Guest workers unhappy with Fitial, Chamber testimonies

Guest worker groups that held a peaceful assembly in Garapan are disappointed with the testimonies of Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Saipan Chamber of Commerce president James Arenovski at the oversight hearing held early Wednesday.

After watching the hearing online, the group said the testimonies of both Fitial and Arenovski gave them the impression that long-term alien workers would not be able to get what they are asking for—improved immigration status in the CNMI.

Still, they held out hope and want to continue or even go beyond some of the recommendations made.

“We will not lose hope because the U.S. Congress will still have to decide on it,” said the groups’ spokesperson, Yho Villavicencio.

She said they watched and listened to the testimonies of Fitial and Arenovski during the prayer vigil on Wednesday night in front of the TSL Plaza, where they have been camping out since Monday morning. Their 72-hour peaceful assembly ended at 7am yesterday but they vowed to continue with their struggle.

In his testimony, Fitial categorically stated that guest workers should not be given a permanent status because they are just here to work. Arenovski, meanwhile, claimed that alien workers who are granted green cards will leave the CNMI in the long run.

“Despite of their statements, we will not stop here,” said Villavicencio, adding that they will prepare a petition letter expressing their sentiments.

The petition letter will be addressed to members of the U.S. Congress, particularly House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Allan Miller, Daniel Akaka, and Bobby Rahal.

The worker groups estimated over 1,000 workers and supporters attended the vigil, including Rep. Tina Sablan.

“We want to extend our sincerest thanks to those who supported us, including those who are not visible and are silent,” Villavicencio said.

Rabby Syed, president of the United Workers Movement, said they feel that the assembly was a big success, with a lot of supporters turning in to extend their moral and material support.

Close to 3,000 workers have signed up with them, he said.

The group estimates that there are 14,000 guest workers in the CNMI.

The guest workers oppose any further delay in the implementation of federalization of immigration in the CNMI after November.