Vice Speaker Felicidad T. Ogumoro, Covenant-Saipan, said the two offices are organizing the event.
Like other CNMI officials, she believes that Interior failed to consult with the governor before the recommendation was submitted to the U.S. Congress ahead of the May 8, 2010 deadline set forth in the federalization law, U.S. P.L. 110-229, or the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008.
“The position of the indigenous people has to be respected. They have to be consulted through our governor. That’s all we’re asking for, especially if it’s going to affect us, we deserve to be consulted,” she told the Variety.
The CNMI Legislature unanimously adopted a resolution asking the U.S. Congress to “direct” Interior to consult with the governor and redraft its recommendation.
