March 8, 2017

Misc. Comm. No. ~b·3~ Northern Islands Mayor's Office

Ascencion Ct. BLDG.# 1345

Capitol Hill, Saipan, MP 96950

Ph: 670 664-6469/70

Notice to All Employees/Independent Contractors:

The Office of the Mayor is requesting the cooperat ion of all employees, and independent

contractors (consultants, and others) to turn in any and all materials that belong to the Northern

Is lands Mayor's Office. And, if there are programs and projects that are currently being worked

on, and/or in the planning or review process by the assigned employee, or Independent

Contractor(s) of the late Honorable Mayor Jerome K. Aldan, such programs and projects shall be reported and made available to the Northern Islands Mayor's Office within a reasonable time, or

no later than sixty days from the date of th is Notice.

To be able to understand the on-going operations of the Office, and the performance of the

employees on their assigned works and responsibilities, I have established a Transition Team for

such review. The Transition Team will be visiting you for information regarding programs and

projects that may have been accomplished, or in the process, or in the planning stages; including

any other activities under the office that were assigned to you . Therefore, I have appointed MS Ramona T. Rebuenog, MS Lorna 0 . lg inoif, and Mr. Valentin N. Taisakan Jr. to serve as member

of the said team. MS Ramona T. Rebuenog will managed the work of the Trans it ion Team.

The Office of the Mayor will review the work assignment and performance of the individual

employee; therefore, all employees of the Northern Islands Mayor's Office are requested to

submit to the office no later than March 24, 2017, (your) courtesy resignation no later than March

24, 2017.

Cc : Governor Ra lph DLG . Torres

Speaker Ralph S. Demapan

Senate President Arnold I. Palacios

OPM Director Is idro K. Seman

NM I Northern Marianas Trades Institute

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

John 0. DLR. Gonzales Chairma11

Joseph T. Torres Vice Chair

Velma Ann M. Palacios Secretary/ Treasurer

Herman B. Cabrera Director

Richard P. Kautz Jr. Director

Misc. \omm. N . a()":31 :Nortfiern Marianas 'Trades nstitute

P.O. Box 504880 Saipan MP 96950 Telephone No. (670)235-6684

Fax: (670)235-6684 Email address: nmti@pticom.com

March 13, 2017

Hon. Sixto K. lgisomar Senator 3rd Senatorial District 201

h CNMI Legislature Capitol Hill Saipan, MP 96950

Re: RESPONSE TO LEGISLATIVE INQUIRY II

Dear Senator lgisomar:

I would like to thank you for serving as the sole catalyst in ironing out a pending situation related to NMTl 's Tax Exempt Status - U.S. Internal Revenue Service. As a responsible entity, NMTI requested the services of a reputable accounting firm to look into the matter and make recommendations on how we can rectify all possible misgivings. Based on such an inquiry, we were able to dig through our current and past records , only to find out that our status with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service remained "PENDING."

Attached to this cover letter, you will find a letter from Mr. Rufu T. Mafnas detailing his firm 's findings and its suggestive remedies to the pending dilemma being confronted . When reading through RR & Associates Corp.'s findings you will notice the following :

./ There was in no way any intent to evade filing with the U.S. IRS;

./ NMTl's filing locally, was mistakenly thought to be adequate in satisfying the needs of the exempt organization annual tax return .

As with identifying any problem, an entity must look for a means to solve the problem at hand. Based on their inquiry, the accounting firm made the following recommendations:

./ The process and time period to request for reconsideration of the tax-exempt status revocation has lapsed. Being an eligible entity under IRC section 501 (c) (3) for tax exemption consideration under section 501 (a) , NMTI should apply for such status and be considered anew;

"Creating Career Oyyortunities.,,

AHLEI Al',,'' _;A!',j IOT(I 8, l 1()r1~JC.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE

,/ Because NMTI has been complying with the conditions set forth in its tax exempt status required by the CNMI Department of Finance, there is no reason to believe that it would lose its tax­exempt status merely because it lost its tax-exempt status with the U.S.

