The governor signed a bill into law last week that puts an end to the legal issues the Chamorro Land Trust Commission has been confronted with over the past year. Bill 419-35 finalizes the settlement agreement between the US Department of Justice and the CLTC, providing that the CLTC is a land restoration program for the people of Guam.

CLTC administrator Jack Hattig expands on the qualifications, saying, "It is not just based on being Chamorro or native Chamorro or being born on Guam with American citizenship. It's really more based accurately on whether you owned the property between 1898 and 1968 or whether you even ranched or farmed or occupied property. That was taken away by the United States Government."

Hattig says the expansion of eligibility over who can claim land ownership the opportunity to experience the great Chamorro dream that is land ownership.

Governor Lou Leon Guererro issued the following statement saying "Unlike our fellow Americans in the continental United States, our oceans are vast but our land is precious and scarce. Guam is also the homeland of the Chamorro people, and along with the few islands in our area, the only place in the world that holds this distinction. In recognition of the importance of land to our people, the CLTC administers a program designed to remedy unjust land takings of the past." The law applies to leases effectuated after January 1st of next year. If you are interested in knowing if you're eligible and what the requirements are, you can contact the CLTC at 649-5263 ext. 815 or visit their website at DLM.guam.gov

The bill was authored by Senator Therese Terlaje.