Nikko hosting 4th Chamorro Conference

by Michele Catahay from KUAM.com

Guam - The 4th Chamorro Conference will kick off this week at the Nikko Hotel in Tumon. Representatives from throughout the region will be in attendance for the three-day event, which focuses on promoting Chamorro language and culture. Conference chair Zita Pangelinan says the goal of the event is to develop mission statements and plans of action for the cultural, economic, and community development of Chamorros.

She explained, "Anyone who's wanting to learn more about their history and wanting to learn and hear and listen to experts, listen to researchers. This is a collaborative effort and our whole purpose is to unite and create those vision statements."

The event runs from the 12th to the 14th. You can register at the door - prices are $60 for students, teachers, and seniors, and $100 for everyone else.

Don't Let Guam Sink into Oblivion

“Do Not Allow Guam to Sink into Oblivion”
Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Conference 2010 NYC
by: Melvin Won Pat-Borja,
Guahan Coalition for Peace and Justice/We Are Guahan

During a congressional hearing on the Guam military buildup in early April, US Representative Hank Johnson said that he feared the Military Relocation on Guam would cause our tiny island to capsize and sink. The comment, though not meant to be taken literally, caused an uproar among Chamorus everywhere. People were so outraged at his perceived ignorance that they continually bashed him in the media and all over the internet. The sad truth however is that Guam WILL sink. It will sink under the weight of tons of toxic waste dumped by the military each year, sink under the pressure of contaminated drinking water, sink under the weight of overpopulated schools, massive amounts of traffic, inadequate health care, and extreme over population. If this military expansion goes as planned, the people of Guam will surely sink to the bottom of the Marianas Trench and become nothing more than a footnote in America's colonial history.

Our story began centuries ago when we first sailed from the coast of south east asia and made this beautiful chain of islands our home, but for the sake of time, THIS story will begin when the DEIS (draft environmental impact statement) for Guam and the military buildup was released in November of last year. The document laid the blueprint for the transfer of 8,000 marines and their 9,000 dependents from Okinawa to Guam. It was an 11,000 page document that held our future in the margins of the paper it was printed on and the public was only given 90 days to comment on it. The plans suggested that Guam was the best alternative to right the wrongs that America's armed forces had imposed on the people of Okinawa. The Department of Defense had chosen Guam because South Korea, the Philipines, California, and Hawaii all said "no." But the sad reality is that Guam was never offered that same courtesy. We are an unincorporated territory of the United States, leaving us victim to whatever decision America makes, whether it is beneficial for us or not. Guam is America's dirty little secret, the step child that no one ever talks about. We are affectionately referred to as the place "where America's day begins," but no one likes to admit that America starts each day with injustice. We have traditionally been loyal servants, patriots, and second class citizens, enlisting more soldiers per capita than anywhere else in the world. It makes me wonder if America could even have a military without people like us. We are as American as apple pie and baseball when there is war on the horizon or when strategic positioning in the Pacific is needed, but we are not American when it is time to vote in congress or the senate or when it is time to elect a new president.

When you read about the military buildup on Guam, many media sources portray the move as positive on all sides, hailing economic benefits as its saving grace. The people of Guam have been sold the idea of 33,000 new jobs that will stimulate our suffering economy, providing work for families in desperate need of some kind of income.

Our government has been sold the idea that millions of federal dollars will go to fund desperately needed infrastructural upgrades. And the rest of the nation has been sold ideas of potential business ventures that promise them desperately needed money and success.

Indeed, the global economy has created desperate times for all of us and it seems that selling Guam to the highest bidder is the answer.

Thousands of jobs and millions of dollars have a way of sounding too good to be true and upon reading the massive 11,000 page document it has become clear that it is indeed a wolf in sheep's clothing. Nothing is what it seems and all of their promises are empty. Like their promise of 33,000 new jobs predicting an economic upturn for Guam in reality, a mere 17 percent of those jobs will go to the local community while the vast majority of jobs will go to the foreign work force from around the region. As we speak, people from all over the world and the US are making preparations to move to Guam in search of business opportunities. They promise financial prosperity to the people, but even the measly 17 percent of total jobs they will offer are mostly temporary construction work, which will cause unemployment to sky-rocket once the construction is completed. The DEIS even states that they predict a "recession-like atmosphere" after the construction phase is over. They say that there are incredible gains for our local government, which will absorb millions of dollars from the federal government, but nowhere in the DEIS does the federal government make any kind of commitment to support infrastructure outside the fence. In fact, of the billions of dollars coming from the federal government and the Japanese Diet, a vast majority is earmarked for infrastructural upgrades on base only. The DEIS suggests that the government of Guam will reap its financial benefits from an increase in tax dollars as a result of the population boom, but it doesn't take into account the amount of money we will also have to spend in order to service all these people. They predict that Guam's population will increase by almost 80,000 people. On an island that is only 31 miles long and 7 miles wide with a current population of 170,000 people it's not hard to imagine Guam sinking to the bottom of the ocean floor. When you translate these numbers into social services, it becomes clear that the Government of Guam will find itself in dire straits trying to maintain an acceptable level of community care. The DEIS predicts that our hospital, which sees a shortage of beds on a daily basis, will see an increase of over 41,000 patients. Yet the DEIS only has plans to upgrade Naval Hospital, a facility that not only denies health services to our general public, but consistently fails to care for our local veterans as well. They predict that the Department of Public Health and Social Services along with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse will see an increase of nearly 23,000 more patients. Our Public School system will see 8,000 new students and the DEIS recommends that we build 5 new public schools. We will also require 532 new teachers in our public school system, which already has to fill 300 vacancies each year. There are a number of infrastructural upgrades that Guam will require in order to cope with the demands that 80,000 more people bring to our community, but there is no commitment by the Military or the Federal Government to support us financially. We are being forced to bear the burden of this buildup on our own. Once again, America has found a way to make a mess and the people of Guam will be forced to clean up after them.

Of course with any massive change in population we must also take into account the impact that such changes will have on our environment. Two major proposals in the DEIS are the dredging of 71 acres of coral reef in Apra Harbor to make room for a nuclear aircraft carrier and the acquisition of ancestral land for a live firing range.

The military plans to dock their nuclear aircraft carrier in our local harbor instead of using their own Kilo Wharf, the harbor that they already occupy. The US Environmental Protection Agency claims that this dredging project is unprecedented and that the impact on the biologically diverse ecosystem cannot be mitigated. DoD experts claim that most of the reef in the area they want to dredge is already dead and that there isn't much wildlife that will be adversely impacted, but our local marine biologists have found species of coral that have not yet been identified and could be endemic to this region. Furthermore, the way in which they propose to dredge the reef may have lasting impact on surrounding reefs and ecosystems as a result of sediment which could suffocate and destroy the species of coral down current. The plans for Apra Harbor in the DEIS demonstrate the military's lack of concern and insensitivity to the issues facing Guam; in fact, it was just recently discovered by a local marine biologist that certain sections in the DEIS (particularly the sections on Apra Harbor) were plagiarized!