I strongly believe that the response contained above adequately addresses your concerns on our ability to receive public funding . Our administrative and accounting staff members are presently putting together our application package as I write this correspondence. We anticipate sending the application out no later than Friday this week, putting closure to this unresolved issue. Please do not hesitate to have your administrative assistant contact me at (670) 322-6684 or e-mail me at nmti@pticom.com if you would like to follow up on our rebid for federal exemption anew and other topics related to our organization.

Yours trul~

A~ Mc

CC: NMTI Board of Directors

"Creatina Career Oyyortunities.,,

AHLEI AMf /:'1CA"'I !OT t 8. \ l 1 '~(

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE

March 14, 2017

MiscD ~omma No. lo-3, QCommonwealtb J!}ealtbcare QCorporation

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands I Lower Navy Hill Road Navy Hill , Saipan, MP 96950

Honorable Senate President Arnold I. Palacios CNMI Senate 20th Commonwealth Legislature Capital Hill , Saipan

Subject: 61 51 PIHOA Meeting

Dear Senate President,

190-1

On behalf of the Board members of the Pacific Island Health Officers Association (PIHOA), I am writing to invite you to attend the 51st Pacific Island Health Officers Association Executive Board meeting . The meeting will be held on March 28-31 , 2017 at the Fiesta Resort Hotel. We are expecting 50 participants for the meeting consisting of Ministers, Directors and Secretaries of Health in addition to representatives from CDC, HRSA, Region IX, ASTHO, WHO, etc.

The opening ceremony will be on Tuesday, March 28, from 1 :00 p.m . to 3:30 p.m. I want to highlight your attention to Day 2 of the meeting, Wednesday, March 29, as the following issues that are of regional significance will be discussed:

• Human Resources for Health • Health Information Management Systems and Performance Management • Regional Laboratory Strengthening • CDC Epidemiology, Laboratory, Cross-cutting updates • Regional Zika Emergency Response

Please kindly register at www.regonline .com/pihoa61.

Should you need additional information , please contact Margarita Torres Aldan via email at margarita.aldan@dph .gov.mp or Samantha Birmingham-Babauta at samantha .aani@qmail.com.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

Esther Muna Chief Executive Officer

Cc: Members of the Senate, 20th Commonwealth Legislature

P.O. Box 500409 CK, Saipan, MP 96950 Telephone: (670) 236-8201/2 FAX: (670) 233-8756

TWENTIETH NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE Honorable Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building

RAFAEL S. DEMAP AN Speaker of the House

P. 0. BOX 500586 Saipan, MP 96950

r11isc. Comrn. No. ~0 -

MEMORANDUM

DATE 15 March 2017

ALL HOUSE AND SENATE MEMBERS

ARNOLD I. PALACIOS President of the Senate

TO

FROM

SUBJECT

Speaker R. S. Demapan and Senate President A. I. Palacios

Joint Presentation by US Customs and Border Patrol

This is to inform all House and Senate Members that Mr. Brian J. Humphrey, Field Operations Director of US Customs and Border Patrol (USCBP) will be presenting information regarding concerns and issues on airport wait time, travel ban, Chinese Parole Program and other related topics from the Executive Orders by President Trump to the Members of the 20th Legislature on Monday, 10 April 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the House Chamber.

Your attendance is greatly appreciated.

Speaker of the House

cc: LB Director

? ARNOLD I. PALACIOS President of the Senate

__ , .... f~1isc. Gomm. No. ").C:':tl V

Twentieth Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature Honorable Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building

ARNOLD I. PALACIOS Senate President

MEMORANDUM

Date: March 15, 2017

P. 0. Box 500586 Saipan, MP 96950

To: All Senate and House Members

RAFAEL S. DEMAPAN Speaker of the House

From: Senate President Arnold I. Palacios and Speaker Rafael S. Demapan

Subject: First Joint Session Call - 2017

Pursuant to Article III, Section 9(b) of the CNMI Constitution, we hereby call for the First Joint Session of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Twentieth Northern Marianas Legislature on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., at the Honorable Pedro P. Tenorio Multi­Purpose Center, Susupe, Saipan.

The purpose of the First Joint Session is to receive the Governor's Annual State of the Commonwealth Address from the Honorable Ralph DLG. Torres, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Your attendance is highly encouraged.

