Rep. Tina Sablan, one of the organizers, said they are planning more protest actions until the federal government steps in to help the CNMI.
As of 6:30 p.m. at least 300 individuals, mostly statesiders, students and guest workers, had gathered at the rally site.
The protesters said Aggreko’s temporary generating power is nothing but a “band-aid” remedy to the insufficient power supply generated by the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.
Marianas High School students were among the participants, along with members of the business community, the Bangladeshi group led by Rabby Syed, the United Workers Movement, NMI and the United Workers Association.
MHS student Kassandra Marquez, 16, said she is supporting the “right cause of the people” and wants to spread the news that “we are in dire need of federal help.”
Maryana Gramlich, 16, said the Aggreko units “cost so much money and the CUC engines are broken down so we need new ones.”
“This problem is making us bitter,” said Adeleyah Mojica, 16, another MHS student.
“I joined the rally because of these bitter times,” fellow student Richele Anastacio said.
Starting at 5:30 p.m., people began signing the petitions for federal intervention.
Sablan, Ind.-Saipan, said they will continue to collect signatures from other residents who believe that federal intervention can help solve the island’s power crisis.
The rally was highlighted with a candle and flashlight vigil and the presentation of testimonies from residents who have suffered from the daily power outages.
The rally’s other organizers included Ed Propst, Eric Atalig Roger Ludwick and Rep. Edward T. Salas, R-Saipan.
