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| Illustration: The World CIA Factbook |
Office of the Governor
PRESS RELEASE
Pacific Islanders and Local Experts
to examine our path to decolonization
(Hagatna, Guam) The Governor (Eddie Calvo) encourages residents and FestPac (Festival of Pacific Arts) delegates to participate in the Decolonization Discussion Series over the next week at the University of Guam.
Guam’s experts and activists for statehood, free association with the United States, and independence will join experts from islands that are and once were colonies as well.
“It’s not very often we have this many people from almost all the nations and communities of the Pacific here at one time. These are places that either struggle with their colonial status just as we do, or already overcame their struggle. We can learn a lot from them. They can help us, and we welcome that.” – Guam Governor Eddie Calvo.
Below is information on each of the panel discussions that will take place:
Decolonization Discussion Series
Sponsored by the Festival of Pacific Arts Workshops Committee, Guam Community College (GCC), and the University of Guam (UOG)
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Panel Discussion 1:
“Statehood and Integration in the 21st Century Pacific: Realities, Advantages, Struggles, and Lessons Learned”
May 24th, 6PM
CLASS Lecture Hall,
University of Guam
Description: This panel discussion presents an examination of the political status option of statehood and integration into an independent state. As Guahan prepares for its exercise of the right to self-determination, a deeper look into statehood’s realities, advantages, struggles, and lessons learned will be explored. In addition, the critical question of statehood’s impact on cultural survival and indigenous nation building will be discussed.
Panelists: Former Senator Edward Duenas (Chairperson, Guam Statehood Task Force), Dr. Ron McNinch (Professor, University of Guam), Attorney Melody Mackenzie (Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, Hawai’i), and Dr. Carlyle Corbin (International Advisor on Governance and Decolonization Expert, US Virgin Islands)
Moderator: Professor J. Peter Roberto
Moderator: Professor J. Peter Roberto
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Panel Discussion 2
“Case Examples of Free-Association in the 21st Century Pacific: Realities, Advantages, Struggles,
and Lessons Learned”
May 26th, 6PM
CLASS Lecture Hall
University of Guam
Description: This panel discussion presents an examination of the political status option of being freely associated with an independent state. As Guahan prepares for its exercise of the right to self-determination, a deeper look into free association’s realities, advantages, struggles, and lessons learned will be explored. In addition, the critical question of free association’s impact on cultural survival and indigenous nation building will be discussed.
Panelists: Mr. Joe Garrido (Chairperson of the Guam Free Association Task Force), Attorney Roman Bador (Republic of Belau), Attorney Mark Short (Cook Islands), and Dr. Carlyle Corbin (International Advisor on Governance and Decolonization Expert, US Virgin Islands)
Moderator: Ms. Deeann Choffat
*****
Panel Discussion 3
“Case Examples of Political Independence in the 21st Century Pacific: Realities, Advantages, Struggles,
and Lessons Learned”
May 31st, 6PM,
CLASS Lecture Hall
University of Guam
Description: This panel discussion presents an examination of the political status option of becoming a sovereign, independent state. As Guahan prepares for its exercise of the right to self-determination, a deeper look into political independence’s realities, advantages, struggles, and lessons learned will be explored. In addition, the critical question of independence’s impact on cultural survival and indigenous nation building will be discussed.
Panelists: Ms. Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero (Co-chair, Guam Independence Task Force), Mr. Matiu Matavai (Samoa), Consulate General Marciano R. De Borja (Philippines Consulate Office, Guam), Dr. Carlyle Corbin (International Advisor on Governance and Decolonization)
Moderator: Mr. Raymond Lujan
*****
Panel Discussion 4
“Independence, Free-Association, and Statehood: Implications of Status Options for Guahan”
June 2nd, 6PM
CLASS Lecture Hall
University of Guam
Description: This panel discussion presents an examination of the three political status options of statehood or integration; free-association with an independent state; and becoming a sovereign, independent state. As Guahan prepares for its exercise of the right to self-determination, a deeper look into the advantages and struggles of each of these options will be explored. In addition, the critical question of the status options’ impact on cultural survival and indigenous nation building will be discussed.
Moderator: Drs. Lisa Marie Baza and LisaLinda Natividad