The land that the military wishes to acquire for their firing range is rich in cultural history and significance, containing ancient artifacts and ancestral remains that cannot be mitigated or replaced by any sum of money.

Some parcels of land are owned by local residents who refuse to sell or lease, but the military insists on applying pressure to these private land owners as the threat of eminent domain hangs in the balance like it did after world war II, when residents were given a "take it or lose it" option when it came to private property. Most of the land that the military currently occupies was "purchased" for little to nothing in most cases and not selling was not an option.

Upon review of the DEIS, the US Environmental Protection Agency rated it "insufficient" and "environmentally unsatisfactory," giving it the lowest possible rating for a DEIS. Among other things, the US EPA's findings suggest that Guam's water infrastructure cannot handle the population boom and that our fresh water resources will be at high risk for contamination. Our waste water system is in desperate need of upgrades and the population increase threatens to cause overflow and run off which could permanently pollute our fresh water lens. The increase in demand for fresh water will require that we dig up 22 new water wells especially to serve the military population up north, but several experts believe that digging so many new wells in close proximity to each other puts us at high risk of salt water contamination. Once a fresh water well is contaminated by salt water, the effects are irreversible. Officials at the Guam Waterworks Authority claim that we have more than enough water to handle the burden of 80,000 additional people, but the DEIS has plans for a desalinization plant, which is normally only used if fresh water resources are limited or jeopardized. In addition, the US EPA predicts that without infrastructural upgrades to our water system, the population outside the bases will experience a 13.1 million gallon water shortage per day in 2014. And this is where the battle gets interesting.

Though it seems that the odds are already stacked against us and that we can rely on no one but ourselves, we have found that special interest groups like the Guam Chamber of Commerce and the Guam Visitors Bureau have been avid proponents of the military buildup. They target our marginalized population enticing them with dreams of economic prosperity. Over 25 percent of Guam's population lives below the poverty line and poverty is possibly the most powerful weapon in conquering a people.

These special interest groups and even some government officials including our Governor and our representative in congress prey on our people, dangling money over their heads while unemployment looms in the background like the Gestapo. These house slaves promise that life will be so much better with the buildup and threaten that foreign countries will invade if the buildup does not happen. We are being subjugated by US imperialism and dependency and our own people have become our own worst enemy. Right now, our representative in congress claims that the people of Guam welcome this buildup with open arms and that we will gladly "take one for the team." But we have never really been a part of America's Team. We are like the black athletes of the 30's and 40's whose accolades on the field were heralded, but couldn't even get a cab off the field.

We, the people, have found ourselves backed into a corner, deserted on the battlefield, left to fight the world's largest superpower. It is truly a case of David vs. Goliath. Though the military buildup on Guam seems like a losing battle, this terroristic threat to our homeland has caused an uprising among the youth and many have stepped up to fight and defend our island and its people. But we cannot win this alone, so we are calling on our brothers and sisters from across the globe; those of you who know the bitter taste of oppression, we urge you fight alongside us in solidarity. We want this buildup no more than Okinawa wants the Marines to stay put. The military has already stolen almost 30 percent of the total land mass in Guam. We cannot allow them to take even more from us. We have sacrificed time and again for a country that has led us astray with empty promises and half-truths; who have held us hostage with US citizenship, fear, and economic dependency. We need your help. We need environmental law experts to help us take this issue to court. We need media support to get our message out to the rest of the world. We need more representation and influence to help us fight in congress and the senate. We need the international community to help us stay afloat and not allow us to sink into a sea of indifference, ignorance, and apathy. I pray that these words do not fall on deaf ears and that the world will come to the aid of a people and an island who have been mistreated for over 500 years of uninterrupted colonization. Please do not allow Guam to sink into oblivion.

Pacific Islands Political Studies Conference

Pacific Islands Political Studies Conference

Monday, 23 November 2009, 1:00 pm
Press Release: University of Auckland

University Of Auckland Hosts Pacific Islands Political Studies Conference

Pacific scholars, policy makers and analysts from around the world will convene at The University of Auckland for the 11th Pacific Islands Political Studies Association (PIPSA) conference.

The theme for this year’s conference is Pacific Democracy: What’s Happening? The conference provides a forum to openly and critically discuss and re-examine the problems and issues that continue to shape the dynamics, culture and institutions of political governance and democratic rule in the Pacific.

Delegates from around the Pacific including Hawaii, Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, United States, Niue, Japan, Vanuatu, New Zealand and Solomon Islands will gather for the two-day conference, which will address a wide range of issues including human rights, political violence, military coups, constitutional change, traditional leadership, development and women’s participation. Sir Paul Reeves, former Governor General of New Zealand, distinguished statesman and eminent political mediator in the Pacific region, will open the conference. His speech will focus on problems of democratisation in the Pacific.

The keynote speaker on day two is Labour Party leader Phil Goff, former Minister for Foreign Affairs, who will present “Pasifika New Zealanders in the new political scene.” There will also be presentations by prominent Pacific academics on topics relating to constitutional changes, political violence, human rights, development, corruption, peace-building and conflict resolution, alternative political systems and parliamentary democracy.

“These are difficult times for the Pacific politically, socially and economically, and it is important to engage in wider discussion and analysis of issues in an open and critical way-- as well as to look for long term solutions. Unstable countries can lead to an unstable region; thus, both national and regional solutions must be sought with seriousness,” says Dr Steven Ratuva, political sociologist at the University’s Centre for Pacific Studies, chief conference organiser and president of PIPSA. PIPSA was established in Hawaii in 1987 as a forum for Pacific scholars, policy makers and analysts to engage in discussion, research and publications about political issues in the Pacific islands. The PIPSA general conference takes place once every two years in different locations around the Pacific, including Port Vila, Suva, Noumea, Queensland, Rarotonga, Honolulu, Christchurch and Guam. The conference has been made possible through the support of The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Arts, Centre for Pacific Studies and Equity Office; and the State, Society and Governance in Melanesia Project at the Australian National University.

Guthertz - November 19, 2009

Guthertz - November 19, 2009

Opinions Differ on Effectiveness of Military Buildup Conference

Opinions Differ on Effectiveness of Military Buildup Conference

Guam - The Legislature's conference on the military buildup kicked off Thursday.

Before a packed session hall acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roger M. Natsuhara gave the keynote address for the opening of the Legislature's conference on the military buildup.

