What did self-governance leave us with?

Section 903 of the our Covenant agreement assures us that nothing in the Covenant, in particular Article IX dealing with consultation, is deemed to prevent the presentation of cases arising under the Covenant agreement to the federal courts. Sections 903 expresses the clear intent of the United States and the Northern Marianas that such cases can be heard in court, and that the undertakings or promises by the Government of the United States and by the Government of the Northern Marianas provided for in the Covenant will be enforceable. This is a basic protection that guarantees to both sides that the enforcement powers of the Federal courts can be brought to bear with respect to the promises made in the Covenant.

Now the Fitial administration is within its bounds to file a lawsuit on the matter but is it supported by the will of the people? Can this governor, along with former Speaker Oscar Rasa, offer proof beyond reasonable doubt that our right to self-governance under their control for many years had led us into prosperity or poverty? Is it really about self-governance that this administration is seeking to clarify or is it the fear that all the years of corruption are finally coming to a screeching halt. For over two decades, this administration and Rasa had known about the threats of a federal takeover, but none of them lifted a finger to correct or rectify our internal loopholes and flaws in our immigration and labor control. Such ignorance and self-interest has led all of us to the predicament we face today.

For over two decades, the federal government’s DOI/OIA, including members of Congress, have been in consultations with our government, to include hearings held in the U.S. Congress dating as far back as former governor Froilan Tenorio’s tenure. The amount of data, reports, complaints, and other documentations compiled concerning the years of loopholes and flaws in our immigration and labor system is something to consider in this lawsuit.

All this lawsuit is asking for is to instill further mayhem and disrespect to our own indigenous local U.S. citizens and residents of the Commonwealth who have been victimized in terms of being the last priority for jobs, an unrealistic self-serving minimum wage that appeased the rich, while the poor remained poor.

So, we say go ahead Governor Fitial and former Speaker Mr. Oscar Rasa, bring more shame and disrespect to our suffering people, the indigenous local taotao tanos whom you all left behind and forgotten for many years.