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News Analysis

IT IS 'The GUAM Buildup'

News Analysis

Written by Jeff Marchesseault, Guam News Factor Staff Writer

Tuesday, 07 April 2009 17:00

Well-Meaning As The Guam Lt. Governor's 'Marianas Buildup' Reference May Have Been, GovGuam Must Remain Focused On Guam's Priorities For CNMI To Benefit Down The Line

[GUAM] - The spirit of the 'Marianas Buildup' suggested recently by Guam Lt. Governor Mike Cruz at the Commonwealth's Economic Restoration Summit is right on track. During the military buildup on Guam, the Government of Guam could certainly use help from any qualified and culturally similar businesses and personnel resources that may be available in the CNMI.

But the proposed 'name change' suggests that Guam's leaders aren't where they should be -- which is in lockstep with DOD's Territorial priorities and timetables in order to ensure that the people of Guam and the Government of Guam will derive maximum benefit from the massive troop movement from Okinawa to Guam and the various new basing strategies making Guam the only distinctly American defensive super-fortress in the Pacific.

By first getting a firm grip on Guam's top priorities -- environmental impact studies, planning, funding, infrastructural improvements, cultural integration, progress tracking, etc., GovGuam will be better prepared to engage in meaningful dialogues about the best use of resources on offer from the Northern Marianas, Micronesia, and the nations of the Pacific.

Emphasizing the needs and aspirations of these important branch players too early in the game can only dilute Guam's effectiveness as a strategic component of the US Defense Department. And every lost ounce of focus on the task at hand will result in a reciprocally weakened link to vital outside resources.

Read the Saipan Tribune story, "'Marianas buildup, not Guam military buildup'".

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