Joint Region Marianas announces new commander
Monday, 01 February 2010 03:27
Variety News Staff
(JRM) – Rear Adm. Douglass T. Biesel will be relieved by Rear Adm. Paul J. Bushong during a change of command ceremony which has yet to be scheduled.
Biesel will serve as commander, Navy Region Northwest, Silverdale, Wash. He is returning to a familiar duty station, since he was the commanding officer of Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton, Wash.
Bushong will serve as commander, Joint Region Marianas, U.S. Defense Representative Guam, CNMI, FSM, Palau/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas based in Guam, an area with which he is familiar.
Bushong is currently serving as commander, Submarine Group Two, Groton, Conn. He has served as commanding officer of USS Frank Cable (AS 40), homeported in Apra Harbor, Guam and in other assignments on submarines based in the pacific.
Bushong is a native of Lucas, Texas, and was commissioned upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1981.
Biesel is a native of Coudersport, Pa., and was raised in Newtown, Conn. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1975 and attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, R. I.
Showing posts with label FSM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FSM. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Regional leaders seek to stop spread of invasive species
Regional leaders seek to stop spread of invasive species
Thursday, 10 December 2009 04:38 by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
THE governors of Guam and the CNMI, as well as the presidents of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Marshall Islands have signed a joint communiqué agreeing to initiate programs to ensure that islands in the region will be able to handle the possible influx of invasive species resulting from increased entry of military cargo.
The communiqué was signed during the 12th Micronesia Chief Executives Summit concluded last week. It includes an update by the nine members of the Micronesia Regional Invasive Species Council.
During the summit, the council addressed everything from funding issues, ongoing efforts that would prevent the expansion of the brown tree snake, as well as the development of the Micronesia Biosecurity Plan.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, island leaders expressed their concern regarding invasive species especially with the military buildup and strongly requested that DOD along with its fellow U.S. department and agencies begin proactive measures that would prevent any new invasive species from entering the shores of the islands here in the region.
They also expressed their appreciation for the $2.7 million federal funding for the development of the plan.
The chief executives made some recommendations regarding the plan such as identifying who will head the council and designating two representatives to the council from each state and national jurisdiction by the end of this year.
The council must also reaffirm their commitment and hold two workshop style meetings each year between the summits. During those meetings, the council will discuss invasive issues and what actions can be taken or will be prioritized. A minimum of $2,500 from each jurisdiction would be committed to the council to fund its priority projects.
The council must also reaffirm their commitment and provide a full-time invasive species coordinator for each jurisdiction.
Guam has already taken a step in combating invasive species. Last month, the Inter-agency Bio-Security Task Force was formed at the governor’s office in Adelup.
The task force is comprised of the Guam Department of Agriculture, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Its primary goal is provide information and updates on what and how invasive species can be eradicated from Guam.
The task force also has currently in training three canines who will be able to detect any type of invasive species in construction materials or items coming into the island before those items head out to the rest of Micronesia.
Thursday, 10 December 2009 04:38 by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
THE governors of Guam and the CNMI, as well as the presidents of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Marshall Islands have signed a joint communiqué agreeing to initiate programs to ensure that islands in the region will be able to handle the possible influx of invasive species resulting from increased entry of military cargo.
The communiqué was signed during the 12th Micronesia Chief Executives Summit concluded last week. It includes an update by the nine members of the Micronesia Regional Invasive Species Council.
During the summit, the council addressed everything from funding issues, ongoing efforts that would prevent the expansion of the brown tree snake, as well as the development of the Micronesia Biosecurity Plan.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, island leaders expressed their concern regarding invasive species especially with the military buildup and strongly requested that DOD along with its fellow U.S. department and agencies begin proactive measures that would prevent any new invasive species from entering the shores of the islands here in the region.
They also expressed their appreciation for the $2.7 million federal funding for the development of the plan.
The chief executives made some recommendations regarding the plan such as identifying who will head the council and designating two representatives to the council from each state and national jurisdiction by the end of this year.
The council must also reaffirm their commitment and hold two workshop style meetings each year between the summits. During those meetings, the council will discuss invasive issues and what actions can be taken or will be prioritized. A minimum of $2,500 from each jurisdiction would be committed to the council to fund its priority projects.
The council must also reaffirm their commitment and provide a full-time invasive species coordinator for each jurisdiction.
Guam has already taken a step in combating invasive species. Last month, the Inter-agency Bio-Security Task Force was formed at the governor’s office in Adelup.
The task force is comprised of the Guam Department of Agriculture, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Its primary goal is provide information and updates on what and how invasive species can be eradicated from Guam.
The task force also has currently in training three canines who will be able to detect any type of invasive species in construction materials or items coming into the island before those items head out to the rest of Micronesia.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Micronesian leaders talk collaboration
Micronesian leaders talk collaboration
By Amritha Alladi • Pacific Daily News • December 4, 2009
Micronesia's leaders discussed ways to streamline federal resources to help boost the region's sustainability, tourism, energy efficiency and work-force development on the first day of the 12th Micronesian Chief Executives' Summit yesterday.
"The initiatives that come out of this are ones that we can implement within our own respective communities, and then also collectively at the region," said Gov. Felix Camacho. "So the key is -- as Micronesian leaders -- how can we come together to collaborate and do things on a regional basis that would benefit all of our people?"
He said one initiative that already has proven successful is the biosecurity plan, through which the local governments, along with the U.S. Department of Defense, work together to protect each of the islands' environments from invasive species or any other hazards that may pose a threat as a result of transporting cargo between the islands.