The conference enjoyed participation from every branch of government including the executive. In fact Governor Felix Camacho said that Guam will be better off by involving more people in discussions on the military buildup.

The focus of this conference is to involve as many people as possible and get as much public input as possible to provide the true Guam perspective on the buildup.

Some attendants however didn't believe this was achieved. Mrs. Jackson says she thought she would be able to ask more questions at the conference instead the majority of the conference was reserved for speeches Frank Hill was also disappointed by this saying he was hoping to ask the keynote speaker some questions. Natsuhara's scheduled question and answer time was dropped. Nevertheless not everyone was disappointed some like University of Guam student Dave Chiqetto felt the conference was a step in the right direction. According to Chiqetto communication is the key to success in this military buildup.

The conference which is open to the public ends wraps up tomorrow.

Romeo C. Lagman, of the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment will address the “Philippine Perspective on the Guam Buildup.”

His speech is scheduled for 9 a.m.

There will also be a presentation by the Criminal Justice and Social Science program of the Guam Community College which will offer the results of a survey of 3,000 persons regarding the buildup.

And then the last two panels of the day will convene. Panel three will discuss “Public Services & Systems.”

A final panel, that will discuss “Federal – Territorial Relations,” will round out the conference agenda.

Written by :
Clynt Ridgell

Conference details Guam's military buildup

Conference details Guam's military buildup

Posted: Nov 18, 2009 11:13 PM PST
by Nick Delgado

The 2009 Island Conference on Public Administration: The Military Buildup and Beyond kicked off at the Guam Legislature today with key officials providing their input on how they feel the relocation of U.S. Marines will impact the island. It's a conference that drew hundreds of both on- and off-island guests in hopes to find a true understanding of what this buildup really means for those both inside and outside the gate.

Hinasson Taotao Guahan ("The Guam perspective") started with a key address by Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roger Natsuhara, who announced, "I encourage all of us to be creative in our thinking. Listen to each other and be ready to work together in order to be successful in our One Guam approach. This would require cooperation from agencies across the federal government."

Natsuhara says the Department of Defense is working hard in the nation's capitol to help bring great results to this buildup. Chairperson of the Committee on the Military Buildup Senator Judi Guthertz (D) says this conference differs from the previous military forums, as it does not focus on economic or contractual opportunities.

She told KUAM News, "This conference is focusing on those subjects that are of interests to the civilian community here, in terms of the lives they lead and how the build up may change their lives."

Guthertz says this conference shines light on public safety and health issues. Guthertz also hopes to identify what the public's major concerns so that Guam's unique identity she says does not drastically change.

Local businessman Leo Macaraeg says the forum was very informative, noting, "The question is: are we ready for that? To receive this additional population that will be staying permanently on this island."

Then there's the group who attended today's conference but are not in favor of the buildup, such as local resident Tony Artero. "I hope that when I do turn in my comments, someone would reckon that we are going and doing the wrong thing. We're going about it wrong and we're heading into a worst possible scenario for Guam. That's the way I see it," he shared.

However, Natsuhara says he will continue to work with both local and federal leaders as they remain committed to doing whatever it takes to make the realignment a success. "By working with you and your leaders and partnership with the federal government," the official stated, "I know we can continue to make Guam a great place to live for all of its residents."

The conference continues tomorrow in the Legislature's Session Hall in Hagatna.

Military Buildup Conference Begins Thursday

Military Buildup Conference Begins Thursday

Guam - Tommorrow the 2009 island conference on public administration titled "The military buildup and beyond: Hinasson TaoTao Guahan” or “The Guam Perspective” kicks off in the legislatures session hall in Hagatna.

Senator Rory Respicio says tommorrows confernce on the military buildup is meant to gather the Guam perspective on the military buildup. To do this they've invited and included many key people within the community including speakers from all three branches of government. While the event is open to the public the media is being required to follow strict guidelines on it's dress code.

While the event is open to the public the Committe on the Guam Military Buildup who is hosting the conference has announced some strict dress codes.

Specifically the dress code bans shorts t-shirts and zoris or slippers which to an extent is understandable however the legislature is also banning the use of jeans. This despite the fact that some Senators regularly wear jeans during session. We asked Senator Respicio if this dress code would be applied to members of the public who want to attend the conference.

Respicio replied saying that no one will be outright turned away from the conference if they're wearing jeans or shorts however the media has been advised that they will not be permitted into the session hall unless they stick to their strict clothing guidelines.

Written by :
Clynt Ridgell

High-Ranking Navy Installations Expert To Keynote Guam-Centric Buildup Conference

High-Ranking Navy Installations Expert To Keynote Guam-Centric Buildup Conference

Written by Jeff Marchesseault, Guam News Factor Staff Writer
Monday, 16 November 2009 13:49

GUAM - Neither the President, the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense, nor Michelle Obama will make it to Guam for a Thursday-Friday conference focusing on the local perspective of the imminent $15 billion U.S. military buildup.

But someone from the Obama administration will keynote the two-day event at the Guam Legislature. And his expertise is probably just the right fit for an island that is concerned about the social and environmental impact of the buildup. Mr. Roger M. Natsuhara is Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment. He's scheduled to give a 20-minute address on Friday and to entertain questions for 10 minutes afterwards.

Natsuhara recently met with Governor Camacho on island to discuss pressing buildup issues.

In July, Guam Senator and Buildup Committee Chair Judi Guthertz had invited the President to attend what will now be called The Military Buildup And Beyond: Hinasson Taotao Guahan (The Guam Perspective). In a statement to media she said, “If the President cannot attend, we ask that the Vice President attend and if he is unavailable we will ask the Secretary of Defense to come and if he cannot, we ask that the First Lady Michelle Obama attends.”

Guthertz and Federal, Foreign And Micronesian Affairs Chairman Senator Rory Respicio, re-invited the President when it was learned that he'd be attending the 17th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Singapore on November 14 and 15.

The massive military buildup project is due to start on Guam this coming summer/fall and is scheduled for an early 'completion' deadline of 2014, though additional buildup activity is expected at least until the end of the next decade.

Here is an official conference update from Guthertz' office:

The 2009 Island Conference On Public Administration

The Military Buildup And Beyond: Hinasson Taotao Guahan (The Guam Perspective)

(November 16, 2009 – Hågatña, Guam – In just a few more days, I Liheslaturan Guahan will open its doors to the 2009 Island Conference on Public Administration – "The Military Buildup and Beyond: Hinasson Taotao Guåhan (The Guam Perspective)," hosted by the Committee on the Guam Military Buildup and the Committee on Federal Affairs, in conjunction with the University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration.

