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Lt. Governor Michael Cruz, M.D. returned today after assisting medical and humanitarian efforts in Cambodia. The military operation, Pacific Angel 2008, is a Medical Civil Action Project (MEDCAP) that represents a joint effort between the Army and Air Force Guard. Lt. Governor Cruz, Commander of the Guard's medical command, has participated in MEDCAP missions before but this was his unit's first opportunity to support a mission to Cambodia.
"Being a doctor is my passion and I'm grateful to be a part of a medical mission that represents the charitable spirit of our nation," said Lt. Governor Cruz. "It is a very humbling experience to help those that need it most."
The mission reached three areas in Cambodia. The Lt. Governor was joined by local doctor, Lt. Colonel Chris Perez in bringing their medical expertise to the area of Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia.
Governor Appoints Vern Perez to Superior Court
May 28, 2008
Governor Felix P. Camacho today announced his appointment of Attorney Vernon Perez for Judge of the Superior Court of Guam.
"Vern has devoted his professional life to the cause of justice and is widely admired for his sound legal judgment, which is clearly shown by the overwhelming support given to him by his peers of the Guam Bar Association," Governor Camacho said.
Perez currently serves as the Executive Director of the Civil Service Commission. He has served as an Assistant Attorney General of Guam in the Prosecution Division and worked as an advisor to Ben Blaz, former Guam Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. Attorney Perez also is a Judge Advocate for the Guam Army National Guard.
"My decision to nominate Vern Perez came after a thorough and deliberative process," Governor Camacho said. "He has the qualities the people of Guam should expect in a judge: experience, wisdom, fairness and compassion."
Navy to Provide $235,000 for Masso Reservoir and Watershed Mitigation Efforts
Governor Felix P. Camacho today announced that the Guam Department of Agriculture will be reimbursed up to $235,000 for environmental mitigation efforts at the Masso Reservoir and Watershed.
The U.S. Department of the Navy recently signed a Cooperative Agreement to assist the Department of Agriculture in reducing the soil erosion in the Masso Reservoir and Watershed.
"This is an important agreement as it provides the government with critical funding to ensure the preservation of the environment as we move forward with major projects," Governor Camacho said. "More importantly, this cooperative agreement demonstrates the need for the federal government to provide the financial assistance needed to make the changes necessary to sustain the future growth of our island."
The Department of Agriculture will be reforesting the Masso Reservoir and Watershed to reduce erosion that harms the Piti Bay Marine Preserve. The mitigation plan also includes the implementation of monitoring initiatives for up to five years after the completion of the project using digital photographic records.
Designs for Guam Quarter Online, Community to Vote on Final Version
May 20, 2008
Governor Felix P. Camacho today released two designs for the Guam quarter prepared by artists of the United States Mint as part of the District of Columbia and United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program.
Each design can be voted on and the design with the highest amount of votes will be recommended to the U.S. Mint. Votes will be collected until June 14, 2008.
"I encourage all residents to take part in the selection process," Governor Camacho said. "The Guam quarter will be a lasting symbol of our heritage and our people."
Governor Camacho submitted the two design narratives selected from 59 submissions from the people of Guam.
The United States Mint has spent the past two months working closely with the Guam Quarter Dollar Program Design Evaluation and Selection Process Task Force in developing the designs that are emblematic of Guam. Final designs for the Guam quarter are expected to be completed by July.
Guam Quarter Dollar Program
Please vote on the design you feel best represents Guam
You are not allowed to see poll results
Camacho, Cruz Approve Port Master Plan
May 17, 2008
Governor Felix P. Camacho and Lt. Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. yesterday issued Executive Order No. 2008-08 approving the Port Modernization Plan and its submission to the Legislature for adoption.
"We are moving forward with all stakeholders and federal partners to expand our port and ensure it has the facilities and the tools to accommodate economic growth and prosperity for decades to come," Governor Camacho said. "This is the most critical and urgent component of the Guam Buildup for both the civilian and military communities and I am excited by the progress being made to get this done quickly. I want to thank the hard working men and women of the port who have been involved in this process to produce this master plan."
