CNMI congressional candidates clash over US military build-up, deep sea mining

The two candidates seeking the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ seat in the US Congress clashed over how the territory should benefit from the expanding American military presence.

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raw deal

Challenger Galvin Deleon Guerrero called the current arrangement a “raw deal” for the CNMI. He said military expansion should create more jobs for local residents, contracts for local companies and investment in public infrastructure. “We cannot have national security unless we have economic security,” he said.

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We cannot have national security unless we have economic security

Incumbent delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said relations between the CNMI and the military had improved. She cited industry days, job fairs, employer outreach and programmes designed to connect small businesses with federal contracts. “I would say the relationship right now has improved significantly where we are now not fighting against each other, but are looking for areas where we can collaborate,” she said.

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I would say the relationship right now has improved significantly where we are now not fighting against each other, but are looking for areas where we can collaborate

The candidates also differed over possible deep-sea mining in waters around the islands. Deleon Guerrero argued that Congress should expand CNMI jurisdiction beyond its current territorial waters, including across the surrounding exclusive economic zone. King-Hinds said that recovering jurisdiction might not be politically achievable soon, and instead proposed safeguards requiring environmental restoration bonds, protecting royalties and other payments, and consulting the CNMI government. “We can shape it to benefit our community and put guardrails to protect our environment,” she said.

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We can shape it to benefit our community and put guardrails to protect our environment