President of the Senate

cc: Director, LB Senate and House Legal Counsels Senate and House Clerks Senate and House Sergeant-at-Arms SAA SAPLR MCV Saipan Tribune Marianas Variety KKMP Radio Station

RAFAEL S. DEMAPAN Speaker of the House

Jfonora6fe Jesus <P. :Mafnas :Memoria{ (}Juifiiing, Capito{ J{"i{(

P.O. (}Jo)(,500129 + Saipan, :M<P 96950 'Te[ (670) 664-8807 /9+ 'F~ (670) 664-8810 + 'Emau: senator6oryiz@gmai{.com

TWENTIETH NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE Honorable Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building

RAFAEL S. DEMAP AN Speaker of the House

P. 0. BOX 500586 Saipan, MP 96950

f\~isc. ~omrn. No.~0-

ARNOLD I. PALACIOS President of the Senate

MEMORANDUM

DATE

TO

FROM

SUBJECT

16 March 2017

ALL HOUSE AND SENATE MEMBERS

Speaker R. S. Demapan and Senate President A. I. Palacios

Joint Presentation by FirstNet

This is to inform all House and Senate Members that the FirstNet Outreach and Consultation team and their Region IX Point of Contact will be introducing FirstNet Initiatives, providing updates of on-going efforts to build and implement an enhanced first responder communications network in the CNMI and other related matters to the Members of the 201

h Legislature on Thursday, 13 April 2017 at 9:30 a.m. in the House Chamber.

Your attendance is greatly appreciated.

A~ Speaker of the House President of the Senate

cc: LB Director

3115/2017 Gmail - Letter of Invitation - Chamorro Cultural Festival & CNMI San Diego Club Event

Misc. tomm. No.1 ~~~1

M Gmail Yolanda Palacios <alengpalacios68@gmail.com>

Letter of Invitation - Chamorro Cultural Festival & CNMI San Diego Club Event 1 message

David Atalig <davidatalig@gmail.com> Wed, Mar 15, 2017 at 3:03 PM To: sen.palaciosa@cnmileg.gov. mp, staff.sen.palaciosa@cnmileg.gov.mp Cc: David Atalig <davidatalig@gmail.com>

Hafa Adai , Senate President Palacios:

My apologies for not getting this letter out to you sooner, however, since I have been asked for letters of invitation to others in the House and Senate, I wanted to make sure I extend an invitation to you, your staff and the other Senators of the 20th CNMI Legislative Senate.

Please see attached letter of invitation to our 8th Annual Chamorro Cultural Festival from CHE'LU's Chairman Danny Blas and the CNMI San Diego Club's 4th Annual Commonwealth Covenant Day Picnic from myself, as President of the CNMI San Diego Club. Also, attached is the Chamorro Cultural Festival press release for your reference.

Should you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Si Yu'us Ma'ase!

Regards ,

David Dig. Atalig

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away ... "

3 attachments

'k9 2017 CNMI Senate President_lnvitation.pdf 393K

,s 2017 CNMI SD Letter_SenatePres lnvitation.pdf 445K

k':l 2017 CCF Press Release.pdf 115K

https://mail .google.corn/mail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=3934be7819&view=pt&search=inbox&th=15ad05a12672f38b&siml=15ad05a12672f38b 1/1

Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity CHE'LU-A 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Public Charitable Organization Tax ID# 54-2175155 Embracing and Uniting Chamorros Everywhere

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release For more information contact:

Contact: Phone: Email:

David Dig. Atalig (858) 242-0445 davidatalig@gmail.com

MARIANA ISLANDS ON DISPLAY AT CHAMORRO FESTIVAL 8th Annual Chamorro Cultural Festival celebrates the culture of the Mariana Islands

SAN DIEGO, California - January 10, 2017-Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity {CHE'LU), the San Diego­based non-profit focused on preserving the Pacific Island culture of the Chamorros, will be celebrating the 8th Annual Chamorro Cultural Festival {CCF) on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at California State University-San Marcos. We are proud of this accomplishment and know that many Chamorros share the same passion and desire in their culture and heritage. CCF is a free event with free parking.

CCF is a highly-anticipated annual family-fun event, celebrating the arts, culture, customs and people of the Mariana Islands, which include Guam, Saipan, Rota, Tinian and islands in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. CCF is a unique day of celebration for Chamorros, uniting the indigenous people of the Marianas from all around the world with music and cultural dance performances, educational workshops, cultural foods and a diverse array of products to accentuate the Chamorro in everyone.

