‘Workforce also an issue elsewhere’

Labor and other workforce related issues are also hindering the economic progress of other island nations in the Micronesian region, according to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres. He said workforce was one of the issues that they discussed at the Micronesian Islands Forum.

Guam hosted the 22nd edition of the forum at the Hyatt Regency Guam. It brought together the leaders of island nations and territories in the region—the CNMI, Federated States of Micronesia (Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap states), Guam, the Marshall Islands, and Palau.

The two-day forum used to be called the Micronesian Executive Summit

Torres said he had an interesting discussion with other leaders in the region of the issues that affect their respective jurisdictions. Aside from labor issues, alcohol and substance abuse was also discussed.

“We came in and worked together in addressing our issues and other challenges in the Micronesian region. An interesting part is they also have issues on workforce like us,” said Torres.

The CNMI is expected to face a shortage of workers once the hotels being developed and constructed begin their respective operations. Alter City Group would build a casino on Tinian, while Bridge Investment Group also has several projects lined up.

Imperial Pacific Resort, which is currently embroiled in a controversy after several of its contractors were found bringing in tourists for work, and another hotel project, Hong Kong-based Honest Profit International Ltd., are being built on Saipan.

The CNMI-only transitional worker program is set to end in 2019. Businesses will need to move their foreign laborers to a work visa under United States immigration laws.

Torres said other island nations also want to lower their unemployment rate. “Which, I think, is a great thing for us. I plan to go down to other Micronesian islands and do a job career program, where we’re going to go there and talk to potential employees.”

Presidents Tommy Remengesau Jr. (Palau), Peter Christian (FSM), and Hilda Heine (Marshall Islands), and governors Eddie Calvo (Guam), Johnson Elimo (Chuuk), Lyndon Jackson (Kosrae), Marcelo K. Peterson (Pohnpei), and Tony Ganngiyan (Yap) were the other leaders of the region that attended the forum.

Calvo, being the host of the annual meeting, is the chairman, while Torres would assume the position when the summit is held in the CNMI next year.