Latest news with #NorthernMarianas
RNZ News
13 hours ago
- Business
- RNZ News
CNMI Senate president proposes amendment to allow cash dividends for indigenous voters
Saipan in the Northern Marianas. Photo: Supplied Senate president Dennis James Mendiola has introduced a legislative initiative that could result in direct cash payouts to registered voters of Northern Marianas descent. He proposes what he described as a long-overdue return on investment from public land revenues. Senate Legislative Initiative No. 24-01 seeks to amend the CNMI Constitution to authorize the distribution of monetary dividends to registered Northern Marianas descent (NMD) voters, from earnings generated by the Marianas Public Land Trust (MLPT), which manages funds derived from the lease of public lands. "This is just the start of the conversation," Mendiola said in an interview. "For years, we've said public lands belong to NMDs. But outside of constitutional protections, there's been no direct economic return. This initiative changes that." To be eligible, recipients must be both of Northern Marianas descent and registered voters - a dual requirement Mendiola said was intentional to encourage civic participation and ensure a fair and transparent process. "We want the beneficiaries themselves to vote on it," he said. The initiative proposes the creation of a Northern Marianas descent dividend program, beginning with a one-time distribution of US$30 million to $50 million from the land trust's investment corpus. Future distributions would occur every ten years and be subject to legislative appropriation, in coordination with the land trust and the Commonwealth Election Commission. Mendiola emphasized that the payout mechanism is designed to be sustainable. MPLT currently generates roughly US$3 million to $3.5 million annually in investment income, and the proposed 10-year cycle would allow time to replenish the fund before the next disbursement. "This is not a one-and-done deal," he said. "We've built in the timeline so the trust remains solvent and continues to grow." Because the proposal seeks to amend the CNMI Constitution, the measure must go through a multi-step process. First, it will be referred to the appropriate Senate committee, which will schedule public hearings on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. If cleared by the committee, it returns to the Senate floor for a vote. To move forward, the initiative must be approved by three-fourths of the members in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Commonwealth Election Commission. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Mark Rabago If it garners that level of legislative support, the proposed amendment is then forwarded to the Commonwealth Election Commission, which will place it on the ballot for a public vote during the next general election or a special election. Only if a majority of voters approve the measure will it become part of the CNMI Constitution and carry the force of law. While many residents welcomed the news on social media, some expressed skepticism. Critics questioned the long-term sustainability of the plan and raised concerns that the initiative may draw legal challenges over discrimination. "I refuse to sit back and keep worrying about theoretical lawsuits," Mendiola responded. "The Constitution is clear - MPLT funds exist for NMDs. If challenged, maybe this will finally bring clarity on the scope of protections under our covenant." He added that estimates of how much an individual could receive under the proposal vary depending on the final list of eligible recipients. Preliminary figures suggest dividends could range from $1,000 to $2,000 per person in the first round. "This isn't about politics - it's about economic justice," Mendiola said. "Our people are struggling. This puts money back into homes and boosts the local economy." The Senate President urged the NMD community to take part in the public input process as the proposal moves through the legislative pipeline. "Whether you support it or not, I encourage everyone to come out, ask questions, and help shape what could be a historic shift in how we recognize and reward our indigenous landowners," he said.
RNZ News
18 hours ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Nature, not geopolitics, remains region's biggest threat
Photo: supplied The top military affairs official in the CNMI said that while geopolitical tensions continue to make headlines, the region's most immediate and consistent threat remains environmental. "Mother Nature is still our biggest threat out here," said Edward Camacho, special assistant to the CNMI governor for military affairs. "We deal with typhoons, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions - you name it." Camacho made the remarks during an extended interview last week, highlighting how military activity - despite being framed as a response to rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific - is also about readiness in the face of natural disasters and operational necessity. He said the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs, which he leads, plays a key coordinating role in all US Department of Defense-related activity in the Northern Marianas, ranging from military exercises to the divert airfield project on Tinian and upgrades at airports and seaports throughout the islands. "There is no plan for permanent basing here. What we're seeing is a focus on rotational training," Camacho said. "The US military needs places to train - land, air, and sea. And the CNMI provides strategic value on all fronts." While military activity is seen as a potential lifeline for the CNMI's struggling economy, Camacho was candid about the limited economic benefits trickling down to local businesses. "We're talking about close to US$500 million in activity in one year alone," he said. "But the reality is most of those contracts are awarded to off-island companies. So, much of that money leaves the Commonwealth." Camacho called it a form of "capital flight" that undermines the long-term economic promise of military investment. "We see the impacts at the surface level - hotels, restaurants, car rentals, and catering companies do get a boost - but those are peanuts compared to what's leaving." Read more: He urged better enforcement of CNMI tax laws to ensure that companies doing business in the territory pay their fair share. "If