This year's theme is "Ta Na' La'la' Gi Halom i Famagu'ont.. .i Lengguahita yan Kutturata" which translates as "Let it Live from Within Our Children ... Our Language, Our Culture."

'The Chamorro Cultural Festival helps many of us Chamorros celebrate our unique culture and heritage with a vast array of workshops, arts & crafts and entertainment" said Danny Blas, Chairperson of the CHE'LU Board of Directors. "Every year this event grows and grows. The CCF has become the premier Chamorro event in the mainland away from the Marianas, and our team is very proud to be able to continue the work to preserve our culture, language and the Chamorro ways of life."

The CSU-San Marcos festival site allows CHE'LU to continually improve the festival-goer experience by providing a spacious ground, protected parking, more seating areas and enhanced facilities, including free wi-fi and family­friendly restrooms.

CHE'LU is a nonprofit organization, created and sustained by volunteers in San Diego County. It was established in 2005 to highlight the unique Chamorro culture and its indigenous people. Our Mission Statement reads: "CHE'LU is dedicated to the Chamorro community by strengthening our native language, culture and health through education."

Some of the ways CHE'LU preserves our culture are through the programs we support. In particular we reach out to the greater diaspora community through our Sakman Chamorro project, an outrigger canoe project that returned pride to our community by reigniting our ancient seafaring traditions.

Our entire board hopes you are able to celebrate with us in San Marcos.

###

Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity (CHE'LU) is dedicated to the Chamorro community by strengthening our native language, culture and health through education.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 742126 San Diego, CA· 92174-2126 E­mail: info@chelusd.org · Website~ www.chelusd.org

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS SAN DIEGO CLUB

CLUB OBA: CNMI SAN DIEGO CLUB 13398 Entreken Ave, San Diego, CA 92129 * 858-242-0445

March 14, 2017

The Honorable Arnold I. Palacios Senate President Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands P. 0. Box 500586 Saipan, MP 96950

Re: CNMI San Diego Club's 4th Annual Commonwealth Covenant Day Invitation

Dear Senate President Palacios:

Buenas yan Hafa Adai! The CNMI San Diego Club is celebrating its 4th Annual Commonwealth Covenant Day event on March 26, 2017 in San Diego. This will be a day after the Chamorro Cultural Festival being held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at California State University- San Marcos. It is with greatjoythat we extend an invitation to you, your staff and members of the 20th Legislative Senate for this exciting weekend of events.

The CNMI San Diego Club is now a registered California 501 (3)c Non-Profit Organization which was formed to unite our CNMI brothers and sisters and foster our love for our people and culture by building and strengthening our friendships among each other by embracing and supporting our culture. We are prideful of our islands and want to live on with our CNMI island spirit while we are away from our home in the Commonwealth.

For your information, our officers are myself, as the President, Frank Norita is our Vice­President, Cindy Macaranas is our Secretary, Ken (Kacy) Concepcion is our Public Information Officer, Susan Castro-Cabrera is our Treasurer.

We would be honored to have you grace us with your presence and celebrate with our CNMI residents what the Covenant and Commonwealth status means to us. We look forward to your positive response and should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or email me at davidatalig@gmail.com. I can be reached by phone at 858-242-0445.

Dangkulu Na Si Yu'us Ma'ase,

~ David Dig. Atalig President CNMI San Diego Club

March 14, 2017

Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity CHE'LU-A 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Public Charitable Organization Tax ID # 54-2175155 Fmbraung and Umting Chamorros E,crywhcrc

The Honorable Arnold I. Palacios Senate President Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands P.O. Box 500586 Saipan, MP 96950

Re: Letter of Invitation to the 81h Annual Chamorro Cultural Festival

Dear Senate President Palacios:

Buenas yan Hafa Adai! Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity (CHE'LU) will be celebrating its 8th Annual Chamorro Cultural Festival on March 25, 2017 at California State University-San Marcos. It is with great excitement that we extend an invitation to you, your staff and members of the 201h Legislative Senate. Since 2010, our annual festival has drawn thousands of Chamorros and those interested in our Chamorro culture and heritage. This year, we anticipate more than 10,000 unique guests which makes our festival the largest Chamorro event outside of the Marianas.

