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Buenas yan Hafa Adai, I would like to thank K-57 and Speaker Won Pat for the opportunity to deliver the Speaker’s weekly Radio Address.

Firstly, I would like to thank the members of the legislature for passing Bills 33 & 34 to protect our children against child sex abuse, Bill 41 to protect them from cyber bullying, and Bill 44 to protect our environment. I urge the Governor to sign Bills 33 & 34 into law -- for all those affected by Child Sexual Abuse now seeking justice. I trust that Governor Calvo & Lt. Governor Tenorio will consider the merits of these bills given their longstanding advocacy of children and families.

As we begin our month long celebration of the Chamorro heritage of Guam, I want to thank all the members of the Guam Legislature for signing the Hafa Adai pledge led by the Guam Visitors Bureau. In doing so, members of the legislature have  affirmed our commitment:

•    To recognize our identity--which is like no other in the world. Our culture is rooted in a 3,000-year history shaped over time in a confluence of conquest and exploration and tempered by contemporary living.

•    To elevate our customs, traditions and values to improve our way of life everyday.

•    To share our island pride with our customers, affiliates, colleagues, friends, neighbors, and visitors.

•    To encourage others to express our unique sense of place.

Next month, the GVB will be hosting a forum entitled “Living the Guam Brand –  Bridging the Gap between our culture and our visitors!” The purpose of the forum
is to bring cultural practitioners and advocates, our visitor industry, educational institutions and government together to identify and discuss methods to bridge the
gaps related to the essence of Guam as a visitor destination.

My dear people…

Our government must do its best through the Department of Chamorro Affairs, Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency, the Chamorro Studies Division of the Department of Education, the Historic Resources Division of Parks and Recreation, and the Guam Preservation Trust to strengthen our cultural infrastructure. There is so much work that must be done.

Many organizations have responded to this challenge.

•    Pa’a Taotao Tano has created Chamorro cultural programs servicing nearly 2,000 children in after school and community programs.

•    The Hurao Academy is establishing curriculum for use in Chamorro Language Immersion Schools and Classes.

•    The Historic Inalahan Foundation is engaging local residents and youth to repair and rehabilitate historic structures while operating a heritage program at Gef Pago.

•    The Pacific War Museum Foundation effectively showcases Guam’s war experience; and

•    The Guam Museum Foundation is working to construct a Museum for our people with public funds.

As we look into the eyes of our youth we should be reminded of those that have made sacrifices to protect the Chamorro people – its language, culture and history.

In 1671 on the eve of his battle with the Spaniards, Our Great Chief Hurao made to inspire his people:

“Mungnga hit numana’falingu ånimu put ini na achåki. Mandidide’ ha’ siha. Taå’ñåo achokka’ tåya’ atmås-ta taiguihi gi ya siha ni’ manyayamak yan  mamumuno’, ta hulat sa’ manmeggai hit. Manmetgot-ña hit ki ta hongge ya siña ta apåtta hit ginen ini na tåotao hiyong siha ya ta na’ta’lo tåtte i minagof yan i minåolek lina’lå’-ta.”

“Let us not lose courage in the presence of our misfortunes. They are only a handful. We can easily defeat them. Even though we don’t have their deadly weapons which spread destruction all over, we can overcome them by our large numbers. We are stronger than we think! We can quickly free ourselves! We must regain our former freedom!”

Hita ni mantaotao tano; Hita ni man malati taotao Hita ni man metgut taotao

Si Yu’us Ma’ase
Senadot BJ Cruz