Prayer vigil attracts less than 200

A prayer vigil in support of federalization, which was expected to attract at least 500 people, had a turnout of less than 200 last Saturday at the American Memorial Park.

One of the said reasons of the low turnout, is that guest worker organizations did not see eye-to-eye on a proposal that could grant them CNMI resident status.

Rep. Tina Sablan said she is sad that after a “deeply moving success of our Unity March, we have found ourselves divided again.”

“I’m not talking about division between those who oppose federalization and those who support it; I’m talking about divisions among us. Among people who want the same thing and that is improved status for long-term foreign workers,” Sablan said.

Attorney Mark Hanson also recognized the few people at the prayer vigil than the day after the Unity March.

“It sounds to me that there are disagreements and that’s because some people want to go in one direction and the others want to go in another direction—but that’s destroying unity and that’s exactly what your detractors want you to do,” Hanson said.

He says that the groups would have to make up the differences, get together and be united because “that’s the way you can make the real change.”

Hanson said the key to make “real change” is in unity and numbers.

“If three workers of a big hotel refuse to work for a week, they get fired. If all workers of a big hotel big hotel refuse to work for a week, they get a raise and better vacation benefits. Now, if all workers of all big hotels refuse to work for a week, they get a constitutional amendment,” Hanson said.

He says there’s an “incredible strength in numbers.”

“Whatever you decide to do, be united in your purpose and be united in your actions. Set your goals high and don’t stop until you’ve attained them. Organize for a union, make a real change,” Hanson said.

Human Dignity Movement president Jerry Custodio said everyone had been welcomed to join the prayer vigil no matter their beliefs on the federalization issue.

He said that what the prayer vigil was about was coming together and fighting for the same goal.

A letter from human rights activist Wendy Doromal was read to the audience by Custodio.

Doromal stated that social justice can not be achieved merely through legislation, “It is achieved through changing people’s hearts, through understanding, and through education.”

She encourages all guest worker groups to stay united in their fight for federalization.

“Don’t despair; never lose hope. Stand strong for justice for yourselves and your children. Persevere in your fight for status, political and social rights, liberty, democracy, and freedom until the fight is won,” Doromal stated.