CHE'LU is a nonprofit organization, created and sustained by volunteers in San Diego County. It was established in 2005 to highlight the unique Chamorro culture and its indigenous people. Our Mission Statement reads: "CHE'LU is dedicated to the Chamorro community by strengthening our native language, culture and health through education."

Some of the ways CHE'LU preserves our culture are through the programs we support. In particular we reach out to the greater diaspora community through our Sakman Chamorro project, an outrigger canoe project that returned pride to our community by reigniting our ancient seafaring traditions.

We welcome the opportunity to host you and those coming from the CNMI. We look forward to a favorable response. Should you have any questions, please do contact our CNMI board member and liaison, Mr. David Dig. Atalig, at davidatalig@gmail.com or at phone number 858-242-0445.

Our entire board hopes you are able to celebrate with us in San Marcos.

Un Sen Dangkulu Na Si Yu'us Ma'ase,

~~ Danny Baza Blas Chair, Board of Directors CHE'LU

Cal-State University San Marcos: 333 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078

Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity (CHE'LU) is dedicated to the Chamorro community by strengthening our native language, culture and health through education.

Mailing Address: P .0. Box 742126 · San Diego. CA · 921 74-2126

L-rnail: info~L chelusd.org · \\ ebsite: www.chelusd.org

DATE

TO

cc

FROM

SUBJECT

C!&ffice of tbe 1Jairector JLegislatibe ~ureau

NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE P.O. BOX 500586

SAIPAN, MP 96950 Telephll: (670) 664-8934

Comm. rao. •°' ~

Thisis to convey the Legislative Bureau (L.B.) position that the Fiscal Year 2017 appropriation for the L.B. is within the appropriation ceiling as provided for under Article II section (e) of the NMI Constitution.

Using the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index (PCEPI), the appropriation ceiling for the Legislative Bureau for Fiscal Year 2017 is $2,899.000.00. Using the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Consumer Price Index, the appropriation ceiling is $3,141,400.00. (see attachments)

I am hopeful that this resolves this matter and the funding amount in question be made available to the Legislative Bureau.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me at (670) 664-8934.

Thank you.

" vJ..v\

, IF j r.:: <~trif- --3~

Legislative Branch Ceiling on Annual Appropriations based on change in CPI

Members Allocation

Presiding officer allocation

Legislative Bureau

Base October 1, 1995

$ 150,000.00

$ 400,000.00

$ 2,000,000.00

Percentage Increase

jn CPI Oct. 1, 2016

57.27%

57.27%

57.27%

Legislative Branch Ceiling on Annual Appropriations Based on change in PCEPI

Base October 1, 1995

Members Allocation $ 150,000.00 44.95%

Presiding officer allocation $ 400,000.00 44.95%

Legislative Bureau $ 2,000,000.00 44.95%

,< ;:,<r;.l"~T:-0°"'. // ~- '•'

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''<, '?//". . .-<;,,··'"' ':-/~7.', I I'; I[.,<-_,.'"' .. '\ Pi"-. -~}ui \'.k"'· ·

Limit October 1, 2016

Based on CPI

$

$

235,905.00

629,080.00

$ 3,145,400.00

Limit October 1, 2016

Based on PCEPI

$ 217,425.00

$ 579,800.00

$ 2,899,000.00

}

TO:

, £e9isfative (J3ureau NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEAL TH LEGISLATURE

P, 0 . BOX 500586 SAIPAN, MP 96950

C

Antonio P. Sablan, Director Legislative Bureau

-.... ~~ ~,.., >, \

Date: March 13, 2017 \\ , ' (9v ' \, '

FROM: Legal Counsel~

SUBJECT: Ceilings for Legislative Appropriations

The ceilings I previously indicated were based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

In reviewing Art. II Sec. 16( e ), the change in ceilings is to be based on " ... the percentage change in the United States Department of Commerce composite price index ... ". The Consumer Price Index is developed by the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis has developed a different index, the Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index (PCEPI).

Based on the PCEPI, the appropriation ceiling for the Legislative Bureau for FY2017 is $2,899,000.00.

