Good morning. I would like to thank
Governor Camacho for hosting us this morning and for inviting me to participate
in this joint press conference.
I would also like to thank Secretary
Richard Lawless and Lieutenant General Dan Leaf for being here today and for
their extensive efforts on behalf of our nation in the bilateral negotiations
with Japan.
The governor and I have been in regular
consultation with Mr. Lawless and I believe that Guam's interests have been and
will continue to be a major consideration in the many detailed aspects of
planning and implementation that remain. Secretary Lawless, General Leaf,
for your past and what I know will be your future efforts, Si Yu'os Ma'ase.
I want to emphasize how much hard work it
has taken to bring us to this point. However, the agreement reached between the
U.S. and Japan is just the start of a long process that will not be completed
without hard work and perseverance.
This is an exciting time for Guam.
Before us are so many opportunities for the advancement of our island and of
our people.
The military construction expected on Guam
along with the potential for new jobs that will support the Marine presence
remind us that there will also be new opportunities for our people. We
will work with the federal agencies to increase federal support for
apprenticeship and job training programs. In the months and years ahead,
we will work with the business community and the Government of Guam to expand
our local job pool.
I want to emphasize that the relocation of
Marines from Okinawa to Guam is a multi-year process. It is contingent on
many events along the way. We can prepare now, creating partnerships with
the federal government, our local government, the business community and our
people so that the great opportunities for our island will be realized.
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