The conference kicks-off this Thursday, November 19 at 8:30 AM and runs through Friday, November 20. Open registration begins daily at 7:30 A.M. To RSVP or pre-register please contact the co-hosting

Offices of Senator Judi P. Guthertz, DPA and Senator Rory J. Respicio at 472-5834/472-7679 or e-mail Stephanie Mendiola at sem@guamlegislature.org

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This conference will bring together representatives from all fields, inclusive of both the civilian, military and regional communities, to discuss the impact that the impending military buildup will have on the people of Guam and the surrounding region. As we know, thousands of U.S. Marines currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan will be relocated to Guam in just a few more years. Additionally, the two
existing bases will undergo extensive expansion. The aim of this event is to focus on how the everyday lives of our people will be impacted by this drastic undertaking.

"While this move is sure to bring benefits, the scope of this undertaking is enormous. As policymakers and representatives of the general public, it is our duty to ensure that our people know what to expect and what is coming," says Senator Guthertz.

Senator Respicio, "Many people have expressed concerns that the buildup may not be as beneficial for Guam and our region as it will be for the Department of Defense. Our conference will cultivate discussion on the everyday impacts on the lives of the people living outside the military's fences."

11/16/2009 ‐ 12:00 PM
The 2009 Island Conference on Public Administration
“The Military Buildup and Beyond: Hinasson Taotao Guåhan (The Guam Perspective)”

PROPOSED AGENDA

Thursday, November 19, 2009 • I Liheslaturan Guåhan, Hagåtña

7:30 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM Conference Blessing
Traditional Chamorro Blessing
Fanohge Chamorro
National Anthem
Inifresi
8:45 AM Welcoming Remarks
The Honorable Rory J. Respicio, Acting Speaker, 30th Guam Legislature
The Honorable Felix P. Camacho, I Magalahen Guåhan
The Honorable Katherine A. Maraman, Acting Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Guam
9:00 AM Conference Opening
Remarks by Senator Judith P. Guthertz, DPA, Chairperson, Committee on the Guam Military Buildup
9:05 AM Keynote Address by Mr. Roger M. Natsuhara
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Installations and Environment
*Please Note: 10‐minute “Question & Answer” period to follow.
9:35 AM Morning Break
9:45 AM Panel 1: “Family & Community”

Moderated by Dr. Ronald L. McNinch‐Su, University of Guam
*Please Note: Presentations will be followed by a 20‐minute “Question & Answer” period.

Ms. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, Guam Memorial Hospital Authority Board of Trustees
“Public Health: Pro‐Active Approaches to Building and Adequate Health Care Sytem”

Ms. Cerila M. Rapadas, Executive Director, Catholic Social Services
“The Disadvantaged Community: Current Strains, Future Growth, Anticipated Challenges”

Mr. Leonardo M. Rapadas, Esq., US Attorney, Guam & the CNMI
“Protecting our Community Inside & Out”

Speaker Derick B. Hills, 27th Guam Youth Congress
“Youth Concerns & the Guam Military Buildup: Recommendations for Consideration”

Dr. Mary A.Y. Okada, President, Guam Community College
“Building a Competent Workforce”

12:00 PM “Luncheon Mixer” (Lunch provided)
1:00 PM Special Guest Presentation by The Honorable Emanuel Mori
President, Federated States of Micronesia
*Please Note: Presentation will be followed by a 10‐minute “Question & Answer” period.
1:30 PM Panel 2: “Natural Resources”
Moderated by Dr. Maria Claret M. Ruane, University of Guam
*Please Note: Presentation will be followed by a 20‐minute “Question & Answer” period.

Ms. Lorilee T. Crisostomo, Administrator, Guam Environmental Protection Agency
“Preparing for an Energy Efficient & Environmentally Friendly Future”

Mr. Christopher Duenas, Director, Guam Department of Land Managment
“Our Land: Protecting a Vital and Finite Resource”

Mr. Bernard Watson, Farmers Co‐operative Association of Guam
“Impacting Local Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities”

Mr. Alberto “Tony” Lamorena V, Chairperson, Civilian‐Military Task Force Committee on Natural Resources

“Protecting our Natural Resources”
3:30 PM Closing Remarks by Senator Judith P. Guthertz, DPA
11/16/2009 ‐ 12:00 PM
The 2009 Island Conference on Public Administration
“The Military Buildup and Beyond: Hinasson Taotao Guåhan (The Guam Perspective)”

PROPOSED AGENDA

Friday, November 20, 2009 • I Liheslaturan Guåhan, Hagåtña
7:30 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM Conference Opening
Remarks by Senator Rory J. Respicio, Chairperson, Committee on Federal Affairs
8:35 AM Keynote Address by Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo
9:00 AM Special Presentation by Mr. Jose U. Munoz
Department Chair, Criminal Justice & Social Science Program, Guam Community College
*Please Note: Presentation will be followed by a 10‐minute “Question & Answer” period.
9:30 AM Morning Break
9:45 AM Panel 2: “Public Services & Systems”
Moderated by Mr. Clifford A. Guzman, Galaide Group
*Please Note: Presentations will be followed by a 20‐minute “Question & Answer” period.
Frederick J. Horecky, Esq., Legal Counsel, Guam Public Utilities Commission
“Potential Impact of the Military Buildup on Utility Rates”
Mr. Lawrence J. Perez, Director, Guam Department of Public Works
“The Transformation of Transportation”
Mr. Joseph M. Diego, Area Director, USDA Rural Development, Western Pacific Region
“The Affordability and Availability of Housing”
Mr. Perry Taitano & Mr. Dan Tydingco, Judiciary of Guam
“Preparing for an Expanding Client Base”
Ms. Maria S. Connelley, Director, Guam Department of Labor
“Regional Transformation”
Dr. Maria Claret M. Ruane, Associate Professor of Economics & Finance, University of Guam
“Guam’s Economic Forecast”
12:00 PM “Luncheon Mixer” (Lunch provided)
1:00 PM Panel 3: “Federal‐Territorial Relations”
Moderated by Debbie Quinata
*Please Note: Presentations will be followed by a 20‐minute “Question & Answer” period.
Dr. Robert A. Underwood, President, University of Guam
“Lessons from the Past, Challenges of the Future: Guam’s Historic Experience with the US Military”
Senator Frank F. Blas, Jr.
on Compact‐Impact Reimbursements
Attorney General Alicia G. Limtiaco
“Legal Strategies for Enhancing Federal Relations”
Dr. Michael L. Bevacqua, University of Guam
“Protecting our Culture in the Midst of Change”
Senator vicente (ben) c. pangelinan
on Chamorro Self‐Determination
3:30 PM Closing Remarks by Senator Judith P. Guthertz

UOG hosting military buildup conference

UOG hosting military buildup conference

Posted: Nov 11, 2009 11:31 PM PST
by Janjeera Hail

The Legislative Committee on the Guam Military Buildup is hosting a two-day conference next week in conjunction with the University of Guam's School of Business and Public Administration, "The Military Buildup and Beyond: Hinasson Taotao Guahan - The Guam Perspective" will be open to the public and is completely free.

