By Jay R. Merrill
HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Marianas Business Journal, April 26, 2010) – Reading much of the national press, one gets the impression that most people on Guam are against the military buildup for one reason or another. The Draft Environmental Impact Study hearings seemed to uncover staunch public opposition to what is planned. The participants who voiced their concerns were passionate, young and for the most part articulate. It is not surprising that the Washington Post, Nation magazine and others have portrayed Guam as a community that believes it is being imposed upon and taken for granted. Such was most of what was heard at the hearings. The hearings were contentious and marked the emergence of a new social brand called "We are Guahan." The group has continued beyond the hearings, advocating vigorously for sustaining Guam’s environment, its culture and "way of life." They express sincere and passionate fears about the change the military buildup will bring. While it is hard to argue against sustaining the environment and the island’s culture, the national media gets it wrong when they portray Guamanians as opposed to the change the military buildup will bring. The fact is, if a survey were held today, a majority of Guamanians remains in favor of the military buildup. Most people are not afraid of the change that will come; they fear more what Guam will become without it.

That is why the evolution of a new social brand is refreshing and needed. The group is called Hita I Marianas, which, I am told, translates to "We are the Marianas." The group is trying to create greater balance in the public discussion about the buildup. It believes that as much must be discussed about how the community can benefit from the economic growth that is coming as is discussed about the challenges it may present. The benefits the military buildup will create will be opportunities, not dollars falling from the sky. Unless the community understands those benefits, prepares for them, and starts working now to insure their fruition, they just might pass us by. If so, what then? What alternative exists to the buildup that could create as many jobs, as much income, and help Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands finance the public infrastructural improvements required by both communities? At the moment, no one has an answer.

The face of Hita I Marianas is retired Army Command Master Sgt. Ben Palacios, from Saipan wanting to start a business, concerned about the future of the region’s economy. It is also Adam Tydingco, soon to graduate from university in California wanting to come home to a career in Guam. The group believes more has to be focused on making those kinds of dreams a reality. The discussion should be about both Guam and the NMI, as the buildup will affect the entire region. There should be more discussion about connecting local businesses and off-island concerns to work together to create jobs. Hita I Marianas wants the public to learn more about how the military and the community can work together to forge a coexistence that can make the region a better place to live and work.

The group is forming; it is soliciting others to join in. It is holding a conference in San Diego to inform businesses on the mainland that the people of the region are looking for investors interested in the long term. The conference is about informing those thinking of coming to the region about long-term opportunities that exist and are emerging. It also provides a chance for U.S. firms to learn how to partner with local firms and with the community in ways that will be more efficient and will improve the region. The group’s website can be found at www.marianasbuildup.com. It is worth checking out.

Marianas Business Journal
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