Additionally, the "Micronesian Challenge" initiative has designated 20 to 30 percent of each jurisdiction's land and ocean resources to be preserved through 2020, he said. The joint plan will present almost $27 million more in funding opportunities for the region.
To promote the region's tourism, Camacho said, the leaders are considering how to bring in other airlines and get more seat capacity. There's also a plan to start cruise lines in Micronesia as an alternative to those in the Caribbean or in Europe.
Ideally, the leaders want to create a tour of Micronesia for tourists from Asia to visit each of the islands, Camacho said. The military buildup will also present more opportunities for growth, he said.
"With more military personnel here they can do R&R and visit throughout Micronesia as they have breaks," Camacho said.
On energy, Camacho said it makes sense for the other islands to join the energy initiatives to pool resources, either in the form of federal funding or in the form of bringing trainers to Micronesia or attracting investors.
Lorilee Crisostomo, administrator of the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted the steps that have been taken by the islands to establish energy efficiency.
For example, Guam received more than $29 million through federal stimulus funding to retrofit low-income housing, public buildings, parks and highways, as well as install LED lights on highway and provide scholarships for engineers, she said.
About $166,000 in cash was given back to consumers who turned in their old appliances to be properly disposed, she said.
In the Federated States of Micronesia, officials enacted a plan in which they have connected photovoltaic grid systems in Kosrae, the outer islands of Chuuk and Yap, "making these islands the first 100 percent renewable islands in the Pacific," she said.
Work-force development
Recommendations for work-force development were presented to the chief executives by Guam Department of Labor Director Maria Connelley.
Connelley said the two initiatives that have continued to attract interest are:
# An initiative to implement more programs for veterans and people with disabilities, and
# Another initiative to start master-apprenticeship programs in the local arts, such as training young people to become master weavers, carvers and artisans, she said.
There is no challenge in acquiring federal funds for work-force development because Guam has been responsive, transparent and accountable in the way the funds are used, Connelley said.
"Even if we have to go to the national level or even if we have to change the law or create the law, that's not difficult," Connelley said. "You just have to get with the right people to do it."
By Amritha Alladi • Pacific Daily News • December 4, 2009
Micronesia's leaders discussed ways to streamline federal resources to help boost the region's sustainability, tourism, energy efficiency and work-force development on the first day of the 12th Micronesian Chief Executives' Summit yesterday.
"The initiatives that come out of this are ones that we can implement within our own respective communities, and then also collectively at the region," said Gov. Felix Camacho. "So the key is -- as Micronesian leaders -- how can we come together to collaborate and do things on a regional basis that would benefit all of our people?"
He said one initiative that already has proven successful is the biosecurity plan, through which the local governments, along with the U.S. Department of Defense, work together to protect each of the islands' environments from invasive species or any other hazards that may pose a threat as a result of transporting cargo between the islands.
Additionally, the "Micronesian Challenge" initiative has designated 20 to 30 percent of each jurisdiction's land and ocean resources to be preserved through 2020, he said. The joint plan will present almost $27 million more in funding opportunities for the region.
To promote the region's tourism, Camacho said, the leaders are considering how to bring in other airlines and get more seat capacity. There's also a plan to start cruise lines in Micronesia as an alternative to those in the Caribbean or in Europe.
Ideally, the leaders want to create a tour of Micronesia for tourists from Asia to visit each of the islands, Camacho said. The military buildup will also present more opportunities for growth, he said.
"With more military personnel here they can do R&R and visit throughout Micronesia as they have breaks," Camacho said.
On energy, Camacho said it makes sense for the other islands to join the energy initiatives to pool resources, either in the form of federal funding or in the form of bringing trainers to Micronesia or attracting investors.
Lorilee Crisostomo, administrator of the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted the steps that have been taken by the islands to establish energy efficiency.
For example, Guam received more than $29 million through federal stimulus funding to retrofit low-income housing, public buildings, parks and highways, as well as install LED lights on highway and provide scholarships for engineers, she said.
About $166,000 in cash was given back to consumers who turned in their old appliances to be properly disposed, she said.
In the Federated States of Micronesia, officials enacted a plan in which they have connected photovoltaic grid systems in Kosrae, the outer islands of Chuuk and Yap, "making these islands the first 100 percent renewable islands in the Pacific," she said.
Work-force development
Recommendations for work-force development were presented to the chief executives by Guam Department of Labor Director Maria Connelley.
Connelley said the two initiatives that have continued to attract interest are:
# An initiative to implement more programs for veterans and people with disabilities, and
# Another initiative to start master-apprenticeship programs in the local arts, such as training young people to become master weavers, carvers and artisans, she said.
There is no challenge in acquiring federal funds for work-force development because Guam has been responsive, transparent and accountable in the way the funds are used, Connelley said.
"Even if we have to go to the national level or even if we have to change the law or create the law, that's not difficult," Connelley said. "You just have to get with the right people to do it."
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Micronesia summit today
Micronesia summit today
Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • December 3, 2009
Promoting regional tourism, conserving marine resources and discussing the impact of the upcoming military buildup to the entire Micronesia region are some of the topics on the agenda for 12th Micronesian Chief Executives' Summit.
The gathering of Micronesia's leaders takes place today and tomorrow at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort.
Since the Summit was established in 2004 by Guam Gov. Felix Camacho and Juan Babauta, who was governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands at the time, biannual meetings have been held to establish closer ties among the islands and promote initiatives beneficial to the entire western Micronesian region.
"As chief executives of the islands in our region, we recognize that maintenance of healthy ecosystems and sustainable resource management are critical to the livelihoods of Pacific people," Camacho said in a news release.
