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Open letter to Cinta Kaipat
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Posted on May 24 2008
Dear Ms. Kaipat:
I’m one of the thousands of guest workers here on your island. In the 11 years that I’ve been here, I’ve grown to appreciate your culture, especially the way you value your families. All my Chamorro friends have one thing in common—they go out of their way to show their love, respect and how they protect their parents, their children and even their workers. Among the outstanding memories that I have of how you display such concern and care for others is when I met the Teregeyo family during a rosary for Grandy Nonan. If I did not know, I would have thought that it was a rosary for a family member because the Teregeyo family was really busy taking care of every detail. They loved Grandy and they treated him as their own. It was a touching sight to see!
I read your recent letter titled “Response to Wendy Doromal’s comments on Emergency Regulations” with an open mind. I didn’t anymore feel slighted for the “racist” remarks because I, just like my fellow guest workers, am used to that. Oh yes, we get those kinds of remarks and generalization but we’re not supposed to complain because we’re paid for the work we do. We’re expected to keep our heads down all the time and just work, keep quiet when we’re abused and pack our stuff when we’re told to go home. We’re not even allowed to dream of a better life.
Ms. Kaipat, your guest workers are not asking for anything more than the truth, some degree of respect and a genuine concern because after all, we are the other end in the pendulum. One day in the future, most of us, if not all, will be go back to our own country. I ask you to make us go back with our dignity intact.
God bless you and yours.
[B]Irene N. Tantiado[/B][I]Capital Hill, Saipan[/I]
