"Thank you for making Guam a great place to live, raise a family, and work!"

My Dear People of Guam,

Buenas yan Hafa Adai! The greatest resource of any nation, state or territory is its people. Similarly, at the center of any great community or organization are those who have committed

themselves to fulfilling the role that they have chosen. I want to 'Thank You' for doing your part in making Guam a great place to live, raise family, and work.

We know that our economy is not the healthiest that it may be, that the health of our people could be better, and that we may 'do more' to improve our overall standard of living- and we will.

But if you really think about it, whose who've made Guam their home have truly been a part of progress that has made our island a major center of business, academic, cultural, and diplomatic

activity. Our community, with a democratic form of government, a local university and college, and a growing population hascome a long way. We have strong ties with our Pacific island brothers

and sisters, our Asian neighbors, and with the United States. None of these indicators of progress would have been possible if it weren't for a solid, committed, andengaged workforce and

business establishment.

To the men and women who work on Guam, 'Thank You.' The sweat upon the brow of the teacher, flight attendant, engineer, nurse, and countless others of positions that contributed to building and

maintaining our infrastructure, protecting our freedoms, maintaining our health and safety, and in growing our economy has produced the kind of island we have, as we know it, and that we may all

be proud of. I am both proud and grateful for all you do.

To our retirees, a 'Job Well Done' in blazing the trail that we have followed and built upon. It is the fruits of your labor that we are able to enjoy the many privileges afforded to us today.

Look around you and takenote that Labor Day is also about recognizing you for all that you have done.

To the entrepreneurs who had the courage and determination to chase their dreams and raise a family on the income generated from doing what you love to do, Labor Day is also about you and

recognizing you for all your hard work in taking a chance on investing in the future of ourisland. Si Yu'os Ma'ase. For those in business who managed to create wealth and jobs for others to

earn a decent living, Si Yu'os Ma'ase.

I want to close by recognizing those in public service. On behalf of the People of Guam, un dankulo na si Yu'os Ma'ase for all your hard work in providing the necessary services to keep a great

island community like ours... together and moving forward.

Happy Labor Day!

Saina Ma'ase