Buildup burden remains contentious issue
KUAM
Updated: May 10, 2010 6:37 PM
by Sabrina Salas Matanane
Guam - With a decision looming on the contentious issue on where the U.S. Marines' Futenma Air Base will be relocated, here at home the push continues to ensure Guam isn't left shouldering the burden to pay for the infrastructure needed to handle the military buildup. Governor Felix Camacho and CNMI Governor Benigno Fitial will head to Tokyo Wednesday to continue dialogue from this weekend in Saipan regarding the Marines relocation.
"I had gone there Saturday morning and met with six members of the Japan Diet that are very interested in our point of view," said the governor. "They are members of the Democratic Party of Japan, the current ruling party that is in place."
Governor Camacho says the talks in Saipan gave the two leaders the opportunity to meet face to face with the delegation from the ruling party, and express to them how Guam was never part of the discussions or negotiations involving the Marines relocation when the status of forces agreement was signed between the U.S. and Japan in 2006.
Camacho continued, "They made decisions that will impact and effect our territory our people our way of life without any consultation, and secondly that the impact and cost that it will bring to us is there expecting us to absorb that is absolutely not right."
The governor specifically referencing Japan's commitment of $6 billion to move the Marines out of Okinawa to Guam and how not a penny will go toward civilian infrastructure needs to accommodate the growth. For example, it's estimated just for power and water alone it will cost about $1.3 billion in upgrades.
He said, "We have no access to that $6 billion and yet we're on one island with shared resources of water, electricity of land and the like and unless we are given an opportunity it's not fair and right to the people of Guam. We should not be expected to or can we cover the cost that will be imposed on the people of Guam, and I'm asking for access to the $6 billion that is confined only to expenditures within the fenceline."
According to the governor the two are hoping to meet with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on Thursday. Camacho says after the meeting he will fly home that same evening. The governor's trip to Tokyo comes amidst talks that are scheduled to be held this week in Washington on the contentious Futenma issue and where the relocation facility will be located.
According to the 2006 agreement it is supposed to be built in Henoko. As we reported last week, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama changed his stance from his pre-election campaign position last year that Futenma must be moved out of Okinawa completely to last week's announcement that realistically that would be impossible. A final decision on Futenma is expected to be made by the end of the month.. As we reported a report from the Government Accountability Office noted that if the Futenma Replacement Facility is not constructed the relocation of the Marines from Okinawa to Guam will not occur.
Showing posts with label Felix Camacho. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Felix Camacho. Show all posts
Monday, May 10, 2010
Monday, November 23, 2009
Implied Complicity
Implied complicity .
Sunday, 22 November 2009 23:48 Editorial
The Marianas Variety
“WE CANNOT continue to cover up for their mistakes and cover for them on all the short falls. We’ve suffered for far too long,” Gov. Felix Camacho said about the ongoing financial crisis at the Guam Department of Education.
The USDOE refused to allow local public education officials to use existing federal grant monies to cover an anticipated shortfall in several program areas.
Implicit in Camacho’s statement is the notion that somehow the governor was able, in the past, to find a way to obfuscate and “cover” the financial incompetence at the largest government agency – so long as it served his purposes.
For years federal officials expressed concerns over interloping local elected leaders in the management of GDOE with the matter finally coming to a head with the fruition of an elected education policy board, which was created by Public Law 26-26.
When he was senator, Camacho was among those who signed the bill that created the independent education board, and removed the governor’s control over the education department.
However, not long after coming into office at Adelup he changed his tune and has repeatedly lamented his impotence to do anything because of the historic federal concerns and policy changes since that time.
Although the two-term governor has been unable to come up with an innovative effort to find solutions for public education – a key platform on which he established his successful run for Adelup twice already – he seems to have little problem with finding a way to block solutions proffered by others.
Assistant Secretary of Interior Tony Babauta and Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo proposed that the Compact Impact fund be tapped to avert a massive layoff that could have far-reaching economic implications.
But Camacho refused to allow the use of Compact-Impact monies, saying it would shortchange vital services in other areas depending on those monies.
This was the same governor who earlier tapped into the same limited critical resource to pay for the construction of a recreational sports center in Dededo.
Compared to education, it seems the joyriding governor has lost his way on the roadmap to success for our students and schools.
It is time for this governor to step aside if all he can do is plan obstacles to progress with little offer of solutions like competent bridge financing for the hard-pressed education agency.
GDOE superintendent Dr. Nerissa Underwood inherited a lifetime of difficulties and needs synergy and support – not silly political grandstanding and empty chatter to help right the course of public education on Guam.
It is time for local officials to step to the head of the class with positive ideas or move to the back before their legacy is topped with a dunce’s cap.
Sunday, 22 November 2009 23:48 Editorial
The Marianas Variety
“WE CANNOT continue to cover up for their mistakes and cover for them on all the short falls. We’ve suffered for far too long,” Gov. Felix Camacho said about the ongoing financial crisis at the Guam Department of Education.
The USDOE refused to allow local public education officials to use existing federal grant monies to cover an anticipated shortfall in several program areas.
Implicit in Camacho’s statement is the notion that somehow the governor was able, in the past, to find a way to obfuscate and “cover” the financial incompetence at the largest government agency – so long as it served his purposes.
For years federal officials expressed concerns over interloping local elected leaders in the management of GDOE with the matter finally coming to a head with the fruition of an elected education policy board, which was created by Public Law 26-26.
When he was senator, Camacho was among those who signed the bill that created the independent education board, and removed the governor’s control over the education department.
However, not long after coming into office at Adelup he changed his tune and has repeatedly lamented his impotence to do anything because of the historic federal concerns and policy changes since that time.
Although the two-term governor has been unable to come up with an innovative effort to find solutions for public education – a key platform on which he established his successful run for Adelup twice already – he seems to have little problem with finding a way to block solutions proffered by others.
Assistant Secretary of Interior Tony Babauta and Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo proposed that the Compact Impact fund be tapped to avert a massive layoff that could have far-reaching economic implications.
But Camacho refused to allow the use of Compact-Impact monies, saying it would shortchange vital services in other areas depending on those monies.
This was the same governor who earlier tapped into the same limited critical resource to pay for the construction of a recreational sports center in Dededo.
Compared to education, it seems the joyriding governor has lost his way on the roadmap to success for our students and schools.
It is time for this governor to step aside if all he can do is plan obstacles to progress with little offer of solutions like competent bridge financing for the hard-pressed education agency.
GDOE superintendent Dr. Nerissa Underwood inherited a lifetime of difficulties and needs synergy and support – not silly political grandstanding and empty chatter to help right the course of public education on Guam.
It is time for local officials to step to the head of the class with positive ideas or move to the back before their legacy is topped with a dunce’s cap.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Camacho participates in defense conference
Camacho participates in defense conference
By Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • November 3, 2009
Gov. Felix Camacho is attending a conference this week that aims to address issues faced by communities hosting growing military installations.
The 2009 Defense Community Conference, being held in Orlando, Fla., is being hosted by the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.
