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NMI students on Guam inquire of possible unification
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Posted on Apr 13 2005
The idea of a unified Marianas remains strong, with CNMI students on Guam inquiring on the possibility of a united Guam and Northern Marianas during a forum attended by CNMI lawmakers.
“That’s their theme when they invited us last week. They want to hear from us,” said Tinian senator Joseph M. Mendiola yesterday.
He said the students, who are from the CNMI, organized and held the forum last Friday.
Five CNMI senators attended the event: Mendiola, Paul Manglona, Pete Reyes, Luis Crisostimo, and Henry San Nicolas.
He said that Northern Marianas College instructor Sam McPhetes also spoke before the students.
“It’s an interesting topic. As expected, we have varied opinions on the matter,” said the senator.
As for himself, he said the idea of unification is “hard” and something that belongs to the next generation to decide.
“This is a democratic society. People have to decide. But then if we start on the question of governorship if we want to have one Marianas, we know that we are going to be always outvoted by Guam,” he said.
The present situation, he said, does not prevent the two governments from pursuing common goals.
“The underlying thing which I told the students is just because we have different governments doesn’t mean we can’t work together,” he said.
During his remarks, he said he cited that the senators’ visit to Guam was to pursue partnership with Guam government on the medical referral issue.
“We can work together, share our resources together. But in the end, I told them that the issue of unification is one that’s in the hands of the next generation. We may not see it happen in our lifetime,” he said.
He noted that the NMI and Guam had tried more than once in the past to unite but this did not materialize.
