Ancient remains to be shipped off-island
By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff
12/21/07
THE ancient remains excavated from a development site in a Tumon beach property will be sent off-island for analysis, according to the Guam State Historic Preservation Office’s draft plan, which is being protested by cultural activist and former senator Hope Cristobal.
Cristobal also questioned the propriety of reaching a plan with the possible involvement of a preservation official who is also the representative architect of the project developer, Gun Beach Development.
According to the plan, the remains will be packaged in cardboard shipping containers or plastic containers that will be marked “fragile.”
The tentative method of transport is to escort the remains by an individual approved by HPO.
“When it is deemed acceptable to transport through other means than escorting, the remains will be sent via registered mail through the U.S. Postal Service,” the plan stated.
At least 280 remains were dug up from an ancient burial site in a privately owned beach property in Tumon, the site of Okura Hotel’s $30 million development project.
PHRI Western Pacific Division, the archeological company commissioned by Okura Hotel, originally planned to ship the remains for off-island study in August. PHRI, however, quickly dropped the plan following protest by Cristobal’s group.
HPO revived the plan during the Historic Preservation Review Board’s meeting on Dec. 17.
The skeletal fragments will be shipped out in batches consisting of 25 remains per shipment. Subsequent shipments will follow when the previous batch returns to Guam following completion of analysis.
“A waiver to exceed this number will be considered if the total amount is extremely high or the analytical process is projected to exceed five years,” according to the draft plan, which HPO manager Patrick Lujan sent out via e-mail to board members.
“The contracted archaeological firm sending the remains off-island shall take full financial and legal responsibility for the safe return of the remains,” the plan stated.
The preservation board determined that sending fragmentary remains off-island could shorten the research timeframe and expedite the reburial process or gain information by specialized studies.
Results of the skeletal remains analysis will be forwarded to a qualified osteologist according to the standards and guidelines set by the Department of the Interior.
Cristobal, meanwhile, lambasted the Historic Preservation Review Board for drafting a policy that she said will benefit Mike Makio, Gun Beach Development’s architect who is also the chairman of the board.
“Obviously, a conflict of interest is being set up before the actual voting happens at the board meeting where Mr. Makio will publicly recuse himself, making it appear that he is not in conflict,” Cristobal said.
“Policies are paving the way for Gun Beach Development and its representatives to complete the final assault on our Chamorro ancestors in Tumon,” she added.
Cristobal also lambasted the board for allegedly shutting off the public from the policymaking decision.
“I believe the Historic Preservation Review Board should announce their board meetings so the public can be allowed to attend and inform themselves of policies being created for the public’s good,” Cristobal said.
She said the board’s plan will pave the way for other developers to “destroy whole cemeteries by digging them out; rather than redesign the encroaching hotel on the ancestral cemeteries.”
Cristobal also criticized territorial archaeologist Vic April for putting property rights over preservation of Guam’s historical treasures.
“Preservation must go beyond Vic April’s interpretation of ‘preservation.’ It must extend whose traditional rights and common law rights. They practiced their sacred burial rituals hundreds of years ago,” she added.
Preservation officials could not be reached for comment at press time.
Showing posts with label Burials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Burials. Show all posts
Friday, December 21, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Pago Bay Resort
Pago Bay Resort site was once ancient settlement
by Clynt Ridgell, KUAM News
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
If you've driven by a specific Pago Bay clearing right below the Yona Overlook, you've probably been wondering what's going on with all the clearing. The development work being done is the site of a future housing development that was once an ancient settlement.
All of the jungle was cleared by hand - the reason the owner of Sunny Wholesale, Fong Woo, purchased this property and is now looking to develop it as a single family housing subdivision. But before it's developed they've contracted the services of the Micronesian Area Research Center to conduct an archeological survey, and what they've found is rather interesting.
