As I vividly recall about our conversation, you unequivocally support the implementation of the federalization law, U.S. Public Law 110-229, regardless of its negative impact to the CNMI economy while I was taking the position for a delay in order to try to resolve serious issues between the CNMI and the federal government. For whatever reason, you misrepresented our conversation by saying that I was not able to answer your question because I did.
The most critical issue facing the commonwealth on the federalization issue is the argument that sections of U.S. Public Law 110-229 violates the Covenant on the CNMI’s right of self-government. This issue is before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and, since the Covenant is the foundation to our current political relationship with the United States, it is essential that the issue be resolved first before proceeding with federalization. Another paramount concern is the projected destructive impact of federalization to the CNMI economy. Unfortunately, you discarded these issues as unimportant and irrelevant.
You are right that since the inception of our commonwealth government, we have failed to prepare our people for the various skilled jobs required in the private sector. However, it does not justify your stance that, because of our failure, U.S. Public Law 110-229 should be implemented regardless of its potential damaging effect to our economy and society. My answer to your question on what are the people doing to prepare for federalization was that locals are responding better to job openings in the private sector.
A five-year window given for the commonwealth to produce all the skilled jobs required in the private sector is unrealistic. It is not just a question of whether there is enough of a local labor workforce available (of which I don’t think there is) but are there enough locals interested and willing to pursue studies to qualify and fill all the various job categories within five years? Sure, the interim period may be extended, but if extended after the CNMI economy has significantly contracted, there may not be a need for an extension. The key concern is to implement the filling of jobs currently held by contract workers in a realistic time frame. Otherwise, the CNMI economy will be in shambles that may take years to restore at the expense of the local people.
We both agreed that the size of government is too big and that there is a need for a more aggressive effort in preparing resident workers to fill the labor demand of the private sector. Where we disagreed was you take the position that, because of our failures, we take what we call the “shoot to broke” approach. Whereas I prefer that we take a cautious approach with a realistic transition so that our local economy will not be destroyed in the process.
Lastly, I’d like to say that I and, if not all, of CNMI descent are grateful to become a part of the United States, and we have shown that by the ratio of our residents joining the military to defend our country. However, it is wrong and insulting for you to insinuate that the Covenant does not matter with your remarks that “When we opted to join the United States and accept its passport, its money and protection, we gave away many of our previous rights. There are no free lunches. I feel strongly that by trying to cling to days gone by is one of the main reasons we face the economic and political dilemma we are in. Think about it. We cannot have our cake and eat it!” A better term would be “Don’t eat somebody’s cake without asking!”
Please be reminded that our political status was negotiated to benefit both side’s interest, so do not count the goodies in the agreement to justify breaching the agreement. The commonwealth is guaranteed self-government and the U.S. commitment that the “United States will assist the Government of the Northern Marianas to achieve a progressively higher standard of living for its people as part of the American economic community and to develop the economic resources needed to meet the financial responsibilities of local self-government.”
Economic reports such as the Malcom D. McPhee & Associates and Dick Conway, and the Economic Forecast by First Hawaiian Bank are projecting that federalization will have a negative impact to the CNMI economy. Although some may argue that the impact of federalization will be minimal, it is better to err on the side of caution. Hence, it is prudent for the U.S. Congress to delay federalization.
IKE K. QUICHOCHO
Marpo Heights, Tinian
