Furloughs issued in Guam as U.S. shutdown continues
The U.S. government remains officially closed and reports from the nation’s capital are that furloughs remain and firings continue. Uncertainty exists as to whether furloughed government workers will be paid.
Guam is already feeling the effects of the shutdown.
Soldiers of the 302nd Quartermaster Company, U.S. Army Reserve, emplace a shower tent at the Guam National Guard Barrigada Readiness Complex June 5, 2023 during the recovery of Typhoon Mawar. Photo by Mark Scott, Guam National Guard
The Guam National Guard confirmed that — like other Guard units around the country — it has reserve staff that have been furloughed. Active Guard members have been paid, according to the Guam Guard. Like other Guard units, the Guam Guard has seen its October drill weekend cancelled.
Lt. Commander Michelle Tucker, public affairs officer for Joint Region Marianas and U.S. Naval Forces Marianas, and Joint Task Force-Micronesia told the Journal, “While many military members have received their mid-month paycheck, we are still determining if all personnel have been paid. Service members should check their bank accounts and as always, seek guidance from their chains of command should they need assistance.” mbj
A Do Not Drink advisory is still in place after more than 1,100 households were told in September that their water supply from well Y-15 in Yigo contained the banned pesticide Dieldrin.
Following the resignation of Chita A. Blaise, CEO of the American Red Cross in Guam, the organization is now seeking an executive director for the Guam Chapter.
Joint Region Marianas issued a statement on social media on Oct. 8 by its commander Rear Adm. Brett Mietus, stating that lab results for all active military wells and surface water sources on Guam military installations were below Guam Environmental Protection Agency’s Interim Action Level for dieldrin of 0.2 µg/L (parts per billion/ppb).