Renewable energy, invasive species and work-force development are among the topics on Summit's agenda today. Tomorrow, participants will get an update on the military buildup and its impact to the region from retired Marine Maj. Gen. David Bice, executive director of the Joint Guam Program Office, and Gary Kuwabara, Western Regional director for the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.
Camacho will be joined at the summit by:
# Kenneth Kedi, minister of Transportation and Communication for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, representing RMI President Jurelang Zedkaia;
# CNMI Gov. Benigno Fitial;
# Republic of Palau President Johnson Toribiong;
# Federated States of Micronesia President Emanuel Mori;
# Chuuk Gov. Wesley Simina;
# Yap Gov. Sebastian Anefal;
# Kosrae Gov. Robert Weilbacher; and
# Pohnpei Gov. John Ehsa.
Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • December 3, 2009
Promoting regional tourism, conserving marine resources and discussing the impact of the upcoming military buildup to the entire Micronesia region are some of the topics on the agenda for 12th Micronesian Chief Executives' Summit.
The gathering of Micronesia's leaders takes place today and tomorrow at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort.
Since the Summit was established in 2004 by Guam Gov. Felix Camacho and Juan Babauta, who was governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands at the time, biannual meetings have been held to establish closer ties among the islands and promote initiatives beneficial to the entire western Micronesian region.
"As chief executives of the islands in our region, we recognize that maintenance of healthy ecosystems and sustainable resource management are critical to the livelihoods of Pacific people," Camacho said in a news release.
Renewable energy, invasive species and work-force development are among the topics on Summit's agenda today. Tomorrow, participants will get an update on the military buildup and its impact to the region from retired Marine Maj. Gen. David Bice, executive director of the Joint Guam Program Office, and Gary Kuwabara, Western Regional director for the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.
Camacho will be joined at the summit by:
# Kenneth Kedi, minister of Transportation and Communication for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, representing RMI President Jurelang Zedkaia;
# CNMI Gov. Benigno Fitial;
# Republic of Palau President Johnson Toribiong;
# Federated States of Micronesia President Emanuel Mori;
# Chuuk Gov. Wesley Simina;
# Yap Gov. Sebastian Anefal;
# Kosrae Gov. Robert Weilbacher; and
# Pohnpei Gov. John Ehsa.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Guam's 'Buildup & Beyond' Forum: A Fit Foray Into Impacts, Benefits & Challenges
Guam's 'Buildup & Beyond' Forum: A Fit Foray Into Impacts, Benefits & Challenges
Written by Jeff Marchesseault, Guam News Factor Staff Writer
Friday, 20 November 2009 20:12
GUAM - On Friday a two-day conference called The Military Buildup And Beyond: The Guam Perspective wrappred up at the Legislature. Hosted by Buildup Committee Chair Senator Judi Guthertz and the University of Guam, the free-admission conference was designed to empower local voices and perspectives on how the civilian community will be impacted, benefited, and challenged by the armed forces expansion.
Reality Check
The conference sounds the alarm that Guam needs to wake up and be alert as the buildup planning process winds down and massive construction begins. If Guam's local leaders and everyday citizens hope to be heard and helped, they must identify whatever they might find amiss with military planning, organize with one voice, and state their case for quality-of-life benefits. Those benefits include equal access to quality utilities and economic opportunity, an outdoor environment worth enjoying, and enough funding to sustain the social safety net as the population increases.
That process starts this weekend. On Friday, the Department of Defense posted online a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) spelling out how the land and coastal resources will be utilized for expanded regional defense purposes. Hard copies of the multi-volume DEIS will be available in local mayors' offices, libraries and even a shopping mall this weekend.
Hopes are high for quality outcomes. But a history of mutual mistrust and mismanagement has many local residents on the lookout for shortcomings to the DEIS.
The Compact-Impact Conundrum
An emotionally charged example of federal-territorial relations gone amok is the sticky issue of Compact-Impact reimbursement. Senator Frank Blas, Jr. has fought long and hard with the Federal Government to pay what he calls 'the the bare-minimum $400 million' in outstanding, un-reimbursed costs borne by GovGuam in hosting migrants from small, rural Pacific island nations.
The nations of these FAS citizens (citizens of Freely Associated States) bear benefit-laden Compacts of Free Association with the United States, including uninhibited resettlement rights to U.S. jurisdictions for their citizens. Perhaps ironically, the arrangement includes certain defense rights for the United States in the FAS region, according to Wikipedia.
Guam has traditionally been a favorite destination of FAS migrants. This is owing to its proximity to FAS states such as the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands; it is also due to Guam's cultural similarities to the FAS region; and to Guam's relatively robust economic and educational opportunities compared to those available in the less-populous, less-developed Freely Associated States.
The large-scale migration of FAS citizens has become a costly burden for Guam's infrastructure, public healthcare, and social institutions -- especially in light of slack reimbursements from a U.S. government that allows the migration to continue unfettered. And yet even the small federal funding Guam does receive for FAS absorption isn't entirely safe from reprogramming.
An Unwelcome Surprise
In a strange twist of fate, on Friday morning it was learned that the Department of the Interior had authorized Governor Felix Camacho to loan $5 million of Guam's paltry $16.8 million in annual Compact reimbursements to the Guam Department of Education at a time when that money has already been spoken for. The deal had been hammered out by Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs Tony Babauta and Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, reportedly without Governor Camacho's input.
Knowing that the limited reimbursement funding was programmed to underwrite capital improvements and social services -- and that he could expect no guarantee of timely repayment from Guam DOE, Governor Camacho rightly turned the arrangement down.
