by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Representatives from the Guam Shipyard appeared Tuesday before the Guam Economic Development Authority board in hopes it will reconsider its decision to repeal the issuance of its years-old qualifying certificate. That QC has been deemed by the Office of the Attorney General as invalid, because of handwritten changes that were made by then-governor Carl Gutierrez.

The QC issue has resurfaced as the Guam Shipyard is working with GEDA to extend its current lease and make a submission to the Navy's request for expression of interest for the lease of the property as GEDA and the Shipyard's leases expire in September 2012. GEDA has told KUAM News that it intends to seek a long-term lease as they contend the shipyard operator is prevented from making substantial investments in training, equipment and facilities as long as the lease is short-term.

Whether the board is willing to reconsider the shipyard's request remains to be seen as the board chairman Ric Duenas wants a status report of the entire matter from the staff at the next board meeting.