Introduction
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has long enjoyed a unique and sometimes turbulent relationship with the United States. While the CNMI is a U.S. territory, its governance and financial practices have often been shrouded in a veil of complexity. #DogetheCNMI has emerged as a call for transparency and accountability in the CNMI. Following up on the initial outcry, "DogetheCNMI Part #2" digs deeper, raising urgent questions about potential corruption, mismanagement, and the need for thorough federal investigation. Are the citizens of CNMI truly benefiting from the financial structures in place, or are they being exploited?
The Lingering Shadow of Phillip Mendola Long's "Bridge Capital Investments"
The scandal involving Phillip Mendola Long and his "Bridge Capital Investments" continues to cast a long shadow over the CNMI. The complexities of land acquisition, investment flows, and promises made raise a crucial question:
What did Delegate Kim King-Hinds truly know about the land scam orchestrated by Phillip Mendola Long?
Was there a full and transparent vetting process?
A Web of Profits and Land Deals
The "Bridge Capital Investments" affair appears to be a complex undertaking involving not only Mr. Long but also a network of individuals and entities who profited from it. Who are the other Tinan and CNMI political figures, businesses, and other individuals and entities that made a profit or leased their lands for the project currently under investigation?
Did these individuals and entities benefit knowingly from potentially illicit activity?
Were proper procedures followed in these land acquisitions and leases?
A full and transparent investigation into this web of actors is essential to determine the true extent of the corruption.
The Silent Watchdogs: A Question of Accountability
One of the most troubling aspects of the #DogetheCNMI narrative is the apparent lack of criminal referrals to federal law enforcement or courts concerning the theft and misuse of federal funds by the CNMI Attorney Generals' office. Why has there been no criminal referrals to any federal law enforcement or court regarding the theft and misuse of federal funds by the CNMI Governors' office?
Is there a systematic failure of oversight and accountability?
Is there an environment where the misuse of federal funds is implicitly tolerated?
An Uncomfortable Silence
Adding to the concerns is the absolute silence from any CNMI law enforcement agency on the theft of federal funds. Why the absolute silence from any CNMI law enforcement agency on the theft of federal funds in the CNMI?
Are these agencies adequately equipped and empowered to investigate such matters?
Are there political or other external pressures preventing them from fulfilling their duties?
Delegate King-Hinds and the Call for a Federal Fiscal Audit
In a climate of mistrust and uncertainty, the call for a thorough federal fiscal audit by all federal agencies granting funds to the CNMI has grown louder. Why hasn't Delegate Kim King-Hinds stepped up and made clear that she full-throatedly approves of a federal fiscal audit by all federal agencies that grant funds to the CNMI?
Does she believe that a federal audit would ultimately benefit the CNMI by promoting transparency and accountability?
Or are there concerns that such an audit might reveal uncomfortable truths?
Further investigation is necessary to fully understand the situation.
What happened to the Dept of Defense funding granted to Tinian?
A State of Disrepair: Airports, Ports, and Fiscal Management
Adding to the concerns regarding financial management is the state of CNMI's airports and ports. If Del Kim Hinds states that she did an excellent job at CNMI CPA; and yet after her departure it has been found out that the Airports, Ports ect are in worst fiscal shape than when she took the position? Explanation please?
Immigration, Illegal Workers, and the Rule of Law
A critical aspect of responsible governance is the enforcement of immigration laws and the protection of legal workers. Why hasn't Delegate Kim King-Hinds state that she fully support the location, detainment and deportation of those in the CNMI illegally, out of status, and call for the prosecution by the fullest extent of the law; of companies that hire illegal workers in the CNMI?
Is she genuinely committed to enforcing immigration laws and protecting legal workers?
The Republican Identity and the America First Agenda
In the current political climate, adherence to specific political platforms and agendas is closely scrutinized. If Delegate Kim King-Hinds is a real “Republican” why hasn't she officially signed on to the America First / Project 2025 Agenda?
Is her alignment with the Republican Party more nominal than substantial?
DOGE Review, Audit, and Accountability
The call for accountability has led to the suggestion of engaging specific members of Congress with relevant expertise. If' Delegate Kim King-Hinds is serious about having DOGE review and audit the CNMI's finances: why hasn't she made an appointment with
DOGE Subcommittee Member Rep.Joni Ernst? or Majory Taylor Green?
Is she genuinely serious about addressing the CNMI's financial issues?