Through a pattern of financial mismanagement, the local school system has lost its control over the funding it receives from U.S. DOE. That authority won't be restored until a third-party administrator is appointed to manage the school system's federal funds.
A Bigger Perspective
Blas is fighting a worthy war for reimbursement. And despite financial mismanagement by school system administrators, Guam's public school students, including those from the FAS, deserve consistent financing for the federal programs that educate them. But it will take better overall financial management by the likes of Guam DOE and consistently unwasteful budgetary responsibility on the part of the Legislature to repair Guam's credibility with the U.S. government.
This is important because the federal system has the means and the know-how, if not the attention span, to get things done for players with mutual interests -- not only in democratic freedom -- but in the price of accountability that must be paid for this ideal.
Although the U.S. Government may not be entirely accountable with regard to Compact-Impact reimbursements to the Territory, the United States is arguably the world's most benificent nation. It is also inarguably the world's most powerful. Benificence and power go hand in hand and enable the U.S. to pick and choose what it wants to prioritize.
Insofar as a generous hegemon prefers to deal with players that have something valuable to offer in return, it behoves Guam to get its priorities straight and its house in order as the Department of Defense prepares to break ground on its $15 billion buildup this summer.
Michael Rudolph contributed to this analysis.
Written by Jeff Marchesseault, Guam News Factor Staff Writer
Friday, 20 November 2009 20:12
GUAM - On Friday a two-day conference called The Military Buildup And Beyond: The Guam Perspective wrappred up at the Legislature. Hosted by Buildup Committee Chair Senator Judi Guthertz and the University of Guam, the free-admission conference was designed to empower local voices and perspectives on how the civilian community will be impacted, benefited, and challenged by the armed forces expansion.
Reality Check
The conference sounds the alarm that Guam needs to wake up and be alert as the buildup planning process winds down and massive construction begins. If Guam's local leaders and everyday citizens hope to be heard and helped, they must identify whatever they might find amiss with military planning, organize with one voice, and state their case for quality-of-life benefits. Those benefits include equal access to quality utilities and economic opportunity, an outdoor environment worth enjoying, and enough funding to sustain the social safety net as the population increases.
That process starts this weekend. On Friday, the Department of Defense posted online a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) spelling out how the land and coastal resources will be utilized for expanded regional defense purposes. Hard copies of the multi-volume DEIS will be available in local mayors' offices, libraries and even a shopping mall this weekend.
Hopes are high for quality outcomes. But a history of mutual mistrust and mismanagement has many local residents on the lookout for shortcomings to the DEIS.
The Compact-Impact Conundrum
An emotionally charged example of federal-territorial relations gone amok is the sticky issue of Compact-Impact reimbursement. Senator Frank Blas, Jr. has fought long and hard with the Federal Government to pay what he calls 'the the bare-minimum $400 million' in outstanding, un-reimbursed costs borne by GovGuam in hosting migrants from small, rural Pacific island nations.
The nations of these FAS citizens (citizens of Freely Associated States) bear benefit-laden Compacts of Free Association with the United States, including uninhibited resettlement rights to U.S. jurisdictions for their citizens. Perhaps ironically, the arrangement includes certain defense rights for the United States in the FAS region, according to Wikipedia.
Guam has traditionally been a favorite destination of FAS migrants. This is owing to its proximity to FAS states such as the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands; it is also due to Guam's cultural similarities to the FAS region; and to Guam's relatively robust economic and educational opportunities compared to those available in the less-populous, less-developed Freely Associated States.
The large-scale migration of FAS citizens has become a costly burden for Guam's infrastructure, public healthcare, and social institutions -- especially in light of slack reimbursements from a U.S. government that allows the migration to continue unfettered. And yet even the small federal funding Guam does receive for FAS absorption isn't entirely safe from reprogramming.
An Unwelcome Surprise
In a strange twist of fate, on Friday morning it was learned that the Department of the Interior had authorized Governor Felix Camacho to loan $5 million of Guam's paltry $16.8 million in annual Compact reimbursements to the Guam Department of Education at a time when that money has already been spoken for. The deal had been hammered out by Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs Tony Babauta and Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, reportedly without Governor Camacho's input.
Knowing that the limited reimbursement funding was programmed to underwrite capital improvements and social services -- and that he could expect no guarantee of timely repayment from Guam DOE, Governor Camacho rightly turned the arrangement down.
Through a pattern of financial mismanagement, the local school system has lost its control over the funding it receives from U.S. DOE. That authority won't be restored until a third-party administrator is appointed to manage the school system's federal funds.
A Bigger Perspective
Blas is fighting a worthy war for reimbursement. And despite financial mismanagement by school system administrators, Guam's public school students, including those from the FAS, deserve consistent financing for the federal programs that educate them. But it will take better overall financial management by the likes of Guam DOE and consistently unwasteful budgetary responsibility on the part of the Legislature to repair Guam's credibility with the U.S. government.
This is important because the federal system has the means and the know-how, if not the attention span, to get things done for players with mutual interests -- not only in democratic freedom -- but in the price of accountability that must be paid for this ideal.
Although the U.S. Government may not be entirely accountable with regard to Compact-Impact reimbursements to the Territory, the United States is arguably the world's most benificent nation. It is also inarguably the world's most powerful. Benificence and power go hand in hand and enable the U.S. to pick and choose what it wants to prioritize.
Insofar as a generous hegemon prefers to deal with players that have something valuable to offer in return, it behoves Guam to get its priorities straight and its house in order as the Department of Defense prepares to break ground on its $15 billion buildup this summer.