The attached table shows the difference between using the CPI and PCEPI.

CNMI YOUTH CONGRESS NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE

P.O. Box 500586, Saipan, MP 96950 Tel: (670) 664-8863 • Fax: (670) 664-8849 E-mail: youthcongress@cnmi1eg.gov. mp

March 16, 2017

Honorable Arnold I. Palacios President, The Senate

Misc. ~omm. No. ~o-YS'

Twentieth Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature Saipan, MP 96950

And

Honorable Rafael S. Demapan Speaker, House of Representatives Twentieth Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature Saipan, MP 96950

Dear President Palacios and Speaker Demapan:

The Legislative Bureau has begun its preparation for the upcoming inauguration of the Sixteenth CNMI Youth Congress which is scheduled for Saturday, April 15, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. in the Senate Chamber of the Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building on Capitol Hill.

It has been a long standing tradition that the President and Speaker offer a joint congratulatory message to be printed in the Sixteenth CNMI Youth Congress Inauguration Booklet. Therefore, we are humbly requesting your assistance in continuing this tradition. Please submit your message on or before Thursday, March 30, 2017 to ensure the program booklet's completion prior to the inauguration day. Please furnish a hard copy of your congratulatory message to Ms. Claire Sablan and email an electronic copy to sablanc@cnmi1eg.gov.mp .

Should you require additional information, please feel free to call me at 664-8863. I look forward to your favorable reply. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Xe: Director, Legislative Bureau

'Youth Congress NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE

P.O. BOX 500586

March 16, 2017

201h Commonwealth Legislature

The Senate P.O. Box 500586 Saipan MP, 96950

SAIPAN, MP 96950

Dear Honorable Members of the 20th Senate,

...

As you may know, the 16th CNMI Youth Congress will be having its Inaugural event which is scheduled on April 08, 2017. With the Youth Inauguration taking place just right around the corner, the Youth Congress is kindly requesting for your assistance in helping to make this important event successful. Therefore, the Youth Congress is requesting for an assistance of at least $10.00 as donations to the priest for the Inaugural Mass. The Youth Congress greatly appreciates any assistance in making this event a success as it is a great opportunity to show our youths the support and guidance they need.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Congress Coordinator

cc: Mr. Antonio P. Sablan, Legislative Bureau Director

\,'-'\

, ·-~t~ ·~r-

March 16, 2017

Mr. Martin B Ada Chairman Board of Trustee Marianas Public Land Trust Saipan, MP 96950

Dear Chairman Ada:

This is an honest uninhibited personal endearment and reaction to published articles in the local papers regarding a training trip to the sunshine state of Florida, taken by the Marianas Public Land Trustees paid for by the beneficiaries. Moreover, the recent Appellate Courts decision on the Davis v. CNMI Board of Elections case puts all constitutionally protected NMDs benefits at risk, when it comes to voting on any future proposed amendments to Article XI and XII.

The Marianas Public Land Trust (MPLT) has been established for nearly 4 decades now pursuant to constitutional mandates. Its exclusive intent was to receive ALL proceeds from land incomes (leases/fees) and invest it for the beneficiaries of Northern Marianas Decent. However, any future proposed constitutional amendments to protected rights and benefits put forth for voters ratifications, will no longer be determined by NMDs voters only (see recent Appellate Courts ruling on Davis v. Board of Elections). The threat of diluting constitutional protected benefits for NMDs is now a reality and the longer Trustees fail to be INGENIOUS in their disposition of the Trust, the more the Trust is at risk.

Our Constitution unequivocally requires that a comprehensive report accounting for the revenues received and expenses incurred be made annually to the people of the Commonwealth. Admittedly and to some extend this has been done. The other report that the trustees failed to make, on behalf of NMDs is, how are we going to benefit directly from the TRUST?

I have heard the countless usual response, "our hands are tied because our role was just too reasonably, carefully and prudently invest the fund." Certainly, no one is suggesting that Trustees violate the constitution they have sworn to protect and defend. The report I am alluding to is not constitutionally mandated, but it is more of a self-imposed pledge of honor or fiduciary obligation as an employee to do his/her moral duty to assist. In other words, critical and creative thinking Trustees.

