Babauta at the same time criticized the CNMI Department of Labor for “tak[ing] great liberty in its public criticism” of Brown’s statements during the forum.
“In preparation of this forum, Ms. Brown and I discussed the issues in great detail with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure there was a consensus between our respective departments on the implementation of federal law and local law,” Babauta said.
CNMI Labor is disputing Brown’s statements regarding the umbrella permit.
According to Brown, CNMI Labor cannot revoke the umbrella permits it earlier issued to nonresidents, and nonresident workers are no longer required to pay fees to the department.
She also said that the federal government does not require employers to seek permission from CNMI Labor when renewing the contract of guest workers.
But Deputy Labor Secretary Cinta M. Kaipat insists that her department can revoke the umbrella permits.
The Fitial administration is now supporting House Bill 17-25, or the Immigration Conformity Act of 2010, introduced by Rep. Rafael S. Demapan, Covenant-Saipan.
“It is the intent of the Legislature that the umbrella permits issued by the Department of Labor in 2009 continue to be governed under the department’s normal processes,” the bill stated.
But Babauta said “the guidance provided by the Department of Homeland Security has been properly expressed by Ms. Brown during her forum.”
United Workers Movement president Rabby Syed said Babauta’s statement has “erased the confusion created by Kaipat.”
“This will help us to move forward and create a healthy working environment in the community,” Syed said, as he expressed his gratitude to Babauta, and the officials of DHS, which released a lengthy statement that reaffirmed Interior’s position on the umbrella permits.
Syed said nonresident groups will hold a candle light prayer meeting on March 20 at the Kilili Beach.
The gathering, he said, is to offer prayer for the quick recovery of Brown who figured in an accident a day after the forum on March 4.
“We would also like to show our gratitude to the other federal officials,” he said.
Syed said representatives from the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance will also discuss the right way of cleaning the coastal areas on Saipan.
