by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - For the past few weeks, several forums and discussions were held regarding Guam's political status. And clearly, the island's quest for decolonization isn't ending anytime soon.

Before lawmakers, political status specialists and concerned community members, another forum was held regarding Guam's quest for decolonization this time in a more formal setting at the Guam Legislature. In addition to hearing from Speaker Judi Won Pat, University of Guam president Dr. Robert Underwood and visiting international advisor on governance and self-determination Dr. Carlyle Corbin, several in the community also provided their perspective of political status including Chamorro voting rights and appraisal of self-determination under international law.

Attorney Therese Terlaje spoke on strengthening the pursuit of justice for Guam and says effectiveness of the government and pursuit of change in political status is vulnerable to distractions and special interests. "We must all be extremely diligent to stay unified in the face of competing and divisive agendas," she noted.

Attorney Leevin Camacho says the biggest threat to the decolonization movement is apathy. He says because the three branches of Guam's government are subservient to the U.S. Congress and governed by a federal statute. He says the people of Guam should know more about how much power Guam may or may not have. "People need to understand that our current political status is unacceptable and takes away power from the people who need to have it in our hands," he explained.

Dr. Corbin says he has been able to spread the knowledge and his experience in the past few weeks on the united nation's role in the political status process. Although he leaves Monday, he says his time on Guam won't be his last and will take back with him even more knowledge and concerns raised by the community. "Always further enlightenment is what I take with me," he shared. "I'm always energized by the activities of various sectors of Guam on this issue certainly in respect to political evolution."

The Guam Legislature announced that it will hold another forum early next year.