The conference will look at various issues, including:
# increases in student populations as a result of military expansion;
# the quality of life for local communities and the military partners they are hosting;
# how the need for more bases and training areas vital to military readiness can be compatible with civilian development restrictions;
# building and supporting the necessary transportation infrastructure needed for expanding military bases; and
# training the local workforce and the policies and programs to support that.
State and community leaders, DOD officials and federal agency officials are among those attending and speaking at the conference. Officials will share best practices, address impediments and challenges and explore opportunities for further collaboration, according to the conference agenda.
Camacho will take part in two conference panels dealing with transportation issues and fiscal challenges.
"This conference will draw many key individuals who need to hear what our island is challenged with in light of the buildup," Camacho said in a news release. "I will be sitting with other stateside governors in two critical panels. I plan to share the difficulties that confront our transportation and fiscal status, and the need for greater assistance moving forward."
The conference is scheduled to begin today and continue through Friday. Camacho is expected to return at the end of the week.
The Office of Economic Adjustment paid for the airfare for the governor and accompanying government officials, according to the news release from the governor's office.
By Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • November 3, 2009
Gov. Felix Camacho is attending a conference this week that aims to address issues faced by communities hosting growing military installations.
The 2009 Defense Community Conference, being held in Orlando, Fla., is being hosted by the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.
The conference will look at various issues, including:
# increases in student populations as a result of military expansion;
# the quality of life for local communities and the military partners they are hosting;
# how the need for more bases and training areas vital to military readiness can be compatible with civilian development restrictions;
# building and supporting the necessary transportation infrastructure needed for expanding military bases; and
# training the local workforce and the policies and programs to support that.
State and community leaders, DOD officials and federal agency officials are among those attending and speaking at the conference. Officials will share best practices, address impediments and challenges and explore opportunities for further collaboration, according to the conference agenda.
Camacho will take part in two conference panels dealing with transportation issues and fiscal challenges.
"This conference will draw many key individuals who need to hear what our island is challenged with in light of the buildup," Camacho said in a news release. "I will be sitting with other stateside governors in two critical panels. I plan to share the difficulties that confront our transportation and fiscal status, and the need for greater assistance moving forward."
The conference is scheduled to begin today and continue through Friday. Camacho is expected to return at the end of the week.
The Office of Economic Adjustment paid for the airfare for the governor and accompanying government officials, according to the news release from the governor's office.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Governor asks for 120 more days for DEIS
Governor asks for 120 more days for DEIS
Posted: Oct 27, 2009 3:22 PM
Updated: Oct 27, 2009 5:21 PM
by Nick Delgado
Governor Felix Camacho has officially requested for 120 days for the public and government leaders to review and provide comment on the draft environmental impact statement expected to be released next month. In a letter to Joint Guam Program Office Director David Bice, the governor said the additional 75 days would ensure adequate time to examine and respond to the largest draft EIS in Guam's history.
On that note, the Matrix Design Group is holding the first of several town hall meetings this evening, as they attempt to educate the public about a compatibility sustainability study and the National Environmental Policy Act process related to the military buildup. This evening's town hall meeting, which begins at 6, is being held at the Tamuning Community Center.
Another will be held at the Dededo Community Center and a third town hall meeting will be held at the Agat Senior Citizen's Center on Thursday evening from 6-8:30.
The company has been contracted by the government to review the voluminous draft environmental impact statement when it is released to the public on November 20.
Posted: Oct 27, 2009 3:22 PM
Updated: Oct 27, 2009 5:21 PM
by Nick Delgado
Governor Felix Camacho has officially requested for 120 days for the public and government leaders to review and provide comment on the draft environmental impact statement expected to be released next month. In a letter to Joint Guam Program Office Director David Bice, the governor said the additional 75 days would ensure adequate time to examine and respond to the largest draft EIS in Guam's history.
On that note, the Matrix Design Group is holding the first of several town hall meetings this evening, as they attempt to educate the public about a compatibility sustainability study and the National Environmental Policy Act process related to the military buildup. This evening's town hall meeting, which begins at 6, is being held at the Tamuning Community Center.
Another will be held at the Dededo Community Center and a third town hall meeting will be held at the Agat Senior Citizen's Center on Thursday evening from 6-8:30.
The company has been contracted by the government to review the voluminous draft environmental impact statement when it is released to the public on November 20.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Be part of ‘roadmap’ planning
Be part of ‘roadmap’ planning
Tuesday, 20 October 2009 04:13
Varitey [sec] News Staff
(Adelup)--Governor Felix P. Camacho invites the public to attend a workshop, the first of a series of four, to kick-off the development of the Guam Compatibility Sustainability Study.
“As we move forward in ‘Shaping the Future Together,’ this is your opportunity to provide direction in the development of our road map for our children and future generations,” said Camacho. “Your participation at the public workshop is critical to ensuring the development of this study is responsive to the needs of those involved.”
The public workshop has two main objectives. The first is to educate and inform the public about the Guam CSS with a discussion of the goals of the program and how the public can be involved in its development. The second objective is to obtain public input on the issues and opportunities related to community and military compatibility factors in Guam.
The primary goal of the Guam CSS is to reduce potential conflicts between the community of Guam and military installations and training areas while at the same time sustaining economic development, protecting public health and safety, and protecting current and future military missions.
Funded by the Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment, the Guam CSS is a collaborative planning effort involving the public, the government of Guam, military services, and other affected agencies.
All interested parties are encouraged to attend the public workshops to learn more and provide input on the Guam CSS planning effort.
To provide easy access for interested attendees, the workshop will be held at the following locations:
• 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 27, at the Tamuning Community Center (120 Tun Jesus Crisostomo Street)
• 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 28, at the Dededo Community Center (335 Iglesia Circle)
• 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 29, at the Agat Community Center (Route 2)
For more information, visit the One Guam Web site at one.guam.gov.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009 04:13
Varitey [sec] News Staff
(Adelup)--Governor Felix P. Camacho invites the public to attend a workshop, the first of a series of four, to kick-off the development of the Guam Compatibility Sustainability Study.
“As we move forward in ‘Shaping the Future Together,’ this is your opportunity to provide direction in the development of our road map for our children and future generations,” said Camacho. “Your participation at the public workshop is critical to ensuring the development of this study is responsive to the needs of those involved.”
The public workshop has two main objectives. The first is to educate and inform the public about the Guam CSS with a discussion of the goals of the program and how the public can be involved in its development. The second objective is to obtain public input on the issues and opportunities related to community and military compatibility factors in Guam.
The primary goal of the Guam CSS is to reduce potential conflicts between the community of Guam and military installations and training areas while at the same time sustaining economic development, protecting public health and safety, and protecting current and future military missions.
Funded by the Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment, the Guam CSS is a collaborative planning effort involving the public, the government of Guam, military services, and other affected agencies.
All interested parties are encouraged to attend the public workshops to learn more and provide input on the Guam CSS planning effort.
