Representatives on island for Transpacific Partnership

While there's been a veil of secrecy surrounding the event, KUAM News has learned that several individuals are on Guam this week to participate in meetings related to the Transpacific Partnership. It's making headlines across the globe and our island is playing a key role. That's because the island is hosting meetings this week related to the TPP.

The TPP is a free trade agreement that's currently under negotiation between 12 different countries around the world. While negotiations are expected to take place in the Philippines next week, earlier this month local leaders like Governor Eddie Calvo had confirmed meetings would actually be held here before hand. "But with that, I would like to see this as an opportunity for leaders as myself or other Guam leaders to meet with these negotiations particularly with the us trade negotiations when they come to Guam, if not for policy but just a sign of respect," he said.

While details have been limited here at home, a recent Japan Times article does state that chief negotiators were on Guam starting this past weekend on this US-led Pacific Free Trade Initiative. While prospects of the ten-day session are unclear, the article notes working group meetings on intellectual property and other areas will take place as well as various gatherings of small groups of the countries engaged in the negotiations.

KUAM News in the meantime did run into individuals from the TPP both at the Hilton Guam Resort and Spa and the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort who were seen wearing nametags attached to purple lanyards reading "Transpacific Partnership." Individuals manning the outside of the meetings were mum on details and several security officers were on hand.

People who appeared to be in attendance didn't offer much information as well including one representative from Canada who says she was only providing background support.

While several Government of Guam agencies say they have no involvement, Chief of Police Fred Bordallo did confirm GPD received communication from the US Secret Service on added support and information sharing related to the TPP. Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo's office say they have not received any updates on the meetings but notes the US trade representative is trying to accommodate her office's request for a meeting along with working with the Governor's Office to bring local leaders to the table.

In the meantime, ministerial talks in the Philippines are set to take place between May 26-28.