As in many cases in which I had the opportunity to testify before our legislative body, detrimental decisions had been made based on a single public input affecting our indigenous population’s well-being.
Senator, if you recall there had been two public hearings on the matter of permanent residency drafted and introduced before the public by then-Rep. Tina Sablan.
The results of those hearings were concurred by our legislative branch to be that of the sentiments of the peaople of the commonwealth.
The results I believe were a majority NO to the granting of permanent residency to temporary foreign guest workers in our home island.
I firmly believe that in order to obtain the full sentiments of our people such public hearings must be conducted in each village in which hearings should be held a week at a time per village.
Another option is a house to house visit, something that each of you are all familiar with.
A 90-day time frame is sufficient enough to garner the full sentiments of our people, but the legislative building is not the place and your colleagues must carry out the extra mile to gain true results.
I am honored by your courage to stand and testify before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife in Washington chaired by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo for the issues before our people are highly sensitive in nature.
To the indigenous population, I ask all of you that if such a public hearing is being called to address important and critical issues by the leaders of our home island — all you must make every effort to attend and let your voices be heard, and ensure that our elected leaders bring the issue before your door steps as in the case when they are seeking re-election.
The future of our people and that of our future generation’s social and cultural well-being is being challenged and it is time that ONE VOICE, the VOICE of our indigenous population be heard, loud and crystal clear through the halls of U.S. Congress. We are the people of the land and that our opinions, inputs, suggestions, and so forth should be recognized and acknowledged with the utmost RESPECT.
GREGORIO CRUZ
Taotao Tano
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