DCCA’s Ogumoro responds to critics

Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Laura Ogumoro says she continues to carry out her responsibilities in making improvements at the department despite several staff concerns over her leadership.

In an interview with Saipan Tribune yesterday, Ogumoro said the recent allegations against her are unfounded and without justification, intended only to disrupt her ongoing work for DCCA’s stability and progress.

“DCCA requires a lot of attention to remain effective and consistent with this administration’s mandates. I find it unnecessary and unprofessional to waste efforts in trying to resolve matters that are clearly unjustified and uncalled for,” Ogumoro said.

In early February, DCCA staff sent a strongly worded letter to Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres—through members of the Saipan Seniors Advisory Council—complaining about Ogumoro’s leadership.

Ogumoro said she believes all personnel must make their grievances known, but through proper channels.

“I believe anyone has every right to let his or her grievance be heard, and I encourage them to seek the assistance of the appropriate agency with the authority to investigate such allegations. In this case, it is the Office of Personnel Management, and not the office of the SAA [Special Assistant for Administration].”

Ogumoro said she has issued notices, advising these individuals of their rights and the proper way to file grievances.

She said the allegations has led to identifying areas that need to be addressed to prevent such upheavals from reoccurring. Although she has always touted the importance of effective communication through each of her division directors and their personnel, recent developments revealed that this was not followed, she said.

“If given the opportunity to continue my role as the DCCA secretary, corrective actions shall take place. These actions may include reorganization of division roles and procedures to ensure that all concerns from staff are not overlooked, or are handled properly and communicated by division directors. The directors play a very important role in this department to ensure that all concerns are communicated and dealt with properly. A director must possess such skills to direct the division. Absent that, certain changes need to be made,” Ogumoro said.

When asked about her overall impression of what transpired, Ogumoro said, “What I have been doing in this department is in the best interest of the governor’s administration and the general public. It is up to the governor to decide whether or not to retain my services in this department.”