FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 12, 2023 – Hagåtña, Guam) – In efforts to strengthen the relationship between the governments of Guam and Chuuk, Speaker Therese Terlaje and the 37th Guam Legislature hosted a delegation of members of the 16th Chuuk State Legislature led by its Speaker, Lester D. Mersai.
The informal gathering was scheduled upon request of the delegation who is traveling the region doing outreach and opening the doors for collaboration. Chief of Staff Douglas Marar noted that through these meetings they hope to address issues “that both Guam and Chuuk residents residing in Guam are facing such as crime and migration impact.” Additionally, the delegation is scheduling a meeting with the Chuukese community to further these discussions.
Speaker Mersai stated that today’s meeting is a start of a working relationship between the Guam and Chuuk legislature and that he is confident that they can start from here. Mersai also noted that he would like to touch bases with people here, update them on what is going on back home and touch on issues, offer words of encouragement, create ways to help people, and find solutions for the issues they are facing so that they know that their leaders are not stuck in Chuuk.
Both Speakers acknowledged the Pacific Judicial Conference, especially on topics of family violence and the education system, with Mersai stating that they are working with their national government to build a strong education foundation both on Guam on also back home. There isn’t an early childhood program in Chuuk so they are working with the national government to push for it to be a priority.
Speaker Terlaje stated, “We are grateful for the opportunity to have open dialogue and collaboration and to discuss the issues impacting our region and look forward to further strengthening our relationship and cooperation with the government of Chuuk for the benefit of all those residing on Guam.”
Senators of the 37th Guam Legislature in attendance include Senator Amanda L. Shelton, Senator Chris Barnett, Senator Joe S. San Agustin, Senator Sabina F. Perez, Senator Roy A.B. Quinata, Senator William A. Parkinson, Senator Dwayne San Nicolas, Senator Telo T. Taitague, Senator Jesse A. Lujan and Senator Thomas J. Fisher.
Members of the delegation include: Lester D. Mersai, Speaker/Head of Delegation; Wayne Olap, Floor Leader; Andrew May, Chairman, Ways and Means Committee; Jesse P. William, Chairman, Judicial and Governmental Operations Committee; Hadley A. Francis, Chairman, Resources and Development Committee; Narciso Sebastian, Chairman, Education Committee; Arthur Irons II, Acting Chairman, Health Committee; Keswick Matus, Chairman, Transportation, Communication & Public Works Committee; Richiosy Pangas Chipen, Chairman, Federal & Foreign Affairs Committee; Raymond Otoko, Vice Chairman Transportation, Communication & Public Works Committee; Junior Nomau, Vice Chairman, Health Committee; Kerson Billy, Member, Ways and Means Committee; Mr. Douglas Marar, Chief of Staff
