owned by Anthony Pellegrino are discussing ways to pay the government’s debt which was only $5.9 million five years ago and is now $8.2 million due to interest.
MRC constructed the slipping dock at Outer Cove Marina but the government failed to comply with the agreement.
Public land lease as a form of payment was discussed by government officials and MRC, but it was opposed by some lawmakers citing possible constitutional issues.
Del Rosario said DPL has already given enough to “save” the commonwealth by allowing the Marianas Public Land Trust to invest $3.5 million of its funds in the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. That money was used to pay Aggreko whose generators have boosted CUC’s power production on Saipan.
Del Rosario said he understands what the government is facing right now in light of court orders to pay its debts, but “please, leave public lands alone.”