Acting Governor Meets with U.S. Census Bureau Officials

July 11, 2008

Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. met with U.S. Census Bureau officials to discuss plans for completing the 2007 Economic Census.

The completion of the Economic Census is required by Title 13 of the U.S. Code and covers all businesses that paid employees during 2007. Census forms were mailed in December of 2007 and three follow-up inquiries have since been sent by mail. Approximately 70 percent of the island's businesses have returned their forms but more is required to ensure the accuracy of the economic census.

"This information is critical to our island as we prepare for future growth associated with the Guam Buildup," Acting Governor Michael Cruz said.  "I urge all businesses to submit these reports to help us develop accurate statistics to assist us in making important decisions."

Historically, Guam has had final response rates around 90 percent for the economic census, which is conducted every 5 years.   The 2007 results are scheduled to be released in May, 2009.

Census officials are working with the Guam Department of Labor on follow-up plans for non-reporting companies. Companies that have not yet returned their economic census questionnaires are urged to do so promptly. Questions may be directed to the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics at 475-7057.

Lee Wentela, Chief of the Economic Census Branch and Geoffrey Hill, a Survey Statistician are on island until July 12 to address the 2007 Economic Census.

For more information, please contact Department of Labor Chief Economist Gary Hiles at 475-7062.

Media Advisory – 07/09/08

 

Governor Felix P. Camacho tomorrow will join Chief Justice Robert Torres and Judge Elizabeth Barrett-Anderson in strengthening Guam's juvenile justice system.

The Governor will sign an Executive Order to ensure Guam's compliance with federal mandates and policies of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002.

A signing ceremony will be held tomorrow, July 10, 2008, at 1:45 p.m. in the Governor's Conference Room, Adelup.

Prime Minister Helen Clark discusses potential opportunities with "Pacific Cousins" in North Pacific

July 8, 2008

(Wellington, New Zealand) Governor Camacho met Monday with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.  Prime Minister Clark invited Governor Camacho to New Zealand for an official State Visit following a successful New Zealand trade mission to Guam in October 2007.

"New Zealand leads the world in the study of geothermal energy, an alternative to petroleum," said Governor Camacho.  "Prime Minister Clark has offered the assistance of her government in consulting Guam and the governments of Micronesia in finding tangible solutions to a global concern that has huge effects on our small and fragile economies."

The 45-minute discussion touched on alternative energy and other issues from the potential sharing of the Maori and Chamorro cultures through exchange programs, opportunities in tourism and the U.S. military buildup.

The two leaders also discussed the benefits of including Guam and the other Territories of the United States in the P-4 Free Trade Agreement currently being negotiated between the U.S. Trade Representative and New Zealand, Chile, Singapore and Dubai.  Governor Camacho requested the inclusion of all U.S. Insular Areas in the Korea Free Trade Agreement and all future free trade agreements of the United States during the annual Interagency Group on Insular Areas meeting this past February.

Governor Camacho noted the achievements of a number of New Zealand Companies who have done business in Guam over the past 30 years and applauded their efforts in leading delegations into Micronesia to explore investment into new sectors, both private and public.  Prime Minister Clark encouraged Governor Camacho, as a "Pacific Cousin," to continue to engage with the people of the South Pacific and bring the people of the region closer together through activities like the Micronesian Chief Executives Summit and the Pacific Islands Forum.

"Prime Minister Clark remains an advocate for Guam and all the smaller island nations of the Pacific," said Governor Camacho.  "Auckland is home to the largest Polynesian population on earth and taking on the issues that matter most to the people of our part of the world is the Pacific Way."

Bill signed also allows the pledge of funds for repayment of streetlight bill

July 8, 2008

Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. today signed Bill No. 268 into Public Law 29-87, authorizing the Guam Public School System to transfer funds between appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008.

The authorization provides GPSS flexibility in the use of its Fiscal Year 2008 budget.  P.L. 29-87, however, prohibits the transfer of funds required to pay all legal outstanding personnel obligations for current and past years. 

"The school system needs the flexibility to use funds, especially as we prepare for the new school year," Acting Governor Cruz said.  "We expect full reporting and accounting of the use of these transfers to ensure funds are being used to improve the classroom and the education of our school children."

P.L. 29-87 also allows the Guam Economic Development and Commerce Authority to pledge Section 30 funds for the repayment of a $13.8 million loan to pay the delinquent streetlight bill to the Guam Power Authority.  The authorization now makes the loan possible.

"We will act swiftly to secure the loan and pay the streetlight bill to prevent an unnecessary increase in power rates," Acting Governor Cruz said.  "We want to do everything we can to reduce the cost of living for the people of Guam and this is one way we are taking action."

Announcement of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in Guam made at National Conference

June 28, 2008

( Washington DC ) Governor Felix P. Camacho today was the keynote speaker at the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives National Conference.  Governor Camacho was invited to speak at the two-day event which featured President George W. Bush and attended by Cabinet and public and private sector leaders at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.  The theme of the conference was "Innovations in Effective Compassion".

"Government is most effective in addressing human need," said Governor Camacho.  "When it welcomes every effective partner—faith-based and secular, large and small, when it taps into and multiplies the ingenuity of social entrepreneurs, when it harnesses the passion of dedicated volunteers and the compassion of neighbors serving neighbors."

Governor Camacho spoke on the success of President Bush's Faith Based and Community Initiative, that since launched seven years ago had matched nearly 90,000 children of prisoners with caring mentors, assisted in reducing ex-offenders return to prison at rates less than half the national average and facilitated major reductions in the number of homeless veterans, and chronic homelessness overall.

"This demonstrates what can occur when dedicated nonprofit organizations are given a central role in National efforts to solve the great human needs of our day," said Governor Camacho.

Governor Camacho also announced the establishment of a Faith-Based and Community Initiative in Guam , the 35th Governor to do so since 2001.

"As with the Federal Initiative, it will be focus first and foremost on solving some of the most pressing issues facing the people of Guam and Micronesia ," said Governor Camacho.  "As President Bush describes, it will be a "determined attack on need."

Governor Camacho was invited to speak at the National Conference after meeting with Director of the White House Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives Jay Hein during a visit to Washington DC this past May.

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen! Hope is confident expectancy. All of you have the ability to do whatever you need to do. In faith and hope, you can overcome every trial and accomplish things things you never thought possible. Don't shirk in fear when opportunities or even obstacles come your way. With an attitude of faith, and expectancy you can do great things and bless others with your work. You have a servants heart that looks for ways to meet other peoples needs. You are transforming lives from inside-out as you touch the hearts and minds of those in need. And so 'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' Thank you and God Bless America ," said Governor Camacho.

 

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