“SOBERING news” was how Gov. Eddie Calvo described the number of jobs currently available on Guam during a briefing late yesterday afternoon.
Gary Hiles, chief economist, stated that in the Department of Labor’s preliminary statistics from March, there was a significant decline in jobs by about 1,700.
“The largest component of that decline is in the construction industry, which varies from time to time and there’s some volatility. Not all of that were local workers as the number of H-2 workers similarly declined by a larger percentage that accommodated 300 of the decline,” he said.
Hiles said there was some increase in the hotel industry, citing the number of hours worked. The average hours paid in hotels went up slightly to 37.9 percent compared to a year ago when it was 37.6 percent.
The March 2012 report showed that federal employment also declined by 90 jobs this quarter. Government of Guam total employment went down as well in the latest quarter.
Calvo acknowledged the loss in jobs but said there are certain things to look forward to, including the tourist industry.
“It goes to show we have to work hard and we have to continue to push. We just can’t wait for this military buildup to happen, we have to create our own destiny,” he said.
Visa waiver
Meanwhile, Fiscal Advisor Arthur Clark went over the governor’s quest to push the China visa waiver program to allow for more Chinese to come to Guam.
He mentioned a letter the governor sent to President Barack Obama applauding the president’s national tourism and travel strategy which seeks to expand the visa waiver program and streamline Chinese visa applications.
Clark said the governor was curious as to why Guam and even the CNMI were not included in the strategy to attract China.
Calvo, in his letter to Obama, reiterated his testimony before Congress last year wherein he stressed that Guam is not asking for a handout, but is simply asking for the federal government to ease restrictions so the markets here can be economically more self-efficient.
“It is this emphasis on jobs and the amount of money Guamanian workers take home to their families that is at the heart of this push,” Calvo said.
Comments
The Gov Guam agencies must also gear up for this boom and take at look at the operations. Put people who are knowledgeable and capable it is not a time for training... The private sector must feel confident with the government's due process, however at this time, its all a challenge just to secure a permit - building permits , occupancy permits and the like. It seems like we are taken back in time. What's the deal with Ms high and almighty Ms. Brown. Gov, is any of this sinking in?
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