Guthertz calls for independent investigation into Port

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Senator Judi Guthertz has called on the U.S. Attorney and the Attorney General's Office to conduct an independent investigation of what's happening at the Port Authority.  Guthertz called for prompt action asking that the two step in to bring clarity to what she said was an "increasingly chaotic situation". 

The Democrat lawmaker says given the incredible allegations from various quarters of nepotism, corruption, political meddling and civil rights violations, Guthertz says the situation can no longer be left to be resolved by the board as she believes no one involved possesses the independent standing to find out the facts at the Port. 

Mary Torres is no longer the general manager of the Port Authority of Guam. During a board meeting Wednesday, members approved a motion for Joanne Brown to take over her position permanently. Torres said that she acknowledges their decision to replace her but she is disappointed that despite her positive and noteworthy accomplishments over the past ten months the board chose to dismiss her from her duties. Torres said that most of all, "I am appalled and saddened that six employees, most of them, longtime members of the Port's family have lost their jobs as a result of a politically motivated investigation".

Six employees were terminated Tuesday related to an ongoing investigation into leave and Workman's Compensation issues. Governor Eddie Calvo denied the investigation was politically motivated.