Among the speakers were former Congressman and University of Guam President Dr. Robert Underwood who discussed the development of the island’s political status throughout the years.
He said the United States always knew it was the colonizer and the Chamorros’ were the colonized.
“We are the inhabitants of the first island to be colonized by the West. In the words of Douglas Oliver, ‘the rape of Oceania began with Guam,’ ” said the Democratic Party’s losing gubernatorial candidate in the 2002 and 2006 elections.
Guam is recognized internationally as a non-self governing entity and today’s generation, “your generation, is commanded to do your part in ensuring not that a cataclysmic event occur, but that you continue the desire for political change and political self-fulfillment,” Underwood said.
He said Chamorro must understand their historical circumstances.
The Chamorro people, he added, have been denied their right to self-determination.
“The federal government holds the instruments of government, in all of its forms, that exist on Guam. The federal government holds the power,” he said.
Chamorro self-determination will rest on those who are “willing to work the hardest and whomever is willing to perspire the most — it is their aspiration which will take hold and build a future for our island, for Guahan,” he added.
Other speakers last Froday included United Nations advisor Dr. Carlyle Corbin, Vice Speaker and former Chief Justice Benjamin J. F. Cruz, attorneys Julian Aguon, Therese Terlaje and Leevin Camacho.
They gave historical and legal perspectives on Chamorro voting rights, an appraisal of self-determination under international law, the processes of how the U.N. treats non-governing entities, and the natural law of an indigenous people to self-govern themselves.
