“It’s for the betterment of our commonwealth,” she told Variety yesterday in an interview.
Doctor will testify, via videoconference, before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs during a hearing slated for July 14.
“It’s an honor to be able to speak for the people who have contributed to the CNMI’s economic and societal activities,” she said.
Doctor, whose parents are nonresident workers, was born in the CNMI.
She said testifying through video teleconference is “very convenient” — taxpayers will not have to pay for any travel expenses to Washington, D.C.
In a separate interview, Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan said Doctor should be given the chance to tell her story.
“Hazel is the personification of someone born here who is bound for success. She graduated with honors from Mount Carmel, and her parents are not U.S. citizens. I’ve known her not only as a student, but as a family friend, so I’ve asked her to testify to tell her story because she represents so many others like her,” Sablan said.
The subcommittee will hear testimony on Sablan’s bill, H.R. 1466, which will grant CNMI-status to certain nonresidents in the commonwealth.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, who opposes the bill, and a member of the business community will testify in Washington, D.C.
Sablan said he has invited CNMI lawmakers to submit written testimonies.
He encouraged the general public to visit his Susupe office near Joeten to witness the hearing through video teleconference. It will start here at 12 midnight on July 15, local time.
“The office belongs to the people of the CNMI, and it is open to everyone,” Sablan said.
Doctor said she is very thankful for the opportunity to give a sincere perspective on what she calls “a very important issue.”
“My testimony will speak about the importance of community how in one way or the other, we rely on each other, and I think that’s for the betterment of our commonwealth,” Doctor said.
“When I think of family, it’s not just about biological relations, but it’s also about the genuine bonds we have with each other,” she added.
She said she understands that there are people who fear these kinds of issues.
“But there’s nothing to be afraid of. Here in the commonwealth, we all rely on each other, and along the way, we’ve been connected like a family,” she said.
