Previous Story
Newly created ad-hoc group backs the repeal of Article 12
|
Posted on Feb 04 2009
A new independent ad-hoc committee has started stimulating discussion on the repeal of Article 12 of the CNMI Constitution, which restricts land ownership only to persons of Northern Marianas descent.
The group said repealing Article 12 in its entirety will bring about economic development for the CNMI.
Efrain F. Camacho, chairman of the ad-hoc committee, said yesterday that among these efforts is an upcoming forum to stimulate discussion on the land alienation provision of the Constitution ahead of a possible referendum in 2011.
“2011 is not far away to start these discussions,” said Camacho. “We want to bring the issue of Article 12 to the surface for the voters to work on.”
Camacho said the forum follows the group’s recent meeting with the CNMI Youth Congress where it urged youth leaders to help educate young voters and other residents about the social and economic benefits of repealing Article 12.
Alex Sablan, a member of the ad-hoc committee, also briefed the Saipan Chamber of Commerce during its general membership meeting yesterday about the group’s plan to hold a forum to debate the pros and cons of Article 12.
Besides Camacho and Sablan, the other core members of the ad-hoc committee are Sen. Maria Pangelinan, David M. Sablan, JM Guerrero, former Washington Rep. Edward Pangelinan, Marian Aldan-Pierce and Ben Cruz.
Article 12 stipulates that only persons of Northern Marianas descent may buy or own land in the CNMI.
Section 805 of the Covenant between the United States and the CNMI allows the CNMI to amend or repeal its land alienation restrictions 25 years after the termination of the Trusteeship agreement in 1986. The mandatory 25-year period will end in 2011.