To provide easy access for interested attendees, the workshop will be held at the following locations:
• 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 27, at the Tamuning Community Center (120 Tun Jesus Crisostomo Street)
• 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 28, at the Dededo Community Center (335 Iglesia Circle)
• 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 29, at the Agat Community Center (Route 2)
For more information, visit the One Guam Web site at one.guam.gov.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Territorial Governors Urge White House Support for Health Care Equity
Territorial Governors Urge White House Support for Health Care Equity
Guam - Governor Felix P. Camacho, along with other territory governors, sent a joint letter this week urging the White House to ensure that the territories receive equitable treatment under the health care reform legislation currently before the U.S. Senate.
The letter was signed by Gov. Camacho, Gov. John P. de Jongh Jr. of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Gov. Benigno R. Fitial of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands.
In the letter to Rahm Emanuel, White House chief of staff, the three governors requested that the final version of the health care reform bill include provisions to ensure that individuals from territories be eligible to participate in the new health insurance exchange and for the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) that will be available to the 50 states.
“We are asking that the final version of the health care reform bill ensures residents of the territories have the same access to health care as those on the mainland,” said Gov. Camacho. “I sincerely hope that the White House understands our people’s need to receive quality health services and acts accordingly.”
The letter states that the White House is working to merge and finalize two separate health care bills from the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
Written by :
News Release
Guam - Governor Felix P. Camacho, along with other territory governors, sent a joint letter this week urging the White House to ensure that the territories receive equitable treatment under the health care reform legislation currently before the U.S. Senate.
The letter was signed by Gov. Camacho, Gov. John P. de Jongh Jr. of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Gov. Benigno R. Fitial of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands.
In the letter to Rahm Emanuel, White House chief of staff, the three governors requested that the final version of the health care reform bill include provisions to ensure that individuals from territories be eligible to participate in the new health insurance exchange and for the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) that will be available to the 50 states.
“We are asking that the final version of the health care reform bill ensures residents of the territories have the same access to health care as those on the mainland,” said Gov. Camacho. “I sincerely hope that the White House understands our people’s need to receive quality health services and acts accordingly.”
The letter states that the White House is working to merge and finalize two separate health care bills from the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
Written by :
News Release
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Guam Designated Strategic Seaport
Guam designated strategic seaport
By Agnes E. Donato
Pacific Sunday News
September 20, 2009
As a result, the Department of Defense will include the use of the island's port facilities in its planning for cargo movement during times of military deployments.
While the designation doesn't guarantee federal funding for port projects, it does underscore the need for funding for infrastructure improvement, according to Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command.
"A modernized port will provide additional deployment options for our forces forward and greater flexibility to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in the Pacific theater," McNabb wrote in a Sept. 17 memorandum to key military officials. McNabb also asked the Department of Transportation consider Guam's expanding military role as it weighs grants and economic stimulus funding for critical transportation projects.
The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command made the decision two weeks after McNabb toured the Port of Guam, a news release from the office of Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo said yesterday. "Our community will benefit from the strategic port designation," Bordallo said in the release. "The military buildup will increase the volume of traffic at the port and resources will be needed to help the port meet future demand.... This designation will help the port to receive federal funding to modernize port infrastructure and cargo handling."
Monte Mesa, chairman of the port's board of directors, called the designation "a very good validation of our port master plan."
"It highlights the critical need for our port to be developed to a modern, world-class standards," said Mesa.
Gov. Felix Camacho also welcomed the military's decision.
"The recognition of our island's only port as a strategic designation brings great economic opportunities and benefits for Guam," Camacho said in a release. "This acknowledgment will help strengthen the administration, and port management's efforts when applying for funding that will modernize and expand the port in order to prepare it for the military buildup."
About 8,000 Marines, plus about 9,000 of their dependents, are expected to transfer to Guam from Okinawa, Japan, by 2014.
By Agnes E. Donato
Pacific Sunday News
September 20, 2009
As a result, the Department of Defense will include the use of the island's port facilities in its planning for cargo movement during times of military deployments.
While the designation doesn't guarantee federal funding for port projects, it does underscore the need for funding for infrastructure improvement, according to Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command.
"A modernized port will provide additional deployment options for our forces forward and greater flexibility to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in the Pacific theater," McNabb wrote in a Sept. 17 memorandum to key military officials. McNabb also asked the Department of Transportation consider Guam's expanding military role as it weighs grants and economic stimulus funding for critical transportation projects.
The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command made the decision two weeks after McNabb toured the Port of Guam, a news release from the office of Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo said yesterday. "Our community will benefit from the strategic port designation," Bordallo said in the release. "The military buildup will increase the volume of traffic at the port and resources will be needed to help the port meet future demand.... This designation will help the port to receive federal funding to modernize port infrastructure and cargo handling."
Monte Mesa, chairman of the port's board of directors, called the designation "a very good validation of our port master plan."
"It highlights the critical need for our port to be developed to a modern, world-class standards," said Mesa.
Gov. Felix Camacho also welcomed the military's decision.
"The recognition of our island's only port as a strategic designation brings great economic opportunities and benefits for Guam," Camacho said in a release. "This acknowledgment will help strengthen the administration, and port management's efforts when applying for funding that will modernize and expand the port in order to prepare it for the military buildup."
About 8,000 Marines, plus about 9,000 of their dependents, are expected to transfer to Guam from Okinawa, Japan, by 2014.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Guam's Governor Cruising?
Governor cruises, Guam in crisis
Thursday, 06 August 2009 23:49 by Tiffany Sukola
For Marianas Variety
THE governor’s chief of staff is embroiled in a contract scandal at the port that could possibly jeopardize possible stimulus funding for Guam; local health officials report spiraling numbers of swine flu cases and no substantive protocols to protect the public are in place; the new JFK campus project has come to a halt amidst allegations of impropriety and the legislature is about to take up crucial budget hearings in middle of the worst economic meltdown the world has seen since the Great Depression.
And Gov. Felix P. Camacho is off-island on a joy ride.
A confidential source told Variety that the governor is currently enjoying a motorcycle ride in the West Coast with Chief Justice Robert Torres. The island’s two top leaders are cruising with Harley Owners Group for the Sturgis 2009 Motorcycle Rally.
HOG director Joe Blas said several of the group members are barreling across the nation, starting from Los Angeles, California to Sturgis, South Dakota.
“With almost 150,000 bikers and two weeks of events, Sturgis is definitely the place to be,” Blas said, adding that eight or nine of the bike club members traveled off-island to attend the two-week rally.
While Blas would not confirm or deny the governor’s participation in the motorcycle rally, he admitted Camacho periodically joins the Guam HOGS during their monthly rides.
“The governor is considered an honorary member,” said Blas. “We always invite him to our events and he usually comes.”
Blas told Variety that the group started in Los Angeles heading toward South Dakota. At the annual motorbike rally known for its raucous festivities thousands of bike enthusiasts gather to check out custom-made motorcycles and attend concerts and the like.
Blas said he expects some HOG members to return by mid-to late-August when the rally is scheduled to wind down.
Questions to the governor’s office regarding the Harley-riding chief executive’s off-island itinerary remained unanswered as of press time yesterday.
