Voices of Guåhan

“We need a major paradigm shift in how we market Guam. How can we call ourselves a tourist desitination when we have absolutely zero attractions on the island and not much fun or cool or fascinating things to even do. Our beaches are beautiful but they are nothing special bc you can find beaches all over the world that are more breathtaking and magical.”

“Economic growth”

“Drugs on the island.”

“prices up, wages low”

“Climate change, typhoons, military buildup, poor infrastructure”

“Government continues to expand, especially salaries, while they completely ignore the taxpayers struggles.”

“military buildup directly affecting cost of living and self-determination”

“Guåhan is facing various issues, but the biggest would be corruption… the reason being that every candidate running for office are old, and so are their ideas (majority of the time). Prime example: Barnes & Tenorio’s rally and their (now deleted) AI ads.”

“the biggest issue this island is facing is corruption in every corner of every department.”

“I’m not too educated but it seems like minimum wage is not enough for the cost of living on island. (We need more higher paying jobs for entry level people)”

“The biggest issue on Guam is the cost of affordable living, so the people of Guam don’t have to keep struggling to make ends meet.”

“The biggest issue facing Guåhan is our inability to make decisions for ourselves. As a territory, we continue to have little power in protecting our people, our island, and shaping a future we want. For example, with the deep-sea mining issue, we have to constantly fight to prove why this initiative is wrong for our island and still feel the fear that the decision may become out of our control because we are a territory.”

“Drug use and crime - no longer inafa' maolek vibe”

“Not thriving”

“Funds aren’t being directed to matters that can benefit all common folk on island as well as the island beauty and wellbeing/well preservation itself.”

“Affordability across the board and I'd like to believe that i do alright financially.”

“Our economy is really hurting our own people. Many are relocating for “better opportunities” and I used to always defend our island and its potential, but now I can’t help but agree with most people. I even find myself too dreaming of a “better life” financially but I don’t think I can ever find it in my heart to leave home, especially being tied to my cultural roots and responsibilities as CHamoru person.”

“Money mismanagement”

“The Prison Population is overflowing and soon it will be a matter of life or death for the Officers on the front line”

“Cost of living”

“Nepotism and corruption in all government branches, one always grows the other. Always has been a problem and change is needed from the root not the stem.”

“Prices rising for the cost of living”

“corruption”

“Shame.”

“Drugs, which contribute to crime rates.”

“the cost of living, minimum wage is too low, gas prices are rising, grocery prices are rising, rent & bills are rising when it doesnt feel sustainable to the people for them to feel independent”

“too many backwards politicians are holding us back from our potential. we need to start investing in our culture, language, and children! that is what sets us apart from the rest of the world and what makes Guam so special. our infrastructure and roads are old, broken, and outdated, especially in the south. we should focus on continuing to improve public safety for those of us living on the southern end of Guam..”

“Corruption in our government”

“Drug use and lack of appropriate rehab programs and resources versus just being sent to jail and gaining no new skills or outlooks on life.”

“Locals leaving. We are losing brainpower, manpower, and economic power because it’s too expensive to live here and the crime rate is increasing.”

“Expensive”

“Cost of living”

“Housing is paramount. Then healthcare and education. And of course, illegal drug importation.”

“Cost of living, use of public funds, accountability for elected and government officials, cost of doing business, crab mentality among residents, no tourism and no visible efforts to do something about it.”

“Cost of living and sustainability”

“close knit ties and reliability to the US”

“Cost of living”

“Rising cost of living and underemployment.”

“The drug epidemic, homelessness and criminal behavior which are all interconnected. It’s gotten increasingly worse each year and Guam is no longer safe like it used to be just a few years ago before Covid. I live in Tamuning where it used to feel relatively safe but just recently our neighborhood experienced a series of houses / cars being broken into a couple months ago, our vehicle included. I used to be able to run without fear of being alone and now I only run during daylight but even that feels unsafe sometimes.”

“Not enough investment in future economic opportunities and collaboration to spur growth”

“Everything.”

“Expenses and money handling”

“Drugs”

“The rising cost of living, our community being poisoned with drugs, lack of integrity amongst elected officials and public servants.”

“Corruption in agencies meant to serve the people!”

“Affordability”

“Cost of everyday goods”

“Not having any options, the older population controls the votes and political arena. Their concerns of retirement and having money while not being able to work is what drives our current state.”

