The program was supposed to be held at the amphitheater, but organizers decided to continue it in the Visitor Center because of the bad weather.
The event honored individuals and organizations that have supported improved immigration status for CNMI guest workers.
Among the guests were Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Benedetto, Federal Labor Ombudsman Pam Brown, former Rep. Tina Sablan, Labor Hearing Officer Herbert Soll, Philippine Consul Belinda Ante, labor officer Lourdes Joan Lavilla and welfare officer Rey Tayag.
Among those who were recognized were Sablan, former Deputy Assistant Interior Secretary for Insular Affairs David Cohen, Brown, Benedetto, who is a former federal labor ombudsman, and U.S. Senate senior staffer Allen Stayman.
“These public officials made us feel that their offices were always open for us, that they would assist us. As individuals, they understood our concerns and have guided us through our struggles here in the CNMI,” said Rabby Syed, president of the United Workers Movement.
He said because of these officials’ compassion and hard work, a path has been cleared toward a “possible long-term stay for the guest workers.”
Sablan, in an interview, said the alien registration initiated by the federal ombudsman was highly appreciated and “hopefully the data would be used to prepare a recommendation to the U.S. Congress.”
In his remarks, United Workers Movement chairman Ronnie Doca described their honorees as “unsung heroes.”
“They are among the many individuals who have supported and assisted us in our many needs as guest workers in the CNMI,” he said.
Besides Doca, Ernest Maicle, former president of MOVER, United Workers Movement vice president Jun Concillado, Malou Berueco, Yho Villavicencio, Lito Marquez and Melqui Pacis also presented the night’s honorees.
These included lawyers, guest workers, members of the media, social workers, and organizers of the “Unity March” held in Dec. 2007.
Doca praised the honorees’ “sense of compassion,” while Concillado said these individuals “made us feel that we belong in this community.”
Not all of the honorees were present during their recognition.
Those recognized were Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan, Mark Hanson, Joe Hill, Joseph Horey, Maya Kara, Robert Myers, Lupe Manglona, Fe Calixterio, Lauri Ogomuro, Sister Mary Stella Mangona, Herbert Soll, former Rep. Edward Salas, Dean Tenorio, Bobbie Sablan, Ruth Tighe, Alam Manzurul, Nancy Kelchner, David Cohen, Allen Stayman, Jim Benedetto, the Philippine Consulate General staff, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Wendy Doromal, Steve Woodruff, Ron Hodges, Ed Propst, former Rep. Tina Sablan, Glenn Hunter, Ken O’Harnett, Jaime Vergara, Ed Del Rosario, Jerry Custodio, Irene Tantiado, Thess Samson, Conrad Ocampo, Haidee Eugenio, Jayvee Vallejera, Ferdie de la Torre, KSPN and this reporter.
The program was highlighted by the performances of different cultural dance groups.
