Land Management director Monte Mafnas dead at 62

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - The island is at a loss today as Department of Land Management director Monte Mafnas passed away last night following a long fight with cancer.

Governor Eddie Calvo says Mafnas knew land issues like the back of his hand adding where others saw roadblocks and problems, he saw opportunity and solutions. Calvo says his creative mind and commitment to helping the poor and the landless led to the Administration's land policies and programs which include returning more ancestral lands, the leasing of more Chamorro Land Trust properties, partnerships to build affordable homes and fairness in the distribution of property. He goes on to say, "He had a special way of inspiring all of us with the never-ending optimism, sense of duty and can-do attitude."

Mafnas's work with DLM and CLTC was his first government job. He previously worked as a property manager with Calvo Enterprises for close to 35-years.

Mafnas is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his four children Monte, Joshua, Mariah and Suzanne and three grandchildren. His wife Elizabeth tells KUAM, he was an avid chess player, racketball player and golfer adding "he loved the people of Guam and cared about the land and the landusers on Guam because he knew it was such a precious commodity. Love and compassion for those who are needy was always one of his biggest concerns." Nightly rosaries are being held at the Hagatna Cathedral at 6pm with funeral services set for April 22 with mass starting at 2pm. Mafnas was 62 years old.