Michael Rudolph contributed to this analysis.
Monday, November 16, 2009
H2 workers vs locals
H2 workers vs locals
Monday, 16 November 2009 04:39
by Jennifer Naylor Gesick | Variety News Staff
Full local workforce development nixed by GCA
WHILE the local labor sector pushes for the development of a resident workforce to meet the demand of the impending multibillion dollar military buildup, the president of the Guam Contractors Association expressed reluctance to prioritize such initiative.
As the University of Guam-sponsored Guam Community and Economic Development Forum wrapped on Friday, a startling comment by GCA president James Martinez sent a small murmur through the crowd attending the forum whose theme was a discussion of ways to create a sustainable future for Guam and island residents.
During the workforce development and employment needs panel, a debate broke out over prioritizing the use of H2 workers over the full-development and training of local workers.
While director of Guam Department of Labor Maria Connelley stressed the need to train and hire local workers for positions related to the buildup especially construction, Martinez said overtraining local people for the temporary construction boom would result in mass lay-offs when the projects are completed. “That is exactly what H-2 workers are for,” said Martinez.
First priority
But Connelley stressed that recruiting H-2s is the last resort. The labor department head reaffirmed the proper order in prioritizing filling thousands of jobs expected to be created by the Guam military realignment. “We will first hire locally, then people from the Federated States of Micronesia, then the U.S., and then H2s,” she reiterated.
Carl Peterson, chairman of the Chamber Education/Workforce Development Committee for the Guam Chamber of Commerce, urged full training and development of Guam workers.
He said his organization wants to see everyone on Guam raise their standard of living with this buildup. “We want everyone to take that initiative,” said Peterson. “We should be focusing on education so people can improve their goals.”
Project completed
Instead of laying off workers when the military build work is completed, Peterson said employers should instead focus on the permanent work that will be created by the largest such military realignment in the history of the U.S.
Retaining employees should be important, Peterson pointed out, because the military has stated they expect to create more than 1,600 permanent jobs on base, adding, “With the feds coming off base to pull your workers on to base, we need to upgrade and educate our current workforce and young people as young as middle school,” he said.
Hard to plan
Martinez said Guam needs a comprehensive study to establish a plan to know the employment needs of Guam.
However, Connelley said that would be hard to do, considering the clear lack of information provided by the Department of Defense, as recently cited in a Government Accountability Office report.
Guam does not have valid data upon which to draw effective conclusions, Connelley said, further noting for forum participants the lack of viable data also makes it difficult to pursue desperately needed grants.
Rising costs
Peterson said that island wages should increase due to a lack of workers in a range of industries as employees move from one sector to another. He said the inflationary impact would be felt down the line, but tempered his projection by adding that everything would level out eventually.
Mary Torre, president of Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, said most of the concerns for her group’s members had to do with people moving into different jobs. But, she said, they are used to change because tourism is an industry that is in constant flux.
Monday, 16 November 2009 04:39
by Jennifer Naylor Gesick | Variety News Staff
Full local workforce development nixed by GCA
WHILE the local labor sector pushes for the development of a resident workforce to meet the demand of the impending multibillion dollar military buildup, the president of the Guam Contractors Association expressed reluctance to prioritize such initiative.
As the University of Guam-sponsored Guam Community and Economic Development Forum wrapped on Friday, a startling comment by GCA president James Martinez sent a small murmur through the crowd attending the forum whose theme was a discussion of ways to create a sustainable future for Guam and island residents.
During the workforce development and employment needs panel, a debate broke out over prioritizing the use of H2 workers over the full-development and training of local workers.
While director of Guam Department of Labor Maria Connelley stressed the need to train and hire local workers for positions related to the buildup especially construction, Martinez said overtraining local people for the temporary construction boom would result in mass lay-offs when the projects are completed. “That is exactly what H-2 workers are for,” said Martinez.
First priority
But Connelley stressed that recruiting H-2s is the last resort. The labor department head reaffirmed the proper order in prioritizing filling thousands of jobs expected to be created by the Guam military realignment. “We will first hire locally, then people from the Federated States of Micronesia, then the U.S., and then H2s,” she reiterated.
Carl Peterson, chairman of the Chamber Education/Workforce Development Committee for the Guam Chamber of Commerce, urged full training and development of Guam workers.
He said his organization wants to see everyone on Guam raise their standard of living with this buildup. “We want everyone to take that initiative,” said Peterson. “We should be focusing on education so people can improve their goals.”
Project completed
Instead of laying off workers when the military build work is completed, Peterson said employers should instead focus on the permanent work that will be created by the largest such military realignment in the history of the U.S.
Retaining employees should be important, Peterson pointed out, because the military has stated they expect to create more than 1,600 permanent jobs on base, adding, “With the feds coming off base to pull your workers on to base, we need to upgrade and educate our current workforce and young people as young as middle school,” he said.
Hard to plan
Martinez said Guam needs a comprehensive study to establish a plan to know the employment needs of Guam.
However, Connelley said that would be hard to do, considering the clear lack of information provided by the Department of Defense, as recently cited in a Government Accountability Office report.
Guam does not have valid data upon which to draw effective conclusions, Connelley said, further noting for forum participants the lack of viable data also makes it difficult to pursue desperately needed grants.
Rising costs
Peterson said that island wages should increase due to a lack of workers in a range of industries as employees move from one sector to another. He said the inflationary impact would be felt down the line, but tempered his projection by adding that everything would level out eventually.
Mary Torre, president of Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, said most of the concerns for her group’s members had to do with people moving into different jobs. But, she said, they are used to change because tourism is an industry that is in constant flux.
