Welcome to the Office of the Governor of Guam

NGA Discusses Education System and the Shortage of a Skilled Workforce

Governor Camacho: "A comprehensive education plan is necessary across the nation"

February 23, 2009

(Washington DC) Governor Felix P. Camacho called upon the Nation's Governors to recognize that a comprehensive nation-wide education plan is necessary. The National Governors Association (NGA) Education Committee together with governors and business leaders discussed the shortage of a skilled workforce and the state of the education system.

"Despite much rhetoric over the past decade, the education system still needs improvement," said Governor Camacho. "To compete with others in the world market, we must ensure our educational reforms are working in classrooms all across the Nation."

They further discussed transforming the workforce system and the need to strengthen the skills of American workers in Guam and the Nation. Presentations explored business investments that strengthen the competitiveness of American business by training workers with the skills to successfully participate in the 21st century.

"We must recognize that even in today's difficult economy, businesses struggle to find the qualified workers they need," said Governor Camacho. "The rising unemployment rate, increasing demand for skills and a rapidly expanding global economy are all placing unprecedented demands on America's workforce."

The NGA Education Committee agreed that workers will require specialized and advanced training, cutting-edge skill sets and higher levels of education just to stay competitive.

Governor Camacho and the NGA Education Committee unanimously passed new policies that outline a new vision for a federal, state and local partnership that will support school construction in mission growth impacted areas. They called on the federal government to provide states and territories with accurate and timely student data and recommended the promotion of health and nutrition through the National School Lunch Program. This will include supporting maximum state flexibility and outlining an appropriate federal-state partnership regarding competitive foods, nutrition standards and childhood obesity.

Governor Camacho will join the Nation's Governors in a meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House on Monday (Tuesday Guam Time) to discuss a number of issues, including the implementation of the recently passed America's Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Governor Camacho Joins Governors in Discussing Strategies to Strengthen America's Infrastructure

Opening Plenary Session of 2009 NGA Winter Meetings highlights Guam and States Role in improving Nation's Infrastructure

February 22, 2009

(Washington DC) Governor Felix P. Camacho today attended the 2009 National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting that officially kicked off with highlighting the role states can play in managing existing and developing infrastructure in ways that enhance economic and environmental prosperity. Governor Camacho and the Nation's Governors were in agreement that America's infrastructure has not kept pace with the country's growing and shifting demands and the changing world.

"From Marine Drive and Ylig Bridge to the Guam Power Authority electrical grid, Guam Waterworks water and wastewater treatment plants, our schools and the Guam Memorial Hospital, infrastructure makes modern life as we know it possible," said Governor Camacho. "The Nation's Governors and I recognize that it is critical to our economic growth, global competitiveness and quality of life that we work collectively to improve and modernize our island and our nation's aging infrastructure."

During the plenary session, Governor Camacho and the governors heard from an array of notable experts. Dr. Frank Luntz, CEO of The Word Doctors, presented findings from a recent national poll targeting Americans' attitudes around infrastructure investment. T. Boone Pickens, founder and chairman of BP Capital Management, demonstrated for governors his strategy for reducing America's dependence on foreign oil through new infrastructure investments. CEO of Exelon Corporation John Rowe highlighted the utility sector's perspective on energy infrastructure investment in the context of efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.

"We will work to improve our infrastructure using the Economic Stimulus Plan, 2030 Territorial Highway Plan and other Guam Master Plan funds with accountability and safety in mind," said Governor Camacho. "We will rebuild, repair and extend our infrastructure to protect Guam's economic competitiveness as well as its environmental sustainability."

On Sunday (Monday Guam Time) Governor Camacho and the Governors will examine infrastructure financing, accountability and sustainability during a special session. He also will take part in meetings of the NGA's Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee. Governor Camacho was reassigned to the NGA Committee from the Natural Resources Committee for 2009.

Governor Camacho Visits Stevens Institute of Technology

Officials seek partnership for regional government emergency management needs

February 21, 2009

(Newark, New Jersey) Governor Felix P. Camacho met with officials of the Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT) to discuss their assistance with the Pacific Basin Development Council (PBDC). In addition, their discussion included an initiative that will strengthen the homeland security capacity of the U.S. Insular areas in the Pacific and the State of Hawaii. Governor Camacho and the current President of the PBDC, met with SIT President Dr. Harold Raveche to discuss the management strategies for a PBDC Center of Excellence for Port Security.