Thursday, 06 August 2009 23:49 by Tiffany Sukola
For Marianas Variety
THE governor’s chief of staff is embroiled in a contract scandal at the port that could possibly jeopardize possible stimulus funding for Guam; local health officials report spiraling numbers of swine flu cases and no substantive protocols to protect the public are in place; the new JFK campus project has come to a halt amidst allegations of impropriety and the legislature is about to take up crucial budget hearings in middle of the worst economic meltdown the world has seen since the Great Depression.
And Gov. Felix P. Camacho is off-island on a joy ride.
A confidential source told Variety that the governor is currently enjoying a motorcycle ride in the West Coast with Chief Justice Robert Torres. The island’s two top leaders are cruising with Harley Owners Group for the Sturgis 2009 Motorcycle Rally.
HOG director Joe Blas said several of the group members are barreling across the nation, starting from Los Angeles, California to Sturgis, South Dakota.
“With almost 150,000 bikers and two weeks of events, Sturgis is definitely the place to be,” Blas said, adding that eight or nine of the bike club members traveled off-island to attend the two-week rally.
While Blas would not confirm or deny the governor’s participation in the motorcycle rally, he admitted Camacho periodically joins the Guam HOGS during their monthly rides.
“The governor is considered an honorary member,” said Blas. “We always invite him to our events and he usually comes.”
Blas told Variety that the group started in Los Angeles heading toward South Dakota. At the annual motorbike rally known for its raucous festivities thousands of bike enthusiasts gather to check out custom-made motorcycles and attend concerts and the like.
Blas said he expects some HOG members to return by mid-to late-August when the rally is scheduled to wind down.
Questions to the governor’s office regarding the Harley-riding chief executive’s off-island itinerary remained unanswered as of press time yesterday.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Military Expansion Will Tax Guam's Infrastructure
GAO Says Military Expansion Will Tax Guam's Infrastructure
Walter Pincus
Washington Post
Sunday, April 12, 2009; Page A02
The infrastructure and social services on Guam in the next five years will not meet the needs of the more than 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents expected to relocate there, even as other U.S. military facilities on the Pacific island are expanding, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Under a 2005 agreement with Japan, the Marines will transfer from Okinawa to Guam by 2014. At the same time, a $13 billion expansion is planned for Air Force bases and Navy port facilities on the island. Together, the changes will increase Guam's population by almost 15 percent and "substantially" tax the island's infrastructure, the GAO said in a report sent to Congress on Friday.
Guam's water and wastewater systems "are near capacity and demand may increase by 25 percent," the GAO said. The island's solid-waste facilities have "reached the end of their projected useful life," and the military construction demands "will exceed local capacity and the availability of workers on Guam," the GAO added. As a result, outside workers will need to move to the island, the report said.
Also citing what could be an inadequate electric grid capacity and an overload for Guam's only two major highways, the GAO called on Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to urge that other government agencies make the island's problems a higher priority in their budgets.
Although the Defense Department is expected to pay for infrastructure projects directly related to the military buildup and contribute toward utilities and roads, the Guam government "is largely responsible for obtaining funding for civilian requirements related to the buildup," the GAO said.
At a May Senate hearing, Gov. Felix P. Camacho (R) said Guam would need $6.1 billion for fiscal 2010 to support the military buildup. Guam's revenue for fiscal 2010 is projected at $532 million.
Walter Pincus
Washington Post
Sunday, April 12, 2009; Page A02
The infrastructure and social services on Guam in the next five years will not meet the needs of the more than 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents expected to relocate there, even as other U.S. military facilities on the Pacific island are expanding, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Under a 2005 agreement with Japan, the Marines will transfer from Okinawa to Guam by 2014. At the same time, a $13 billion expansion is planned for Air Force bases and Navy port facilities on the island. Together, the changes will increase Guam's population by almost 15 percent and "substantially" tax the island's infrastructure, the GAO said in a report sent to Congress on Friday.
Guam's water and wastewater systems "are near capacity and demand may increase by 25 percent," the GAO said. The island's solid-waste facilities have "reached the end of their projected useful life," and the military construction demands "will exceed local capacity and the availability of workers on Guam," the GAO added. As a result, outside workers will need to move to the island, the report said.
Also citing what could be an inadequate electric grid capacity and an overload for Guam's only two major highways, the GAO called on Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to urge that other government agencies make the island's problems a higher priority in their budgets.
Although the Defense Department is expected to pay for infrastructure projects directly related to the military buildup and contribute toward utilities and roads, the Guam government "is largely responsible for obtaining funding for civilian requirements related to the buildup," the GAO said.
At a May Senate hearing, Gov. Felix P. Camacho (R) said Guam would need $6.1 billion for fiscal 2010 to support the military buildup. Guam's revenue for fiscal 2010 is projected at $532 million.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Senators Hit $1 Million Payout Plan
Senators hit $1M payout plan
Thursday, 15 January 2009
by Therese Hart
Marianas Variety News Staff
In a remarkable show of bipartisan unity, senators from both parties yesterday condemned the $1 million weekly payout plan for the landfill being proposed by the federal receiver.
Gershman, Brickner & Bratton informed the U.S. District Court last Wednesday that it wants GovGuam to pay out $1 million a week in cash beginning March 1 to finance various landfill-related projects.
The recommendation was made by GBB special principal associate David Manning during the landfill quarterly status hearing in District Court.
Sen. Eddie Calvo, responding to the proposal, said the payout plan is simply too heavy a burden for GovGuam to bear.
"That amounts to approximately $4 million a month, averaging 10 percent of what is taken in on a monthly basis which is about $30 to $50 million a month. If that were to occur, there would have to be a substantial realignment of expenditures within the government. That would have a very detrimental impact on the critical services the government provides," the senator said.
Calvo added that critical areas such as education, health and public safety will be adversely affected.
Sen. Frank Aguon Jr. chimed in, saying that although he respects any decision that Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood may make on the matter, all the parties really need to sit down and recognize that the government of Guam is not a cash cow.
"We need to work out financial arrangements that would be acceptable to all parties and recognize that the residents need a government to run, inclusive of addressing education, public safety and healthcare requirements," said Aguon.
Sen. Judi Guthertz has also criticized the payout plan, saying: "I don't think it's achievable, given the cash flow problems of the government. I think it's unconscionable that the federal government is mandating this on this territory and not considering its fair share for the closure of the Ordot Dump and the construction of the new landfill."
Destroy
Last Wednesday, Gov. Felix Camacho said one million dollars out of the government's operating fund will destroy GovGuam's ability to provide services.
In light of this latest demand from GBB, Camacho said the legislature should now give him policy approval to proceed with the revenue bond, although he told the court that given the current global financial crisis, it would be difficult for the government to secure a bond at this point in time.
The governor said that even if the government were to secure financing in the bond market, because of the high rates, it's simply not affordable.
"It's going to be very difficult to receive that right now and this will only exacerbate our already growing deficit," Camacho said.
Defended
Manning had defended the $1 million weekly payout plan, saying that the continuous replenishment of the funds on a weekly basis in which $20 million has been deposited into a bank account is necessary because it provides a "clear reassurance to the contractors employed to do the Consent Decree project work that they will be paid in a timely way." Without such assurance, Manning said it is unlikely that quality contractors will be willing to undertake the work needed to bring Guam into compliance with the Consent Decree.
