The CNMI Department of Public Lands has issued a notice of termination to Mariana Global Inc. for its Managaha Islands Master Concession Operator Agreement.

In an October 11 letter to Mariana Global Inc. CEO YoungHee Yoon, Acting Secretary Richard Villagomez said, “The termination of the above-subject Agreement has resulted from Concessionaire's failure to cure the violations within thirty (30) days' notice as noted in DPL's July 31, 2024 Notice of Violation letter (NOV). Concessionaire's deadline to cure the stated violations was extended to September 30, 2024, as requested by the letter from Concessionaire's counsel dated August 28, 2024.” The violations include non-payment of fees.

DPL said it received no response by the deadline. However, DPL stated that they received a letter from Mariana Global’s attorney requesting additional time to respond until after a decision was made on the proposed regulation changes to the commercial use of Managaha. Villagomez explained in the letter, “The request for additional time is denied, as the Concessionaire has an obligation to comply with the Concession Agreement regardless of whether DPL decides to adopt changes to the regulations.”

DPL informed the company that they have 15 days to vacate the property. “DPL will enter into and upon the [Exclusive Concession Area]take possessions of all of its property and improvements and evict the Concessionaire without the liability of trespass,” they said in the letter.

DPL could take over the operations starting October 26 pending the appeals process with the hearing officer.

KUAM learned that the decision is being appealed. KUAM has reached out to Mariana Global for comment.