Lawmakers push for urgent reforms to Chamorro Land Trust
July 03, 2024 | General Government Operations and Appropriations , Legislative, Guam
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In a recent government meeting, lawmakers expressed strong support for the Chamorro Land Trust while addressing the numerous challenges it faces. Senators commended the author of a new piece of legislation aimed at rectifying longstanding issues within the trust, which has struggled with questionable operations and lease agreements over the years.
One senator highlighted the importance of ensuring that individuals and groups adhere to their lease agreements, emphasizing the need for immediate eviction for those who fail to pay. This sentiment was echoed by others who noted that many properties, particularly in the Derido buffer strip, are not fulfilling their lease obligations, impacting local communities.
The discussion also touched on the historical context of the Chamorro Land Trust, which was established to address the unjust taking of CHamoru homelands by the U.S. government. Lawmakers recalled past efforts to implement the trust, including a significant lawsuit that lasted from 2017 to 2020, which ultimately led to a settlement allowing the trust to move forward.
A key focus of the meeting was a bill that aims to expand the trust's capabilities by partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve infrastructure and provide residential leases. This partnership is seen as crucial, especially given that over 20% of Guam's population lives below the poverty line, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The bill would also grant the trust authority to seek loans, with hopes of converting them into grants to support its initiatives.
Lawmakers emphasized the need for collaboration with the Guam Waterworks Authority to ensure that essential services like water and wastewater lines are integrated into the trust's development plans. They underscored the urgency of addressing these infrastructure needs to support the community effectively.
As the meeting concluded, the bill was moved to the third reading, with several senators expressing their commitment to supporting the Chamorro Land Trust and its mission to provide land for residential and agricultural use. The discussions highlighted a collective desire to rectify past mistakes and ensure a better future for the next generation in Guam.
One senator highlighted the importance of ensuring that individuals and groups adhere to their lease agreements, emphasizing the need for immediate eviction for those who fail to pay. This sentiment was echoed by others who noted that many properties, particularly in the Derido buffer strip, are not fulfilling their lease obligations, impacting local communities.
The discussion also touched on the historical context of the Chamorro Land Trust, which was established to address the unjust taking of CHamoru homelands by the U.S. government. Lawmakers recalled past efforts to implement the trust, including a significant lawsuit that lasted from 2017 to 2020, which ultimately led to a settlement allowing the trust to move forward.
A key focus of the meeting was a bill that aims to expand the trust's capabilities by partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve infrastructure and provide residential leases. This partnership is seen as crucial, especially given that over 20% of Guam's population lives below the poverty line, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The bill would also grant the trust authority to seek loans, with hopes of converting them into grants to support its initiatives.
Lawmakers emphasized the need for collaboration with the Guam Waterworks Authority to ensure that essential services like water and wastewater lines are integrated into the trust's development plans. They underscored the urgency of addressing these infrastructure needs to support the community effectively.
As the meeting concluded, the bill was moved to the third reading, with several senators expressing their commitment to supporting the Chamorro Land Trust and its mission to provide land for residential and agricultural use. The discussions highlighted a collective desire to rectify past mistakes and ensure a better future for the next generation in Guam.
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