It was still unclear what’s on the president’s agenda, but his presence could provide a big boost to the planned military expansion and diminish opposition to the buildup.
Criticism of the buildup has surfaced following the various community and townhall meetings held by the Joint Guam Program Office, the Office of the Governor, the Guam Legislature and Bordallo’s office.
While on Guam, Obama is also expected to speak on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Variety sources said.
An advance team of secret service agents is expected to arrive on Guam to work with federal and local law enforcement officials to coordinate and implement the necessary security measures for the protection of the president and the first lady.
Final approval and execution of protection protocol would be the sole responsibility of the U.S. Secret Service.
“We’ve been asking President Obama to come to Guam for some time now. He’ll get a first-hand look at how special our island is and what this massive military buildup will do to our island community,” said Sen. Rory Respicio.
“If he does come here, we have a great opportunity to express our community’s hopes and fears with what this military buildup will bring to our community. And I’m sure we will come out in full force and give him the Chamorro hospitality,” he said.
He added, “As one of the most pro-military communities, as measured by enlistment numbers, we join the rest of America in uniting in our commitment to protection and security. Strengthening the U.S. presence in the Pacific Region, however, cannot come at the cost of destroying our culture, our environment and our way of life.”
