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Human Dignity Movement leads prayer vigil
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Posted on Apr 04 2008
To further show their support for federalization of the CNMI’s immigration system, the Human Dignity Movement is leading a prayer vigil this afternoon at the American Memorial Park from 5pm to 8pm.
According to Human Dignity president Jerry Custodio, “Our struggle for justice, social, and political rights has long been a long one. We hope we are nearing the end.
The event, which is also supported by other guest worker organizations, is encouraging all guest workers—Filipinos, Chinese, Bangladeshis, Nepalese, Koreans, Japanese, Canadians, Sri Lankan, and others; concerned local residents, and business owners to participate and show full support for the vigil
The event is expected to feature prayers and inspirational messages by speakers ranging from Custodio, Korean Association Simon Sin, and Human Dignity Movement official Rene Reyes, to Bangladeshi Community member Mansural Alam, Ron Hodges, and others.
According to human rights activist Wendy Doromal, the “event gives those who support federalization, and those who wish to promote social and political justice for the CNMI’s guest workers an opportunity to renew the energy, unity, and hope of December’s Unity March.”
In an invitation to community members to participate in today’s vigil, Doromal stated, “Recently, the unity of guest worker community has been tested with proposals of CNMI permanent residency, resulting in differing, even conflicting views.”
“Unity does not mean that we must walk the same paths to get to the final destination. Unity does not mean that we must trust the same people. It does not mean that we must always agree. Unity means that we respect each other’s opinions and agree to disagree,” Dormal said.
The Human Dignity Movement is encouraging other guest worker organizations to participate in this event despite their differences on the federalization issue.
“It’s not about who-thinks-what, it’s about the community coming together peacefully,” Custodio said.
Doromal said that the “vision of the Unity Movement is a shared vision of a united and prosperous CNMI. It can only be achieved through mutual respect, collaboration, and social and political justice.”