MARC director and archaeologist Dr. John Peterson explained, "We find a village here, which extends all the way along this ridge parallel to the sea; at least here on the top there's some pottery and burned rock and other remains showing that people where living here with some density. So far Peterson say he and his team thinks it was a rather dense settlement used for at least a thousand years before the Spaniards arrived. Peterson says this ancient Chamorro village probably goes back to the Pre-Latte Period.
"Just a few centimeters below the surface we're finding Marianas redware pottery, which is indication that people were living here maybe as long ago as 2,000-3,000 years ago," he added.
Dr. Mike Carson is another archeologist who's working the site. He pointed out an interesting cave that remains to be explored, noting, "This cave is a little unusual - it has two entrances to it. Inside we see evidence of quite a lot of sediment accumulation." The good thing about the dirt and sediment that has accumulated inside the cave is that it's actually preserved whatever maybe left underneath. Although they haven't found any cave art, it's possible that they could be hidden behind all this dirt and debris. "There's a chamber on the side and there's another chamber [in the] back...these are the prime places where people would go to take shelter to be most protected from the elements," said Carson.
Dr. Carson showed us some recently set coconut crab traps showing the fertility of the land here, saying, "And we may yet find evidence of how long that tradition has occurred here." Dr. Peterson believes the ancient Chamorros probably lived in the area before during and after the latte period when the Spaniards arrived. "This is really a good spot right next to the river great breeze here<' he said, "It's a good locality for settling."
Not only was it a good place to settle in the past it's evidently going to be a settlement of the future. Pago Bay Resort general operations manager John Tarantino, saying, "What we're trying to do is create a resort community, not just a place to live, you know, an environment." To accomplish this, they'll be putting in private roads underground power cable sewer and water for 88 lots to be sold to people interested in building high-end, single-family homes in a gated community. Added Tarantino, "What we're trying to achieve here is to maximize what Pago Bays potential is with regards to a natural environment to live in."
Tarantino says the idea was to impact the land as little as possible. This is why they've contracted marc for an archeological survey and also why Tarantino says they've going through all the necessary steps and getting all the necessary permits before developing. "When this lot is delivered to whomever buys it, it comes free and clear of any questions or archaeological environmental ownership. The whole idea here is peace of mind," he said.
by Clynt Ridgell, KUAM News
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
If you've driven by a specific Pago Bay clearing right below the Yona Overlook, you've probably been wondering what's going on with all the clearing. The development work being done is the site of a future housing development that was once an ancient settlement.
All of the jungle was cleared by hand - the reason the owner of Sunny Wholesale, Fong Woo, purchased this property and is now looking to develop it as a single family housing subdivision. But before it's developed they've contracted the services of the Micronesian Area Research Center to conduct an archeological survey, and what they've found is rather interesting.
MARC director and archaeologist Dr. John Peterson explained, "We find a village here, which extends all the way along this ridge parallel to the sea; at least here on the top there's some pottery and burned rock and other remains showing that people where living here with some density. So far Peterson say he and his team thinks it was a rather dense settlement used for at least a thousand years before the Spaniards arrived. Peterson says this ancient Chamorro village probably goes back to the Pre-Latte Period.
"Just a few centimeters below the surface we're finding Marianas redware pottery, which is indication that people were living here maybe as long ago as 2,000-3,000 years ago," he added.
Dr. Mike Carson is another archeologist who's working the site. He pointed out an interesting cave that remains to be explored, noting, "This cave is a little unusual - it has two entrances to it. Inside we see evidence of quite a lot of sediment accumulation." The good thing about the dirt and sediment that has accumulated inside the cave is that it's actually preserved whatever maybe left underneath. Although they haven't found any cave art, it's possible that they could be hidden behind all this dirt and debris. "There's a chamber on the side and there's another chamber [in the] back...these are the prime places where people would go to take shelter to be most protected from the elements," said Carson.
