Reiterating Guam’s role in the Department of Defense’s focus on the Pacific, Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero pushed for the need to build up medical services.
“The regional security priorities for Guam and our allies in the Pacific cannot be overstated,” she said during the 2023 Pacific Defense Contracting Summit, as noted in a press release from Adelup. “We are uniquely positioned to be the regional center of excellence for medical services and human health, and my strategic vision for healthcare is one that is consistent with the needs of my people as well as the National Security strategy.”
Over the last few years, Guam and neighboring islands have been the focus of military construction to support increased activity in the region as part of an effort to rebuff China’s growing influence.
The Defense Leadership Summit was held over three days, Oct. 17-19, in Honolulu, Hawaii. More than 400 military, government, and industry leaders in construction, cybersecurity, and logistics, according to the press release.
“It was an opportunity for them to learn more about how the $858 billion in 2023 Defense Spending will translate into contracting opportunities,” the press release added.
Leon Guerrero, a registered nurse, raised her intent to build a medical complex for Guam.
“Recently, I met with my friend Admiral Chris (Lung) Aquilino, and we want to breathe new life into enhancing medical services on Guam,” she said.
In addition to critical investments needed towards healthcare, she highlighted Guam’s ongoing infrastructure projects, including road reconstruction, trans-Pacific submarine cables, and the Broadband Equity Access Deployment program.
Leon Guerrero met with key military leaders in the Indo Pacific, including Admiral Aquilino, Commander INDOPACOM, Lt. Gen. Skelenka Deputy Commander INDOPACOM, Lt. Gen Jarrad Deputy Commanding General U.S. Army Pacific, Deputy Commander Converse U.S. Pacific Fleet, and District Commander Day U.S. Coast Guard, to discuss evolving plans for military growth on Guam. mbj
The Guam Visitors Bureau outlined a volatile trajectory for the island's tourism economy during its quarterly membership meeting at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort, highlighting a sharp 28% drop in April arrivals following a 9.9% surge in March.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced May 19 $9.45 million each in new grant funding to address PFAS and emerging contaminants in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
The newest Fast Response Cutter, the Vincent Danz will join the Myrtle Hazard, the Oliver Henry, and the Frederick Hatch as part of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam.
KOROR, Palau — More than three decades after it was built, Palau’s only hospital is firmly on a path toward replacement. President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. convened the first meeting of the Belau National Hospital Relocation Steering Committee on May 14, marking the start of what officials are calling the implementation phase of a project that many say is long overdue.
