Support shown to reinstate Chamorro Heritage Day

by Jolene Toves

Guam - Island residents came out to support legislation dedicated to Guam's history and culture. Bill 286 would reinstate a legal holiday for the Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day. The holiday, previously known as the Discovery Day holiday, was eliminated during austere times about a decade ago.

Department of Chamorro Affairs director Joseph Cameron said, "This bill has strategic important in our island as it shall commemorate our journey as Chamorros," with Roland Blas adding, "For Guam our beautiful island surely deserves a day of honor." Matthew Quintanilla added, "It is a statement that symbolizes what Guam is - Guam history and heritage."

The bill was introduced by Senator Tommy Morrison back in December to revive the Discovery Day holiday. Because no public hearing was held, Morrison requested and was granted an executive order from the governor reinstating the holiday earlier this month. During the hearing, Morrison addressed the issue of cost in the bill by exchanging government holiday pay for compensatory time off.