by Nick Delgado

Guam - The Department of Public Works is giving Verona Resort & Spa until Friday to submit all the paperwork related to obtaining an occupancy permit. The company has been operating and allowing people to stay at the hotel, despite not having an occupancy permit on file with DPW.

The company believes that the occupancy permit obtained by the previous owners should still be valid, but they are unable to produce it because it was lost in a typhoon. DPW deputy director Carl Dominguez has told KUAM News that because the company filed for a building permit to conduct renovations, a new occupancy permit is required. He did not say what would happen if the hotel does not meet Friday's deadline.

Guam Fire Department Captain Joey Manibusan meanwhile says the Verona has been in communication and is cooperating with the process. GFD is just waiting for Verona to schedule a re-inspection. He adds according to Falcon Fire, Verona's fire protection systems are operational; however, there are still some issues that need to be resolved such as over a hundred sprinkler heads that were painted over.