by Nick Delgado

Guam - "It's kind of uncomfortable a lot of people have a lot of things basic necessity for their families and yet we feel like we are held hostage, just like mine I'm going in for 2010, which is going to be three years for a tax return that they still owe us," noted Joaquin Cruz. He and fellow island taxpayers are tired of the waiting game when it comes to getting their tax returns.

Marlene Mangubat said, "We need money, that's why. It's not good if the government can't pay, I know it's really hard because I work in the hospital and there is no supplies so it's really a financial problem."

The payment of tax returns is three to four years behind, and according to new Department and Revenue & Taxation director John Camacho, the decision to stop issuing checks all together was made by the last administration. "The decision was made from the prior administration, I think in the second or third week of December, so it's been three to four weeks since we actually are holding back on refunds," he said.

That's about to change, as Governor Eddie Calvo today ordered Rev & Tax to being issuing tax refunds. The priority is to be given to residents with medical issues or a death in the immediate family. The island's chief executive in a media release stated, "This is not the government's money, it's the people's money."