SEDC panel focuses on wage hike moves

The Strategic Economic Development Committee has formed an ad hoc committee to represent the CNMI private sector in addressing anticipated legislation in the next session of Congress that would implement U.S. minimum wage in the Northern Marianas.

“As private enterprises with investments in the CNMI, we have a very credible voice to speak on the potential effects of H.R. 5550, which would virtually decimate our local economy,” said SEDC co-chair Bob Jones. “We cannot afford to remain silent on this matter, and we will work with the administration and the Legislature to prove the Northern Marianas has been both productive and responsible in exercising its Covenant-guaranteed rights.”

The SEDC move came earlier this week following a briefing from the administration on the possibility of a new Democrat-controlled U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passing legislations to federalize CNMI minimum wage and immigration. Under the 1976 Covenant to establish the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in political union with the United States of America, the CNMI retains control over its own immigration and minimum wage in order to stimulate economic development. H.R. 5550, introduced by U.S. Representative George Miller (D-CA) earlier this year, is expected to be re-introduced under Democratic leadership in the next session of Congress. SEDC representatives of both the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, as well as several members of the CNMI Legislature, voiced their support of the ad hoc committee at SEDC’s meeting on Tuesday (Nov. 28).

SEDC Co-Chair Marian Aldan-Pierce said SEDC also supports both the hiring of a lobbyist to support the CNMI’s position and the undertaking of an independent economic study to contest the resolution.

“We strongly believe that an economic study will provide a factual basis for our position that losing our rights to control immigration and minimum wage would have a devastating effect on the CNMI economy and its people,” said Aldan-Pierce. “The sooner we can get one underway, the better.”

Acting Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez welcomed the support of SEDC in the CNMI’s initiative. Villagomez is also seeking consensus from the Legislature on federal issues and remains committed to working with Resident Rep. Pete A. Tenorio’s Office on matters of federal concern.

“Having the CNMI government and private sector speak with a unified voice when addressing Congress on these issues only strengthens our position that federalization initiatives are against the best interests of our people,” said Villagomez. “We will be working closely with SEDC and the Legislature to present our case in Washington.”

Silver Market Medical Care

In another economic initiative, SEDC also received a briefing during its Tuesday meeting from Department of Public Health Secretary Joseph Villagomez and Medical Profession Licensing Board Secretary Norma Ada on the feasibility of allowing Asian-certified doctors to treat patients living in Asian retirement communities in the CNMI.

“Allowing licensed Japanese doctors to come to the CNMI would be just skimming the surface,” said Ada, in advising against changes to medical licensing requirements. “There are many factors to providing a health ‘security blanket,’ including accessibility to other medical resources, such as facilities or specialists.”

SEDC has been working toward the development of retirement communities in the CNMI to attract silver market Asian retirees. A major area of concern has been the provision of satisfactory medical care for retirees who are anticipated to prefer native-language doctors and medication. The Licensing Board has been in discussions with the Legislature to allow physicians licensed in Japan to have a limited medical license in the CNMI, as to be defined by the Licensing Board.

“In addition to the Licensing Board’s input, we were able to hear this week first-hand accounts of Asian-speaking patients treated in the Commonwealth and better understand their perceptions,” said Aldan-Pierce. “With this professional advice and this first-account information, we can now proceed in our planning with a better grasp of what retirees would want and what would be feasible to meet their medical needs.”

SEDC is comprised of private sector industry leaders and top government officials working toward CNMI economic development. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]