Symposium for 'doing business with the military'
Symposium for 'doing business with the military'
Saturday, November 14, 2009
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Reporter
Businesses and other entities that want to avail of contracting and business opportunities with the military are encouraged to attend Wednesday's symposium sponsored by the Office of U.S. Defense Representative for the CNMI, Guam, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Similar events have also been held in Guam in light of the $15-billion, multi-year military buildup resulting from the relocation of some 8,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam, plus some 17,000 family members, and up to 20,000 federal construction workers.
The “Guam/CNMI Military Contracting Opportunities Symposium” will be held from 8am to 5pm at the Saipan World Resort in Susupe.
It is being co-hosted by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas, and the CNMI government.
Deputy Commerce Secretary Sixto Igisomar said yesterday the symposium is “important” for anyone wanting to do business with the military.
Topics will include U.S. military contracting, business opportunities available through military construction projects, and the military buildup.
Capt. Peter S. Lynch, commanding officer of NAVFAC Marianas and a captain at the U.S. Navy's Civil Engineer Corps, will be presenting an update and opportunities on the Guam military buildup.
Roy Tsutsui, executive director of the Joint Region Marianas, will be presenting on the Office of U.S. Defense Representative for the CNMI, Guam, Palau and the FSM.
Another resource person will be Vera Topasna, program manager of the Guam Procurement Technical Assistance Center, who will give a program overview.
Other speakers include Carl Peterson, who will present the Guam Chamber of Commerce's perspective on the military buildup; Rosalinda Watson, contracting officer at Fleet Industrial Supply Center Detachment Marianas; James Martinez, executive director of the Guam Contractors Association; Lt. Cdr. Darren Hale, Pacific Command plans officer; and Cdr. Keith Barton, assistant operations officer with NAVFAC Marianas.
Incoming Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Douglas Brennan and incoming vice president Jim Arenovski will be making a presentation on “What the CNMI can offer the military and prime contractors.” Jesse Sablan of the CNMI Contractors Association will also be introducing the organization at the symposium.
A complete copy of the program and the registration form can be accessed at the CNMI Department of Commerce website, www.commerce.gov.mp.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Reporter
Businesses and other entities that want to avail of contracting and business opportunities with the military are encouraged to attend Wednesday's symposium sponsored by the Office of U.S. Defense Representative for the CNMI, Guam, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Similar events have also been held in Guam in light of the $15-billion, multi-year military buildup resulting from the relocation of some 8,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam, plus some 17,000 family members, and up to 20,000 federal construction workers.
The “Guam/CNMI Military Contracting Opportunities Symposium” will be held from 8am to 5pm at the Saipan World Resort in Susupe.
It is being co-hosted by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas, and the CNMI government.
Deputy Commerce Secretary Sixto Igisomar said yesterday the symposium is “important” for anyone wanting to do business with the military.
Topics will include U.S. military contracting, business opportunities available through military construction projects, and the military buildup.
Capt. Peter S. Lynch, commanding officer of NAVFAC Marianas and a captain at the U.S. Navy's Civil Engineer Corps, will be presenting an update and opportunities on the Guam military buildup.
Roy Tsutsui, executive director of the Joint Region Marianas, will be presenting on the Office of U.S. Defense Representative for the CNMI, Guam, Palau and the FSM.
Another resource person will be Vera Topasna, program manager of the Guam Procurement Technical Assistance Center, who will give a program overview.
Other speakers include Carl Peterson, who will present the Guam Chamber of Commerce's perspective on the military buildup; Rosalinda Watson, contracting officer at Fleet Industrial Supply Center Detachment Marianas; James Martinez, executive director of the Guam Contractors Association; Lt. Cdr. Darren Hale, Pacific Command plans officer; and Cdr. Keith Barton, assistant operations officer with NAVFAC Marianas.
Incoming Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Douglas Brennan and incoming vice president Jim Arenovski will be making a presentation on “What the CNMI can offer the military and prime contractors.” Jesse Sablan of the CNMI Contractors Association will also be introducing the organization at the symposium.
A complete copy of the program and the registration form can be accessed at the CNMI Department of Commerce website, www.commerce.gov.mp.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Symposium on military contracts
Symposium on military contracts
Friday, 13 November 2009 00:00
By Richelle Ann P. Agpoon -
Variety News Intern
THE Naval Facilities Engineering Command and the U.S Defense representative to Guam, the CNMI, FSM and Palau are inviting residents interested in business opportunities with the military to join the symposium at the Saipan World Resort from Nov. 17 to 18.
The symposium will feature military and business experts who will provide participants information regarding business opportunities available through military construction projects and the military buildup on Guam.
The Department of Commerce, one of the facilitators, said participants are required to register and pay $15 since seating is limited.
The fee will include breakout sessions and lunch buffet.
Speakers include Joint Region Marianas executive director Roy Tsutsui, NAVFAC commanding officer Capt. Peter S. Lynch, Guam Chamber of Commerce member Carl Peterson, Capt. Michael Uva, NAVFAC small business advisor Albert Sampson and CNMI Secretary of Commerce Michael B. Ada.
The CNMI’s possible contributions to the Guam military buildup will also be discussed.
Friday, 13 November 2009 00:00
By Richelle Ann P. Agpoon -
Variety News Intern
THE Naval Facilities Engineering Command and the U.S Defense representative to Guam, the CNMI, FSM and Palau are inviting residents interested in business opportunities with the military to join the symposium at the Saipan World Resort from Nov. 17 to 18.