you're building airfields or infrastructure here, you should be registered here, paying BGRT here, and following our laws," he said. "That's what makes us different - we're not just a US state, but we're not foreign either. We have our own Constitution." Camacho added that his office has been working closely with the Department of Defense to flag concerns over compliance and keep military partners informed of local requirements. Asked whether military activity could realistically replace tourism as the CNMI's primary economic driver, Camacho said it could serve as a significant supplement - but not a guaranteed substitute. "We've seen economic anchors come and go . Garments left. Casinos collapsed. Tourism is still uncertain. So even military activity, as consistent as it seems now, isn't permanent," he said. However, Camacho acknowledged that the CNMI's renewed strategic value - especially with the US Indo-Pacific Strategy gaining momentum - puts the islands in a stronger position than in previous decades. "During the Cold War, we were needed. Then we were forgotten. Now we're needed again. My hope is that even when things cool down, the military doesn't forget us this time." The Northern Marianas leaders announced a slight increase in revenue collections in the 2024 financial year. Photo: supplied Camacho also previewed an upcoming public forum tied to the release of the new draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for proposed military training activities in the CNMI. The draft EIS covers activities particularly focused on Tinian and also includes use of the former Voice of America site on Saipan. The latter may serve as an alternate range control station to prevent conflicts between military and commercial air traffic. "We want transparency. The public will have a chance to review the draft and submit comments," Camacho said. In response to a newly announced Pentagon policy limiting frequent duty station changes for military personnel, Camacho said the move could benefit the CNMI by fostering institutional knowledge. "If you keep changing out commanders every two years, you spend a lot of time retraining them. If you have someone who stays longer, they get to understand the community, the environment, and how we do things," he said. While acknowledging concerns that longer assignments could lead to entrenched influence, Camacho emphasized that stability is key for continuity and trust in places like the CNMI. "We're not trying to teach a new admiral how things work every two years," he said. "We need people who understand the dynamics of this region."
RNZ News
29-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Tinian adopts cryptocurrency for internet gaming
Photo: Supplied The island of Tinian in the Northern Marianas is the first US jurisdiction to adopt a government-backed cryptocurrency for internet gaming. The CNMI's House of Representatives has voted to override Governor Arnold Palacios' veto of a senate bill. Senate Local Bill 24-01, Draft 1 essentially authorizes internet gaming using a regulated platform and creates the "Tinian Stable Token" or MUSD, backed by the US dollar and managed by the CNMI treasury on a secure blockchain. It also enables casinos to accept and process stablecoin payments for digital gaming and mandates full transparency and recordkeeping of all gaming transactions. Chief technology officer of Marianas Rai Corporation, and an advocate of the measure, Vin Armani, told lawmakers the actions they took on the matter of the override "will have an impact on the economic prosperity, or lack thereof, for generations of citizens of the CNMI". "You have a chance to attract billions of dollars of investment and tax revenue from the fastest growing segment of the financial technology industry." Senator Jude Hofschneider, who co-sponsored the bill, emphasized the need for diversification in the wake of repeated economic shocks from tourism decline and federal program wind-downs. He thanked the House for passing the override of Palacios' veto. "We believe that this initiative can help not only Tinian but the entire CNMI in our efforts to economic recovery," he said. "We often hear statements being made about diversifying our economy. This exercise is a great indication of what that means." He assured lawmakers that regulations and enforcement mechanisms already exist through the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission, which would oversee licensing and compliance. Palacios initially vetoed the measure, citing concerns raised by the Office of the Attorney General about oversight, financial transparency, and constitutional authority. The Attorney-General questioned whether such a currency framework could bypass federal and local financial regulations or create liabilities for the CNMI government. But lawmakers in both the Senate and House rejected the veto, arguing that the bill only enables a legal framework and does not appropriate any government funds or authorize uncontrolled crypto trading. Tinian's local leaders said the system will be tightly regulated, with every token transaction recorded on a tamper-proof blockchain for public auditing. Representative Patrick San Nicolas said a vote to override Palacios' veto on the bill is a vote for the future of not only Tinian but the entire CNMI. "Overriding this Senate local bill is a forward-looking measure that gives our island and our Commonwealth the legal infrastructure to enter a global digital economy, through standalone internet gaming licenses and the creation of the Tinian stablecoin. "This is not a rushed thing into unregulated digital wireless. This is a bill about transparency. This is a bill about accountability and modern financial infrastructure. It is about building an economy within the Commonwealth." Floor leader, representative Marissa Flores, who voted no to the override, asked her colleagues for patience and not to rush into passing an override without carefully thinking of its ramifications. "By taking the time to think carefully, to act thoughtfully, and to persevere patiently, we can make decisions that not only serve our immediate political needs, but also pave the way for the long-term security, prosperity, and the well-being of our Marianas." On 9 May the Senate voted 7-1 to override Palacios' veto, which then needed a two-thirds majority in the House to pass and was voted through 14-2 on 15 May.
