The main point is that the U.N. can help to get discussions going. Other than five other cases, all of the other 11 islands on the list are governed by the United States or the United Kingdom. The U.S. and U.K. island cases have a lot of similarities that could be looked at and examined. In almost all respects, small islands are different. There is a need to look at these areas more on a case-by-case basis. So in terms of helping discussions, I believe the U.N. is actually helping with the positive resolution of these remaining cases.
Five suggestions for Guam:
1) Voter Registry: A lot has been said about the voter registry that is being developed. About 3 percent of projected eligible participants are on this list and inclusion on the list is voluntary. If Guam is really serious about creating a voting registry, there is a simple solution: appoint a council of 50 to 100 elders, or people who have lived all of their lives on Guam, and simply ask them to identify residents and their descendents on the current voting rolls who are from this pre-1950 group. The gaps can then be filled in once the major list is published and this master list can be vetted with public records as needed.
2) Territorial Governors: Several times a year, all of the U.S. governors meet to discuss national affairs. Perhaps all of the territorial governors could schedule a side meeting and discuss mutual political status and federal relations interests. This effort might include linking up schools and colleges in a common effort to research these issues. As the recent visit by the U.S. Virgin Islands governor indicated, we have a lot in common. We all have similar concerns with the U.S. government.
3) Insular Cases: I would suggest that the plain text of the insular cases be looked at. This is likely the key to resolving U.S. island-territory relations. I was shocked by them.
4) Guam Constitution: Without a local constitution, Guam is viewed as politically immature by the U.S. Using the off-the-shelf method is a sure fire way to get a constitution and let the U.S. government know that Guam is serious about improving its internal government.
5) U.S. Senate Delegate: In 2012, Guam and the other U.S. territories should elect and send to the U.S. Senate a delegate to represent our community voice. Crash the party and join the dance of legislation.
RON McNINCH
Mangilao, Guam