You see, in today' s 21th century evolving economic, political, social and technological world, critical and creative thinking is the new paradigm. The competitiveness of the global market makes it compellingly inevitable that those entrusted too reasonably, carefully and prudently invest Trust funds demands Trustees to constantly innovate. Innovative and creative investment mindset appears to be overshadowed and overpowered by unimaginative vision and unproductive status quo thinkers of decades. Desired evidence of demonstrable critical and creative thinkers by Trustees perhaps is just an elusive dream.

1

Mr. Chairman, in the decades that the Trustees have reasonably, carefully and prudently invests the funds, was there any one amongst the Trustees who could literally think "outside the box" or has the capability to find legally implementable inventive or ingenious ways for which NMDs can collectively receive direct financial benefits from your visionary efforts? I am not talking about recyclable and artfully dressed up conventional programs, notwithstanding the projects that the Trustees agreed and implemented years ago with dreadful and disappointing managing results. What NMDs are expecting from their Trustees, is demonstrable intuitive understanding of an economic benefit strategy and a visionary plan to actually achieve it.

Mr. Chairman, there is definitely no constitutional prohibition against limiting your ability to think of novel ideas. Similarly, there is absolutely no justifiable reason why Trustees still cannot accomplish this after all these years. Even after all the amount of NMD' s funds used to furry Trustees around the world to attend trainings after trainings, just so that your increase technical competencies are assured in managing our trust funds, Trustees are still back into their old cocoons. For the endowment, NMDs makes in increasing Trustees investment astuteness, what is the Trustees direct contribution toward NMDs economic betterments?

So for the amount of NMD funds invested on a Trustee to reasonably, carefully and prudently invest our funds, what are the quantifiable return benefits for NMDs? When are they going to start receiving benefits? Are these training investment allowances given to Trustees refundable back to the Trust when the Trustee's term expires? Whose decision was it to use NMD's funds to pay for the cost of making a Trustee become investment literate? Weren't investments knowledge or its equivalence, the basic pre-requisite qualification required for appointment as Trustee? Using Trust funds to train Trustee who are on term status to make him/her proficient then eventually leaves, is fundamentally imprudent, unreasonable and careless use of Trust funds. Such decision and expenditure is self-serving that could precipitate a class action law suit.

Mr. Chairman, I raise these questions not to belittle your sense of duty or to impugn your character in any way. But rather, to challenge your innate ability to use your inventive skills and acute knowledge about investments, to put forth practical and meaningful programs that would assuredly uplift the quality of lives of our NMDs. After all it is precisely why the Trust was established. While the daily lives of our NMDs continue to progressively deteriorate, don't you think that 40 years of tolerance, 40 years of continued emotional suppressions, 40 years of neglect and impoverish conditions, 40 years of status quo, would be a motivating force to prove that the investment NMDs made in training Trustees, has economic redeeming value for them?

Mr. Chairman, all of you is honorable descent friends and family members but we need to start challenging ourselves to be more responsive and empathizing to the constituents we represents. Throughout the live span of the Trust, thousands of our people have passed away and will likely continue to face their eventual mortality without ever receiving a single penny from their own Trust. I am not against training, cognitive development or skill enrichment, not only because it is intellectually healthy but increases one's ability to engage comprehensively. However, training of Trustees should be a personal investment of each of the Trustee, and not at the expense of NMDs, especially when there is absolutely no demonstrable reciprocal financial benefit provided to the beneficiaries.

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My bone of contention is that, while our Trustees continue to personally and directly benefit financially from the Trust, what about the needy, the desperate, the indigent, the displaced, the sick, and the destitute? What about our entire NMDs who are dependent on food stamps? What about a young soldier who gave his live in defense of his country came back suffering with Post Traumatic Distress Disorder PTSD hardly employable? What about a bright young Carolinian second year medical student, had to drop out due to mounting student loans and seek employment at a fast food chain to pay her financial obligations? What about disjointed children whose parental closed relationships became irreconcilable, resulting in separation because of financial anxiety and stress? What about hundreds of young NMD couples who up-rooted the comfort of their family in the CNMI to go elsewhere for their economic survival because of limited employment opportunities? What about NMD wedlock/illegitimate children who are victims of parental infidelity and indiscretions suffering from malnourishment due to inadequate financial means? What about a young mother of three innocent children hardly making ends meet, taken under the temporary care of Karidat because her husband is incarcerated for drug addiction? What about our just right of ownership to the Trust, when are we going to get financial benefit from it?

