by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Mediation efforts are underway in a civil suit that had been settled between the Government of Guam and Roland Taimanglo back in 2004. Taimanglo first filed a civil suit against the island's public sector in 2001, as he and other individuals with disabilities were unable to traverse along Guam's sidewalks and curbs as they are in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In 2004, Governor Felix Camacho announced they had settled the case agreeing to put aside 10% of the funding GovGuam receives annually from the Federal Highway Administration to make sidewalks accessible. In a recent filing with the District Court, Taimanglo - who is represented by Guam Legal Services - argues that the government hasn't kept its end of the bargain as it has failed to provide access at dozens of sidewalks around the island.

During a meeting with the judge this week, the parties discussed the requirements of the settlement agreement the government entered into and another mediation hearing will be held in late-March or early-April.