by Marissa Borja, KUAM News Monday, June 13, 2005 E-mail this article Printable version KUAM Toolbar Web Widgets Get RSS headlines

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Contending that water is a resource belonging to the people of Guam, I Nasion Chamoru (The Chamorro Nation) announced its commitment to protest against efforts to privatize the Guam Waterworks Authority. About 30 members of the indigenous rights organization gathered at Angel L.G. Santos Memorial Park in Guam's capitol of Hagatna.

To demonstrate their support against a recent survey conducted by the Guam Chamber of Commerce, which favored the privatization of GWA. Trini Torres, I Nasion Chamoru's maga haga (the highest-ranking female within the group) told KUAM News, "It's coming to the point that if we don't stand up...we're going to do away with whatever we have."

According to a resolution drafted by I Nasion Chamoru, members believe that the Chamber of Commerce is comprised of "Many outsiders who want to dictate to the people of Guam how to dispose of all our people owned resources through public and private partnership, service contract, or all out privatization."

Proclaimed Torres, "Privatization is selling out - it's a sale, you sell out...when you say privatization, do not be misled by the word privatization."

Further describing privatization as corporate madness and greed, Torres made it clear that I Nasion Chamoru will do whatever it takes to maintain control of Guam's resources. "As a nation you protect your resources and your assets for your people," Torres explained.

Should a senator or the Consolidation Commission on Utilities move to privatize GWA, Nation members says they'll launch a Chamorro freedom movement in retaliation.

"There will be sit-ins and protests down to the tourist districts."

In response to I Nasion Chamoru's demonstration, CCU chairman Simon Sanchez says as an elected body of officials, his organization respects anyone's right to express views on policies they are considering. The CCU also welcomes being a part of the dialogue to find out best way to get reliable clean water at the most affordable price for Guam. However, Sanchez says that if the CCU thinks that privatization will better serve ratepayers, then it must be considered. The CCU also said it recognizes that there will be factions within the community with strong points of view, and respects them.

A roundtable discussion on the appropriate use of privatization within GWA will be held beginning at 8am this Wednesday at the Legislature.