Manning added that given the weak cash position of the government, a fixed weekly cash contribution may be more manageable than monthly cash amounts.
Thursday, 15 January 2009
by Therese Hart
Marianas Variety News Staff
In a remarkable show of bipartisan unity, senators from both parties yesterday condemned the $1 million weekly payout plan for the landfill being proposed by the federal receiver.
Gershman, Brickner & Bratton informed the U.S. District Court last Wednesday that it wants GovGuam to pay out $1 million a week in cash beginning March 1 to finance various landfill-related projects.
The recommendation was made by GBB special principal associate David Manning during the landfill quarterly status hearing in District Court.
Sen. Eddie Calvo, responding to the proposal, said the payout plan is simply too heavy a burden for GovGuam to bear.
"That amounts to approximately $4 million a month, averaging 10 percent of what is taken in on a monthly basis which is about $30 to $50 million a month. If that were to occur, there would have to be a substantial realignment of expenditures within the government. That would have a very detrimental impact on the critical services the government provides," the senator said.
Calvo added that critical areas such as education, health and public safety will be adversely affected.
Sen. Frank Aguon Jr. chimed in, saying that although he respects any decision that Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood may make on the matter, all the parties really need to sit down and recognize that the government of Guam is not a cash cow.
"We need to work out financial arrangements that would be acceptable to all parties and recognize that the residents need a government to run, inclusive of addressing education, public safety and healthcare requirements," said Aguon.
Sen. Judi Guthertz has also criticized the payout plan, saying: "I don't think it's achievable, given the cash flow problems of the government. I think it's unconscionable that the federal government is mandating this on this territory and not considering its fair share for the closure of the Ordot Dump and the construction of the new landfill."
Destroy
Last Wednesday, Gov. Felix Camacho said one million dollars out of the government's operating fund will destroy GovGuam's ability to provide services.
In light of this latest demand from GBB, Camacho said the legislature should now give him policy approval to proceed with the revenue bond, although he told the court that given the current global financial crisis, it would be difficult for the government to secure a bond at this point in time.
The governor said that even if the government were to secure financing in the bond market, because of the high rates, it's simply not affordable.
"It's going to be very difficult to receive that right now and this will only exacerbate our already growing deficit," Camacho said.
Defended
Manning had defended the $1 million weekly payout plan, saying that the continuous replenishment of the funds on a weekly basis in which $20 million has been deposited into a bank account is necessary because it provides a "clear reassurance to the contractors employed to do the Consent Decree project work that they will be paid in a timely way." Without such assurance, Manning said it is unlikely that quality contractors will be willing to undertake the work needed to bring Guam into compliance with the Consent Decree.
Manning added that given the weak cash position of the government, a fixed weekly cash contribution may be more manageable than monthly cash amounts.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
GovGuam Can't Afford $1,000,000 a Week for New Landfill
Cruz: We can't trim:
Camacho weighs cuts to pay for landfill
By Agnes Donato
Pacific Daily News
January 16, 2009
Acting Speaker Benjamin J. Cruz yesterday rejected a suggestion for the government to rein in spending so it can raise money for the dump closure and a new landfill.
According to Cruz, a cost-cutting plan isn't an option because the government of Guam is insufficiently funded as it is.
"Where do you want to start making the cuts? The police department? The last budget we passed is not even enough to run the government. We have not paid tax refunds in 15 years," said Cruz.
The administration of Gov. Felix Camacho said it is looking into the possibility of cuts.
"Austerity measures have always been important, and key members of our fiscal team are working to identify different options and their respective impacts," governor's spokesman Shawn Gumataotao said.
Time running out
Time is running out for GovGuam to close Ordot dump and open a new landfill. The solid waste receiver in a report Wednesday said the dump will be full in two and a half years, barely five months after the new landfill is scheduled to open. The receiver said GovGuam must pay $1 million a week, beginning in March, to finance the project.
Cruz said it would be impossible to come up with $52 million a year. The amount represents about 10 percent of GovGuam's budget for fiscal 2009.
"We're not like the federal government that has plenty of money. They can print money anytime they want to because they have credit to back it up. The government of Guam does not have that ability. GBB has to understand that," said Cruz, referring to solid waste receiver Gershman, Brickner & Bratton.
Cruz said he is glad the court recognizes the government's financial problems and is now willing to entertain alternative means of funding the landfill.
District Court of Guam Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood has given the administration a week to respond to the receiver's demand and to present an alternative funding plan that GovGuam could afford.
Court order
But Cruz lashed out at the receiver for insisting that the government pay $993,700 a week, beginning in March, to replenish the initial $20 million deposit Gov. Felix Camacho made under court order earlier this month. Cruz said the demand is "unreasonable."
The acting speaker also said lawmakers shouldn't be blamed because they failed to pass the $160 million bond bill that Camacho submitted to the last Legislature. Even if the bill went through, he said, GovGuam would not be able to float the bond because of the global economic crisis.
"Even if we wanted to, we couldn't float the bond today. Almost nobody can float bonds. GBB has to understand that," he said.
Cruz added that the terms of the government's existing loans prohibit GovGuam from floating any further bonds.
GovGuam has three outstanding loans with Bank of Guam: a 2002 loan with an outstanding balance of $5 million, a 2008 loan with a balance of $13 million, and the $20 million entered on Jan. 2, 2009, to pay for the landfill deposit. Under the terms of the 2009 loan, the government cannot float a similar bond until these loans are paid.
Camacho weighs cuts to pay for landfill
By Agnes Donato
Pacific Daily News
January 16, 2009
Acting Speaker Benjamin J. Cruz yesterday rejected a suggestion for the government to rein in spending so it can raise money for the dump closure and a new landfill.
According to Cruz, a cost-cutting plan isn't an option because the government of Guam is insufficiently funded as it is.
"Where do you want to start making the cuts? The police department? The last budget we passed is not even enough to run the government. We have not paid tax refunds in 15 years," said Cruz.
The administration of Gov. Felix Camacho said it is looking into the possibility of cuts.
"Austerity measures have always been important, and key members of our fiscal team are working to identify different options and their respective impacts," governor's spokesman Shawn Gumataotao said.
Time running out
Time is running out for GovGuam to close Ordot dump and open a new landfill. The solid waste receiver in a report Wednesday said the dump will be full in two and a half years, barely five months after the new landfill is scheduled to open. The receiver said GovGuam must pay $1 million a week, beginning in March, to finance the project.
Cruz said it would be impossible to come up with $52 million a year. The amount represents about 10 percent of GovGuam's budget for fiscal 2009.
"We're not like the federal government that has plenty of money. They can print money anytime they want to because they have credit to back it up. The government of Guam does not have that ability. GBB has to understand that," said Cruz, referring to solid waste receiver Gershman, Brickner & Bratton.
Cruz said he is glad the court recognizes the government's financial problems and is now willing to entertain alternative means of funding the landfill.
District Court of Guam Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood has given the administration a week to respond to the receiver's demand and to present an alternative funding plan that GovGuam could afford.
