MPLT funds sought to boost rebuilding efforts
The administration of Gov. Eloy S. Inos is looking at funds generated from the rental and leasing of Northern Marianas land to help with rebuilding efforts after Typhoon Soudelor and Typhoon Champi and sent yesterday a request to the Marianas Public Lands Trust for a meeting at the earliest opportunity.
Acting governor Ralph DLG Torres has written to acting Marianas Public Lands Trust chair Pedro R. Deleon Guerrero to request a discussion concerning the potential use of MPLT funds to “assist much-need recovery efforts here on Saipan for persons of Northern Mariana Descent.”
Torres, in his letter yesterday to Deleon Guerrero, cites Article XI of the CNMI Constitution, which states that that use of public land shall be for “the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth who are of Northern Marianas descent.”
“Many citizens of NMD are presently suffering greatly following the arrival of [t]yphoons Soudelor and Champi,” Torres said.
“Homes have been lost, property destroyed and lives upended.”
Torres said the damage has not all been fixed or repaired and he believes “we need to do more [help] NMDs.”
“Use of public funds generated from the rental and leasing of NMI public lands to help these persons of NMD would obviously be a great benefit,” Torres said.
“While I am aware that there are limits to the purposes for which the funds held by the Trust, I would like to open the discussion as to the urgent need for individuals of Northern Marianas descent to rebuild their homes using Trust funds in some fashion,” Torres said in his letter yesterday. “I would like to work with you toward that goal and propose a meeting at the earliest opportunity.”
Torres’ letters come in line with his office’s work as the primary agency coordinating government support in recent weeks to the CNMI Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts group, or CARE, whose main push has been for home rebuilding in the CNMI after Typhoon Soudelor.
Other than immediate funding and resources, the group has faced limitations from finding floor plans that are up to code and structurally sound and approved by an architect and an engineer. The group has networked to reach out to contractors from the mainland U.S. and expect and influx of stateside contractors coming to aid efforts, Saipan Tribune learned yesterday.
CARE aims to work with the contractors to make them hire more people if they agree to lower cost of their product, and are developing criteria to have “CARE-sanctioned” contractors who would be advertised by the group in turn for helping those in need and affordable prices, Saipan Tribune learned.
CARE is an independent organization comprised of a diverse array of non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups, and non-profit foundations from around the community and has been meeting weekly to implement a strategic plan for long-term recovery and multi-hazard mitigation.
Perhaps the money could be useful to built the typhoon shelters. Use the funds the best way possible to help all the residents of the CNMI.
Buenas our Dearest Nephew,
“Torres, in his letter yesterday to Deleon Guerrero, cites Article XI of the CNMI Constitution, which states that that use of public land shall be for “the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth who are of Northern Marianas descent.”
You need to rephrase your statement above to the connected few Northern Marianas descent. Our or your uncle Pedros at MPLT don’t care about the CNMI descent but their deep pockets and their self interest.
Si Yu’us Ma’ase
Jun, un DANGKULU NA SI YU’US MA’ASI ginen todu I man Chamorro. Pedro is a co-founder of the Northern Marianas Descent Corporation and has DONE NOTHING FOR THE CHAMORRO. But they have everything at Carolinian Utt to represent the Carolinians… Kudos! to you Pedro this is a Noble contribution the Carolinian community. But your agenda is getting clearER every time you come up with an idea.
Thank God! we can still see, hear & talk.
Peace!
Good point! That’s why Lt. RALPH & Acting MPLT Chairman Pedro DeLeon Guerrero, should instead focus on the Federal dollars, this way they cannot mess around with the FUNDS because Uncle Sam will follow the money trail…Federal Property = Federal Prison!
Yeah nei! you are right Loanes, these elected & appointed officials should not discriminate. Btw, dollars from Land Leases under Article Xl is intended to benefit the INDIGENOUS, who are Chamorro; and NMD who are Carolinian. They must ensure this public policy; and NOT RHETORIC from political jargons as to ‘it’s not in the Constitution’ – Pedro, there is a great word that’s spelled “IMPLIED.”
The Legislature MUST spell this out so that when funds are transferred to the General Funds, that it is clear where and how to budget these monies. It is LONG OVER DUE!
Peace!
Magahaga: The only problem is that “segregated” funds can’t be used at will. Constitutionally, these funds must be invested. It would seem that the only amount we could use is the interest that is eventually turned over to the general fund.
You are right about that; and that is why I said that they (MPLT and Legislators) SHOULD be busy writing up a Legislative Initiative for the Constitutional Amendment as they always do in an attempt to ABOLISH our Land Alienation – Article Xll (12). This should be the same passion to change what should be beneficial to our people.
I appreciate your comment.
Peace!
Lt. Governor Ralph, both you and the MPLT Acting Chairman DeLeon Guerrero, have been elected officials at the Legislature in the last decade or so, but you cannot come up with a better idea for our people in terms of the best use of the proceeds from the Land Leases?! The best thing to do IS TO ASK US! It seems like elected and appointed officials have forgotten to ask, in this case, the Beneficiaries. AND in other public issues, the PUBLIC! No public hearings, FIVE (5) MINUTES public comment even if there is only one or two testifying, no true public notices, laws are passed without proper,/ample public input, especially those who will be affected, and the list goes on.
MPLT monies have been used to bailout – Retirement, CUC, CHCC,; and now Typhoon relief FOR THE SELECT FEW!
Let’s not forget so fast what happened to the $10 MILLION.dollars Mariana Islands Housing Authority (MIHA) Loan; and many have defaulted. But this is not to say that the “Royalty” proposal by the beneficieries is not a priority.
Peace!