Voices of Guåhan

“Cost of living, use of public funds, accountability for elected and government officials, cost of doing business, crab mentality among residents, no tourism and no visible efforts to do something about it.”

“Cost of living and sustainability”

“close knit ties and reliability to the US”

“Cost of living”

“Rising cost of living and underemployment.”

“The drug epidemic, homelessness and criminal behavior which are all interconnected. It’s gotten increasingly worse each year and Guam is no longer safe like it used to be just a few years ago before Covid. I live in Tamuning where it used to feel relatively safe but just recently our neighborhood experienced a series of houses / cars being broken into a couple months ago, our vehicle included. I used to be able to run without fear of being alone and now I only run during daylight but even that feels unsafe sometimes.”

“Not enough investment in future economic opportunities and collaboration to spur growth”

“Everything.”

“Expenses and money handling”

“Drugs”

“The rising cost of living, our community being poisoned with drugs, lack of integrity amongst elected officials and public servants.”

“Corruption in agencies meant to serve the people!”

“Affordability”

“Cost of everyday goods”

“Not having any options, the older population controls the votes and political arena. Their concerns of retirement and having money while not being able to work is what drives our current state.”

“Disconnect between the government and normal people. The middle class is struggling financially due to cost of living. If you work for the government, you are doing fine. If you are upper class, you are doing fine. If you are lower class, you are getting help from the government.”

“Using our money smart and moving efficiently with our money. We need fresh ideas and leaders to shove some long awaited renovations, rebuilds, and infrastructure-related issues.”

“Young and skilled folks are leaving”

“The cost is too high!”

“Test.....lack of junk car disposal.”

“Lack of transparency and rank-and-file employees fearing political retribution from this administrations appointees when they bring up real issues”

“The people, the culture, the beauty of our island.”

“our culture and how we used to be self-sustaining”

“The people.”

“The island culture, family and community. However, I feel like Guam is such a different place to raise your family now. People seem jaded and struggling to appreciate island life with the cost of living increasing year after year. Locals continue to move out of Guam because of this and it just creates a different environment when choosing to live here feels so out of touch for locals.”

“Our community care and håfa adai spirit”

“The culture”

“The people.”

“The community”

“People”

“The natural beauty, island hospitality, and cultural arts/history”

“The people”

“Our culture and its people”

“Just being able to call it “home”, it does suck, there drugs everywhere, poverty is just a car accident or medical emergency away, but it’s home and it’s what many of us know and love.”

“Friendliness”

“We help each other”

“The amount of generosity people and families have. People are so giving on Guam which extends to private companies that do alot of community outreach and monetary donations that help move programs and impact Guam.”

“I LOVE our community and culture of sharing. In the office late yesterday and found out the gal who cleans the office had a death in her family; her Mom. it was after 5pm yet every person still in office immediately opened their wallets to help.”

“The people of Guam still find ways to show we love the island despite all the hardships.”

“Love our hospitality and beautiful beaches”

“The chamoru spirit of standing up for what is right”