Welcome to the Office of the Governor of Guam

Governor and Lieutenant Governor Address Guam’s Emergency Responders and Volunteers
 

Sept. 11, 2009
 
Governor Felix P. Camacho and Lieutenant Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D., proclaimed today “A Day of Service and Remembrance” and the month of September as “National Preparedness Month” this morning during a ceremony at Guam Homeland Security and the Office of Civil Defense in Agana Heights.
 
The ceremony, attended by Guam’s emergency responders and volunteers, was opened by Frank Ishizaki, Guam Homeland Security advisor. Lt. Governor Cruz then gave remarks and read the words spoken by past President George W. Bush on the night of Sept. 11, 2001.
 
Lt. Governor Cruz added, “On that tragic day of 9/11, we saw images that will never be forgotten and heard stories that broke our hearts. But on that day we also saw […] heroes emerge from the dust. We saw stranger helping stranger. We saw sacrifice and bravery, strength and compassion.”
 
With the signing of the dual proclamation on the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Gov. Camacho and Lt. Governor Cruz encouraged the community to recognize the significance of committing to service and volunteer efforts on a regular basis and to also make or review their emergency plans, stock emergency supply kits, and stay informed to be prepared in the event of future manmade or natural disasters.
 
Other speakers included Charles Ada, acting administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, and Sen. Frank Blas Jr., past Guam Homeland Security advisor, who presented a legislative resolution. The ceremony ended with a Sept. 11 remembrance video and the sounding of sirens as a tribute to the victims of Sept. 11 and their families, all of the U.S. servicemen and women, emergency responders and volunteers.
 
Guam’s response agencies will spend the month of September engaged in drills and outreach activities to best prepare for emergencies and also to educate residents on how they can be best prepared as well.

Sept. 10, 2009

Governor Felix P. Camacho today signed Bill No. 224-30 (COR), an act to amend Attachment A of P.L. 29-19 for the purpose of allocating bond proceeds to cover budgetary shortfalls for the Department of Education (DOE) for fiscal year 2009.

Introduced by Speaker Judith Won Pat, Sen. Ben Pangelinan, and Sen. B.J. Cruz, the bill, now Public Law No. 30-56, states that the Guam DOE is “authorized to expend any remaining balances, including any interest earned … to the following categories: textbooks, personnel services and utilities.”

“It’s unfortunate that we had to use funds meant to rehabilitate more than 30 schools that are dire need of repair to keep our schools open,” said Governor Camacho. “I signed this bill with really no other immediate option in sight.”

Last week DOE Superintendent Nerissa Bretania Underwood said that the school system could not afford utilities or payroll for the rest of the fiscal year and that the agency would have to shut down if they did not receive $4.7 million by Sept. 11.

“I believe the legislature explored every option and found this bill to be the best solution to address DOE’s immediate financial needs,” said Governor Camacho. “DOE’s problems stem from systemic issues that continue to put the department in this kind of scenario. My office will continue to assist them in their budgeting, accounting, and procurement needs, but I also ask the legislature to reexamine DOE’s structure and once and for all find a long-term solution to fix the systemic problems plaguing the department.”

The bill was passed by I Mina’ Trenta Na Liheslaturan Guahan on Sept. 8, 2009, and was received at the Governor’s Office at 8 p.m. on Sept. 8.

Governor Felix P. Camacho will be presenting checks for six different criminal justice initiatives as a part of the recently secured American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.
 
The presentation is scheduled for today, Sept. 08, 2009 at 11a.m. in the Large Conference Room, Adelup.

Sept. 7, 2009
 
Governor Felix P. Camacho is pleased to announce that the Bureau of Statistics and Plans (BSP) has been awarded $4,972,500 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Guam will receive the money through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program administered by the Bureau of Justice. The program helps fund a broad range of activities that prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system for both state and local governments. It further supports all components of the criminal justice system, including multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces; crime prevention and domestic violence programs; and courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information-sharing initiatives.
 
“Our justice system serves people at some of the most difficult times of their lives. These funds will help strengthen those services and ensure justice is served efficiently and effectively,” said Governor Camacho. “We commend BSP and all other entities that helped secure this money for Guam. Your hard work and dedication truly benefits the people of Guam.”
 
The BSP in collaboration with Guam’s criminal justice entities and various resource agencies, has developed a state narrative that outlines the use of these ARRA funds.
 
“In light of the military buildup, these funds will help us strengthen our ability to fight crime and protect our citizens,” said BSP Director Tony Lamorena. “Along with Governor Camacho, we look forward to presenting these checks to crucial initiatives soon.”
 
According to the narrative, funds will be used to support the first year of the Drug Control, Violent Crime and Criminal Justice Systems Improvement Strategy Program. This strategy makes law enforcement, sexual assault, treatment and rehabilitation, technology improvement, and violent crimes a priority.
 
Based on these priorities, thousands of dollars will be awarded to six local initiatives on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the small conference room, Adelup.  (Please see attached document for a list of initiatives that will be awarded.)

 

List of Initiatives (word format)

Line item budget over lump sum budget allows greater accountability

September 4, 2009

Governor Felix P. Camacho today signed the FY 2010 budget bill, now Public Law 30-55, which will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2009. Bill 58-40 (COR), passed by I Mina’ Trenta na Liheslaturan Guåhan on Aug. 28, 2009, appropriates approximately $540 million to the government of Guam’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

“This year’s budget process is a great example of the legislature and the executive branch working together to best serve the people of Guam,” said Governor Camacho. “I commend Speaker Judi Won Pat; the committee chair, Sen. Ben Pangelinan; and members of the legislature for passing the budget and giving me adequate time to review the bill with my advisors. I want to also thank my staff for working closely with our policy makers to ensure we appropriately address the financial needs of the next fiscal year.”

According to Bertha Duenas, director of the Bureau of Budget and Management Research, this year’s budget, in contrast to years past, is a line item budget.

“The last time we used the line item format was sometime in the late 80s or early 90s. Breaking down the budget by line item, as opposed to lump sum for each agency or department, will allow greater accountability on how money is being spent,” Duenas said. “Significant changes in this budget aim to make our government run more efficiently as we provide essential services to our community.”

Governor Camacho in his transmittal letter to Speaker Won Pat stated he was pleased to see that all potential revenue increases have been directed to the areas of education, health, and public safety. The FY 2010 budget provides $233 million for education, $88 million for health, and $74 million for public safety.

“Over half of the appropriations contained in this budget are earmarked toward education, health, and public safety and demonstrate our government’s continued commitment to support these critical departments and agencies,” said Governor Camacho. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with the legislature on the issues facing the people of Guam.”