The Port Modernization Plan calls for $195 million in improvements to seaport facilities to accommodate the import and export of goods during the height of the Guam Buildup and to sustain economic growth beyond the next decade. Ten percent of the planned expenditures, or $19.5 million, already has been identified. Parsons Brinkerhoff International, the contractor which updated the 1999 Port Master Plan, will provide the first draft of the Financial Feasibility Study in mid-June. This study will give clear direction on how the $195 million in improvements under the master plan will be funded.
"This is an example of the achievements we can make as a community by coming together, making our case and involving all stakeholders of the importance of the work we do to achieve a bright future for Guam," Governor Camacho said. "At the end of this process, we want to see economic growth that translates into quality career opportunities for our children, better education and healthcare and a higher standard of living for all our people. The ability to sustain this growth for generations to come starts at the port and that's why we are focusing on the resources it needs."
Camacho Signs COLA Guaranty
May 13, 2008
Governor Felix P. Camacho yesterday signed the document guaranteeing the $9 million payment by Teleguam Holdings, LLC to the COLA class. The Bank of Guam now may pay the COLA class.
"This payment to the COLA class comes at a time when residents are struggling with the cost of living," Governor Camacho said. "This is welcome relief to retirees and their families. We hope the Legislature adopts a plan to eliminate our deficit so we can pay the remainder of the debt owed to retirees and other debts this government owes to taxpayers, Guam Power Authority and other vendors."
Governor Honors Police Officers and Heroes
May 9, 2008
Governor Felix P. Camacho today signed six proclamations at a combined signing ceremony in the Cabinet Conference Room, Adelup.
During the ceremony, Governor Camacho paid tribute to officers of the Guam Police Department and to heroes who gave their lives in defense of our freedom. Honorary Police Sergeant, the Late Frankie E. "Smitty" Smith, was named Police Officer of the Year. His wife, Mrs. Tishawna Smith, accepted the award on her husband's behalf.
"To Mrs. Tishawna Smith, I want you to know, that the hearts and prayers of the people of Guam have been with you and your family since the morning your husband made the greatest sacrifice in the line of duty," Governor Camacho said to the officer's widow. "Today, we proudly salute a hero. We will never forget what he gave for his family and his people. We thank you for being here today to accept the Police Officer of the Year Award, given in Sergeant Frankie Smith's memory and honor."
Governor Camacho also welcomed several veterans and families of fallen heroes we recognize every Memorial Day.
"This Memorial Day, while we prepare our wreaths and candles to adorn the gravesites of heroes whose memories live on in our hearts, let us pray together for the safe return of those who follow their brave footsteps," Governor Camacho said.
Guam Police Week and Peace Officers' Memorial Day
Guam Police Week (May 11 – 17, 2008) and Peace Officers' Memorial Day (May 15, 2008) are celebrated every year to honors officers of the Guam Police Department and our fallen officers for their courage and service. Governor Camacho also congratulated Gertrude Champaco, a trusted employee of GPD, who was named Civilian of the Year.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day (May 26, 2008) was declared to promote the annual national day to honor and pay tribute to those who bravely gave their lives in sacrifice of their country and their people.
National Transportation Week and National Defense Transportation Day
National Transportation Week (May 11 – 17, 2008) and National Defense Transportation Day (May 16, 2008) were declared to recognize the integral role of transportation in our ever modernizing and developing community as well as to commend the hard-working men and women in the industry of transportation.
National Hospital Week
National Hospital Week (May 11 – 17, 2008) was proclaimed as part of a nationwide campaign to celebrate and honor the vital services hospitals provide communities. This year's National Hospital Week theme is "Where Healing Happens Every Day."
AmeriCorps Week
AmeriCorps Week (May 11 – 17, 2008) is celebrated to honor the spirit of volunteerism and service of AmeriCorps volunteers. Since 1994, Guam has welcomed more than 500 members to AmeriCorps who continue to meet our islands needs. Through the Governor-appointed Serve Guam! Commission, AmeriCorps volunteers expand their reach throughout the community by partnering with various government and private organizations.
