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Taotao Tano’s position on Article 12
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Posted on Nov 02 2008
We continue to hear in the media and radio stations that fear is part of the reason we don’t want Article 12 dismantled. Taotao Tano states that fear is not the issue but rather respect for our laws of the land as written and negotiated by our forefathers. This demands respect and adherence. Sections 805 of our Covenant in Political Union with the United States clearly assures that the people of the Northern Marianas (Chamorros/Carolinians) will be able to retain the ownership of their precious assets, their land. This section expressively recognizes the importance of the ownership of land for the culture and tradition of the people of the Northern Mariana Islands and the desirability of protecting them against exploitation and promoting their economic advancement and self-sufficiency. For these reasons we, the people of the Commonwealth (Chamorros/Carolinians), will be able to prevent the alienation of their land to outsiders, notwithstanding any other Article of the Covenant or any provisions of the Constitution or treaties or laws of the United States applicable to the Northern Mariana islands.
Under this Section the government of the Northern Mariana Islands must, until 25 years after the termination of the Trusteeship, regulate the alienation of permanent and long-term interest in property so as to restrict the acquisition of such interest to persons of Northern Mariana Islands descent. After the expiration of this 25-year period, the government of the Northern Mariana Islands may (don’t have to, no need, not necessary) regulate the alienation of property as described. Moreover, the government of the Northern Mariana is specifically authorized to regulate the extent to which any one person may hold or own land which is now public land.
Leave Article 12 alone!
[B]Gregorio Cruz,[/B] [I]President, Taotao Tano CNMI Inc.[/I]