Dr. Carson showed us some recently set coconut crab traps showing the fertility of the land here, saying, "And we may yet find evidence of how long that tradition has occurred here." Dr. Peterson believes the ancient Chamorros probably lived in the area before during and after the latte period when the Spaniards arrived. "This is really a good spot right next to the river great breeze here<' he said, "It's a good locality for settling."
Not only was it a good place to settle in the past it's evidently going to be a settlement of the future. Pago Bay Resort general operations manager John Tarantino, saying, "What we're trying to do is create a resort community, not just a place to live, you know, an environment." To accomplish this, they'll be putting in private roads underground power cable sewer and water for 88 lots to be sold to people interested in building high-end, single-family homes in a gated community. Added Tarantino, "What we're trying to achieve here is to maximize what Pago Bays potential is with regards to a natural environment to live in."
Tarantino says the idea was to impact the land as little as possible. This is why they've contracted marc for an archeological survey and also why Tarantino says they've going through all the necessary steps and getting all the necessary permits before developing. "When this lot is delivered to whomever buys it, it comes free and clear of any questions or archaeological environmental ownership. The whole idea here is peace of mind," he said.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Okura Burials
Guam Hotel Okura Archeology Site
The Marianas Variety
8/27/07
GROWING up on Guam I have always had a sense of awareness and respect for taotaomonas. My interests in the culture of the Mariana islands led me to pursue a degree in Anthropology at UOG. Over the summer I had the wonderful opportunity to do an internship with PHRI. PHRI is the Cultural Resource Management Firm contracted to conduct the archaeological excavations at the Guam Hotel Okura.
In recent weeks the Marianas Variety on Guam has covered stories on the archaeological work being done at the site. Unfortunately, the articles and editorials featured portrayed the archaeologists in a negative light. The archaeologists were scrutinized for their treatment of the human burial remains. It was very discouraging to read unfounded or ridiculous accusations regarding their work ethic. Contrary to what was printed, I found the archaeologists, Dave DeFant and Lynn Leon Guerrero, to be very professional and experienced. The project crew is exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable. Documenting and exhuming burial remains is not easy. It is labor-intensive, tedious and time consuming. The crew was always very mindful and respectful when handling the remains. Under their guidance, I learned about the processes involved in doing proper burial excavations and what it really takes to be an archaeologist. I was impressed by the team's enthusiasm and strong work ethic. For the past year and half, PHRI has worked in the hot sun upwards of eight hours a day, almost every day of the week! Their hard work and efforts are not in vain!
The artifacts and other archaeological findings coming out of Okura are new and exciting! It will give our community an expansive amount of information about our ancestors. The articles in Marianas Variety, while negative, really served to highlight the need to address our island's lack of salient policies dealing with historic and cultural preservation. With the onset of more development on Guam, it is imperative that a new museum is built to house and display the new and existing archaeological artifacts. The cultural history of our island is rich, deep and unique, and the current state of the Guam Museum does not do that history justice.
I learned so much about the first settlers on Guam from my short time working with the team at PHRI. The recent political controversies damaged their spirits, and that is a real shame, because they are doing our island a great service. I am very grateful for the experience of working with amazing people who truly care about our culture. Un Dångkolo na Si Yu'us Ma'åse to Dave DeFant, Lynn Leon Guerrero, Russell Kanai, Tasha Iriarte and Dee Cruz! Keep up the great work!
MOÑEKA DE ORO
Sinajana, Guam
The Marianas Variety
8/27/07
GROWING up on Guam I have always had a sense of awareness and respect for taotaomonas. My interests in the culture of the Mariana islands led me to pursue a degree in Anthropology at UOG. Over the summer I had the wonderful opportunity to do an internship with PHRI. PHRI is the Cultural Resource Management Firm contracted to conduct the archaeological excavations at the Guam Hotel Okura.
