by Nick Delgado

Guam – Legislative committee chair on the military buildup senator Judi Guthertz was not too pleased with a recent briefing from Joint Guam Program Office officials regarding the existing plan for the buildup. JGPO Director Joe Ludovici and JGPO Navy Captain Daniel Cuff led the meeting. While not much information was provided about the discussion, Guthertez states,
"Unfortunately, I learned little from the briefing that we had not already learned from constant efforts to keep track of the buildup despite little access to solid information. I am heartened by the renewed contact by JGPO and hope that the people of Guam can expect to be better informed about this draft plan it changes to meet future circumstances. I certainly sympathize with the sense from JGPO and military personnel present, that they have great difficulty proceeding effectively on the Guam buildup, given the confusing signals being sent out by budget and policy makers in the Congress. I suggested that the status of the buildup must be more effectively explained and communicated to the people of Guam if interest in it is to continue.

Guthertz also stated during the meeting that she doesn't only want to read about what officials in Washington DC are saying about the Guam buildup, and reiterates that President Barack Obama and the Secretary of Defense need to clearly speak to the people of Guam about their position with the marine relocation. Guthertz stated, "Talk to us! Let us know what to expect
and how to plan for our future in Guam. Please don't keep Guam in limbo!"