By Trina A. San Agustin
Variety News Staff

BILL 343, which was passed in the 26th Guam Legislature and signed into law by former Gov. Carl T.C. Gutierrez, reduced the number of Government of Guam holidays in half.
Bill 343 was a cost saving measure to help the Guam economy recover. It also eliminated pay raises and resulted in freeze hiring.
The enactment of this law eliminated Good Friday as a recognized GovGuam holiday.
Tomorrow, Guam joins in the celebration of Good Friday but it is not holiday for GovGuam workers.
Good Friday marked the day when Jesus Christ was crucified, and Christians observe the day with special prayers.
Every year, many Christian Guam residents partake in the annual traditional trek to Mt. Lam Lam to observe Good Friday.
Some GovGuam employees, in interviews with Variety, said they will file for leave so they may make the trek to the mountain.
According to the Archdiocese of Agana, faithful observers will meet up at the MongMong Catholic Church at 7 a.m. tomorrow. From there they will proceed to the base of Mt. Lam Lam in Agat. The hike will immediately begin.
Those who will attend are asked to pack some bottled water, snacks, and towels. They are also asked to use comfortable clothing and footwear.
In the United States, Good Friday is not a federal holiday, but a state holiday in some locations.
The U.S. government is constitutionally prevented from forcing most private businesses to open or close on any particular day, so the stock markets are usually closed on Good Friday along with some other businesses especially in rural areas but the majority of businesses are open on Good Friday.
The U.S. Postal Service will continue delivering the mail tomorrow, and depending on management, some banks will open the entire day, take a half day, or even close altogether.