THE CNMI people should “reflect on this momentous day, the journey to becoming U.S. citizens, and the implications of what it means to be an integral part of the greatest nation on earth,” Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang said in a joint statement.
On this day, they added, “37 years ago, the Northern Marianas became a part of the United States family when the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America went into full force and effect, and the people of the CNMI formally and officially became U.S. citizens.”
The day, they said, “commemorates nearly 40 years of aspiration (at that time) by the people of the Northern Mariana Islands to join the American political family as a self-governing Commonwealth, which had been long-awaited and cause for Commonwealth-wide celebration….
“Happy Citizenship Day, CNMI!”
For his part, the Commonwealth Ports Authority new board chairman, Jose C. Ayuyu, congratulated all those who have become U.S. citizens in the CNMI. He said being part of the U.S. family is also an important responsibility.
He said the people of the CNMI benefitted a lot from becoming U.S. citizens, “so we are grateful to be part of the U.S.”
But he is also hoping that the CNMI people would become more self-reliant. “When you do things on your own you tend to be proud of yourself,” he said.
CPA’s new board vice chairman, Antonio B. Cabrera, said as citizens of a great nation, “let’s keep up the good work for the country, the CNMI and the people.”
CPA board member Steve Mesngon said he would like to greet “the entire CNMI, especially the people of Rota, a Happy Citizenship Day.” He hopes that all the U.S. citizens on the islands will continue to do the good things they do in helping the community.
Joseph Diaz, another CPA board member, also greeted the people of the CNMI a “Happy Citizenship Day!” “Be safe out there and enjoy your holiday,” he added.
Board member Thomas “Kiyu” Villagomez said Citizenship Day is also the best time to “remember our forefathers who sought U.S. citizenship for the local people through the Covenant.”
He added, “I think we have to appreciate their tenacity in getting us U.S. citizenship. Now we even have our own representative to the U.S. Congress. We are benefitting from the foresight of our forefathers.”