The Island-wide Celebration of the Guam Marianas Masters Basketball Tournament
The Island-wide Celebration of the Guam Marianas Masters Basketball Tournament (May 9 – 17, 2008) was declared to highlight the talent, sportsmanship and fellowship of the Guam Marianas Masters Basketball Association and their dedication to keeping mature members of the community active and healthy. This year, they will host the first ever Guam Marianas Masters Basketball Tournament. This event welcomes more than 250 senior players representing Australia, Chuuk, the Philippines and Guam.
Commission to Set Educator Standards
Governor signs measure creating the Guam Commission for Educator Certification, 11 other measures into law
May 9, 2008
Governor Felix P. Camacho this morning signed Bill No. 99 (LS), which establishes the Guam Commission for Educator Certification.
The measure, now Public Law 29-73, creates this commission, which provides a rigorous system of certification, professional development and evaluation. Its mission is to support improved student achievement, to enhance the quality of the Guam educator workforce and to increase student performance by setting standards for certification of educators.
"The schoolchildren of Guam deserve the highest standards of education," Governor Camacho said. "I want to thank the Legislature for passing my measure, which will demand the strictest standards for the people we entrust to teach the next generation."
Throughout the United States, the certification or licensure of educators is a function that occurs at the state level and not in the local school districts that employ educators. The Guam Public School System currently sets the standards for its own educators, whom the school system also hires. The Governor's measure will set island-wide standards GPSS must follow, giving parents a greater voice in the education of their children and ensuring accountability in the certification of teachers based on acceptable standards.
The commission will consist of seven members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Legislature. Membership will be composed of one classroom teacher, one administrator and one guidance counselor employed in a public school; two members who have a terminal degree in education; and two members appointed from the community at large.
Other measures signed into law
Governor Camacho also signed 11 other measures into law:
Bill No. 156 (EC), now P.L. 29-70, strengthens the reporting requirements of scrap metal dealers and enacts penalties for non-compliance;
Bill No. 277 (LS), now P.L. 29-71, approves the administrative rules and regulations for the Guam Board of Nurse Examiners;
Bill No. 12 (LS), now P.L. 29-72, amends the statute relative to receiving stolen property to include stolen non-ferrous and other salvageable metals;
Bill No. 95 (LS), now P.L. 29-74, aligns the Deinstitionalization of Status Offender Program with federal law. The law authorizes DYA to hold a juvenile found to have violated a valid court order in the youth detention facility;
Bill No. 161 (LS), now P.L. 29-75, amends a section of Guam law regarding the delivery of an arrestee to a judge;
Bill No. 205 (EC), now P.L. 29-76, extends the maximum limits of government liability coverage to private physicians who attend to house patients at the Guam Memorial Hospital when conducting follow-up visits at their private medical facility;
Bill No. 226 (LS), now P.L. 29-77, makes it a criminal offense to alter, tamper with, damage or destroy any electronic monitoring devise of convicted sex offenders;
Bill No. 243 (LS), now P.L. 29-78, broadens the qualifications for director of the Department of Public Health and Social Services;
Bill No. 247 (LS), now P.L. 29-79 authorizes government of Guam agencies to pay prior years' and current year obligations owed to the Guam Memorial Hospital from Fiscal Year 2008 operational appropriations and from carry-over and continuing operational appropriations authorized;
Bill No. 264 (EC), now P.L. 29-80, includes a government of Guam retiree in the negotiating team to advocate for health care benefits; and
Bill No. 223 (LS), now P.L. 29-81, amends a section of Guam law to protect expressions of sympathy or benevolent gestures by health professionals to patients or their families from being used against them in medical malpractice actions.
There are no other measures before the Governor for his consideration.
Governor Felix P. Camacho today announced his appointment of Attorney Vernon Perez for Judge of the Superior Court of Guam.
Governor Felix P. Camacho today signed six proclamations at a combined signing ceremony in the Cabinet Conference Room, Adelup.