by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Former U.S. Department of the Interior assistant secretary Tony Babauta addressed judicial members from throughout the region at the Pacific Judicial Council Conference. Babauta shared his thoughts with our island's judges about FAS migration and the need for interjudicial cooperation.

"We really need to have one voice I realize the diversity of the different jurisdictions and you all coming to meet together once or twice a year," he said.

Babauta made it clear that he is not advocating for a FAS court but instead ways to ensuring that justice is served that does not necessarily call for automatic deportation of offenders. He further stressed that the judiciary must act as one voice in order to come to a solution.

Meanwhile it was brought to light the need for judges to know who is appearing before them, their background information, and previous charges for all offenders throughout the six judicial districts in the region.