In recent weeks the Marianas Variety on Guam has covered stories on the archaeological work being done at the site. Unfortunately, the articles and editorials featured portrayed the archaeologists in a negative light. The archaeologists were scrutinized for their treatment of the human burial remains. It was very discouraging to read unfounded or ridiculous accusations regarding their work ethic. Contrary to what was printed, I found the archaeologists, Dave DeFant and Lynn Leon Guerrero, to be very professional and experienced. The project crew is exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable. Documenting and exhuming burial remains is not easy. It is labor-intensive, tedious and time consuming. The crew was always very mindful and respectful when handling the remains. Under their guidance, I learned about the processes involved in doing proper burial excavations and what it really takes to be an archaeologist. I was impressed by the team's enthusiasm and strong work ethic. For the past year and half, PHRI has worked in the hot sun upwards of eight hours a day, almost every day of the week! Their hard work and efforts are not in vain!
The artifacts and other archaeological findings coming out of Okura are new and exciting! It will give our community an expansive amount of information about our ancestors. The articles in Marianas Variety, while negative, really served to highlight the need to address our island's lack of salient policies dealing with historic and cultural preservation. With the onset of more development on Guam, it is imperative that a new museum is built to house and display the new and existing archaeological artifacts. The cultural history of our island is rich, deep and unique, and the current state of the Guam Museum does not do that history justice.
I learned so much about the first settlers on Guam from my short time working with the team at PHRI. The recent political controversies damaged their spirits, and that is a real shame, because they are doing our island a great service. I am very grateful for the experience of working with amazing people who truly care about our culture. Un Dångkolo na Si Yu'us Ma'åse to Dave DeFant, Lynn Leon Guerrero, Russell Kanai, Tasha Iriarte and Dee Cruz! Keep up the great work!
MOÑEKA DE ORO
Sinajana, Guam
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Ancient Remains May Be Personally Transported
Ancient remains from Okura may be personally transported
by Michele Catahay, KUAM News
Thursday, August 09, 2007
The senior archeologist spearheading the Guam Hotel Okura project is looking at other options to have ancient remains get to the mainland for further analysis. Instead of sending them via registered mail, as his company, PHRI, had proposed, David Defant says there is a possibility that they may escort the remains themselves. Ancient artifacts to include 287 human remains were found on the site.
The hotel is currently spending over $30 million in renovations. Defant says remains have been sent off-island in the past, as recently as last year, via registered mail. "We had applied to ship the remains via United States Registered Mail, it has been suggested. It's an excellent suggestion that we instead escort the remains via Continental to the States and back, and that seems to be a reasonable request," he said.
Former senator and coalition leader Hope Cristobal is pushing to have projects in that area seize in order to protect the ancient burial grounds. Meanwhile, the Department of Parks and Recreation's Historical Resources Division contends that the hotel has continued to follow Guam law and has reported to them on a weekly basis.
by Michele Catahay, KUAM News
Thursday, August 09, 2007
The senior archeologist spearheading the Guam Hotel Okura project is looking at other options to have ancient remains get to the mainland for further analysis. Instead of sending them via registered mail, as his company, PHRI, had proposed, David Defant says there is a possibility that they may escort the remains themselves. Ancient artifacts to include 287 human remains were found on the site.
The hotel is currently spending over $30 million in renovations. Defant says remains have been sent off-island in the past, as recently as last year, via registered mail. "We had applied to ship the remains via United States Registered Mail, it has been suggested. It's an excellent suggestion that we instead escort the remains via Continental to the States and back, and that seems to be a reasonable request," he said.
Former senator and coalition leader Hope Cristobal is pushing to have projects in that area seize in order to protect the ancient burial grounds. Meanwhile, the Department of Parks and Recreation's Historical Resources Division contends that the hotel has continued to follow Guam law and has reported to them on a weekly basis.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Okura Expansion Hits a Snag
Guam Okura expansion hits a snag
By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff
8/1/07
THE $30 million expansion of the Guam Hotel Okura has hit a snag as representatives of Chamorro activist groups asked the hotel owners to save what’s left of the ancient Chamorro cemetery being excavated at the hotel’s renovation construction site.
