Gubernatorial candidates discuss Guam decolonization

Guam's gubernatorial candidates discussed decolonization Tuesday during a forum at the University of Guam.

The debate was organized by the University of Guam 2018 Fañomnåkan masters of public administration graduating class, along with UOG's Regional Center for Public Policy and the Guam Commission on Decolonization.

More: Gubernatorial candidates to share ideas, debate on decolonization

More: Group to discuss decolonization, preserving Chamoru language

Democratic gubernatorial candidates Sen. Dennis Rodriguez Jr., former Gov. Carl Gutierrez, Bank of Guam president and former Sen. Lou Leon Guerrero, Sen. Frank Aguon Jr. and Republican candidate Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio were present.

Opening statements

Rodriguez alluded to his Filipino heritage and the Filipino people, who exercised their right for freedom, and said he the stands in full support for the right for Chamoru self-determination.

Gutierrez spoke about his experience and involvement with decolonization for five decades. He said the only solution for decolonization is independence.

Leon Guerrero, said the issue of decolonization is complex and that should she be elected governor, she's committed to fighting for a plebiscite for Guam’s residents.

(Story continues below videos)

Tenorio spoke about past administrations that laid the foundation for a brighter future for the island, and that the quest for self-determination must be pursued with the same passion.

Aguon said all colonized people have the right to self-determination and that decolonization is a fundamental unalienable human right, which needs to be realized and achieved.

After opening statements, candidates were asked questions on issues surrounding the matter of decolonization, ranging from Guam's defenses during a political change, the reunification of Micronesia, and their thoughts on the Chamoru registry and who should be able to vote for self-determination.

Defense issues

Leon Guerrero said if people should lean toward free association and statehood, Guam would still be associated with the United States and benefit from its defenses. She said the option of independence would require the island to provide its own internal defenses.

"There's no reason why we can't have alliances with other foreign countries or even an alliance with the United States," Leon Guerrero said.

(Story continues below photos)

Rodriguez said depending what direction the island's people take, they must ensure there are agreements put in place. He said Guam being "the tip of the spear" will always be put in the forefront because of the island's geographical location.

"Defense, I don't think there'll be a problem ... because we will be able to have the leverage," Rodriguez said.

Tenorio said Guam's people are the most patriotic, loving and dedicated people in the world. He said whatever stance the island takes, it will be defended, and noted the U.S. has stood with the island for years.

"Our men, our women, my children, have been serving the military, just like many of yours," Tenorio said.

More: Tenorio-Ada gubernatorial team platform is tuition free college and trade schools

More: Gubernatorial candidates make case to Tiyan High students during forum

Aguon said the health and safety of Guam's people is paramount. He said through statehood and integration, the island is most likely not going to experience changes in defense. With independence or free association, the island would be subject to negotiations with the U.S., he added.

“That's one of the reasons why it’s very critical that the self-governance study be conducted,” Aguon said.

Gutierrez said no matter what's pushed forward, the island would always be involved with the military. He said Guam is so important to the national security of the U.S., that they have to stay.

But he added: "The status quo isn't good enough because we have no meaningful participation in the way that the laws are written for us."

Reunification and Micronesia

"We have to recognize our geographical location here in Guam connects all of Micronesia," Aguon said. "It does not divide Micronesia."

"Reunification is happening today," Rodriguez said. "You look around and you see the people, our brothers and sisters who come here for a better life."

"We have many examples of men and women who come together from different Micronesian and Marianas islands," Tenorio said. "The people of Guam have been unified for many years."

"While others are up here speaking about concept, I've been there and done that," Gutierrez said. "We together have a bigger area than the size of the U.S. in resources in this ocean."

"Reunification, I hear that as reuniting with the Mariana Islands again," Leon Guerrero said. "We were at one time, a united Marianas."

Davis case

Last year, District Court of Guam Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood struck down the Guam self-determination plebiscite law in a lawsuit filed by Arnold “Dave” Davis, a non-Chamoru resident of Guam. Davis sued the Guam Election Commission and others when he wasn’t allowed to register for the plebiscite. Candidates were asked for their thoughts on the issue.

Aguon said self-determination isn't an issue of equality but a question of equity. He added not everyone was exposed to the harm of colonialism.

"I will support the appeal process," Aguon said. "It all comes down to equity and allowing the native inhabitants of Guam to be able to make that decision of self-determination.

Leon Guerrero said she supports the native inhabitants' self-determination vote. She said there is nothing in the laws of Guam that refers to the vote as a racial issue.

"It is a vote to correct an injustice that has been on us for many years," Leon Guerrero said. "We have been a colony, we've lost almost our race, we're disunited with the Marianas."

Gutierrez said if he was governor, he would proceed with a petition and get signatures from the people of Guam.

"Let the people decide that on their own through a petition form," Gutierrez said. "Take that and present it to the Congress of the U.S."

Tenorio said the issue is about correcting an injustice. He said the indigenous people will be the ones to decide.

"We all know the injustices the Chamorus have suffered," Tenorio said. "It's time for them to decide on their own. I will push this as governor."

Rodriguez said it would be his responsibility to uphold the law.

"It may be our time to take a look at other options, ... thinking outside the box," Rodriguez said. "And see how we can get our ... native inhabitants their right to self-determination."

READ MORE: