By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

GOVERNOR Felix P. Camacho was sworn in yesterday for his second term as the island’s chief executive, vowing to pursue the “exciting opportunities” ahead of Guam.
“Rather than react to the prosperity that is certain to come, we must respond with a sense of duty and discipline. We must be proactive in our approach, certain in our goals,” Camacho said in his inaugural address shortly after being sworn into office by Supreme Court chief justice Philip Carbullido.
Hundreds of people including official guests from neighboring islands attended the rainy New Year’s day inaugural ceremony at the Plaza de Espana in Hagatna, where the Guam Police Department gave the Republican governor a 19-gun salute. Lieutenant Gov. Mike Cruz, a one-term senator who served in the 28th Legislature, took his oath before Superior Court presiding jusge Albert Lamorena.
“Now with great determination and an even greater sense of purpose, we begin our season of transformation,” Camacho said.
“Today we see exciting opportunities which lay ahead. There is a clear potential for tremendous growth and expansion in our economy and the benefits that will accrue to our people not just today but for future generations,” he added.
Camacho recalled that he “stood by candlelight” when he was sworn in for his first term as governor four years ago, when Guam was left in shambles by a supertyphoon and endured other circumstances that shattered the island’s economy.
“In the most humble circumstances, I promised to serve you and to do my very best to bring us out of that dark time in history,” he said.
“We found our light and our way out of that devastation. The goals we set together and the countless hours of hard work we all put in have brought positive changes that many thought we could not achieve,” the governor added.
In the “season of transformation,” Camacho urged the people of Guam to “steadfastly hold on to the values and principles” that allowed the community to overcome numerous adversities and challenges.
“Over the past four years we have overcome many challenges before us with purpose, determination and courage. This devotion to our island has brought us this far and now we look to the future where we will reach new heights,” Camacho said.
The new day for Guam “demands our collective wisdom, our best efforts,” the governor said, adding that the people of Guam have the “strength” and “ability to unite in difficult times and forge ahead into prosperous ones.”
“This island will never be the same and there can be no turning back,” Camacho said.
Cruz, for his part, vowed to work hard together with the governor for “progress in our government and community,” for the “next 1,460 days.”
He recalled how the election had threatened to divide the community, without realizing the same goal that everyone was pursuing.
“In the heat of a campaign, all too often we forget that there is much more that unites us than divides us. There is more that we agree on than disagree about,” Cruz said.
He said the community agrees on the vital importance of giving priority attention to education and healthcare and public safety.
“Today what lies before us is the great task of shaping a future that works for those who are here and those who are yet to be born,” Cruz said.
“Guided by the principles and values of our ancestors, armed with the tools of modern society, we are driven by dreams of those who we are and what we can be,” he added.