The six lights off a lone light tower barely illuminate a corner of the multi-purpose Field in Talofofo. Below the field lights, dozens of kids scurry about trying to find a stray soccer cone or a misplayed soccer ball. On the opposite side of the field, a handful of baseball players struggle to a take infield practice as the lack of light makes it hard to see the three inch in diameter ball roll across the diamond. Village residents have been somewhat pleased by a new LED streetlight placed near the entrance to the area adjacent to Talofofo Elementary School, but the glow is just not enough for any of the area young people to enjoy meaningful sporting or recreational activity. But this could soon change.
Today, the Governor of Guam signed off on the reprogramming of a 1993 General Obligation Bond of which the proceeds will be doled out to the University of Guam, the Mayors Council and importantly island taxpayers.
Media reports say that the refinancing will save GovGuam about $4.2 million dollars, of which $2.94 million of which will allow UOG to averting a tuition hike at least over the next two years. The remaining money will be split up between the Mayor's of Guam and the GovGuam tax reserve.
If you have been at UOG recently, the place is abuzz with local students intent on getting their college degrees. With a changing island, these young people are taking the initiative and made the "natural choice" to study at the Western Pacific's premiere institutions of higher learning. Any assistance to help the students is key to keeping them in school and delaying an early jump into the very competitive workforce.
On the flip side, Guam tax payers expecting a refund will get it quicker than ever before . The US District Court of Guam ruled recently that Gov Guam must pay such tax money within six months of filing. Lady Justice may have overstepped her bounds to force a struggling government to pay an obligation that will come at a heavy price to all public services. How this policy decision made from the bench effects how island leaders respond to the less than modern mandates driving their every move remains to be seen. Even more uncertain is how this will truly circulate much needed money in the economy.
The diamond in the Gov Guam financial rough will be the financing of capital projects across the 21 village municipalities. For every dollar put into brick and mortar on Guam has equated to a new job and increased skill sets for our skilled workers. With every village seeing tens of thousands of dollars each, it is pretty clear that the infusion won't cure the ills found across every municipal structure from Yigo to Merizo. But it is a start.
Mayors and Municipal Planning Councils have worked diligently to identify the priority projects in the their respective villages. The activity will give folks some hope that we are turning the corner from an economic slump that has plagued much of the Western Pacific over the past three years.
Imagine all twelve light towers of the SPC/4 Richard Junior Degracia Naputi Field shining brightly across the night sky. The picture of hundreds of baseball, soccer, football and rugby players displaying their athletic skills each day there would make residents of "God's Country" so very proud. What won't be missed will be the vivid colors and sights and sounds of young people enjoying this important Southern Guam facility. All will be able to enjoy the field and be reminded of the good times that lie ahead for these island residents and all the people of Guam.
But like the 1989 critically acclaimed film "Field of Dreams", the concept of 'Build it...And they will come' can almost certainly help drive island decision making for the best interests of our people whether it be a great boon or a great bust.