The conference will be held on November 19-20 from 8-4 daily.

Anti-Bases Coalition Mulled

Anti-bases coalition mulled
Tuesday, 22 September 2009 00:00
By Zita Taitano
Marianas Variety News Staff

HAGÅTÑA — The 7th Meeting of the International Network of Women Against Militarism has concluded with a plan to form a regional coalition that will actively oppose the “militarization” of Micronesia.

Therese Terlaje, one of the resource speakers at the conference which ended Friday, said participants will gather all information and draft a solidarity statement explaining their position that the presence of the military is not conducive to the region.

Terlaje said the soon-to-be-formed coalition, which will be spearheaded by women activists from the Philippines, will include members from Guam, the CNMI, Palau, Japan, and Australia.

During Friday’s session, panelists and participants expressed concern about the Department of Navy’s memo that bans sex offenders from living within the military bases.

Terlaje said the issue was first brought up during a public education forum in 2008 by military planners. “They said we will no allow sexual offenders on the base even if they come from the military (or) as military dependents,” she said.

“They are not allowed to live on the base and that is how they pretty much left the problem and that means we have to figure out that if they’re outside the base obviously, that’s our problem. That’s all we know so far,” Terlaje said.

Also discussed last Friday was “human trafficking and prostitution.”

Annie Fukushima of the University of California at Berkeley told the stories of women promised a better life only to be tricked into becoming sex slaves.

Among them was a woman who claimed that a man she met told her she could come to the U.S. where she would be able to find work. The woman would end up in Hawaii and then a few months later on the U.S. mainland as a sex slave.

Sue Gilbey of Adelaide Australia touched on legal brothels in Australia, where sex workers are even unionized. Despite the legality of the flesh business, yet there have been reports of illegal human trafficking in Australia.

“One thing about these though is it provides a front like trafficking and it’s making it more difficult to identify [victims],” Gilbey said, noting that the organized crime is prevalent in South East Asia, eastern Europe Korea and India.

Guam to Host Women's Conference

Guam to host women's conference Sept. 14-19
Pacific Daily News • September 8, 2009

Guam will host the seventh meeting of the International Network of Women Against Militarism on Sept. 14 to 19.

The five-day conference will bring together women from Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Philippines, Australia, Republic of Palau, Marshall Islands, Guam, United States, Puerto Rico and the Northern Marianas.

The conference's title is "Resistance, Resilience and Respect for Human Rights."

The conference will take place at the University of Guam as the island prepares to host an expanded military presence, including the proposed base that will house 8,000Marines and 9,000 of their dependents, who are being relocated from Okinawa. Part of the conference will take place at the Hill Retreat Center in Malojloj.

The network has been meeting since 1997.

The conference participants will focus on how military institutions, values, policies and operations negatively affect host communities, especially women, according to the network.

"The conference comes at a critical time in Guam's history, and aims to bring international attention to the concerns being raised about the proposed buildup," the network announced in a press release.

Calls to Decolonization

Call for ‘decolonization’ highlights Chamorro conference
Monday, 29 September 2008 00:00 By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Marianas Variety News Staff

A call to “decolonize” the minds of Marianas’ indigenous people and the islands’ political relationship with the U.S. highlighted the discussions in the 3rd Annual Chamorro Conference.

The two-day conference, which started on Friday at the Saipan World Resort, drew the participation of 148 Chamorros from Guam and 159 from the CNMI.

The speeches and discussions were in the Chamorro language, and the first day of the conference was devoted to issues concerning culture, education, youth and the elderly.

On the second day of the conference, still in Chamorro tounge, federal relations and “national identity” were tackled.

The CNMI presenters were Paz C. Younis, former Humanities Council executive director; former Covenant Party chairman Alvaro Santos; former Speaker Oscar C. Rasa; former Rep. Daniel O. Quitugua; Taotao Tano president Greg Cruz; Covenant negotiator Vicente N. Santos; and businessman Lorenzo DLG. Cabrera.

The guest speakers from Guam were former Sen. Hope Cristobal as well as Chamorro activists Ed Benavente and Michael L. Bevacqua,and Joe Garrido and Tony Sablan.

Rasa explained why he opposed the ratification of the Covenant while Cristobal talked about their “decolonization” efforts on Guam.

She said in order to be decolonized politically, “we need to decolonize the mind.”

The audience roared in applause as Cristobal gave an emotional speech.

Flashing her U.S. passport, Cristobal criticized every symbol printed on its cover.

In an interview later, Cristobal said one of the things people can do to decolonize their minds is to be aware of the symbols “that we use in our daily lives.”

She noted that the U.S., CNMI and Guam flags were mounted on the stage during the ceremony “as if they were equals.”

“We know in reality that that is not the case,” she said. “In reality, the case is that the CNMI and Guam have always been seen and treated by the U.S. as some separate entities, as anomalous things.”

America, she said, has been mistreating the indigenous people of the Marianas since 1901 when a federal court established that Guam was a possession of but not part of the U.S.

“The fact of the matter is that we have been treated like we are a bastard child — that is the reality,” she said.

Unlike the NMI, whose people voted to join the U.S., the Chamorros of Guam have not held an election on the political status they prefer.

Cristobal said what the Chamorros need to do as a people is to be clear about “how we transmit this kind of information to our children. And one of the first things we need to do is take away these symbols.”

She added, “There is no such thing as Uncle Sam. He is not my uncle. And so I don’t have that human-personal relationship with whoever that Uncle Sam is.”

Guam Chamorro activists Ed Benavente and Micheal Bevacqua as well as social worker Lisalinda Natividad said that due to their island’s political relationship with the U.S., the American military buildup is putting Guam in harm’s way.

Benavente said aside from the fear that Chamorros will soon become a marginalized population on their own island, the federal government’s pronouncement that Guam will be American “tip of the spear” is a cause for concern.

Bevacqua said he does not feel good about being treated like an object.

Natividad said the Chamorros on Guam are living in “a very toxic environment” due to military installations of the U.S.

It was through collaborative efforts and networking, particularly with the CNMI, that Guam have been able to pressure the U.S. government to start cleaning up their island, Natividad said.