"Partnership with the Stevens Institute can help us meet our current and future science and technology needs regarding homeland security," said Governor Camacho. "We must be proactive as a region to determine what is in the best interests of our people from both the Territories and the State of Hawaii."

The PBDC Homeland Security Center of Excellence will be working with the University of Hawaii to develop a Maritime and Island Security strategy to be available to island communities.

MEDIA ADVISORY-2/21/09

Governor Felix P. Camacho is attending the 2009 National Governors Association Winter Meetings in Washington D.C. The meetings will be broadcast on GUdTV Channel 62, starting Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 2:30am CST to Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 7:00am CST. Check local listings for more broadcast times and information regarding the 2009 NGA Winter Meetings.

Governor Camacho to Attend 2009 NGA Winter Meetings

Addressing a host of Guam issues and a visit with President Obama tops

Governors' Washington DC trip

February 17, 2009

Governor Felix P. Camacho today left for Washington D.C. to attend the 2009 National Governors Association Winter Meetings. The Governor will join nearly 50 governors at the annual meeting, which will include sessions with the President, members of his Cabinet, congressional members, academic leaders, business executives and other experts for discussions on a host of issues and challenges facing the states and territories.

"Rebuilding, repairing and maintaining a national infrastructure system that supports America's economic competitiveness, facilitates economic growth and is environmentally sustainable, will be the key topic on the governors' meeting agenda," said Governor Camacho. "This is a great opportunity to join my colleagues in examining recent trends and conditions across the nation related to what is happening in Guam and in the U.S. Mainland and discuss strategies to increase the skills and competitiveness of our American workforce."

The three-day event at the J.W. Marriott will feature keynote addresses by T. Boone Pickens, founder and chairman of BP Capital Management, who will discuss his plan for reducing America's dependence on foreign oil through new infrastructure investments. Other speakers include John W. Rowe, chairman and chief executive of Exelon Corporation, who will offer the utility perspective on energy infrastructure investment in the context of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and Dr. Robert Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, who will discuss approaches other nations are taking to fund and finance transportation.

As a member of the NGA's Natural Resources Committee, Governor Camacho will join Chairwoman Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, in discussions focused on energy infrastructure as a vital link to our 21st Century economy.

During the seven-day trip, Governor Camacho is scheduled to attend meetings of the Pacific Basin Development Council, of which he is currently President. Additionally, Governor Camacho will attend the annual meetings of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas to be chaired by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting focusing on Guam's ocean and near-shore conservation efforts.

"This trip to Washington D.C. will be critical in ensuring the policies of the new administration are consistent with the work we have done over the past six years for the benefit of the people of Guam," said Governor Camacho. "I have been assured that our Buildup needs are a top priority of policy makers in our Nation's Capital and continue to stress to them that this effort must be mutually beneficial to the mission of our armed forces and the people who call our island 'home'".

A STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR AND LT. GOVERNOR OF GUAM

February 17, 2009

This statement follows the signing of an agreement between U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and Japanese Foreign Minister, Hirofumi Nakasone finalizing the transfer of 8,000 U.S. Marines from the southern island of Okinawa to Guam by 2014.

"The signing of the accord by Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Nakasone reaffirms the commitment to relocate U.S. Marines to Guam and further expand the military into the Western Pacific. The finalization of this agreement confirms the need for our leaders to unite and ensure development will be sustained for years to come. This administration will continue to work with the U.S. Department of Defense to make certain the buildup benefits all those who call Guam home."

State of the Island Address - February 16, 2009

The Office of the Governor of Guam is pleased to release the State of the Island address delivered on February 16, 2009 by Governor Felix P. Camacho.

State of the Island Address (pdf format)

Guam Buildup Website Launched

Information on the status of the Guam Buildup at guambuildup.com

February 11, 2009

Today, the Office of the Governor in conjunction with the Civilian Military Task Force (CMTF) launched the Guam Buildup website, "www.guambuildup.com". The website will act as a repository for all information related to the government's plans, initiatives and goals regarding the Guam Buildup.

Over the last three years, the CMTF and its eleven sub-committees have been planning for the impact of a massive population increase, which has already begun and slated to peak by 2014.

Through the website, the general public can access various committee reports, documents, and recommendations that have been the driving force behind the government's 2010 budget request to the Federal Government.

"The Guam Buildup requires massive technical planning which we have started and will continue," said Governor Camacho. "This website takes our work to an even larger public forum and allows greater opportunities for our community to get involved."

More...