“Disconnect between the government and normal people. The middle class is struggling financially due to cost of living. If you work for the government, you are doing fine. If you are upper class, you are doing fine. If you are lower class, you are getting help from the government.”

“Using our money smart and moving efficiently with our money. We need fresh ideas and leaders to shove some long awaited renovations, rebuilds, and infrastructure-related issues.”

“Young and skilled folks are leaving”

“The cost is too high!”

“Test.....lack of junk car disposal.”

“Lack of transparency and rank-and-file employees fearing political retribution from this administrations appointees when they bring up real issues”

“I love the land and the people of the land but honestly most people are out of touch with nature. I’m proud to be Palauan and American born in California but grateful for being raised on Guam. Guam, there’s no place like it and its people. But some folks are super Kuxika and have probably fallen prey to the evil and darkness that lurks on the land as well. The sheer amount of sexual abuse of children and incest within families is too dang high and just as high is the number of survivors ignored or not believed or told to forget it and sweep it under the rug, causing more trauma on top of traum”

“The culture and our pride”

“That its a small island with all my family and friends.”

“the culture and the people”

“Culture, beautiful environment”

“Unfortunately, we don’t have anything to be proud in the past 8 years. Our island has not achieved anything meaningful for our island business community or individual tax payers.”

“Community… Guam’s sense of community is so strong and so great. During Guam’s prime, festivals were big, block parties were BIG! We even HOSTED the 12th Annual FestPac… the economy was booming, tourists were coming, crime rates were low, it was because of community. Everyone refuses to learn from one another, especially elders and the youngsters.”

“inafamaolek”

“Nothing about it politically until I see change but I’m proud that we haven’t entirely been colonized. Our culture stays strong and ultimately I root for our self-determination.”

“The community and the culture”

“I am proud to be a CHamoru! I grow more and more enamored with our culture and history every day. I love to see the progress our people are making in connecting back to our traditions and roots through education, policy, and community. Biba Guåhan!”

“Familial ties.”

“Home”

“People”

“The beach. The natural landscape. Soon gone to waste.”

“The people”

“I’m proud that despite many years of colonization and westernization, our CHamoru people are still strongly connected to their roots, culture, and heritage.”

“Food and culture”

“The people's resilience”

“No matter where you go on Guam, no matter what time of day or night, rain or shine, there's always a beautiful spot to be found!”

“People. We Guamanians are generally friendly, welcoming, and will help you without giving a second thought, or at least the ones I know, including myself.”

“The community and family”

“the way our people are, such as our culture and traditions”

“It’s beauty by nature.”

“Island community.”

“how strong the support is for local businesses”

“i love our håfa adai spirit, inafa’maolek is what sets us apart from the rest!”

“The ocean and jungles”

“The community still manages to mostly come together during hardships (typhoons, etc) to support and help each other.”

“Community”

“The indomitable fighting spirit of our people.”

“They were care about our island and our people.”

“Proud to be Chamorro. Born and raised!”

“The people, the culture, the beauty of our island.”

“our culture and how we used to be self-sustaining”

“The people.”

“The island culture, family and community. However, I feel like Guam is such a different place to raise your family now. People seem jaded and struggling to appreciate island life with the cost of living increasing year after year. Locals continue to move out of Guam because of this and it just creates a different environment when choosing to live here feels so out of touch for locals.”

“Our community care and håfa adai spirit”

“The culture”

“The people.”

“The community”

“People”

“The natural beauty, island hospitality, and cultural arts/history”

“The people”

“Our culture and its people”

“Just being able to call it “home”, it does suck, there drugs everywhere, poverty is just a car accident or medical emergency away, but it’s home and it’s what many of us know and love.”

“Friendliness”

“We help each other”

“The amount of generosity people and families have. People are so giving on Guam which extends to private companies that do alot of community outreach and monetary donations that help move programs and impact Guam.”

“I LOVE our community and culture of sharing. In the office late yesterday and found out the gal who cleans the office had a death in her family; her Mom. it was after 5pm yet every person still in office immediately opened their wallets to help.”

“The people of Guam still find ways to show we love the island despite all the hardships.”

“Love our hospitality and beautiful beaches”

“The chamoru spirit of standing up for what is right”