The administration also plans to put on the ballot a question on whether the public will allow the CNMI government to incur a public debt of at least $200 million in the form of pension obligation bonds for the Retirement Fund’s use.
During the public hearing at the multi-purpose center conducted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and Independent Agencies chaired by Senate Vice President Jude U. Hofschneider, R-Tinian, close to 50 members of the public participated, including former Rep. Tina Sablan, Saipan Chamber of Commerce vice president Jim Arenovski and United Workers Movement-NMI president Rabby Syed.
“Our plan is we’re going to have a referendum come November” Ogumoro, Covenant-Saipan, said. “And in that referendum, although we’re still working on it, I am sure the question would be something like this: Are you in favor of Interior’s report? Yes or No?”
According to Ogumoro, “We would like to see that the control over the destiny of the CNMI continues to be in the hands of the indigenous people. That is my dream and I will make sure that will happen.”
Indigenous Affairs Director Ike Demapan said the administration does not support Interior’s recommendation and prefers the “status quo.”
Demapan said if the estimated over 16,000 guest workers are conferred U.S. citizenship, the indigenous people would be disenfranchised in their own homeland.
He expressed confidence the U.S. Congress will not allow that to happen.
“I am very sure…the U.S. Congress will not go against the wish of the indigenous people,” he said.
Edward Diaz, one of the local people who attended the hearing, said he supports a referendum.
“A referendum would be proper so that eligible voters can decide on the issue,” said Diaz whose public statement was cut short after he asked legislators not to use derogatory words.
“I think we should be more diplomatic. The U.S. government is not our enemy. The U.S. government is our friend,” he added.
Arenovski, for his part, suggested a special immigration status tailored for the CNMI’s needs.
Sen. Ralph DLG Torres, R-Saipan, agrees.
He noted that immigration is a contentious issue in the U.S.
“We can make our own status,” the senator said.
The Legislature and the Fitial administration are asking Congress to reject Interior’s recommendation.
They want Interior to revise its report and consult first with the governor before a new one is submitted to Congress.
