“We will not proceed further with your request until we receive the requested information,” Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife office coordinator Michelle Dolan told Cruz through e-mail.
“If we don’t hear from you within 20 workdays…we will assume you are no longer interested in this matter and will close the file on request,” Dolan added.
“I do accept the fees incurred for such inquires,” Cruz said in his reply. “Please note that the federal government continues to condemn huge parcels of land in our homeland including privately owned lands by our government…in collaboration with the federal government.”
Cruz informed Dolan that there is a long list of private land owners waiting for their just compensation and land exchanges for properties condemned “due to endangered species such as the reed warbler inhabiting” certain areas on island.
“This poses a grave concern to those indigenous Chamorros and Carolinians who are rightful owners of such private lands now identified as ‘wetlands and habitat’ to endangered species by the federal government,” Cruz said.
“I seek justice for my people in the taking of their private lands without just compensation or land exchanges from our government and the federal government.”
Cruz said two to five hectares of privately owned property have been condemned “due to the migration of an endangered species without just compensation.”
This, he added, “is an injustice to the indigenous land owner.”
According to Cruz, “We respect the need in protecting endangered species in our homeland, but we also believe that it must be administered fairly, equally and justly to the land owners, especially those privately owned properties.”
