‘Keep spirit of fidelity to the Constitution strong’

Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang poses Friday with the Lego mask he wore in front of the Lego-inspired installation of the Saipan Mayor’s Office at the 2019 Christmas Village at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. (IVA MAURIN)

Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang calls on everyone this Constitution Day to remember those who framed the CNMI Constitution, and to remain vigilant and committed to the vision it represents.

“For a one and one fifth of a generation today, the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands have lived a vision that they developed from the ground up and made a firm commitment to be faithful to,” Apatang said. “This Constitution Day is testament that the promise of fidelity to improve our lives consistent with the rules contained in our Constitution is as strong today as the day after we voted to approve it. Every step in fulfilling our vision opened many other opportunities for our people, because we dared to commit to improving our lives.”

The mayor also stressed that how the community responds to progress is significant, and that it should, however, all be within the parameters set by the constitution.

“External influences that steered economic, social, and cultural progress in one direction or another did not leave us untouched. How we responded to those influences were important,” Apatang said. “Our constitution was meant to assure that our behaviors in responding to the many influences were confined within the parameters it set.”

“While our progress since day one 41 years ago have been a tremendous accomplishment. We must continue to remain vigilant that our commitment to our vision remains as vivid and strong as the day we went to the polls.”

Apatang also reminded the community of the amendments that the CNMI Constitution went through, and that more should be expected as the Commonwealth continues to grow.

“No plan is perfect and the desire to make changes for improvement must always be welcomed. Our Constitution has been amended eight times since it was ratified in 1978,” Apatang said.

“We must expect other amendments as we grow as a Commonwealth in political union with the United States of America. As we live another generation, our vision in our Constitution will define the path our future generations must take.”

The mayor calls on the community to remember the forefathers who sat as delegates and worked on drafting what would become the Constitution.

“The vision they emplaced in the draft was our collective vision and hopes and dreams. Enjoy this Constitution Day and keep the spirit of fidelity to it as strong and vibrant as possible,” the mayor added.