Alien workers want Sablan to speak for them at US hearing

Various alien worker groups in the CNMI signed a manifest this week, choosing Rep. Tina Sablan to represent them at the oversight hearing in the U.S. Congress.

Human rights activist Wendy Doromal said she will also represent guest workers.

The worker groups stressed there is no dispute as to who should represent them in the oversight hearing on the implementation of Public Law 110-229 in the CNMI.

The hearing is scheduled for May 19, to be conducted by the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife of the Committee on Natural Resources.

According to the manifest signed by representatives of eight different alien worker groups, all persons and organizations are entitled to present any comments and views to the subcommittee but they would like Sablan to speak for them at the hearing.

The groups are also pinning their hopes on the CNMI’s first non-voting delegate in the U.S. Congress, Gregorio “Kilili” Sablan.

The groups lauded Doromal’s efforts to help their plight, saying she is a great advocate for workers and the common people in the CNMI. However, they said she does not represent any particular group or organization.

“In another sense, she represents all groups and organizations that have worker and foreign national interests at heart. Wendy has an important message to bring to the subcommittee and should be heard—but as an advocate, an activist. A spokesperson for all and no one in particular,” the groups said in the manifest.

Rep. Tina Sablan, the groups said, is an important new voice in CNMI politics because she represents integrity, transparency, justice, fairness and commitment to the future of the CNMI.

“She has considerable understanding of the issues and challenges we face,” the worker groups said.

The manifest was signed by Boni V. Sagana of Dekada Movement, Ge Zhao of the Chinese Community, Conrad Ocampo of Unity, Rhegie Diesta of the Coalition of United Workers-NMI, Rabby Syed of the United Workers Movement, Ronnie B. Doca of Pilcowa Inc., Itos Feliciano of Human Dignity Movement and Ernesto Maicle of MOVER.

The groups will be holding a peaceful assembly on May 18 starting at 7am in front of the Homeland Security Office at the TSL Plaza in Garapan.

Doromal sent a copy of a joint resolution passed by the UWM and PILCOWA, designating her to represent them.

The joint resolution said that Doromal is known for her exemplary work and dedication to the welfare of all nonresident contract workers and as a human rights advocate.

The resolution also states that Doromal is deemed a practical choice because she is already in the U.S. mainland.