Some residents, however, said the endorsement may be tantamount to a “kiss of death.”
Tantiado said their coalition can “create impact” in the community although its members cannot vote in the CNMI.
“We have enough manpower to help assist a candidate in the campaign,” Tantiado said, adding that guest workers can even also persuade their CNMI resident friends to support a particular candidate.
The coalition, however, has yet to determine who to endorse among the candidates.
The coalition will hold a forum next month to allow each candidate to present their programs especially for the nonresident workers, Tantiado said.
The tentative date is Aug. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Susupe multi-purpose center. The coalition will confer with each candidate regarding their availability.
During the forum, guest workers will be allowed to ask questions from the candidates, Tantiado said.
“We want to know who among the candidates can help address the concerns of guest workers,” she said.
During a recent forum, Rep. Tina Sablan told Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Indian and Nepalese guest workers, that the CNMI’s congressional delegate can ask the U.S. Congress to grant them improved immigration status.
Tantiado encouraged the delegate candidates to e-mail [email protected] or call 322-222 and 483-6867.
The coalition is also inviting other groups and associations that have similar programs to help organize the forum.
