The elevator inspector industry at this time is composed of just one person, but the Department of Public Works hopes to change it into a thriving enterprise. Have you ever stepped into an elevator and thought "I hope I don't get stuck"? Well, to ensure that the chances of that happening are slim to none, each elevator throughout the island must pass an inspection process.

"When you get into an elevator we want you to feel comfortable and assured so you make sure it's got it's certificate and that's you assurance that somebody has actually gone into the elevator and done its inspection," said DPW director Glenn Leon Guerrero. Every six months elevators must be inspected but according to Leon Guerrero there is only one individual who is certified to conduct elevator inspections for the entire island. "There were a couple of guys who have done our inspections prior to tom and one unfortunately passed away and the other has long since been retired," he shared.

Lack of inspectors is something that Leon Guerrero intends on changing as he aims to make the industry thriving and sustainable by offering a vetting process to qualified members in the elevator inspection industry every six months. In fact, Public Works' deadline for this cycle of applicants was last week Wednesday afternoon and last Friday a test was administered and in about two weeks certifications will be issued.

Meanwhile, Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association president Mary Rhodes welcomes the new initiative, saying, "The businesses need it there has been a history of long wait periods in order to get things certified and approved or even reviewed and approved." She added, "Businesses obviously have a huge demand right now for these annual permits that need to be reviewed and administered properly so the need to have enough inspectors is high."

But there is a concern that there may not be enough qualified individuals on island to fill the need. Despite this, Leon Guerrero is hopeful that this initiative will reduce the need for qualified elevator inspectors.