Customs delegation meets with GovGuam leaders

by Nick Delgado

Guam - Several of Guam's island leaders met with a delegation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection today where they were able to relay concerns such as Guam's airport congestion and the China-Russia visa waiver program.

Customs field operations director from San Francisco Richard Vigna lead the delegation and told KUAM News he discussed with government leaders the economic situation in Guam along with trying to get more visitors to use the electronic system for travel authorization that could help speed up the entry process into Guam. He added there are many pros with approving the China-Russia visa waiver program on Guam.

"I see it as something that if done properly it could definitely enhance the tourism here into Guam and if were to model what we did in Saipan could work. But it comes with some risks, some security risk to be honest with you and that could be some of their concerns," he said.

Vigna wants to continue making improvements to Guam, including increasing staff at the airport and implementing programs to expedite travelers' arrival. The delegation leaves tomorrow morning where they will make their way to Saipan. Guam is part of Vigna's jurisdiction and makes annual trips to Guam and Saipan.