Dennis James C. Mendiola
(CNMI Senate) — Senate President Dennis James C. Mendiola has officially introduced Senate Legislative Initiative 24-01, a measure proposing to amend Article XI, Section 6 of the CNMI Constitution to authorize the distribution of direct monetary dividends to registered voters who are of Northern Marianas Descent or NMD.
This landmark proposal affirms a fundamental principle enshrined in Article XI, Section 1 of the CNMI Constitution: that the public lands and submerged lands of the Commonwealth belong collectively to the people of the Commonwealth who are of Northern Marianas Descent. The revenues derived from the lease of these public lands have been prudently invested by the Marianas Public Land Trust on behalf of NMD beneficiaries.
“The MPLT funds exist because of the collective ownership rights of the Northern Marianas Descent community,” stated Senate President Dennis Mendiola. “It is only right that we now take steps to ensure those same beneficiaries receive direct and tangible returns, especially during these financially difficult times.”
The legislative initiative establishes a Northern Marianas Descent Dividend Program, which would allow for an initial distribution between $30 million and $50 million from the MPLT corpus, followed by future distributions every 10 years. Dividends would be distributed only to registered NMD voters and would be authorized by legislative appropriation, coordinated in partnership with the Marianas Public Land Trust and the Commonwealth Election Commission.
“This initiative not only honors the intent of the Constitution and the purpose of the MPLT — it also directly supports our local families and businesses,” said the Senate president. “The funds will go back into the hands of our people, stimulating local economic activity and providing relief in the wake of natural disasters, rising costs, and ongoing economic recovery efforts.”
The proposed amendment reflects the Legislature’s commitment to economic justice and community empowerment, ensuring that the resources entrusted to MPLT provide equitable and impactful returns to the very people for whom they were intended.
The Senate president encourages all residents of Northern Marianas Descent to stay informed and engaged as this important proposal moves forward toward public ratification. Public hearings will be held on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to ensure that the people of the Commonwealth have the opportunity to provide input, voice their support, or raise concerns. The Legislature is committed to transparency and community participation every step of the way.
