by Nick Delgado

Guam - It's official: former Guam attorney general Alicia Limtiaco is now the U.S. Attorney for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Island leaders, and family and friends of Limtiaco filled the federal court house today to witness history as Limtiaco is officially the first Chamorro woman to serve as U.S. Attorney for Guam and the CNMI.

Now preparing for her four-year term, Limtiaco was recommended for the position to President Barack Obama earlier this year by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo. "I believe that she will maintain the integrity of the U.S. Attorney position and uphold the administration of justice on Guam and in the Northern Marianas Islands," said the delegate.

Also recognizing Limtiaco's new role as an historic event was Governor Felix Camacho, who noted, "I think across the board there is a whole lot of activity that she's going to be responsible for in maintaining law and order."

Former Supreme Court of Guam Chief Philip Carbullido gave the keynote address during Limitaco's investiture ceremony today. He commended her for her 20 years of legal experience, working late hours on the mounting caseloads that reach their office, and yet still balanced her time to spend with her family and the community.

"Alicia has literally walked the streets of Guam village by village to raise awareness of family violence as part as Purple Light Night, where law enforcement personnel and members of the community canvass Guam's neighborhoods," said Carbullido.

As for Limitiaco's first order of business, well she says it's to continue combating crime as well as the efforts she has accomplished these past few years. "The Health and Safety Task Force in terms of bringing the needs of having a safe and healthy environment for the children, our gambling and gaming task force, our Human Trafficking Task Force and certainly the various issues where we have children of child exploitation," she announced.

She also leaves this message to acting Guam Attorney General John Weisenberger, who was appointed to complete her term: "Continuing the very good work of the Office of the Attorney General and listening to the concerns that are raised to the community and being responsive."