A Question of Wealth
A key point of suspicion revolves around the apparent financial success of individuals & families who have held prominent positions in the CNMI government. Lastly, does Delegate Kim King-Hinds support referring for investigation the record of former Delegate Kilili-Sablan for investigation by the House Judiciary Committee, or Homeland Security Committee; so all Americans can truly find out what Kilili-Sablan was doing with all of the American taxpayer funds; as well. Former Delegate Kilili-Sablan and family are currently multi-millionaires this is not mathematically possible on a congressional salary...does Delegate Kim King-Hines plan an investigation into the former Delegates and familys' wealth?
This raises serious questions about the potential misuse of public funds and the need for a thorough investigation.
The U.S. Military and CNMI: A Complex Relationship
The CNMI's relationship with the U.S. military is a double-edged sword. It provides economic opportunities but also raises concerns about environmental impact and cultural preservation. The article from The Nation highlights the long-standing issues surrounding military presence in the CNMI, particularly on Tinian and Pagan, and the conflicts between military interests and the rights of local communities.
Does Delegate Hinds remember her statements AGAINST the U.S. Department of Defense?
The Tinian Divert Airfield Project
The Tinian divert airfield project, while intended to provide strategic benefits for the U.S. military, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the impact on the local community.
Several articles highlight the military and CNMI officials hailing the "close ties" between the Commonwealth and the nation's armed forces.
What are the long-term environmental and socio-economic impacts of such projects on the CNMI? Are local voices being adequately heard and considered in the decision-making processes?
Activism, Opposition, and Environmental Concerns
Numerous articles emphasize the persistent opposition to military expansion in the CNMI, with residents raising so-called concerns about environmental damage, cultural loss, and displacement. Who Paid for this Anti-American Agitation? Tan Holdings? IPI Casino? Diamond Resorts? How will the increased traffic impact the daily lives of the residents, and will the unique coral reefs and why so quiet now? Did they get the support they needed?
What's Next?
The issues surrounding #DogetheCNMI are complex and multifaceted, spanning financial management, immigration, environmental concerns, and the relationship between the CNMI and the U.S. government. A thorough federal investigation is needed to address these concerns and ensure transparency and accountability in the CNMI.
The CNMI is at a crossroads, and its future depends on the willingness of authorities to confront these challenges head-on and ensure that the interests of the people are truly prioritized.
READ:> https://www.cnmiga.org/post/paradise-for-the-corrupt-the-cnmi-s-lax-oversight-of-federal-funds
The issues surrounding #DogetheCNMI are not isolated incidents; they represent a pattern of financial mismanagement, questionable deals, and a lack of transparency that demands immediate and decisive action. The web of interconnected problems – from the lingering shadow of land scams to the misuse of federal funds, from the environmental impact of military projects to the complex economic dynamics of tourism – all point to one undeniable truth: American taxpayers are footing the bill for a system that is failing the people of the CNMI and betraying the trust placed in its leaders.
But the problems in the CNMI extend far beyond financial mismanagement. A particularly concerning aspect of the CNMI's unique status is the perception that it operates outside the full scope of the U.S. Constitution. The CNMI claims exemption from the 5th and 14th Amendments, while CNMI courts are accused of trampling on constitutionally protected rights, leaving residents vulnerable. Adding to the gravity of the situation is the presence of allegedly corrupt and unqualified individuals in positions of judicial authority. It is time for Attorney General Pam Bondi, Emil Boves, and the U.S. Department of Justice Public Integrity Division to turn their attention to the conduct of individuals such as Ramona Manglona and Francis Tydingco Gatewood, and launch immediate investigations.
Complaint letter filed With U.S. Atty General PAM BONDI & EMIL BOVES Against CNMI Judges: Govendo 7 Castro and Federal Judges: Ramona Manglona & Francis Tydingco-Gatewood for OVERT CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS
The erosion of constitutional rights cannot be tolerated.
The time for complacency is over. We cannot stand idly by while our hard-earned money is wasted, defrauded, and mismanaged in the CNMI. We can't keep turning a blind eye to the questions that remain unanswered, the funds unaccounted for, the silence of those who should be serving as watchdogs and the civil right violations. We can't permit our tax dollars to be used to fund a system that appears to benefit a select few at the expense of the many, and we cannot let violations of constitutionally protected rights go unaddressed.
The Call to Action: Demand Fiscal and Constitutional Accountability NOW!