Court order
But Cruz lashed out at the receiver for insisting that the government pay $993,700 a week, beginning in March, to replenish the initial $20 million deposit Gov. Felix Camacho made under court order earlier this month. Cruz said the demand is "unreasonable."
The acting speaker also said lawmakers shouldn't be blamed because they failed to pass the $160 million bond bill that Camacho submitted to the last Legislature. Even if the bill went through, he said, GovGuam would not be able to float the bond because of the global economic crisis.
"Even if we wanted to, we couldn't float the bond today. Almost nobody can float bonds. GBB has to understand that," he said.
Cruz added that the terms of the government's existing loans prohibit GovGuam from floating any further bonds.
GovGuam has three outstanding loans with Bank of Guam: a 2002 loan with an outstanding balance of $5 million, a 2008 loan with a balance of $13 million, and the $20 million entered on Jan. 2, 2009, to pay for the landfill deposit. Under the terms of the 2009 loan, the government cannot float a similar bond until these loans are paid.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Guam Gears Up for Suit Vs. Feds
Guam gears up for suit vs feds
Friday, 02 January 2009
by Therese Hart
Variety News Staff
WASTING no time before the New Year kicked in, Gov. Felix Camacho has signed into law a bill that paves the way for the government of Guam to take legal action against the federal government for reimbursement of $400 million in Compact Impact funds.
Bill 385 was signed into law on Monday. The bill’s author, Sen. Frank Blas Jr., said the enactment of Bill 385 will now allow Guam to move forward.
Attached to the bill was an amendment that waives the government’s sovereign immunity protection as required by the financing contract that was negotiated with the Guam Economic Development and Commerce Authority and the Bank of Guam for the $20 million bridge loan that must be deposited to federal receiver, Gershman, Bricker & Bratton’s trustee by next Monday.
“We must move forward with the closure of the Ordot Dump and the construction of a new landfill to comply with the federal consent decree obligations placed on this government,” Camacho said.
In an earlier interview, Blas said Guam has spent a total of $400.87 million for the social services rendered to Freely Associated States citizens between 1987 and 2007 but the amount that the federal government reimburses to the island is not commensurate to the actual cost of hosting Micronesians.
According to the Compact Impact Reconciliation Report, Guam spent $269 million from 1987 to 2003 for medical, educational and security services provided to FAS citizens. "The total amount owed to Guam now is $400.87 million when we include the un-reimbursed amounts from 2004 to 2007," Blas told Variety during an interview last August.
Guam has been receiving $14 million in Compact Impact money every year since 2004. That amount is part of the $30 million that the federal government releases annually and shared with Hawaii and the CNMI, which are also affected by migration of FAS citizens migration.
David B. Cohen, former deputy assistant secretary of the Department of Interior, disagreed with the local government’s claim that the federal government owed Guam money.
“I don’t agree that Guam is owed $400 million,” Cohen told Variety in an interview during his visit to Guam last month.
He said the law authorizes reimbursements for the impact of migration from Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, but did not require Congress to appropriate funds for that purpose. “So that’s not a debt,” Cohen said.
Cohen said Guam incurs costs just as other states do, but in return, there are benefits that come with the overall package.
“Guam is incurring expenses because of decisions that are made by the federal government, but all of us do. When we’re part of the American family we get benefits because the decisions by the federal government and we incur costs,” Cohen said.
“We get benefits like the military buildup will bring a lot of money here. And the federal government never says that we will indemnify you, in other words, we will make sure that you will incur no cost because of any decision we make,” Cohen said.
Cohen said that Guam could argue that because of the influx of migrants to Guam, that Guam should pursue the matter with the federal government using a moral argument.
“I do agree that Guam has a moral argument to make and I used to make that argument behind the scenes. I think it is a very legitimate argument to make,” he said.
He said the federal government’s role in fiscal policy has reached a new level of difficulty. But Guam, he added, should move forward in pursuing the feds help in shouldering some of the costs, not just Compact Impact funds, but the military buildup as well.
“It’s a difficult fiscal environment that’s just gotten a lot more difficult, so it’s a hard issue. The folks in DC, they don’t think they owe Guam the money as a legal matter, but we need to create more awareness of what Guam needs, not only because of Compact Impact and the impact of migration, but the civilian needs because of this buildup,” said Cohen.
Friday, 02 January 2009
by Therese Hart
Variety News Staff
WASTING no time before the New Year kicked in, Gov. Felix Camacho has signed into law a bill that paves the way for the government of Guam to take legal action against the federal government for reimbursement of $400 million in Compact Impact funds.
Bill 385 was signed into law on Monday. The bill’s author, Sen. Frank Blas Jr., said the enactment of Bill 385 will now allow Guam to move forward.
Attached to the bill was an amendment that waives the government’s sovereign immunity protection as required by the financing contract that was negotiated with the Guam Economic Development and Commerce Authority and the Bank of Guam for the $20 million bridge loan that must be deposited to federal receiver, Gershman, Bricker & Bratton’s trustee by next Monday.
“We must move forward with the closure of the Ordot Dump and the construction of a new landfill to comply with the federal consent decree obligations placed on this government,” Camacho said.
In an earlier interview, Blas said Guam has spent a total of $400.87 million for the social services rendered to Freely Associated States citizens between 1987 and 2007 but the amount that the federal government reimburses to the island is not commensurate to the actual cost of hosting Micronesians.
According to the Compact Impact Reconciliation Report, Guam spent $269 million from 1987 to 2003 for medical, educational and security services provided to FAS citizens. "The total amount owed to Guam now is $400.87 million when we include the un-reimbursed amounts from 2004 to 2007," Blas told Variety during an interview last August.
Guam has been receiving $14 million in Compact Impact money every year since 2004. That amount is part of the $30 million that the federal government releases annually and shared with Hawaii and the CNMI, which are also affected by migration of FAS citizens migration.
David B. Cohen, former deputy assistant secretary of the Department of Interior, disagreed with the local government’s claim that the federal government owed Guam money.
“I don’t agree that Guam is owed $400 million,” Cohen told Variety in an interview during his visit to Guam last month.
He said the law authorizes reimbursements for the impact of migration from Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, but did not require Congress to appropriate funds for that purpose. “So that’s not a debt,” Cohen said.
Cohen said Guam incurs costs just as other states do, but in return, there are benefits that come with the overall package.
“Guam is incurring expenses because of decisions that are made by the federal government, but all of us do. When we’re part of the American family we get benefits because the decisions by the federal government and we incur costs,” Cohen said.
“We get benefits like the military buildup will bring a lot of money here. And the federal government never says that we will indemnify you, in other words, we will make sure that you will incur no cost because of any decision we make,” Cohen said.
Cohen said that Guam could argue that because of the influx of migrants to Guam, that Guam should pursue the matter with the federal government using a moral argument.
“I do agree that Guam has a moral argument to make and I used to make that argument behind the scenes. I think it is a very legitimate argument to make,” he said.
He said the federal government’s role in fiscal policy has reached a new level of difficulty. But Guam, he added, should move forward in pursuing the feds help in shouldering some of the costs, not just Compact Impact funds, but the military buildup as well.