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
UK Consul-General visits Northern Marianas, highlights shared island priorities and future partnerships
British Consul-General Paul Rennie has visited the Northern Marianas and Guam Photo: Supplied British Consul-General Paul Rennie has visited the Northern Marianas and Guam - the first UK diplomat of his rank to do so. Rennie called the trip "overdue" but essential, as the United Kingdom looks to deepen ties with island communities across the Pacific. "This was the first visit in history by a serving British Consul-General," Rennie said. "While we've had British military visiting the islands before - such as [the ship] HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021 - it was important for me to show that we value this relationship across a wider spectrum of areas." During his three-day visit in the CNMI, Rennie held meetings with key leaders including Lieutenant Governor David Apatang, Senate President Dennis Mendiola, and Saipan Mayor Ramon Camacho. He also visited cultural and historic sites and spoke with educators, business leaders, and tourism officials. Rennie said the CNMI left an impression on him. "The incredible warmth and hospitality of the people I met, their deep connection to the island and its culture and history, and their resilience and positivity when confronting challenges - all stood out to me," he said. He emphasized that as an island nation itself, composed of multiple islands such as the Shetlands and Orkneys, the UK shares many of the same challenges as the CNMI - especially in energy development, environmental management, and economic diversification. "There is a famous quote that no person is an island, and as island nations it makes it all the more critical that we come together and work together to meet shared global challenges." Rennie said he sees potential for the CNMI and the UK to collaborate on sustainable energy projects, small business development, aquaculture, and even logistics innovations, like drone deliveries to isolated communities - technology already being tested in parts of Scotland. "In Scotland we've been testing unmanned aerial drones to deliver mail and medicine to remote islands," Rennie noted. "That could be useful in the CNMI, especially for communities in Rota or the Northern Islands." The Consul General said his visit was not simply symbolic. "It was a chance to learn about the challenges facing these islands, and the innovations that are being developed to meet these challenges," he said. "There's a lot that we can partner with from the UK." He added that his office would explore how the UK could support island communities in the US Pacific territories, particularly in green energy, broadband expansion, and entrepreneurship.
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
UK Consul-General visits Northern Marianas
British Consul-General Paul Rennie has visited the Northern Marianas and Guam Photo: Supplied British Consul-General Paul Rennie has visited the Northern Marianas and Guam - the first UK diplomat of his rank to do so. Rennie called the trip "overdue" but essential, as the United Kingdom looks to deepen ties with island communities across the Pacific. "This was the first visit in history by a serving British Consul-General," Rennie said. "While we've had British military visiting the islands before - such as [the ship] HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021 - it was important for me to show that we value this relationship across a wider spectrum of areas." During his three-day visit in the CNMI, Rennie held meetings with key leaders including Lieutenant Governor David Apatang, Senate President Dennis Mendiola, and Saipan Mayor Ramon Camacho. He also visited cultural and historic sites and spoke with educators, business leaders, and tourism officials. Rennie said the CNMI left an impression on him. "The incredible warmth and hospitality of the people I met, their deep connection to the island and its culture and history, and their resilience and positivity when confronting challenges - all stood out to me," he said. He emphasized that as an island nation itself, composed of multiple islands such as the Shetlands and Orkneys, the UK shares many of the same challenges as the CNMI - especially in energy development, environmental management, and economic diversification. "There is a famous quote that no person is an island, and as island nations it makes it all the more critical that we come together and work together to meet shared global challenges." Rennie said he sees potential for the CNMI and the UK to collaborate on sustainable energy projects, small business development, aquaculture, and even logistics innovations, like drone deliveries to isolated communities - technology already being tested in parts of Scotland. "In Scotland we've been testing unmanned aerial drones to deliver mail and medicine to remote islands," Rennie noted. "That could be useful in the CNMI, especially for communities in Rota or the Northern Islands." The Consul General said his visit was not simply symbolic. "It was a chance to learn about the challenges facing these islands, and the innovations that are being developed to meet these challenges," he said. "There's a lot that we can partner with from the UK." He added that his office would explore how the UK could support island communities in the US Pacific territories, particularly in green energy, broadband expansion, and entrepreneurship.