The groups claim that more than 280 ancestral remains have already been excavated without public notice and that the archaeological contractor, PHRI, allegedly has plans to mail these remains off-island via parcel post.
In a letter sent to Guam Resorts Inc., the owner of the hotel, former Sen. Hope A. Cristobal asked for a meeting with hotel officials to discuss the preservation plans for the cemetery and the exact number of remains that have been removed, including when they were found and where the remains are being stored.
"We feel that the whole scale removal of this Chamorro cemetery is unnecessary and disrespectful. We want people to respect the dead in our ancestral cemeteries," Cristobal said.
The Chamorro groups are also asking the Hotel Okura to discuss the effects that the hotel’s construction activities are having on the existing cemetery, as well as the hotel’s re-internment plans.
"As the organizers of the Chamoru burial commemoration ceremony in September 2006 when 18 human remains were excavated, we communicated with your representative, Mr. Mark Day, our concerns that the Pre-Latte and Latte Period Chamoru cemetery and burials located on the current hotel renovation site are being desecrated. On Friday, July 27, Mr. Mark Day confirmed that one more month of these burial diggings remain. At that point, we again requested that the whole scale removal of this ancient Chamoru cemetery from its original site cease until we could meet," Cristobal said.
The Chamorro groups claim that over 280 human remains have now been secretly excavated from their final resting places without being accorded the traditional Chamorro ceremonies given to ancestral elders.
"Furthermore, your contractor, Mr. David Defunct of PHRI, has made a public statement implying that it is now our Chamoru elders and traditional masters of ceremonies who are suspect in grave diggings and destruction. We object to Mr. Defunct’s disrespectful and blasphemous statement; one that flies in the face of the profane purposes for excavating our ancestral elders’ ceremony in the first place," Cristobal said.
The Chamorro groups also allege that the "archaeo-business" contractor plans to mail Chamorro ancestral remains off-island via parcel post.
"This is unacceptable and we consider this another in the continuum of further desecrations in this treatment of our ancestral elders by your contractor," Cristobal said.
Just as the Japanese people have great respect for their dead, Cristobal said the Chamorros also respect their dead and thus, the hotel should stop further desecrations.
The letter was also signed by graduate student Victoria-Lola M. Leon Guerrero.
The owner of the Guam Hotel Okura is investing upwards of $30 million to create the new resort, which will have 23 luxury villas with both one and two-bedroom options.
Each villa will have its own individual swimming pool or Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. In addition, there will be 68 luxury family-type suites and 148 deluxe rooms.
When completed, hotel management said the renovated Guam Hotel Okura will create a sense of opulence and privacy, blending with Guam’s natural surroundings to offer an unparalleled luxury destination resort.
By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff
8/1/07
THE $30 million expansion of the Guam Hotel Okura has hit a snag as representatives of Chamorro activist groups asked the hotel owners to save what’s left of the ancient Chamorro cemetery being excavated at the hotel’s renovation construction site.
The groups claim that more than 280 ancestral remains have already been excavated without public notice and that the archaeological contractor, PHRI, allegedly has plans to mail these remains off-island via parcel post.
In a letter sent to Guam Resorts Inc., the owner of the hotel, former Sen. Hope A. Cristobal asked for a meeting with hotel officials to discuss the preservation plans for the cemetery and the exact number of remains that have been removed, including when they were found and where the remains are being stored.
"We feel that the whole scale removal of this Chamorro cemetery is unnecessary and disrespectful. We want people to respect the dead in our ancestral cemeteries," Cristobal said.
The Chamorro groups are also asking the Hotel Okura to discuss the effects that the hotel’s construction activities are having on the existing cemetery, as well as the hotel’s re-internment plans.