International Network of Women Against Militarism Meeting in Guam

7TH MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF WOMEN AGAINST MILITARISM

Resistance, Resilience, and Respect for Human Rights
CHinemma’, Nina’maolek, yan Inarespetu para Direchon Taotao

Location: University of Guam, Mangilao, Guåhan
Dates: September 14-19, 2009

Women across the globe have endured tremendous struggles to protect their families and survive during times of war and unrest. It is from these struggles that women have gained the strength to fight for peace. This September, they will gather on the island of Guam for the 7th Meeting of the International Network of Women Against Militarism themed, “Resistance, Resilience and Respect for Human Rights”.

The five-day conference will bring together women from Japan, Okinawa, South Korea, Hawaii, Philippines, Australia, Republic of Belau, Marshall Islands, Guam, United States, Puerto Rico and Saipan – all of whom have felt the tremendous impacts of US military bases in their homelands.

The International Network of Women Against Militarism has been meeting since 1997 to share information and strategize about the negative effects of US military operations. These effects include military violence against women and girls, the plight of mixed-race Amerasian children abandoned by US military fathers, environmental contamination, cultural degradation and the distortion of local economies. They focus on how military institutions, values, policies and operations impact communities, especially women.

The United States has had a strong military presence on Guam for more than a century, and occupies nearly one-third of the island. Guam, which has been dubbed “the tip of the spear” by the US Department of Defense, is in the midst of an unprecedented military build-up as the US plans to move 17,000 Marines and their dependents from Okinawa to the island. The conference comes at a critical time in Guam’s history, and aims to bring international attention to the concerns being raised about the proposed build-up.

The conference will feature workshops and public forums on human trafficking and prostitution; political arrangements with the United States; rethinking peace and security; exploring alternatives for economic sustainability; environmental contamination and toxicity; and much more.

There will also be a historical tour of the island; a community vigil to honor the past and heal for the future; a public art event featuring local and international artists; and many opportunities to network and establish goals for the future.

For more information please contact: Dr. LisaLinda Natividad at lisanati@yahoo.com or (671) 735-2962.

Sponsoring Organizations: Conscious Living; Famoksaiyan; Fuetsan Famalao’an; Guåhan Coalition for Peace and Justice; Guåhan Indigenous Collective; GUAHAN Project; Global Fund for Women; Office of Minority Health Resource Center; Sage Project, Incorporated; Women and Gender Studies Program, University of Guam.

Guam Mayors Mixed on Federalization and Military Buildup

SAIPAN TRIBUNE
Monday, May 18, 2009
Guam mayors mixed on federalization, military buildup
By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Reporter

Guam mayors here for the 2nd Annual Pacific Mayors' Conference have expressed contrasting views about the upcoming military buildup at home as well as the federalization of the CNMI's immigration system.

Mayor Jose “Pedo” T. Terlaje of Yona said he is definitely against federalization because it is already impacting Guam.

He said he's attending the conference not only to talk about agriculture with Philippine mayors but also to share his views on the impacts of federalization. “I'm happy that we're sharing these issues with the other mayors in the region because we are all impacted,” he said.

Terlaje wants the United States to keep its hands off CNMI immigration because he does not want the people of the CNMI to experience what Guam went through.

“It weakened the social life in Guam and it will have the same impact for the people in the CNMI if that happens,” he said.

He said local people, even the local governments, have no control in Guam because the U.S. government runs the entire place.

“Implementing it [federalization of CNMI Immigration] will diminish the life of the people in the CNMI,” Terlaje said.

He said this is because the local workforce will not be enough to supply the needed manpower.

On the issue of the U.S. military buildup, Terlaje said the people of Guam can already visualize the problems and the issues that will confront the people of the region once that happens.

But the oldest Guam mayor, Vicente “Ben” D. Gumataotao of Piti, said the general feeling of the people in Guam is that “we are fully supporting the military buildup.”

He said there are some activists who are against it but they are a small fraction of the population.

Gumatatao, 82, is a retired U.S. Navy officer, who said he trained many people who are now working in Washington D.C. He is a first cousin of Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and an uncle of CNMI Delegate to Congress Gregorio Sablan.

On the issue of the visa waiver program, Gumataotao said he understands the U.S. decision to exclude China and Russia.

Gumatatao described as “suicidal” Fitial's efforts to stop the U.S. government from federalizing CNMI immigration “but it is his right to do so because he takes care of the welfare of the people of the CNMI.”

Mayor Paul McDonald of Agatna Heights, who is also president of the Association of Pacific Islands Local Governments, said most resource speakers of the conference presented bleak prospects.

“It is alarming. But so far the conference is going smooth,” he said.

Vice Mayor Louise C. Rivera of Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon said this kind of gathering is a wonderful opportunity for dialogue.

“We are given the chance to share our visions and how we can best address our concerns on these issues,” she said.

http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=90350&cat=1

Summit Will Tackle Self-Determination Issue

Chamoru Summit II tackles self-determination options
Friday, 24 October 2008
By Beau Hodai
Variety News Staff

AN event to educate and get young Chamorros involved with issues of self determination will be held tomorrow at the University of Guam. Hope Cristobal

The Chamoru Summit II will be held at the UOG College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences lecture hall from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. this Saturday.
Lisa Natividad, an organizer of the event and an assistant professor at the university in the division of social work, said the event will be divided into two tracks, the first track focusing on options for Chamorro self-determination.

She said the first track will be divided into four sections.

The first section will be a presentation by former Senator Hope Cristobal on a framework for self-determination as outlined by the United Nations. The second section will be a presentation on the option of statehood. The third section will focus on the option of free association and the fourth option will discuss the option of all-out independence.

"The whole idea is that at some point, we have to exercise the right," said Natividad. "And exercising the right basically means getting out there, having a vote, and the people deciding on which avenue to pursue -- and then developing that particular political agreement with the U.S.," she said.

"We would then move into developing a compact or some sort of political relationship with the U.S. to move away from the unincorporated territory status that we have now-- which really is equivalent to that of a colony," she added.

Natividad said that track two of the event will focus on different strategies toward gaining self-determination, and will be broken down into five separate committee meetings.

One committee will deal with legal strategies, another with issues of economic development.

Two committees will deal with educational strategies and aspects of Chamorro education and one will deal with registering Chamorros to the Chamorro Registry.

Cristobal, who established the registry and the Decolonization Commission while in the Legislature, said she hopes the summit will serve not only to educate young Chamorros on the right to self determination but also serve as a forum for discussion on the subject and encourage a new generation to register as Chamorros.

She said it is important for people to register so that they can asses their numbers and work better as a whole towards the goal of self-determination.

"I feel there has been no progress toward this by our public officials," said Cristobal. She went on to say that, on an international scale, there are many people in the global community who don't realize that there are people living under the United States who are struggling to maintain their identities.

