by Nick Delgado

Guam – Long lines, intoxicated residents, islanders complaining of being fatigued and suffering from heat exposure as well as women who went into labor and refused to leave until she got a check - that was the scene today at the three tax refund distribution sites. Since 4am Friday the line snaked around the Agana Shopping Center as hundreds of island residents waited to get their tax refunds.

It was noon by the time Dale Audet got to front of the line. When asked what he plans to do with his newfound fortune, he said, "Treat the kids - it's Christmas! He added that he was expecting several years' worth of refunds, saying, "My wife's grandpa died yesterday, so hopefully that will go towards the funeral."

A line was also provided for disabled residents, which they say took about half and hour to get through. At times there were 600 reported inside, while outside over a thousand stood heel-to-toe for their money. For the hundreds today that waited in-line for hours, they describe the wait as being "terrible", as some were turned away and told their names are not on the list today. However those that do get a check in-hand had a different state of mind as they get the letter from the governor making the promise that tax refunds will continue come in every year.

Rev & Tax officials at the Agana Shopping Center recognized there were some problems, but income tax supervisor Larry Terlaje says they are working out the kinks. "We are trying to pull more resources in, we have a few more laptops coming in from another agencies and manpower so we have to beef it up a little bit and see what we can do because we want to make it very Christmas for everyone," he said.

And already feeling a little merry is Noel Cadeon, who said simply of his plans: "Vacation!"