October 14, 2008

Acting Governor Michael Cruz, M.D. is pleased to announce that the Guam State Clearinghouse (GSC) will begin its fall 2008 Training and Outreach Program activities effective October 16. A total of 6 training workshops will be available through the months of October and November to assist federal programs personnel throughout the government of Guam with the administration of current and future federal financial assistance programs.

Acting Governor Michael Cruz, M.D. welcomed this season's training activities as an opportunity for our hardworking employees to share various concerns they have in managing programs while learning valuable information from others who have dealt with similar issues.

"Governor Camacho and I are confident that our employees will have acquired essential training through these workshops effectively preparing them to seek new funding opportunities in anticipation of serving the needs of a larger community over the next several years," said the Acting Governor.

All workshops will be held at the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities multi-purpose room in Suite 703, DNA Building in Hagåtña.  The schedule of GSC's training workshops is attached.

For additional information, please call Mr. Jason Tedtaotao at 475-9380 ext. 904 or send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

OIA grant augments aviation operations and safety training

October 13, 2008

Governor Felix P. Camacho today announced that the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority, Guam was awarded a $300,000 Regional Aviation Safety and Operations Training grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs.

"This grant award will enhance the Airport's emergency readiness and response capabilities, especially as Guam continues to work toward increasing and opening new visitor markets," Governor Camacho said.  "We must ensure that all our Airport and emergency response officials are provided the resources and training they need to quickly and properly respond to any hazards that may threaten the safety of the Airport and surrounding communities."

The grant award provides funding for the Airport to conduct in-depth training to enhance airport and aviation operations and procedures to ensure critical safety operations during emergencies.

October 10, 2008

The Guam Coastal Management Program of the Bureau of Statistics and Plans (BSP) has completed an important new resource for government agencies and developers.

The Guam Mapbook provides updated, detailed maps showing the island's streets, public buildings and other significant features to help emergency responders, planners, developers, and government officials in decision making.

"This is an example of government agencies taking the initiative to fund projects that will help our community," said Governor Felix P. Camacho. "The updated maps are an invaluable resource, especially as we work to accommodate the military buildup and other growth in a few short years."

At the time the Bureau undertook this project, various outdated sources of maps, as old as 1994, were being utilized to route emergency response and other similar government services.  BSP Director Tony Lamorena said the new book allows for more effective and efficient planning using Geographic Information Systems.

"This document was needed for better land use planning, emergency response-recovery planning and operations and delivery of government services, such as trash pick-up," he added.

 The bureau also is releasing a second product today: The "Guam Natural Resources Strategy 2012," was developed as a result of planning efforts and goals set forth by the Natural Resources Subcommittee (NRS) of the Civilian Military Task Force.

"This strategy will serve as guidance for natural resource officials and stakeholders in addressing impacts of development leading up to the military buildup," said Evangeline Lujan, Guam Coastal Management Program Administrator.  The NRS is guided by their mission statement as "dedicated to strengthening and developing key policies, legal frameworks, and essential programs that guarantee the sustainability of Guam's fragile and limited natural and cultural resources now, during the Guam Buildup, and beyond by setting the groundwork for the future strategies needed to effective confront emerging conservation challenges."

These publications are funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended and administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management and by the Guam Coastal Management Program.  A limited number of printed and digital copies are available for distribution at the Bureau of Statistics and Plans at 472-4201.

For more information, please contact Esther G. Taitague at 475-9670.

Governor Felix P. Camacho tomorrow will unveil the Guam Mapbook produced by the Office of the Governor's Bureau of Statistics and Plans. 

The Guam Mapbook project was undertaken to provide an updated detailed map document that includes locations and names of Guam's streets, buildings, structures, rivers, streams and other significant features.

The Mapbook is a resource to more effectively facilitate emergency response-recovery planning and other operations and delivery of government services.

A press conference is scheduled for tomorrow, October 10, 2008 at 11 a.m. in the Governor's Conference Room, Adelup.

Baby makes first visit to Adelup

October 7, 2008

Lt. Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of their new baby girl, Taylor Marie Rosario Cruz. Taylor was born on October 5th at the Guam Memorial Hospital.

The Lt. Governor and Jennifer would like to thank the staff of GMH for their professionalism and dedication to the safe delivery of their new baby.

"Jen had an emergency cesarean and I was very impressed with how the hospital handled the procedure," said the Lt. Governor. "We're both very blessed to add another beautiful and healthy child to our family."

The family made their first stop after leaving the hospital to the Lt. Governor's chambers in Adelup.