Recently, an overzealous prison official who hoped to move forward with an ongoing project at the Department of Corrections, sent out a letter soliciting various construction materials and equipment from the Guam Contractors Association.

However, less than a day later, the official rescinded the letter after realizing as a line agency, they are restricted from soliciting donations.

Department of Corrections Director Fred Bordallo responded to an incident that occurred last week where Maj. Maryhelen Lizama, Acting Warden, sent out a solicitation letter to GCA for donation of construction materials.

“She's new. I was surprised when it was brought to my attention. I had to immediately have Maj. Lizama rescind the letter. The proper process of any kind of line agency in the Government of Guam is prohibited from sending out official letters of solicitations,” said Bordallo.

The request is for a renovation project taking place in Post 18.

“That place used to be occupied. It used to fit about 40-50 inmates, but from what I was informed, with the antiquated conditions of the facilities, it's not safe to occupy right now...so there's a lot of work needed,” he said.

Lizama wrote, “It is almost a year and we still have not received any materials to make repairs. I am trying to find ways to raise money for these materials or equipment but instead decided to solicit for donations that are used and salvageable to help our department.

“She was zealous and enthusiastic with supporting the warden's efforts and project,” he said.

Bordallo said the Post 18 project is one that Warden Alan Borja was overseeing but is currently on leave.

In response to the incident, Sen. Chris Barnett, Public Safety Chair, provided a statement to KUAM.

“We fully funded the DOC budget request sent from Adelup to the legislature, so it’s frustrating to see this request surfacing at a time GovGuam’s budget is bigger than it’s ever been. Had this been included in the budget proposal for last fiscal year, we would have approved it. Frankly, it’s embarrassing the prison has to go to these lengths to get help for a project this small,” his statement said.

Bordallo commented, “There wasn't anything specific - a line item, or something specific that says all these funds are dedicated to Post 18. No, it's really broad in the budget.”

In the meantime, Bordallo said the renovations of Post 18 will be an ongoing project as materials come in.