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Chamorro or Carolinian version of CNMI anthem? Your choice
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Posted on Sep 21 2011
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Reporter
Reporter
Rep. Joseph Palacios (R-Saipan) is proposing to allow the Commonwealth anthem to be sung or presented either in the Chamorro version or the Carolinian version, or both, at the beginning of all official government ceremonies in the CNMI.
Currently, both versions are required to be sung or played at the beginning of all official government ceremonies.
Palacios’ bill gives the option of playing just one version.
In an interview yesterday, Palacios said the Chamorro and Carolinian versions say and mean the same thing, and people should have the option of playing the two versions or just one version.
“My bill will not change the lyrics, but will only provide people options [on] how to present it,” he said.
In his House Bill 17-227, which he will introduce in today’s session, Palacios also proposes that the Commonwealth anthem be presented at the beginning of official government ceremonies by voice, “instrumental, audio recording or instrumental” recording.
“The Legislature concurs that whether the Commonwealth anthem is sung in Chamorro or Carolinian, the significance will remain unchanged in the hearts of our people,” the bill’s findings say.
Palacios’ bill seeks to amend 1 CMC 234.