“It’s a difficult fiscal environment that’s just gotten a lot more difficult, so it’s a hard issue. The folks in DC, they don’t think they owe Guam the money as a legal matter, but we need to create more awareness of what Guam needs, not only because of Compact Impact and the impact of migration, but the civilian needs because of this buildup,” said Cohen.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Guam First Commission
Camacho's veto overridden for Guam First Commission
By Sabrina Salas Matanane
Published Dec 23, 2008
It was clear Monday morning where lawmakers were heading as they moved legislation recently vetoed by Governor Felix Camacho into the voting file. Discussion began bill on Bill 378, which would create a Guam First Commission on the military buildup.
It marked the ninth such attempt by Democrat Rory Respicio to get this commission going. The senator said, "With all due respect to the Governor Camacho and his administration, I just can't see why he would feel offended to having a Guam First Commission, of which he is the chairman, where the Civilian Military Task Force is a technical arm to the group, where everything they've been doing so far will not be changed midstream, but actually be strengthened."
Lawmakers ultimately overrode the governor's veto by a vote of 12-3.
Related links
Bill 378
By Sabrina Salas Matanane
Published Dec 23, 2008
It was clear Monday morning where lawmakers were heading as they moved legislation recently vetoed by Governor Felix Camacho into the voting file. Discussion began bill on Bill 378, which would create a Guam First Commission on the military buildup.
It marked the ninth such attempt by Democrat Rory Respicio to get this commission going. The senator said, "With all due respect to the Governor Camacho and his administration, I just can't see why he would feel offended to having a Guam First Commission, of which he is the chairman, where the Civilian Military Task Force is a technical arm to the group, where everything they've been doing so far will not be changed midstream, but actually be strengthened."
Lawmakers ultimately overrode the governor's veto by a vote of 12-3.
Related links
Bill 378
Saturday, December 06, 2008
DOD Wants CLT Property
DoD eyeing Chamorro Land Trust property
KUAM News
By Clynt Ridgell
12/6/08
While most of the island is not a party to the specifics regarding the U.S. Department of Defense's plans to buildup the military on Guam, it's apparent now that the governor too has been left in the dark. In an interview with KUAM News Felix Camacho revealed a major decision being crafted without the input of Guam's highest elected leader.
What's even more disturbing is that this decision involves land.
Governor Camacho is making it clear that he and the people of Guam need a seat at the table when the feds plan the immense military buildup that will bring an estimated 40,000 new people to the island. "As decisions are made, we are simply advised of it not consultedm" he shared. One of these decisions that has sparked the governor to speak out is related to a very touchy subject on Guam.
He continued, "The question was asked will there be sufficient lands for this endeavor. They said, 'Absolutely, we have enough land in our inventory and within our footprint on Guam to make this a success'. I believe decisions are now being made that they need to acquire more land and this would have to be to accommodate the firing range."
The DoD and the Joint Guam Program Office officials have all said repeatedly that they would not need additional lands for the buildup the governor now says they are eyeing some Government of Guam property that is supposed to be used by the island's indigenous people.
"They would like to consolidate their property up north and have one contiguous operation we certainly have lands in between that that are Chamorro Land Trust lands," said Camacho.
The governor further says that he wants to protect the assets of the people, adding that giving additional land to the feds is something that shouldn't be done without first consulting the people. But it's not only the land issue that the governor has a problem with he's concerned about the lack of funding needed to beef up the island's infrastructure. "Guam does not have the resources nor do we have the capacity either financially or personally to build our infrastructure to the level that we must," he told KUAM News.
This need for a rapid buildup of infrastructure is due to the rapid buildup of the military one in which our population will also rapidly increase by over 20%. The governor says although the feds have instructed GovGuam to get with different federal agencies like the EPA, the Federal Highway Administration, the Department of Transportation and others. Only one of them have offered a helping hand.
"We have gone to Office of Management and Budget; we have made our case we've requested for monies in 2010. I've not seen anything come out of it. In fact, the only agency that came to bat for us is the Department of the Interior, which requested roughly $168 million, but every other agency failed to do so."
The governor says he understands that this buildup may be the way that DoD operates, but he also says that if they want to maintain goodwill, Guam needs a voice. "We as an unincorporated territory with no voice and no vote in Congress would be first on the chopping block when it comes to budget," Camacho said. "So where is the support for Guam where is this commitment other than verbal?"
Camacho still believes that this move can be beneficial to Guam it's just a matter of getting the finances necessary to ensure that the island's people are not overburdened. "There's a change in administration. I'm hoping there will be a change in leadership. I think that JGPO, however well intentioned they, are doesn't have enough fire power to get this thing going," the governor concluded. "I don't believe they have enough resources committed to it because it is a major initiative it is a major undertaking and between the DoD and all the other agencies.
"They are going to have to get their act together."
KUAM News
By Clynt Ridgell
12/6/08
While most of the island is not a party to the specifics regarding the U.S. Department of Defense's plans to buildup the military on Guam, it's apparent now that the governor too has been left in the dark. In an interview with KUAM News Felix Camacho revealed a major decision being crafted without the input of Guam's highest elected leader.
What's even more disturbing is that this decision involves land.
Governor Camacho is making it clear that he and the people of Guam need a seat at the table when the feds plan the immense military buildup that will bring an estimated 40,000 new people to the island. "As decisions are made, we are simply advised of it not consultedm" he shared. One of these decisions that has sparked the governor to speak out is related to a very touchy subject on Guam.
He continued, "The question was asked will there be sufficient lands for this endeavor. They said, 'Absolutely, we have enough land in our inventory and within our footprint on Guam to make this a success'. I believe decisions are now being made that they need to acquire more land and this would have to be to accommodate the firing range."
The DoD and the Joint Guam Program Office officials have all said repeatedly that they would not need additional lands for the buildup the governor now says they are eyeing some Government of Guam property that is supposed to be used by the island's indigenous people.
"They would like to consolidate their property up north and have one contiguous operation we certainly have lands in between that that are Chamorro Land Trust lands," said Camacho.
The governor further says that he wants to protect the assets of the people, adding that giving additional land to the feds is something that shouldn't be done without first consulting the people. But it's not only the land issue that the governor has a problem with he's concerned about the lack of funding needed to beef up the island's infrastructure. "Guam does not have the resources nor do we have the capacity either financially or personally to build our infrastructure to the level that we must," he told KUAM News.
This need for a rapid buildup of infrastructure is due to the rapid buildup of the military one in which our population will also rapidly increase by over 20%. The governor says although the feds have instructed GovGuam to get with different federal agencies like the EPA, the Federal Highway Administration, the Department of Transportation and others. Only one of them have offered a helping hand.
"We have gone to Office of Management and Budget; we have made our case we've requested for monies in 2010. I've not seen anything come out of it. In fact, the only agency that came to bat for us is the Department of the Interior, which requested roughly $168 million, but every other agency failed to do so."
The governor says he understands that this buildup may be the way that DoD operates, but he also says that if they want to maintain goodwill, Guam needs a voice. "We as an unincorporated territory with no voice and no vote in Congress would be first on the chopping block when it comes to budget," Camacho said. "So where is the support for Guam where is this commitment other than verbal?"
