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Article 12 is unfair
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Posted on Jul 13 2011
Buenas yan Hafa Adai! Having read numerous articles and the community debating on Article 12, I would like to share a little of my thoughts regarding this matter. I want Article 12 to be ultimately abolished. Here is why…
First off, when Article 12 was first drafted it was designed as a temporary measure to protect our lands. Section 805 of the Covenant says that it allows the CNMI to revisit its land alienation restrictions after 25 years from terminating the Trusteeship Agreement of 1986.
If not repealed or corrected, it would be unfair for generations to come. Why is it that, if my child marries a Japanese woman and their child marries a Chinese and so forth, my third generation can’t inherit my land? Unfair! It states on Article 12 Section 4: A Northern Marianas descent is a person who is a citizen or national of the U.S. and who is of at least one-quarter Chamorro or Carolinian blood or a combination thereof. An adopted child of a Northern Marianas descent shall be considered full-blooded Chamorro or Carolinian. For those that would like to have Article 12 retained, here is a question: Do you think it’s fair? An adopted child can inherit land but my children’s children’s children can’t inherit my land. This just tells me that in order for my third generation to inherit land, I must adopt them. I don’t know if I am the only one seeing this as problematic.
Repealing Article 12 does not mean you have to go and sell your land right away. No! But it gives us the opportunity to decide freely without monkeys on our backs. I want to own my land 100 percent, not 50 percent. I urge each and every youth of the CNMI to take the time to read and learn about this Article 12. It is very important for our future and our children children’s future. If we are crying out for change the time is now. My grandfather once told me, “Lahi-hu yanggen ma na’i hao luggat mungga na un chule dipues un abandona. Yanggen ma na’I hao luggat mailek-na yanggen un kolat.” This means if an opportunity is given to you don’t just take it and forget about it. Take it, grab it, embrace it, and make the best of it. Thank you and Si yu’ us maa’se!
[B] Garren M. Quitugua[/B] [I]Igua/Luta[/I]