Natividad said that in light of the approaching military buildup, the issue of self-determination is especially pressing.

"The military presence is a real big concern when you're talking about Chamorro self-determination issues," said Natividad. "One of the main reasons why it's a big concern is because when you talk about increasing the population of Guam with the military, it waters down the population of the people who are able to vote for this. Their increased presence here is a real threat to Chamorros having the right and opportunity to exercise self-determination."

Conference Aims to Strengthen Chamorro, Language, Culture

Conference aims to strengthen Chamorro language, culture
Friday, 19 September 2008
By Junhan B. Todeno
Variety News Staff

ORGANIZERS of the 3rd Annual Chamorro Conference yesterday finalized the program for the two-day gathering which aims to provide a forum for the new generation and the senior citizens to articulate their views on Chamorro language and culture.

Organizers of the upcoming 3rd Annual Chamorro Conference pose after their meeting yesterday at the Saipan World Resort. Photo by Raymond A Martinez

The conference is scheduled for Sept. 26-27 at the Saipan World Resort in Susupe.

Former Rep. Daniel O. Quitugua, the chairman of the organizing committee, said the conference will look into the language issue, particularly the compliance of Public School System with Article 15 of the CNMI Covenant which mandates the promotion of local language and culture.

He said they will make a “critical review” of the accomplishment of PSS on the educating children about Chamorro language and culture.

The primary objective of the conference, he said, is to discuss issues affecting local culture.

“We like to find out from the young generation how they can maintain and protect our culture,” said Quitugua, who is also a former Board of Education chairman.

The conference may ask lawmakers to pass measures that will help protect local culture.

Quitugua said they are expecting 200 participants from Guam, Tinian, Rota, Saipan and the Northern Islands.

Last year’s conference was held on Rota while Guam hosted the first conference

This year’s panelists will include Dr. Faye Untalan, Dr. Rita Inos, Dr. Benit Dungca and Dr. Tony Palomo.

Participants are expected to discuss indigenous rights, the political status and laws of the CNMI and Guam affecting Chamorros.

The CNMI panelists are Paz Younis, former Alvaro Santos, Jose Dela Cruz, Oscar Rasa, Quitugua, Gregorio Cruz and Vicente Santos while the Guam panel is composed of Joe Garrido, Tony Sablan, Hope Cristobal, Therese Terlaje, Ed Benavente and Michael Lujan Bevacqua.

Pan Pacific HIV Conference

PAN-PACIFIC HIV CONFERENCE 'EYE-OPENING AND INSPIRATIONAL'
www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/26/article_6456.php

HIV positive people, educators and support workers from around the Pacific gathered in Auckland last week to discuss the realities of HIV in this part of the world. Bain Duigan observed the conference from within and filed this report to GayNZ.com.

AUCKLAND (GayNZ.com/Pacific Media Watch): The four-day Pan-Pacific Gathering for HIV+ People 2008 got off to a great start this past week with a welcoming powhiri at Waipapa Marae, which was in stark contrast to the unwelcoming suggestion from Niue's director of health, Dr Sitaleki Finau, that the Pacific's positive people should be isolated on islands similar to leper colonies.

That shocking statement formed a backdrop for the conference and was a reminder to the more than 100 delegates from all over the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea and Australia, that prejudice and backward ideas still exist.

Media interest in the conference was high because of Dr Finau's comments, prompting TVNZ to send along two camera crews to the conference's opening day to gauge reaction.

Conference organiser Bruce Kilmister, CEO of Body Positive Auckland, stated publicly that "Dr Finau needs to educate himself first before he makes such ridiculous comments."

Speaking to GayNZ.com during the conference, a spokesperson for the Niuean government eventually distanced Niue's law and policy-makers from Finau's statement.

Day two of the conference, Wednesday, started with the especially topical theme of Human Rights.

Rosslyn Noonan, New Zealand's Chief Human Rights Commissioner, acknowledged the importance of Eve van Grafthorst, the six-year-old banned from an Australian kindergarten in 1986 because she had AIDS and who was subsequently embraced by a New Zealand kindergarten in Napier.

"Eve and her mother's contribution was in teaching New Zealand about AIDS through the bravery of being open," Noonan said. "They are an example of people who have made human rights real."

Former NZ AIDS Foundation head Warren Lindberg then spoke of how "human rights violations can clearly result in ill-health"

On Thursday, the delegates heard reaction to last year's controversial 'Swiss Statement' - "That individuals on effective treatment with an undetectable viral load and no sexually transmitted infections and good adherence to their drugs could consider unprotected sex as being as safe as using condoms."

Guest speaker John Rock from the Asia-Pacific Network Of People Living With HIV/AIDS explained the statement was only ever meant to be delivered to Swiss patients to enable them to discuss risk-taking with steady heterosexual partners. The conclusions were based on vaginal sex, not anal sex, so may not be relevant to men who have sex with men.

Peter Saxton, a NZ AIDS Foundation researcher, added: "It's a scandal that no further research has been undertaken in regard to how anal sex (rather than vaginal sex) relates to the Swiss Statement parameters of undetectable viral load, no sexually transmitted infections, drug adherence, to put the Swiss Statement in context."

Fellow researcher Tony Hughes from the NZAF then gave an overview on HIV and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men. Delegates heard that in Auckland for the year ending July 2007 there were 92 cases of syphilis infection, 44 of which were detected in men who have sex with men and 4 of whom were HIV positive.

Hughes also brought the conference delegates up to date on how hepatitis C is emerging as a significant sexually transmitted infection in parts of Europe.

The conference was opened jointly by NZ's Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Luamanuvao Winnie Laban and Papua New Guinea's first female cabinet minister, Dame Carol Kidu.

Other prominent New Zealand politicians added their weight to the conference, with lesbian MP Louisa Wall moderating the Human Rights session and Education Minister Chris Carter formally thanking the delegates during the closing ceremonies.

Workshops and sessions were held in different streams but a common theme to emerge over the four days was the difficulty many Pacific people face in disclosing their HIV+ status because of fears of discrimination, sometimes involving violence, for those in countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands.

Bruce Kilmister referred to that theme when he reflected on the conference as it ended yesterday afternoon.

"A highlight for me has been understanding more about the complexities that exist in indigenous settings in countries only a short flight away from New Zealand," he said.

"The stories we have heard have been both eye-opening and inspirational.

"The Pan Pacific 2008 HIV Conference has given us all new strength in our fight against HIV/AIDS. There is definitely more work to be done by all of us in the Pacific!"