Mr. Chairman, if not a single one of these unfortunate life experiences of our NMDs is justifiable and compelling reason for you to act, then nothing else will ever matter to you at all. Yes, I should have gotten the message several months ago during our meeting, because as you repeatedly said, "That there is nothing you can do because your role is only too carefully, reasonably and prudently invests the funds." When each of the Trustees present during that meeting were fixatedly repeating their limitations rather than the possibilities, I concluded that the investment beneficiaries made in training Trustees to be investment literate was a bogus endowment. But in spite of your pronounced position, I was hoping still that perhaps given reasonable time, you will reconsider and that you will choose to look at your possibilities rather than your limitations. I learned long ago that "when a mind is so fixated on death rather than living, doom is the inevitable!" Well, our people then must be honestly told of the inevitable truth that, "death without financial redemptions benefit" is the only redeeming solution you have as Trustees because "your hands are tied."

If this letter sounded harsh and direct, it is, because the limit of my 40 years of disappointment has reached the "silent no more" level. If I am feeling this disappointment, just imagine how many others of our fellow NMDs are adversely impacted in the way that they have been treated for the past 40 years. One of the reasons why you have not seen mass protest from your own fellow NMDs on "Trustees Mediocre Performances", is because of our "cultural suppression etiquette," where we suppress or restrain ourselves in expressing spontaneous dissatisfaction by guarding against offending and directly confronting someone who has disappointed or done us wrong.

Mr. Chairman, while I am critically reactive to the lack of financial benefit programs for NMDs, I fully recognize the social and cultural meaning of "pasensia or pinasensia" It is however, in this vernacular context that our benevolence have been collectively and silently abused and taken advantage of Affront attitudes especially in public offices from appointed and elected leaders is so pathetically prevalence. We treat each other with insults and offensive dispositions. If one would recall our history on how we treat fellow NMDs, evidence will show that pugnacity was

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the norm not the exception. Years of neglect, being taken advantage of, indignities, and the perception of impunity, is just too much to remain silent.

The other day I was listening to a live-radio conversation between a caller and the host of the program, where the caller was lamenting to the fact that the repeated occurrences of electorate abuse was so rampant and egregious, he is no longer able to differentiate whether he is being mistreated or lied to. He is now blaming himself for questioning authorities. So sad and so real, but because of years of abominable abuses perpetrated on our own people by OUR OWN elected and appointed officials, the "self-worth" or "self-esteem" of our NMDs have been massively impaired and diminished. "Living-life-to-the-fullest" is no longer an NMD expectation but merely just an inconsequential turn of event. This is what our leaders turn our own people into; they destroy their "self-confidence" and make them dependent on someone else for their "self-worth."

This is exactly what Professor Mckensey was referring to during his infamous arguments before the US Supreme Court on the case of American Indians exploitations he said, "I have no right to say or do anything that diminishes a man in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him but what he thinks of himself. Hurting a man in his dignity is a crime." Further, in one of his many show appearances, actor Michael J. Fox talking about his emotional recovery said, "One' s dignity may be assaulted, vandalized, cruelly mocked, but it can never be taken away."

Mr. Chairman, I am not the saver of our humanity far from it, but I'll be damned to remain silent and allow the abuse of discretion to go on unnoticed. There have been too many sufferings in our islands. There have been enough of children whose dreams die before they have a chance to grow, and there has been enough of our elders who have served their communities are forced into indignity in their old age. I ask that you exercise self-reflection and introspection, so please give this matter a thoughtful and serious consideration; it may be your only saving grace.

Mr. Chairman, I have more to say and do but I will wait for your response. I am not representing any organization just the interests ofNMDs and my children.

By the way, if the total investment of the Trust, which has approximately 70 million dollars or more in its portfolio, is only yielding about 2 million dollars per annum of interests, someone needs to explain to us how this is so and why.

ante Kanat Saipan Email address: !<.b=d1c..::· ========

cc: Presiding officers of the legislature

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