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Concerted efforts urged to solve manpower shortage
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Posted on Feb 05 2001
Saipan Mayor Jose C. Sablan underscored the need to implement strong work-based programs to meet the demands for high-tech skills and to remedy labor force deficit.
Mr. Sablan said problems on workforce development tools to address skill gaps were discussed during the recently-held 69th Winter Meeting of the US Conference of Mayors in Washington DC.
Mr. Sablan added that the need to immediately address the demands for qualified workers has also been thoroughly tackled.
He said there is a need to bring together the government, schools and private industries as a focal point in the improvement of the Commonwealth’s economy.
At present, Northern Marianas is faced with shortage of qualified workers to fill delicate positions in several government agencies like the Department of Public Health and the Public School System.
This problem has also prompted Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio to sign into law House Bill 12-285 which extends the privilege of non-resident workers with special skills to occupy hard-to-fill vacant positions within the CNMI government.
Apart from this, PSS officials have also crafted measures on how to improve the Vocational Education programs of the System, as well as to enjoin the assistance of the private sector.
“We need to bring the government, schools and private industries to be the focal point in the improvement of our economy because they play a vital role in our destiny,” the mayor pointed out.
Issues discussed during the Winter Meeting include drug control and public safety; smart growth; technology in schools, workforce technology training, youth, education and others.
The Council also presented an award to former US President Bill Clinton during the where at least 600 mayors from US territories and states participated. The award, which named Mr. Clinton Distinguished Public Servant, was made in recognition of the former president’s exemplary contributions.
As the representative of Guam and CNMI, Mr. Sablan vowed to provide additional assistance and support for education and summer youth programs of the two territories.
Mr. Sablan is a member of the Standing Committee on International Affairs, Jobs, Education, and the Workforce. (LA)
