Attention Rep. Cepeda
This is in response to Rep. Frank G. Cepeda’s comments on Sept. 14, 1999 regarding a ‘new group’ that might dominate the CNMI community.
I am very disturbed of his rationale that “The Commonwealth government could end up dominated by naturalized Americans if exodus of its skilled and educated indigenous resident to the US mainland.”
This statement is discriminatory and racist.
First, the CNMI is a democratic society. Any US citizen has the right to run for any public office if he/she meets the political qualifications and residential status as established by law. As proven in the first International Festival of Cultures (August 16-18, 1999), the present CNMI is ethnically diversified. These people are here to stay whether we like it or not. Therefore, they are entitled to the same political rights as any indigenous.
Secondly, the CNMI government has not, at any time, forced the exodus of our skilled and educated indigenous to the US mainland. I strongly believe that each of these individuals have decided what is better for them. Common sense can tell you that they must look for better life according to their individual expectation and preference. As you have stated, for this particular, they will be looking for better pay.
Lastly, a person of your status to implicate that the CNMI government (the people) is embedded in such activities as corruption, graft, mismanagement and lack of accountability is totally irresponsible. If this is true, then it is not your responsibility as chairman of the Judicial and Governmental Operation to investigate and subsequently recommend to the Attorney General the prosecution of those involved. To generalize your statement implying that everyone in the CNMI is involve in corruption and grafting is not acceptable.
Furthermore, for you to question the integrity of those hard working, skilled and educated indigenous of mismanagement and lack of accountability is very disrespectful.
You need to apologize Congressman Frank G. Cepeda.
Juan Iguel Tenorio
Precinct IV