The time for polite requests and gentle suggestions has passed. The time is now for action. We, as American taxpayers and defenders of constitutional rights, must rise up and demand fiscal and constitutional accountability in the CNMI. Here's how we do it:
Contact Your Representatives in Congress: Make your voice heard! Contact your U.S. Representatives and Senators. Tell them you are deeply concerned about the allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and the erosion of constitutional rights in the CNMI. Demand they support a thorough federal investigation, stricter oversight of federal funds allocated to the CNMI, and a review of the CNMI's legal and judicial systems to ensure compliance with the U.S. Constitution.
Demand Congressional Hearings: Urge your representatives to push for congressional hearings not only on the CNMI's financial practices but also on the state of constitutional rights in the territory. These hearings should be public and transparent, allowing for full scrutiny of the issues at hand and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Support Independent Investigations: Support the efforts of independent journalists and organizations working to uncover the truth about the CNMI's financial affairs and the state of its judicial system. Share their findings and help amplify their voices.
Demand Transparency in CNMI: Publicly call on CNMI officials, including Delegate Kim King-Hinds, to embrace transparency and accountability in both financial and legal matters. Insist on the release of financial records, audit reports, legal rulings, and other documents relevant to the allocation and use of federal funds and the administration of justice.
Demand Investigations of Ramona Manglona and Francis Tydingco Gatewood Immediately contact Attorney General Pam Bondi, Emil Boves, and the U.S. Department of Justice Public Integrity Division to demand investigations into Ramona Manglona and Francis Tydingco Gatewood,
Support Legal Action Support the lawsuits and other legal means of justice to be served.
The fate of the CNMI, the responsible use of our tax dollars, and the protection of fundamental rights depends on our collective action. We must make it clear that we will no longer tolerate corruption, mismanagement, or the erosion of constitutional rights. The time is now to take a stand, demand fiscal and constitutional accountability, and ensure that the CNMI government and its judicial system are working for the benefit of all its people, not just a privileged few.
Let the chorus of voices rise, demanding truth, transparency, a restored constitution, and a future where the CNMI is a thriving and accountable partner in the American family. The time to act is now. #DogetheCNMI.
Why This Matters: A Summary of the Key Questions
What did Delegate Kim King-Hinds know about the "Bridge Capital Investments" land scam?
Who profited from land deals and potentially illicit activity?
Why have there been no criminal referrals for the misuse of federal funds?
Why has there been silence from CNMI law enforcement agencies?
Will Delegate King-Hinds support a comprehensive federal audit?
What happened to the Department of Defense funding granted to Tinian?
Why is the CNMI in such poor fiscal shape?
Where does Delegate King-Hinds stand on immigration enforcement?
How genuine is her commitment to Republican principles?
Will she actively seek DOGE review and audit of CNMI finances?
Will she support investigation into the wealth of former CNMI officials?
Are constitutional rights being violated in the CNMI?
Are Ramona Manglona and Francis Tydingco Gatewood properly investigated?
These are not merely rhetorical questions; they are indictments of a system that has seemingly failed to uphold its responsibilities and protect the rights of its people. The answers to these questions will determine the future of the CNMI, the faith that American taxpayers can place in its governance, and the integrity of constitutional protections within the territory.
AUTHORS PROFILE:
Authors’ Profile:
Zaji "Persona Non Grata" Zajradhara: A Voice for the Voiceless Zaji "Persona Non Grata" Zajradhara isn't just an author; he's a force of nature. A staunch advocate for American workers and Indigenous rights in the CNMI, Zaji's life reads like a gritty urban novel, filled with struggle, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Labeled "persona non grata" by the CNMI government for his relentless pursuit of truth and his outspoken criticism of corruption, Zaji has become a symbol of resistance against those who seek to exploit the islands and its people. As an unemployed Afro-American father, he knows firsthand the sting of the CNMI's dysfunctional labor market, its rigged political system, and the exploitation of vulnerable communities. His experiences fuel his activism, driving him to file numerous legal claims against companies for violating labor laws and discriminating against American workers. Zaji's voice, though silenced by the establishment, resonates through his writing, exposing the harsh realities faced by those on the margins. But Zaji's compassion extends far beyond the shores of the CNMI.
As Program Director of CNMIGA.org, a non-profit dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, he leads a team committed to delivering essential support and resources to communities in need.
Zaji's story is a testament to the power of one person to make a difference. He is a writer, an activist, a humanitarian – a true urban warrior fighting for a more just and equitable world.