An indigenous group in the Northern Marianas says it opposes any extension to public land leases to existing hotels and it wants to take over businesses established on the lands after the leases expire.
Saipan in the Northern Marianas. Photo: Supplied
Northern Marianas Descent Corporation said the indigenous people of the CNMI did not reap the benefits of the current public lands lease agreements and the group wants to negotiate new terms with current or interested leases that include direct benefits to people of Northern Marianas descent.
The NMDC is proposing direct stock ownership of established businesses in exchange for the use of the public lands or an allocation of a percentage of profits every year.
At least six major resorts in the CNMI are facing lease expiration in the near future.
