Guam National Guard asks to defer bill to transfer CLTC property in Malesso

A controversial bill to transfer Chamorro Land Trust property in Malesso to the Guam National Guard could be put on hold following a request from Guard leadership. The proposal has been causing widespread opposition, as thousands of land trust beneficiaries continue to wait for the return of taken land. 

The Guam National Guard wants Senator Shawn Gumataotao to put his controversial Bill 182 on hold.  It’s the proposal that seeks to transfer some 242 acres of Chamorro Land Trust Property in Malesso’ to the Guard as its training site. 

In a letter requesting the deferment, Adjutant General Mike Cruz writes, “Following a thorough review of the bill, additional discussions and consultations are necessary. These conversations will focus on the compliance requirement for the Guam National Guard and to ensure that we serve the best interest of the community.” 

Malesso’ mayor Franklin Champaco, who previously spoke out against the measure with KUAM News, says he’s been working to get the bill withdrawn entirely. He stated, "After speaking with several senators and the lt. Governor– I got their support trying to withdraw the bill. I also reached out to [the adjutant general] himself. We’re going to sit down and talk. It hasn’t happened yet, but I guess we’ll know more after that discussion, that meeting with him. I’m trying to see if they can just withdraw the whole bill and maybe work on giving the property to the families."

As reported, the proposal has been a cause for debate among the community, with many calling for the return of the lands which were unjustly taken by the federal government. Commissioners were expected to discuss the bill during a CLTC meeting on Thursday. The mayor, alongside environmental activists like Prutehi Guahan, were in attendance, hoping to provide public comments. 

But commissioners ran out of time after addressing separate concerns from constituents for nearly four hours, and tabled the discussion. 

A community member announced, "We were patient to stay here", to which Commissioner Fabrienne Cruz Respicio replied, "I'm sorry, sir. Yes, I understand. But we also need to be considerate of our staff. They are also on the clock. they are not volunteers. I make the motion to adjourn."

Still, commissioners made their stance clear. In a press release, the CLTC says since the beginning of the 38th Guam Legislature, their land inventory has “come under threat” from various bills, which significantly compromises their ability to offer justice to eligible beneficiaries. 

Commissioner and newly-appointed public information officer Joseph F. Artero Cameron says “with an application waiting list exceeding 8,800 individuals, it is imperative that our land resources are not treated as discretionary or political assets.” 

While he invites those interested in CLTC land to reach out, he says “let us be clear: our foremost mission is to provide land leases to eligible beneficiaries, allowing them to create homes and sustainable farms. This is a critical opportunity to secure food independence and stability for families within our community.” 

In the meantime, the mayor of Malesso’ is remaining hopeful, with Champaco saying, "I’m just trying to get support from the legislature on trying to withdraw the bill and trying to ask the community to just have faith. I’m confident that good things will come out of this."

He adds plans to host a townhall meeting in Malesso’ on the measure have also been put on hold. 

In response to the adjutant general's letter, Senator Gumataotao requested to postpone any public hearings on his bill until he hears more from the Guam National Guard.