TAN Candelaria feels rather sad maybe tongue in cheek on this matter because she knows and has a comment or two to make. She is referring to the impending minimum wage dilemma that hit the CNMI with a huge wallop. Not catching anyone off-guard mind you because the CNMI had it coming ever since.
She recalls that there was legislation passed by our illustrious legislators to affect the gradual increases of the minimum wage but it was later repealed. And she remembers that alien workers receive benefits provided by their employers such as health insurance, housing benefits, etc. Now she is wondering if those privileges were ever given to the local workers because that was the last anyone heard of it since.
Now it is being done again! This time, the garment factories wanted to be exempted from paying the minimum wage increase.
Santa Maria can you believe this! The Democrats are shoving the minimum wage down our throats but some still have the gall to ask to be exempted? When will this cycle end? Everyone is cognizant of the fact that once all the garment factories leave, the CNMI will experience a critical and vital loss of revenue. So boys, back to the drawing board again because “exemption” is definitely out of the question.
So Saipan Chamber of Commerce and SEDC, please think about Tan Candelaria’s comments. She might have a point or two here, yes? Enough Canda. OK, esta later browns.

GONZALO Q. SANTOS
Capital Hill, Saipan