The governor highlighted a number of regional topics during the regional summit, such as Compact Impact, poverty, workforce development and investment, and use of the high seas, in an effort to push for a united Micronesian agenda.
“It’s easy to see limits. It’s much harder to break through the veil of expectations and stereotypes, and to see this region in a way it’s never been,” said Calvo. “It was just last century when the islanders of Micronesia had to take boats to see each other. Today, we land on airports in ancient cities like Kolonia, Koror and Hagåtña. The Micronesia of yesterday is a shadow of the region we see today. This is a testament to the will and ingenuity of our people. The Micronesia of tomorrow is open to the limits of our imagination.”
Calvo called upon the rest of the leaders for a “holistic development” — an improved quality of life for all citizens — to include the private sector, academia, and non-government organizations.
“If we are to develop our communities, then we must bring every segment of our communities together; first, to imagine what this region should look like, then to assess the change we need to get there, and finally, to implement change together,” said Calvo.
Compact Impact
Calvo spoke of how the agreement between the United States and the Freely Associated States had degenerated over the past 20 years.
“The people of Micronesia were promised certain conditions under the Compacts,” said Calvo. “Unfortunately, the United States government has been remiss in its statutory commitments.”
According to Calvo, Guam spent at least $113 million last fiscal year to provide services to FAS immigrants, but was reimbursed only $14.5 million by the U.S. government.
“The problem is not that immigrants place a ‘burden’ on the Guam government,” said Calvo. “So long as our resources can sustain it, we will always want to help people looking for opportunity.”
Workforce
The issue of poverty was also addressed by Calvo, who again called upon the leaders for a holistic approach in seeking solutions to the problem.
He told the leaders of Micronesia that while the U.S. government has not been living up to its commitments for over two decades, it’s time to “realize the true partnership” that they already have.
“On Guam, we will be embarking on such an initiative, where we bring the community together to share a vision of the future, then implement curricula to get the next generation to that future,” said Calvo. “We are confident news will come soon from the U.S. Department of Labor, that our local labor agency will be designated the state apprenticeship agency for this region. This means we will be able to process U.S. DOL-registered apprenticeship programs quicker, providing increased career opportunities for all Micronesians.”
He urged the need to be less dependent on other nations for needed resources. Doing so would require a commitment to agricultural development and exporting, along with other manufacturing opportunities to make the difference for cash-strapped economies and governments.
Control of high seas
Calvo also proposed that the U.N voting members seek a partnership with the United States, “in order to envelope this region into a Micronesia Economic Zone.”
He told the Micronesian leaders that while Guam and the CNMI have no control over what happens in the oceans surrounding its islands, the rest of them do.
“The rights to fish, transport and travel through this area should rest with this body and be protected by international convention,” he said.
“After all,” he added, “we have proven through the Micronesia Challenge and through our individual statutes against shark finning that we are leaders and pioneers in the effort to sustain the world’s natural and marine resources.”
Calvo’s speech was well received, not only by addressing concerns, but by also instilling inspiration for other leaders.