The symposium will feature military and business experts who will provide participants information regarding business opportunities available through military construction projects and the military buildup on Guam.
The Department of Commerce, one of the facilitators, said participants are required to register and pay $15 since seating is limited.
The fee will include breakout sessions and lunch buffet.
Speakers include Joint Region Marianas executive director Roy Tsutsui, NAVFAC commanding officer Capt. Peter S. Lynch, Guam Chamber of Commerce member Carl Peterson, Capt. Michael Uva, NAVFAC small business advisor Albert Sampson and CNMI Secretary of Commerce Michael B. Ada.
The CNMI’s possible contributions to the Guam military buildup will also be discussed.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
FSM workers eyed for buildup
FSM workers eyed for buildup
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 00:42
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
AN HISTORIC strategic alliance agreement was signed yesterday afternoon between the Federated States of Micronesia President Emanuel Mori and Center for Micronesian Empowerment chairman Ansito Walter, a University of Guam professor and former governor of Chuuk state.
The alliance will facilitate the assimilation and integration of workers from Micronesia into Guam’s workforce with thousands of jobs that will become available over the military buildup period.
“We must make sure that employers look to the people of our region first and that our people are ready for that call. This alliance is extremely important because it will enable our young men and women to get the required training to give them the necessary skills to make them employable here in Guam and especially because of the military buildup,” said Mori.
CME is a non-governmental organization representing business, community leaders and government officials. Its purpose is to assess, assimilate, train and find employment for the residents of the region.
Mike Ghiglione, executive director of CME said the organization has established a working relationship with the Guam Contractors Association Trades Academy to make sure as many local and regional workers as possible are prepared for the jobs the military buildup will bring.
Mori said he anticipates recruiting approximately 5,000 young men and women interested in gaining valuable job skills not just for Guam, but also for work in Hawaii and the on the U.S. mainland.
The president said his people have migrated to these areas for lack of employment within FSM states.
Not all of the 5,000 potential recruits will come to Guam since many of them will be receiving training at the College of Micronesia in Pohnpei, currently gearing up for vocational training, said Mori.
After they’ve completed their training there, many are expected to travel to Guam and elsewhere to receive a higher level of training. On Guam, many will find this training at GCC and the Guam Contractors Association Trades Academy, said Mori.
The trades academy and GCC will be expanding its facilities to meet the growing demands of students who desire to obtain a trade in their schools.
In November, the launch of a landmark program will assist residents in the state of Kosrae to obtain training necessary to become productive members of Guam’s workforce.
The alliance agreement seeks to expand the program across all of Micronesia and hopes to attract a workforce from the region, as opposed to employing thousands of foreign workers.
This would allow Micronesia’s island nation states the opportunity to play a greater role in the military realignment and economic boom associated with the buildup.
“The services that CME provides are precisely what’s needed to allow the people of Micronesia to more fully participate in the military buildup. We intend to do all that we can to ensure that the employment needed for the buildup on Guam comes from the region we call Micronesia, within which Guam stands as our proud brother,” said the FSM president.
Tuition funding will come from various sources such as Department of Interior Funds as well as compact impact funds and federal financial aid programs provided at the trade schools.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 00:42
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
AN HISTORIC strategic alliance agreement was signed yesterday afternoon between the Federated States of Micronesia President Emanuel Mori and Center for Micronesian Empowerment chairman Ansito Walter, a University of Guam professor and former governor of Chuuk state.
The alliance will facilitate the assimilation and integration of workers from Micronesia into Guam’s workforce with thousands of jobs that will become available over the military buildup period.
“We must make sure that employers look to the people of our region first and that our people are ready for that call. This alliance is extremely important because it will enable our young men and women to get the required training to give them the necessary skills to make them employable here in Guam and especially because of the military buildup,” said Mori.
CME is a non-governmental organization representing business, community leaders and government officials. Its purpose is to assess, assimilate, train and find employment for the residents of the region.
Mike Ghiglione, executive director of CME said the organization has established a working relationship with the Guam Contractors Association Trades Academy to make sure as many local and regional workers as possible are prepared for the jobs the military buildup will bring.
Mori said he anticipates recruiting approximately 5,000 young men and women interested in gaining valuable job skills not just for Guam, but also for work in Hawaii and the on the U.S. mainland.
The president said his people have migrated to these areas for lack of employment within FSM states.
Not all of the 5,000 potential recruits will come to Guam since many of them will be receiving training at the College of Micronesia in Pohnpei, currently gearing up for vocational training, said Mori.
After they’ve completed their training there, many are expected to travel to Guam and elsewhere to receive a higher level of training. On Guam, many will find this training at GCC and the Guam Contractors Association Trades Academy, said Mori.
The trades academy and GCC will be expanding its facilities to meet the growing demands of students who desire to obtain a trade in their schools.
In November, the launch of a landmark program will assist residents in the state of Kosrae to obtain training necessary to become productive members of Guam’s workforce.
The alliance agreement seeks to expand the program across all of Micronesia and hopes to attract a workforce from the region, as opposed to employing thousands of foreign workers.
This would allow Micronesia’s island nation states the opportunity to play a greater role in the military realignment and economic boom associated with the buildup.
“The services that CME provides are precisely what’s needed to allow the people of Micronesia to more fully participate in the military buildup. We intend to do all that we can to ensure that the employment needed for the buildup on Guam comes from the region we call Micronesia, within which Guam stands as our proud brother,” said the FSM president.
