by Jason Salas, KUAM News Tuesday, March 25, 2008 Subscribe to Jason's newsfeed   E-mail this article Printable version KUAM Toolbar Web Widgets Get RSS headlines

The Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors will hold a general membership meeting this Sunday. President Robert Celestial says participants will get an update on how close Guam is to being included in compensation for those who may have been exposed to nuclear fallout from tests conducted during and after World War II in the Marshall Islands.

Celestial told KUAM News, "That brings us within the same realm with the downwinders from Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. So they would be receiving their compensation through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act since 2002. Certain amendments were done in between and we were forgotten, however in 2005 we were recommended to be included." A 2005 National Research Council report recommends that Guam be considered downwinders for inclusion in the Act. Eligible applicants may qualify for a $50,000 tax-free grant, with anyone having lived on Guam between the years 1946-1974 may apply.

If you'd like to attend and get more information, the PARS meeting has been scheduled for 1pm at the Tamuning Community Center. A $25 donation is requested.