The Republican lawmakers have also asked Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo, D-Guam, to join the governor in the push for the following: war reparations; full reimbursement for Compact Impact costs; and more U.S Department of Health and Human Services assistance and services to fully support the social and emotional needs resulting from the buildup.
Other issues that must be resolved with the buildup said the Republican senators are: the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education must provide support and services to fully address the schooling needs of our population growth; all infrastructure requirements — roads, water and power — must be paid in full by the federal government; and support for a binding plebiscite as the people of Guam determine their political status.
“As the Republican leaders are loyal Americans, they stand even prouder as Guamanians. They insist that deliverables be made,” according to a press release.
Letters were also sent to President Obama, Navy Secretary Ron Mabus, Undersecretary Robert Work and Assistant Secretary Jackalyne Pfannenstiel.
In an address to the Guam Chamber of Commerce, Calvo expressed his willingness to allow the buildup to move forward unhindered for an unsubstantiated promise of $15 billion in possible economic revenue.
Titled “Poverty, Prosperity and the Programmatic Agreement,” the address focused on the economic state of Guam and the Governor’s belief that the buildup will address the condition of the poor.
The DEIS and EIS both cite that the cost of goods and services will rise faster than incomes, making basics like food and clothing too expensive for locals to afford. These impact statements also state that in the post-buildup period the island will experience a recession.
After attending the meeting, Speaker Judi Won Pat said she is not convinced, adding that the federal government itself “has stated that our people will not be able to afford food, housing and clothing during the buildup period.”
The governor also cited Undersecretary Work’s promise that lands would be returned, and that Pagat would not be used as a firing range.
Sen. Rory Respicio reminded the governor not to be fooled by all the talk of promises and assurances that mean nothing “as they are not bound to what they say during a meeting, or what they write in a letter, but only to what is set in black and white in the Record Of Decision and the PA. “
“DoD is only held to the two documents honored by the law. Whatever is in those documents is final. Any other promise they make is not legally binding. The Governor is either allowing himself to be fooled, or is attempting to mislead our people,” Respicio said.
“During the campaign, then-Senator Calvo repeatedly said that Pågat was not for sale,” said Speaker Won Pat after she listened to the governor’s speech.
“Whether you call it Pågat or Route 15, absent specifics, it encompasses the same area, and includes the ancient village,” she said.
