Governor Felix P. Camacho tonight spoke to the people of Guam about the transition our government and island is making toward a season of transformation.
Governor Camacho delivered his sixth State of the Island Address this evening, explaining the vision and direction the people of Guam must take, the opportunities for us, the foundations we will lay and the inheritance this generation will leave for the next.
"As servant leaders, we have taken our charge to do all we can in the time allotted to lay a solid foundation upon which this community will build the new Guam," Governor Camacho said.
Governor Camacho first detailed his Administration's efforts to lay a strong foundation for the Guam Buildup that will lead to an island "transformed by the work we do today." The Governor called for greater transparency by the Department of Defense and a true partnership, which will lead to a higher quality of life for the people of Guam. He explained that the buildup of our island has already begun, with efforts to sustain economic growth. The Governor told the people of Guam that we are already seeing record-breaking real estate transactions, hundreds of millions of dollars in government and private sector investments and a workforce that has grown by 5,800 jobs since the Governor took office.
The Governor also outlined the steps he is taking to make homeownership possible for more people, reduce the island's dependence on fossil fuels and improve Guam for future generations.
He expressed strong concerns with the Guam Public School System.
"Since 1993, GPSS has spent more than $2.8 billion," Governor Camacho said. "Yet test scores are still low, facilities are not maintained, supplies are lacking, vendors are not paid and many high school graduates do not have the necessary skills to qualify and compete for gainful employment."
The Governor added that, "We can no longer afford to pour millions of dollars into the Guam Public School System without the necessary accountability for those funds, and tangible results in our children's education. Much has been given to GPSS with little to show for it. The system in place is simply not working."
Governor Camacho is calling for:- A change in the school board composition so that some members are elected while others are appointed, because continuity is critical to the stability of the school system;
- Restoration of Executive Branch authority over GPSS to ensure checks and balances in budgeting, procurement and personnel matters;
- Reinstatement of the Governor's authority to appoint the Superintendent;
- Outsourcing of services where necessary; and
- The creation of charter schools within the GPSS system."
Governor Camacho also is calling on the Legislature to approve his proposal to finance the equipment for the new schools he is building, three of which are slated to open at the beginning of the next school year.
The Governor also spoke about the government of Guam's deficit and the need for all leaders to work collaboratively to solve this long-standing problem. "The government's finances jeopardize the potential of our island to grow at a time when we are preparing for this historic buildup. The domino effect of the deficit is escalating the problem so that it will eventually touch every aspect of our people's lives."
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here to download the highlights of the Governor's address. (Word Format)
