Adelup reports "sobering" employment news

by Nick Delgado

Guam - The Calvo Administration delivered what they called "sobering" news today as current unemployment numbers show the number of jobs on the island decreased by 780 in the last quarter.  Based on figures from the Department of Labor, the majority of the decline occurred in the construction industry. 

The decline was attributed to the delay of military buildup projects. 

Governor Eddie Calvo says decline wasn't just in local, but also H-2 workers.  "It goes to show you that we have to work hard. We have to continue to push and we just can't wait for this military buildup to happen. We have to create our own destiny," he said.

Federal jobs also declined by 90 jobs. The tourism industry did show positive gains as employment in hotels increased slightly in the last quarter.  The governor noting that there is a continued push for the china visa waiver program for possible economic expansion.

In fact, Calvo sent a letter to President Barack Obama today asking that Guam be included in his national tourism initiative and the restrictions for the China Visa Waiver Program be lifted.