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Fitial open to proposed non-partisan summit
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Posted on Dec 06 2004
House Speaker Benigno Fitial said the House of Representatives would be willing to assist in Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio’s proposed summit to discuss pressing economic, social, and political issues facing the CNMI.
“I will ask the Legislative Bureau to assist in facilitating your recommended summit,” said Fitial in a Nov. 30, 2004 letter to Tenorio.
Tenorio earlier issued a statement calling for all CNMI leaders to convene a non-partisan summit to tackle crucial issues surrounding the economy, education, and local workforce.
Tenorio aired his concerns in view of the global lifting of quota restrictions by Jan. 1, 2005 as well as moves among long-time nonresidents to petition for permanent residency in the CNMI or U.S. citizenship.
He said the CNMI community should meet in a summit to discuss replacement industries for the garment sector, prospects of future investment potentials, the islands’ continuing reliance on nonresident workers and the future of these workers and their long term and potential permanent presence in the CNMI, among other things.
Fitial said he applauds Tenorio on his move.
“I also want to thank you for your concern for our indigenous population, as we grapple with the challenges posed by rapid technological developments and a highly competitive 21st century global economy, which might leave our residents mired in poverty, if we are not able to adapt to rapid changes and the constant need for education and training,” said Fitial.
