The three other candidates invited to the forum held at the multi-purpose center were John Oliver DLR. Gonzales, Juan T. Lizama and Pete A. Tenorio.
Sablan told the members of the Coalition for Recognition, Equality and Advancement of American Ethnic Minorities that a provision in the CNMI federalization law would have give long-term non-resident guest workers a better status.
But, he added, Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo and CNMI Resident Rep. Pete A. Tenorio successfully removed the provision .
“I’m not going to criticize any candidate but I understand there was an understanding between Bordallo and Pete A. and they removed the provision because they don’t want [CNMI guest workers] to work and reside on Hawaii and Guam,” Sablan said.
But while he said he sympathizes with the guest workers’ concerns, Sablan said, “I don’t know what I can do to address [them].”
The federalization issue, he said, is a national matter that involves homeland security.
But he said the CNMI needs workers to keep its economy afloat.
United Workers Movement, NMI president Irene N. Tantiado, who asked the question about an improved immigration status for guest workers, said she was “not satisfied” with Sablan’s answer.
Nevertheless, she said, Sablan showed his sincerity by not rejecting the invitation extended to him by the forum organizers.
“He is sincere and honest with his answers,” Tantiado said.
CREAM chairman Gus Loste said only Lizama didn’t inform the group why he couldn’t attend the forum.
Both Gonzales and Tenorio had prior appointments when the forum was held.
Loste said his group is expected to decide today who they will endorse after evaluating the platforms of each candidate.
The candidate with the best program that is in tune with the goals and objectives of the coalition will get CREAM’s endorsement, he said.
