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Northern Okinawa Municipal Council Visits Adelup |
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Commonalities between Guam and neighboring island assist conversation on Marines realignment
July 15, 2009
Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz hosted the Northern Okinawa Municipal Council in a courtesy visit today at Adelup. Mayors of respective villages in Okinawa questioned the acting governor on Guam’s preparedness and acceptance of the U.S. Marines realignment to Guam.
“Governor [Felix P.] Camacho has made it very clear that Guam cannot and will not bear the burden of this transfer,” Acting Governor Cruz told the Okinawa mayors. “We are very patriotic Americans and glad to be a part of our nation’s policy, but there should be a commitment and priorities to ensure that the quality of life for the people of Guam will be made better and not worse because of this transfer.”
The representatives of Okinawa toured Guam and the Air Force and Naval bases during their visit and noted many commonalities between Okinawa and Guam’s histories and present-day challenges as Pacific islands balancing both military bases and robust tourism industries. The acting governor sought any advice from the Okinawa mayors concerning striking a balance among the military installations, the tourism industry, and maintaining environmental habitats. The Okinawa mayors, in turn, expressed interest in Guam’s ko’ko bird program, coconut trees and agricultural practices.
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