Rabby Syed, United Workers Movement president, said his group recently met with Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr.
Today, at 6 p.m., Syed said his group will meet with other nonresident workers at the Minachon Atdao in Susupe to discuss this issue.
Reyes confirmed to Variety that he met with Syed and some guest workers at their request.
“I told them I would brief the governor about our meeting. That is all. The governor will consider all issues when the federal government consults him on federalization,” Reyes said.
“Let me be clear — as press secretary, I only communicate policy. I do not make policy.”
Boni Sagana, Dekada Movement president, also attended the meeting with Reyes.
Sagana said it was suggested that a forum be held to be spearheaded by the NMI Council of Humanities.
Reyes said guest workers should convince the local community, including legislators and other government officials, to improve their immigration status.
Sagana, however, said the forum may be a “little bit too late” as Dekada had already conducted consultations and meetings in previous years.
United Workers Movement adviser Melquiadez Concillado Jr. said they will prepare for the coming visit of a U.S. congressional delegation.
Concillado said during their meeting today, they will also discuss the report of human rights advocate Wendy Doromal regarding the status of CNMI guest workers.
He said they support Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan’s stand against the further delay of the federalization law’s implementation.
Syed said they will pursue the plan to unify all guest worker groups.
Sagana said he is not against any effort that would benefit the guest workers but he added that he cannot attend today’s meeting because of a previous commitment.
Doromal, a former Rota teacher now based in Florida, supports the unification of guest worker groups.
“I think that the more unified the workers are, the stronger their voice will be. It is good news that the guest workers are speaking with one voice, and I hope they will continue on this course,” she said.
Syed is inviting all guest workers to participate in the discussions today. For more information, call 989-3306 and 285-9255.
He said there will be refreshment and entertainment after the meeting.
“Your presence will be highly appreciated and please participate and come up with your ideas during the meeting,” he said.
Members of the Pilipino Contract Workers Association and the Human Dignity Movement have already confirmed their attendance, Syed said.