Announcement: Guma'Famoksaiyan

Guma’Famoksaiyan
Gathering Strength for our Journey Ahead
May 23-25, 2008
San Diego, California

Famoksaiyan is a group comprised of dedicated and passionate people who work on issues of decolonization, cultural and language revitalization and the dissemination of information regarding the proposed military build up of Guam. The organization’s first conference was held in San Diego, California, on April 14-15, 2006, and was titled “Famoksaiyan: Decolonizing Chamorro Histories, Identities and Futures.” The people who attended that first gathering left with the desire to transform the energy and excitement of the conference into something more sustainable.

Famoksaiyan translates into “the time or place of nurturing or growing,” or “the time to paddle forward.” And it was in this spirit that more than 70 Chamorros and individuals of other ethnic identities from Guam gathered together to share their work, ideas and stories in hope of effecting a positive change for Chamorro communities in the Marianas Islands and the United States.

In a short period of time, Famoksaiyan has organized and assisted in organizing several historic meetings, trips and conferences. Most prominently amongst these have been the following:

• Three trips to the United Nations to testify to the international community on the question of Guam.
• The “Decolonizing Our Lives” forum held at the University of Guam, which gathered more than 250 people. The event served to educate individuals about what different organizations are doing to facilitate Guam’s political and cultural decolonization.
• A second Famoksaiyan conference held on April 20-22, 2007, in Berkeley and Oakland, California. Titled Famoksaiyan: “Our Time to Paddle Forward,” Summit on Decolonization and Native Self-Determination, the conference brought together more than three hundred people to share and learn about the struggles of indigenous people in the Pacific and the Americas.

As part of Famoksaiyan’s continuing commitment to the decolonization of Chamorro lands and lives, we are pleased to announce in cooperation with Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity (CHELU) Inc.:

Guma’Famoksaiyan
Gathering our Strength for the Journey Ahead

Day 1 Friday, May 23, 2008 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Famoksaiyan Sustainability Meeting
CHELU Inc. Office
334 Willie James Jones Ave
San Diego, CA 92102

Day 2 May 24, 2008 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
I Salud i Taotao yan i Tano’
Joyce Beers Community Center
1220 Cleveland Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103

Day 3 May 25, 2008 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Ma’cho’cho’cho’ para i Mamamaila
Sons and Daughters of Guam Club
334 Willie James Jones Ave
San Diego, CA 92102

In times past, knowledge, skills, family and village histories were passed down to the younger generations through different guma’ or houses, such as the guma’saga’ or the family home, or the guma’ulitao, the bachelor’s house. In these spaces young Chamorros, would be given the crucial knowledge of their family, clan and village genealogy, and also be imparted the necessary skills for tasks such as planting, fishing, navigation, debate and weaving. Through this inter-generational sharing, young Chamorros would be prepared to be productive, respectful and active members of both their clan and their village.

As Chamorros and their islands face uncertain futures due to various economic, health, environmental, military and social concerns, it is crucial that we come together to work towards developing progressive solutions to these problems. This year’s gathering hopes to continue the spirit of our ancestors by creating a guma’famoksaiyan, or a house where we can nurture each other, grow and strategize ways to continue paddling forward. We will do this by first, providing presentations and facilitating discussions about fundamental issues that are affecting our people and our islands, whether it be health and diet issues, the impending military buildup, the reality of Guam’s physical environment, the decolonization of Guam and the plight of the Chamorro language. Second, in the hopes of building a more progressive and critical Chamorro / Guam community, we will also convene working groups to discuss different projects and strategies to creatively and effectively confront the existing problems that face our island.

Attending the gathering is free, however donations will be taken throughout the weekend. Please contact Michael Lujan Bevacqua (mlbasquiat@hotmail.com) or Leiana San Agustin Naholowaa (leiana@gmail.com) or visit the Guma’Famoksaiyan website at http://famoksaiyan.blogspot.com for more information.

Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity, Inc. (CHE’LU) is the official fiscal sponsor of Famoksaiyan and the Guma’Famoksaiyan gathering in May 2008 in San Diego, California. CHE’LU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations made to Famoksaiyan are eligible for tax deduction. Neither CHE’LU nor Famoksaiyan support any political candidate, party or affiliation in compliance with the laws governing nonprofit institutions.

Chamorro Self-Determination Summitt

Chamorro self-determination discussed in summit
by Jason Salas, KUAM News
Saturday, December 29, 2007

The criticality of the need for self-determination for Guam's indigenous people was the topic of much discussion today at a summit at the University of Guam. "Protecting Our Way of Life and Ensuring Our Survival" sought to unite and educate Chamorros cross-generationally, and strengthen their awareness with the military forces to be transferred from Okinawa.

Dr. Richard Wyttenbach-Santos teaches a graduate class in such studies and sat in on the talks. He told KUAM News, "The island's become so diffused and so multicultural - is Chamorro self-determination a lost cause? And how do we get non-Chamorros to understand that this is the homeland of the Chamorro? Under international law they have the right to vote on their self-determination." And former senator Hope Cristobal said, "We foresee a rapid acceleration of our peoples assimilation and we also anticipate that it's going to greatly impact the Chamorro people, especially our right to self-determination."

One of the major themes touched upon was the importance of language and the preservation of spoken Chamoru by locals. Guest speakers included former congressman Robert Underwood, former Supreme Court chief justice B.J. Cruz, Senator Ben Pangelinan, Attorney Mike Phillips, and political strategist Josh Tenorio.

Cohen: High Cost of Living in Islands Caused by Limited Private Sector

Cohen says cost of living on islands high due to limited private sector participation
By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff
12/7/07

THE federal official in charge of overseeing assistance and programs for American insular areas says the cost of living in island communities is high due to limited private sector participation.

David Cohen, the U.S. Interior Department’s deputy assistant secretary for insular affairs, was the keynote speaker at the Annual Conference of the Island Government Finance Officers’ Association held on Tuesday in Honolulu, Hawaii.

He said “in most of the insular area economies, there is an unsustainable imbalance between the public and private sectors.”

A strong private sector propels a healthy economy, he said. This way “jobs are created and taxes are collected to fund essential services for the public.”

But many islands do not have economies dominated by the private sector. “In many island economies, this model is turned on its head: The economy is dominated by the public sector. Since the public sector generally is a consumer and not a producer of wealth, this type of economy can only be sustained with outside subsidies. I have referred to these island economies as being “upside down in the middle of the ocean.” They will have to get right-side up in order to get their heads above water,” said Cohen.

However, the odds are against the island communities because of their remote locations and susceptibility to extreme weather conditions. “These communities tend to have small populations, few resources and remote locations. That means they are heavily dependent upon transportation systems to bring people and goods to and from their islands, and that transportation is likely to be significantly more expensive than it is in more populated areas. This, in turn, tends to make everything else on the island more expensive. The cost of doing business is therefore high.”