IN the Marianas Variety – Guam Edition, Jan. 5, Page 4, a title reads, “Kosrae governor makes courtesy visit to Adelup.”
The governor of Guam, Felix Camacho, said, “We want to strengthen our relationship with all the islands in our region. We are discussing outreach programs to offer assistance to our growing population from Kosrae and the outer islands.” To which visiting governor of Kosrae, Resnley Sigrah, said, “I want to thank you Governor Camacho and the people of Guam for taking in our citizens.”
First of all, dear governor of Kosrae, as you probably know, the government of Guam had no say in allowing folks from Kosrae and the outer islands to relocate to Guam. Which is why you saw local politicians even good ones such as former Senator Bob Klitzkie and current ones such as Speaker Forbes playing to the gallery so to speak in talking about the costs that “our Micronesian brothers and sisters have incurred which” the local government had to absorb over the years (from 1986 to present), on their behalf. Because it strikes a chord among some of the voters, not just Chamorro besides the fact that outer islands do NOT vote and are treated as second class citizens for the most part.
Second, the local governor says he wants to offer assistance to our growing population from Micronesia. That is more lip service because there are many poor (and middle-class) families on Guam, both Chamorro and other island groups, who have a difficult time making ends meet due to the rising costs of health insurance and food items while they are still waiting for higher-paying jobs from a revitalized and diversified economy.
Third, Governor Camacho can move forward to the political status issue so that politicians do not have to “beat up” on the Micronesians at least indirectly come election time to score cheap points, that is, if he is sincere. Statehood looks better now with the Dems in charge.

MATT PHILIPS
Mangilao, Guam