In the islands, we are accustomed to seeing world events — particularly in Asia — affect our economies.
Doing business successfully has always required management of expenses, and forward planning as we are several steps removed from the U.S. mainland.
Small businesses have been particularly vulnerable, as such stand-alone enterprises lack the resources of larger groups to spread risk.
Still, our islands are full of creative entrepreneurs and businesspeople, who have learned lessons to reapply now.
As the 2026 elections approach, we are seeing continued activity in the 38th Guam Legislature. Some legislation is helpful to the business community, and some is not.
In the world of tourism in Guam, the Guam Visitors Bureau is promoting the island as a health and wellness destination.
It is good to have targeted aims and offerings, but we cannot lose sight of the need to offer value to tourists for ways to spend their time and money. Much debate has been occasioned by the closure of DFS in Tumon and what Core Tech and Calvo Enterprises will decide to do with the building. Gaming is certainly one viable option to draw visitors, particularly if the facility offers dining options.
And the appearance of the island continues to be a challenge. Fastidious tourists are not drawn to destinations that feature graffiti, dumping, or squatting. Similarly, safety and security are issues for tourists that frequently walk.
A natural partner of GVB’s health and wellness would be medical tourism for the Micronesian region — and possibly beyond. Hotels might piggyback on the idea of additional offerings that promote rest and relaxation.
Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane’s bill to make it easier for doctors to enter Guam would help. There is a preference by many Guam residents for essential services in Guam, where the cost of frequent travel or the need to fundraise for that travel can be set aside, and countered by family support.
The resident medical profession should have an option to weigh in, but protectionism should not be allowed to cloud judgement. It is much better to bring in the specialists we need than to see our people taxed to travel for care and see that revenue and reputation go elsewhere. mbj
Doing business successfully has always required management of expenses, and forward planning as we are several steps removed from the U.S. mainland.
Small businesses have been particularly vulnerable, as such stand-alone enterprises lack the resources of larger groups to spread risk.
Still, our islands are full of creative entrepreneurs and businesspeople, who have learned lessons to reapply now.
As the 2026 elections approach, we are seeing continued activity in the 38th Guam Legislature. Some legislation is helpful to the business community, and some is not.
In the world of tourism in Guam, the Guam Visitors Bureau is promoting the island as a health and wellness destination.
It is good to have targeted aims and offerings, but we cannot lose sight of the need to offer value to tourists for ways to spend their time and money. Much debate has been occasioned by the closure of DFS in Tumon and what Core Tech and Calvo Enterprises will decide to do with the building. Gaming is certainly one viable option to draw visitors, particularly if the facility offers dining options.
And the appearance of the island continues to be a challenge. Fastidious tourists are not drawn to destinations that feature graffiti, dumping, or squatting. Similarly, safety and security are issues for tourists that frequently walk.
A natural partner of GVB’s health and wellness would be medical tourism for the Micronesian region — and possibly beyond. Hotels might piggyback on the idea of additional offerings that promote rest and relaxation.
Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane’s bill to make it easier for doctors to enter Guam would help. There is a preference by many Guam residents for essential services in Guam, where the cost of frequent travel or the need to fundraise for that travel can be set aside, and countered by family support.
The resident medical profession should have an option to weigh in, but protectionism should not be allowed to cloud judgement. It is much better to bring in the specialists we need than to see our people taxed to travel for care and see that revenue and reputation go elsewhere. mbj
