July 2, 2003

Honorable Pedro Agulto Tenorio
Resident Representative to the United States
for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
2121 “R” Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008

Dear Resident Representative:

The Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association (SGMA) respectfully requests your good Offices to thoroughly review our enclosed “SGMA Saipan Apparel Industry Report”, for a better understanding of the accurate and current conditions within our industry.

Despite the fact that measurable improvements in work conditions, employment practices and fundamental human rights of the industry’s employees have continued to occur in our industry over the past decade, there still appears to be a “gap” between what actually exists and what is still circulated in the mainland media, and more importantly, circulated in the nation’s capitol.

We have designed this Report to demonstrate our total commitment and effort toward the progress that has occurred over the past decade, with an emphasis on the last six (6) years, in hope that while you are performing your immense duties and responsibilities for the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, you will be able to relay some of this Report to those that most need to be made aware of the progress in Saipan’s apparel industry.

Sincerely,

Richard A. Pierce
SGMA Executive Director

cc: Honorable Juan N. Babauta, Governor
SGMA Board of Directors
Media