Landowners demand action on ancestral land returns

In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the compensation and return of ancestral lands to property owners in Guam. A speaker highlighted the ongoing frustrations of landowners who have yet to receive compensation decades after their properties were taken, emphasizing the need for immediate relief and action from the government.

The discussion centered on the complexities surrounding land ownership, particularly in relation to a recent lease involving AT&T and the implications for ancestral landowners. The speaker pointed out that while some valuable parts of the land were returned and sold, the government currently lacks clarity on ownership and access rights, raising security and investment concerns for Guam's future.

A critical point of contention was the absence of an appraisal report for the EDa Agaga property, which was supposed to be completed at a cost of $25,000. The speaker urged officials to follow up on this matter, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in land transactions.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing challenge of returning excess lands to ancestral landowners. Despite previous discussions, many landowners remain uncontacted, and the speaker insisted that it is the responsibility of the commissioners to advocate for these individuals. The speaker criticized the notion that federal laws prevent the return of lands, arguing that proactive efforts are necessary to push for the rights of ancestral landowners.

The process for returning lands involves formal requests from the governor to the Secretary of the Navy, who then assesses whether the properties can be returned. The speaker called for better communication regarding the status of returned lands and urged commissioners to keep landowners informed about decisions made by the government.

As the meeting concluded, the vice chair, Senator Brown, acknowledged the political implications of the administration's interest in acquiring property from the Ancestral Lands Commission, indicating that this issue would require careful consideration moving forward. The discussions underscored the ongoing struggle for land rights and the need for continued advocacy on behalf of ancestral landowners in Guam.