by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - You've probably only glanced at it while making the loop around Oka Point in Tamuning. But efforts by the Islandwide Beautification Task Force will soon get your attention at one of the island's most symbolic memorials.

Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio says by the end of next month expect to make the loop around Oka Point and witness the beauty best portrayed by its people. "If we do this right and we do something that is worthy of recognition and bolster the image of the island to our tourists and our residents, then we've done our job as the Islandwide Beautification Task Force," he explained.

IBTF, as led by the Lt. Governor and his wife Naoko Shimizu, has spent over two years restoring the Archbishop Felixberto C. Flores Memorial in Tamuning. With the help of volunteers and corporate sponsors, IBTF has made several improvements to the memorial including waterblasting, restoring new light fixtures and planting flowers. You can even already see the large drawings of flowers in its beginning stages set to not only portray the beauty of the island but represent each of the island's villages.

He continued, "So the University of Guam students under the direction of Ric Castro the professor of art and their art students have basically come up with an entire image and it's all an original design. When we're finished with it, it will be a new iconic image for the people of Guam and the rich illustrations of the capabilities of our people."

Tenorio meanwhile says some of the delay is a result of weather problems. He adds IBTF has a limited budget relying mostly on donations and the help of volunteers. And while there isn't much parking in the area, Tenorio says he hopes those who frequent the area, like runners, will not only admire the beauty but become inspired as well.

"I think if we do more of this, and my whole thing is to lead by example to build something with the cooperation of the corporations and the individuals and other people will say I want to do something like that in my village and then spruce up their own," he said.

Once this project is complete, Tenorio says IBTF will work at restoring the "Retaining the Spirit of Guam, Us" wall in East Hagatna set to be unveiled during this year's Liberation Day.