By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

THE impending relocation of Marines from Okinawa to Guam is among the main agenda at the 8th Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the Hawaii-based East West Center in Washington, D.C., according to the U.S. State Department and the Guam Office of the Governor. (See related story on page 13)
In her opening remarks Monday, Rice said the conference, which ends Thursday, provides an opportunity for the U.S. and Pacific Island governments to consult with each other on a wide range of security and economic issues.
According to the U.S. State Department’s Web site, Rice mentioned the U.S. government’s plans to highlight the potential economic benefits to the region that will result from the relocation of U.S. forces from Okinawa, Japan to Guam.
Rice noted the growing political, environmental and economic challenges as well as long-term transnational threats being faced by Pacific states. “In response to these challenges,” she said, “the United States and Pacific Island nations are working together to chart a comprehensive approach, promoting opportunity and prosperity, good governance and the rule of law, greater peace and security.”
Gov. Felix P. Camacho, who is attending the three-day event that gathered 20 Pacific Island government leaders, sought transparency and dialogue with the federal government on the military relocation planning process.
“We all agree that every nation in the Pacific must benefit economically from the construction projects related to the relocation of 8,000 U.S. troops from Okinawa,” Camacho said, adding that the Marines’ relocation would entail “more developed local workforce and more job opportunities for our people.”
“I have asked for greater interaction between the government of Guam, our Pacific neighbors and all relevant executive branch agencies to guide us in understanding what is needed to respond to this tremendous growth,” the governor added.
According to the governor’s office, the U.S. State Department has informed Camacho that Guam will have a more active voice in regional organizations, including the Pacific Islands Forum and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community as the State Department has committed to increase participation with these groups.
“At his request, Governor Camacho has been appointed to the U.S. State Department’s delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum and will be briefed and advised on all policies from the regional organizations,” a press release from the governor’s office said.
Camacho will be meeting with Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and Defense Secretary Robert Gates to discuss the Marines’ movement, the governor’s office said.
“This is an opportunity for me to continue further dialogue with the Bush administration to ensure that our voice is heard with regard to the impending buildup on our island,” Camacho said.
Also participating in the conference from Guam is U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Bill Marhoffer, who made a presentation on the U.S. Coast Guard’s strategic interests and opportunities for engagement across Oceania.
Later this week, Marhoffer will participate in a Secretariat of the Pacific Community meeting on regional maritime security cooperation.