There were hundreds of men living in this area and they were all here as part of the large effort to restore the island to the place it was going to become. Most of the men who were occupying the area ended up living here and quite a number of them now occupy lots within the Agat-Santa Rita areas.
Each year, several people enter Guam with similar stories to tell. Many workers were taken advantage of by men who thought it acceptable to exploit guest workers. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth just thinking of those who only look at the arrivals of the men as being a chance to make money.
Just in the past few months, I have encountered Filipinos taking advantage of their own countrymen. These Filipino employers bring workers to the Philippines but don’t pay their salaries. Many of these workers have mortgaged off their homes and sold their valuables to raise funds to be able to come here. I have no pity for those who would take advantage of those helpless or afraid to stand up against the will of their bosses. I have seen men cringe at the idea of seeing their boss in person after they have located themselves away from this influence.
There is a group of guys now in my custody who are waiting for justice to come their way. I will do all in my power to help them. I know that they are good men and have been taken advantage by exploiters who could care less about them and their families. It has been going on Guam for well over 60 years and I am not so sure if it is either on its way out or could be here to stay.
FELIX AGUON
Dededo, Guam
