They said they will ask Florida-based human rights advocate Wendy Doromal to continue lobbying on their behalf in Washington, D.C.
Dekada leader Boni Sagana, one of the Unity March organizers, said they may also ask the assistance of Congressman-elect Gregorio C. Sablan.
“The movement is alive and there are things that can still be done. We can make a difference in the CNMI,” said attorney Stephen Woodruff, who attended the first Unity March anniversary celebration on Sunday at the Minatchom Atdao Pavilion.
Ron Hodges described last year’s march as a “major milestone on CNMI history,” and encouraged nonresident workers “not to quit fighting.”
Fe Calixterio, the former administrator of Northern Marianas College’s adult basic education program, reminded the workers to keep on loving each other as God loves us.”
During the celebration, organizers recognized the efforts of Human Dignity president Jerry Custodio who left Saipan last month.
They said Custodio played a “big role” in the Unity March.
In an interview, Carlito I. Marquez, said their group will be adopting a new plan of action in their struggle for an improved immigration status for long-term guest workers.
He said the federal government should “understand that they need us here” and that guest workers are very vital in the CNMI’s economic activities.
Ronie Reyes, for his part, said they will continue to look into the other grievances of guest workers.
Like Sagana, Reyes said they are always open to the possibility of uniting all guest workers group, particularly with Irene N. Tantiado’s United Workers Movement, NMI.
He said although they may have personal differences, their goals are the same.
