By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

MEMBERS of an indigenous people’s group say they are frustrated with, and worried about, the islands’ economic situation and want the federal government to extend its minimum wage and immigration laws to the islands.
Gregorio S. Cruz Jr., president of Taotaotano CNMI, said the Fitial administration should embrace the federalization option rather than experimenting with different policies.
Cruz said the administration is already way out of line and he fears that it will implement more drastic actions.
The father of seven, Cruz said he is also disappointed that there was no mention of the public education system in the governor’s State of the Commonwealth Address on Friday.
“I believe the government is way out of line,” he said. “It has completely forgotten its own people. I am very frustrated and worried as to what’s going to happen next. (Fitial) spoke the truth, that we are broke. But what are we doing to solve it?”
Cruz added, “I believe we’ll get the help that we need from the federal government if we are federalized. I’m tired of this government.”
He said the members of Taotaotano and other “silent supporters” of their group in the Chamorro and Carolinian communities feel that federalizing the islands’ labor and immigration system, as Guam has, would be in the CNMI’s best interest.
“It’s time that we speak up. Our future is at stake. It’s time for change,” he said. “I believe we’re going to get the help that we need if we are federalized.”
The Fitial administration remains opposed to measures that will impose federal minimum wage and immigration laws on the islands.