Tuition funding will come from various sources such as Department of Interior Funds as well as compact impact funds and federal financial aid programs provided at the trade schools.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
US elevates Pacific-born administrator to senior roles
US elevates Pacific-born administrator to senior roles
Updated 5 hours 45 minutes ago
Pacific Islander and Chamorro, Tony Babauta, has been elevated over the past month as the White House's senior administrator for Asian Americans and American Pacific islanders, as well as Assistant Secretary at the Department of the Interior in Washington. This make Mr Babauta most senior Pacific islander ever to work this closely with a US President.
In his capacity, Mr Babauta coordinates US federal policy for Guam, the Northern Marianas, the Virgin Islands and American Samoa, and administers federal assistance provided to the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau.
Geraldine Coutts begins by asking this senior Washington figure about last week's re-establishment of the White House Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and American Pacific Islanders.
Presenter: Geraldine Coutts
Speaker: Tony Babauta, Guam-born Assistant Secretary at the Department of the Interior in Washington
Updated 5 hours 45 minutes ago
Pacific Islander and Chamorro, Tony Babauta, has been elevated over the past month as the White House's senior administrator for Asian Americans and American Pacific islanders, as well as Assistant Secretary at the Department of the Interior in Washington. This make Mr Babauta most senior Pacific islander ever to work this closely with a US President.
In his capacity, Mr Babauta coordinates US federal policy for Guam, the Northern Marianas, the Virgin Islands and American Samoa, and administers federal assistance provided to the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau.
Geraldine Coutts begins by asking this senior Washington figure about last week's re-establishment of the White House Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and American Pacific Islanders.
Presenter: Geraldine Coutts
Speaker: Tony Babauta, Guam-born Assistant Secretary at the Department of the Interior in Washington
Saturday, September 26, 2009
FSM President Mori Tells U.N. Micronesian Climate Change Threatens His Nation's Survival
FSM President Mori Tells U.N. Micronesian Climate Change Threatens His Nation's Survival
Pacific News Center
Kevin Kerrigan
Guam - In his address to the United Nations General Assembly Saturday, the President of the Federated States of Micronesia, Emanuel Mori, emphasized the critical danger Micronesia is facing from climate change.
With sea-levels rising, changing weather patterns and increased storms and disasters, he called for urgent and immediate action by the international community.
"There is simply no more time to waste," he said. "Talk is cheap, action speaks louder. Let's go to Copenhagen to 'seal the deal.'"
In a deeply personal appeal, Mori called climate change "a matter of survival, as a people, culture and as nations" for Micronesians and "our fellow Pacific islanders, including islanders in other parts of the World.
"For centuries, the people of Micronesia have lived on their small islands, many less than a meter above sea level. They have enjoyed a life dependent on the bounties of the sea and the harvest from the land. They have developed a culture of respect for nature and lived in harmony with their natural surroundings. They built outrigger canoes and rigged them with sails from pandanus leaves."
But that same ocean that has nurtured Micronesia for centuries has now become "the very instrument of our destruction," Mori said.
Mori also pointed out to the General Assembly that climate change is undermining Micronesia's development efforts, including its abilities to meet the Millennium Development Goals. Micronesia's overall fragility is compounded by climate change impacts such as increased droughts, excessive rainfall and saltwater intrusion into taro patches and other staple crops, he said. Yet he added that advances in development are being made, including Micronesia's continued work with its fellow Pacific governments on the Micronesia Challenge to conserve the area's biodiversity. Micronesia is also seeking to acquire a fiber-optic cable network that reaches the entire country, as the improved communications will improve its efforts on health, education and private sector development.
In addition to the speech's strong focus on climate change, Mori also stressed his concern over illegal and unsustainable fishing practices in the waters of coastal island nations, and he stated support for United Nations Security Council reform in the form of expansion in both permanent and non-permanent membership, with support for permanent seats for Japan, Germany and India.
Pacific News Center
Kevin Kerrigan
Guam - In his address to the United Nations General Assembly Saturday, the President of the Federated States of Micronesia, Emanuel Mori, emphasized the critical danger Micronesia is facing from climate change.
With sea-levels rising, changing weather patterns and increased storms and disasters, he called for urgent and immediate action by the international community.
"There is simply no more time to waste," he said. "Talk is cheap, action speaks louder. Let's go to Copenhagen to 'seal the deal.'"
In a deeply personal appeal, Mori called climate change "a matter of survival, as a people, culture and as nations" for Micronesians and "our fellow Pacific islanders, including islanders in other parts of the World.
"For centuries, the people of Micronesia have lived on their small islands, many less than a meter above sea level. They have enjoyed a life dependent on the bounties of the sea and the harvest from the land. They have developed a culture of respect for nature and lived in harmony with their natural surroundings. They built outrigger canoes and rigged them with sails from pandanus leaves."
But that same ocean that has nurtured Micronesia for centuries has now become "the very instrument of our destruction," Mori said.
Mori also pointed out to the General Assembly that climate change is undermining Micronesia's development efforts, including its abilities to meet the Millennium Development Goals. Micronesia's overall fragility is compounded by climate change impacts such as increased droughts, excessive rainfall and saltwater intrusion into taro patches and other staple crops, he said. Yet he added that advances in development are being made, including Micronesia's continued work with its fellow Pacific governments on the Micronesia Challenge to conserve the area's biodiversity. Micronesia is also seeking to acquire a fiber-optic cable network that reaches the entire country, as the improved communications will improve its efforts on health, education and private sector development.
In addition to the speech's strong focus on climate change, Mori also stressed his concern over illegal and unsustainable fishing practices in the waters of coastal island nations, and he stated support for United Nations Security Council reform in the form of expansion in both permanent and non-permanent membership, with support for permanent seats for Japan, Germany and India.
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