Capitol Hill, Saipan — Senate President Dennis James C. Mendiola has officially introduced Senate
Legislative Initiative (S.L.I.) No. 24-01, a measure proposing to amend Article XI, Section 6 of the CNMI
Constitution to authorize the distribution of direct monetary dividends to registered voters who are of
Northern Marianas Descent (NMD).
This landmark proposal affirms a fundamental principle enshrined in Article XI, Section 1 of the CNMI
Constitution: that the public lands and submerged lands of the Commonwealth belong collectively to the
people of the Commonwealth who are of Northern Marianas Descent. The revenues derived from the lease
of these public lands have been prudently invested by the Marianas Public Land Trust (MPLT) on behalf of
NMD beneficiaries.
“The MPLT funds exist because of the collective ownership rights of the Northern Marianas Descent
community,” stated Senate President Dennis Mendiola. “It is only right that we now take steps to ensure
those same beneficiaries receive direct and tangible returns, especially during these financially difficult
times.”
The legislative initiative establishes a Northern Marianas Descent Dividend Program, which would allow
for an initial distribution between $30 million and $50 million from the MPLT corpus, followed by future
distributions every ten years. Dividends would be distributed only to registered NMD voters and would be
authorized by legislative appropriation, coordinated in partnership with the Marianas Public Land Trust
(MPLT) and the Commonwealth Election Commission (CEC).
“This initiative not only honors the intent of the Constitution and the purpose of the MPLT—it also directly
supports our local families and businesses,” said the Senate President. “The funds will go back into the hands
of our people, stimulating local economic activity and providing relief in the wake of natural disasters, rising
costs, and ongoing economic recovery efforts.”
The proposed amendment reflects the Legislature’s commitment to economic justice and community
empowerment, ensuring that the resources entrusted to MPLT provide equitable and impactful returns to the
very people for whom they were intended.
The Senate President encourages all residents of Northern Marianas Descent to stay informed and engaged
as this important proposal moves forward toward public ratification. Public hearings will be held on Saipan,
Tinian, and Rota to ensure that the people of the Commonwealth have the opportunity to provide input, voice
their support, or raise concerns. The Legislature is committed to transparency and community participation
every step of the way. (Press Release)