By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
If the government of Guam can easily invoke eminent domain, then every property owner “should be rightfully concerned,” Sen. Chris Barnett said, reminding Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero that land grabbing touches a sore spot.
Seizing private lands “disregards the deep, historical fears and trauma many residents have with eminent domain.” Barnett said.
The Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority's board of commissioners on Tuesday gave the nod to applying eminent domain, authorizing GovGuam to condemn 42 acres of land that form part of the landscape in Mangilao, where the governor plans to build a 102-acre medical complex site.
“It is deeply disappointing to witness the governor wield the power of government, specifically, the power of eminent domain against our people, who are now facing the threat of condemnation, all in the name of expanding our healthcare system,” Barnett said.
While agreeing that Guam needs a new hospital to meet the island's growing healthcare needs, Barnett said using government power to seize private land hits a sensitive nerve ending.
During and after the war, the Navy seized ancestral lands from hundreds of CHamoru landowners.
“Our people have a long history of enduring the threat of eminent domain, feeling powerless and helpless in the face of these government actions,” he added.
“The idea of land condemnations—especially when the purpose is an expansive project that could have long-term, lasting consequences—only exacerbates those fears and reinforces a sense of injustice. This is not the way forward,” Barnett said.
Among the affected landowners is Joel Joseph, a veterinarian, who has two parcels of land being eyed by GHURA. His properties, which total 55,000 sqm combined, were appraised at $3.8 million.
Another piece of land was owned by the late Catalina Camacho. GHURA purchased the 194,081-sqm property for $3.5 million from estate administrators Edward Camacho and Peter Manibusan through the brokerage firm Blue Water Realty.
Building a new hospital is the governor’s pet project. It has dragged out due to disagreements over the site.
Leon Guerrero’s initial plan to build a new medical complex at the defense-owned Eagles Field property in Mangilao had received a lukewarm response from senators, who demanded more transparency with her agreement with the Navy.
The Eagles Field option was eventually aborted following the Navy’s withdrawal of the lease agreement, which Attorney General Douglas Moylan refused to sign.
The governor later proposed the Adacao area in Mangilao, but the new proposal was thumbed down by the legislature and the medical sector.
In September, the governor hinted that her hospital project was about to move forward in Mangilao.
Barnett urged the governor to “abandon this quick-fix mentality and work with the people, the legislature and the experts to create a healthcare system that will stand the test of time.”
He warned the governor against focusing on the construction aspect of the plan.
Building a medical facility, Barnett said, should be part of a comprehensive healthcare reform plan that addresses the “deep systemic issues” at Guam Memorial Hospital, such as funding, management and availability of services that meet the people’s long-term healthcare needs.
“In my opinion, the first people that should be seated at that table are the dedicated GMH healthcare professionals and support staff who have managed to weather one crisis after another for decades and who have given their all to care for our community,” Barnett said
“We cannot allow the development of our new hospital to be driven by political expediency or a legacy-driven agenda. The people of Guam deserve better than that,” he added.
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