Camacho still believes that this move can be beneficial to Guam it's just a matter of getting the finances necessary to ensure that the island's people are not overburdened. "There's a change in administration. I'm hoping there will be a change in leadership. I think that JGPO, however well intentioned they, are doesn't have enough fire power to get this thing going," the governor concluded. "I don't believe they have enough resources committed to it because it is a major initiative it is a major undertaking and between the DoD and all the other agencies.
"They are going to have to get their act together."
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 09, 2008
GovGuam Bonds Upgraded to B +
GovGuam bond upgraded to B+
By Sabrina Salas Matanane
Published Oct 29, 2008
KUAM NEWS
Ratings authority Standard & Poor's has upgraded the Government of Guam's General Obligation bonds to "B+" from "B". The upgrade follows a recent trip by Guam Economic Development and Commerce Administrator Tony Blaz, governor's chief of staff George Bamba, and Bureau of Budget Management & Research director Bertha Duenas, who met with the company two weeks ago.
During that meeting the governor's financial team highlighted "the projected growth of Guam's economy including the imminent military buildup and tourism diversification efforts with regards to the China Visa Waiver Program," stated Blaz. According to a report issued by S&P, "The upgrade is based on the general government's improved financial performance, which is the direct result of greater political consensus to enhance revenues and control expenditure growth."
The report went on to state that it was also based on the general government more fully addressing the unfunded long-term liabilities on Guam's balance sheet. "This is excellent news, which speaks to this Administration's serious commitment to stronger finances," Governor Felix Camacho said. "When I came to office in 2003, I promised to improve the government's finances and take us up the road to fiscal recovery. I'm proud we're accomplishing this for the benefit of the generations that come after ours. "
"There is a long road ahead and we're going to keep working to eliminate the deficit, pay our people what they are owed and strengthen the government's financial position further," he added.
By Sabrina Salas Matanane
Published Oct 29, 2008
KUAM NEWS
Ratings authority Standard & Poor's has upgraded the Government of Guam's General Obligation bonds to "B+" from "B". The upgrade follows a recent trip by Guam Economic Development and Commerce Administrator Tony Blaz, governor's chief of staff George Bamba, and Bureau of Budget Management & Research director Bertha Duenas, who met with the company two weeks ago.
During that meeting the governor's financial team highlighted "the projected growth of Guam's economy including the imminent military buildup and tourism diversification efforts with regards to the China Visa Waiver Program," stated Blaz. According to a report issued by S&P, "The upgrade is based on the general government's improved financial performance, which is the direct result of greater political consensus to enhance revenues and control expenditure growth."
The report went on to state that it was also based on the general government more fully addressing the unfunded long-term liabilities on Guam's balance sheet. "This is excellent news, which speaks to this Administration's serious commitment to stronger finances," Governor Felix Camacho said. "When I came to office in 2003, I promised to improve the government's finances and take us up the road to fiscal recovery. I'm proud we're accomplishing this for the benefit of the generations that come after ours. "
"There is a long road ahead and we're going to keep working to eliminate the deficit, pay our people what they are owed and strengthen the government's financial position further," he added.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Felix Camacho asks for the Forgivness of the CNMI
Guam governor asks NMI people’s ‘forgiveness’
By Moneth G. Deposa Variety News Staff
May 27, 2008
GUAM Gov. Felix P. Camacho asked forgiveness from the CNMI for his island’s rejection of the proposed Marianas reunification in 1969.
Camacho was the keynote speaker during Friday’s Attorney General’s Cup speech competition whose theme this year was: “Should the Northern Marianas and Guam unite as One Marianas to form the 51st state of the union?”
Camacho said the issue was “very timely” and “very important.”
On Nov. 4, 1969, the people of Guam voted against reintegration.
Some believed that the rejection was “payback” to the Northern Marianas Chamorros for their assistance to the Japanese forces during the occupation of Guam.
During World War II, the NMI was a Japanese possession.
Others argued that the reunification issue lost its significance on Guam which was preparing to hold its first gubernatorial election in the following year.
Camacho’s father was the last appointed governor of Guam and became its first elected chief executive in 1970.
“He told me… ‘Son, this was what happened.’ ” Camacho said, adding that Guam and the NMI inherited what their former leaders have left behind.
Noting that the reunification issue continues to be discussed, Camacho said “it is time to focus on a vision and plan for unity —we cannot allow others to break that hope.”
He encouraged the CNMI people not to lose hope.
“Keep an open mind about the possibility of reunification,” he said. “I have faith in the Northern Marianas…and this is the right time to realize our expectations—expect the very best vision of reunification.”
Camacho believes that 40 long years “is enough to end all bitterness and isolation among” the Chamorros of Guam and the NMI.
“You must tear down the walls. Learn to forgive because it’s a choice, not an option,” he said.
According to Camacho, Guam will consider holding similar competitions to get their youth’s opinions on reunification.
From 1667 to 1898, Guam and the NMI were known as the Marianas and administered by Spain. In 1898, Guam was ceded to the U.S. In the following year, Spain sold the NMI to Germany. In 1914, the Japanese took over the Northern Marianas, which was invaded by the U.S. in 1944.
By Moneth G. Deposa Variety News Staff
May 27, 2008
GUAM Gov. Felix P. Camacho asked forgiveness from the CNMI for his island’s rejection of the proposed Marianas reunification in 1969.
Camacho was the keynote speaker during Friday’s Attorney General’s Cup speech competition whose theme this year was: “Should the Northern Marianas and Guam unite as One Marianas to form the 51st state of the union?”
Camacho said the issue was “very timely” and “very important.”
On Nov. 4, 1969, the people of Guam voted against reintegration.
Some believed that the rejection was “payback” to the Northern Marianas Chamorros for their assistance to the Japanese forces during the occupation of Guam.
During World War II, the NMI was a Japanese possession.
Others argued that the reunification issue lost its significance on Guam which was preparing to hold its first gubernatorial election in the following year.
Camacho’s father was the last appointed governor of Guam and became its first elected chief executive in 1970.
“He told me… ‘Son, this was what happened.’ ” Camacho said, adding that Guam and the NMI inherited what their former leaders have left behind.
Noting that the reunification issue continues to be discussed, Camacho said “it is time to focus on a vision and plan for unity —we cannot allow others to break that hope.”
He encouraged the CNMI people not to lose hope.
“Keep an open mind about the possibility of reunification,” he said. “I have faith in the Northern Marianas…and this is the right time to realize our expectations—expect the very best vision of reunification.”
Camacho believes that 40 long years “is enough to end all bitterness and isolation among” the Chamorros of Guam and the NMI.
“You must tear down the walls. Learn to forgive because it’s a choice, not an option,” he said.
According to Camacho, Guam will consider holding similar competitions to get their youth’s opinions on reunification.
From 1667 to 1898, Guam and the NMI were known as the Marianas and administered by Spain. In 1898, Guam was ceded to the U.S. In the following year, Spain sold the NMI to Germany. In 1914, the Japanese took over the Northern Marianas, which was invaded by the U.S. in 1944.
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