"As the organizers of the Chamoru burial commemoration ceremony in September 2006 when 18 human remains were excavated, we communicated with your representative, Mr. Mark Day, our concerns that the Pre-Latte and Latte Period Chamoru cemetery and burials located on the current hotel renovation site are being desecrated. On Friday, July 27, Mr. Mark Day confirmed that one more month of these burial diggings remain. At that point, we again requested that the whole scale removal of this ancient Chamoru cemetery from its original site cease until we could meet," Cristobal said.
The Chamorro groups claim that over 280 human remains have now been secretly excavated from their final resting places without being accorded the traditional Chamorro ceremonies given to ancestral elders.
"Furthermore, your contractor, Mr. David Defunct of PHRI, has made a public statement implying that it is now our Chamoru elders and traditional masters of ceremonies who are suspect in grave diggings and destruction. We object to Mr. Defunct’s disrespectful and blasphemous statement; one that flies in the face of the profane purposes for excavating our ancestral elders’ ceremony in the first place," Cristobal said.
The Chamorro groups also allege that the "archaeo-business" contractor plans to mail Chamorro ancestral remains off-island via parcel post.
"This is unacceptable and we consider this another in the continuum of further desecrations in this treatment of our ancestral elders by your contractor," Cristobal said.
Just as the Japanese people have great respect for their dead, Cristobal said the Chamorros also respect their dead and thus, the hotel should stop further desecrations.
The letter was also signed by graduate student Victoria-Lola M. Leon Guerrero.
The owner of the Guam Hotel Okura is investing upwards of $30 million to create the new resort, which will have 23 luxury villas with both one and two-bedroom options.
Each villa will have its own individual swimming pool or Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. In addition, there will be 68 luxury family-type suites and 148 deluxe rooms.
When completed, hotel management said the renovated Guam Hotel Okura will create a sense of opulence and privacy, blending with Guam’s natural surroundings to offer an unparalleled luxury destination resort.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Stop the Desecration of Ancient Chamorro Remains
July 30, 2007
IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
OKURA ASKED TO STOP REMOVAL OF CHAMORU BURIALS
Representatives of Chamorro organizations have sent an appeal to Guam Resorts, Inc. (dba Guam Hotel Okura) to save what’s left of the ancient Chamorro cemetery being excavated at the hotel’s renovation construction site. The groups are outraged that more than 280 ancestral remains have already been excavated without public notice and that the archaeological contractor, PHRI, has plans to mail these remains off-island via parcel post.
In a letter sent today, Chamoru representatives have also requested to meet with Okura Hotel officials to discuss:
1. Preservation plans for the cemetery.
2. Exact number of remains that have been removed (when they were found and where the remains are being stored.
3. The effects of renovation construction on the existing cemetery.
4. And, the hotel’s re-interment plans.
“We feel that the whole scale removal of this Chamorro cemetery is unnecessary and disrespectful,” said former senator Hope Cristobal, resident of Tamuning. “We want people to respect the dead in our ancestral cemeteries.”
For more information, please contact Hope Cristobal ---- or Victoria Leon Guerrero ------.
IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
OKURA ASKED TO STOP REMOVAL OF CHAMORU BURIALS
Representatives of Chamorro organizations have sent an appeal to Guam Resorts, Inc. (dba Guam Hotel Okura) to save what’s left of the ancient Chamorro cemetery being excavated at the hotel’s renovation construction site. The groups are outraged that more than 280 ancestral remains have already been excavated without public notice and that the archaeological contractor, PHRI, has plans to mail these remains off-island via parcel post.
In a letter sent today, Chamoru representatives have also requested to meet with Okura Hotel officials to discuss:
1. Preservation plans for the cemetery.
2. Exact number of remains that have been removed (when they were found and where the remains are being stored.
3. The effects of renovation construction on the existing cemetery.
4. And, the hotel’s re-interment plans.
“We feel that the whole scale removal of this Chamorro cemetery is unnecessary and disrespectful,” said former senator Hope Cristobal, resident of Tamuning. “We want people to respect the dead in our ancestral cemeteries.”
For more information, please contact Hope Cristobal ---- or Victoria Leon Guerrero ------.
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