[Editor’s note: Rory Respicio, the general manager of the Port Authority of Guam, wrote the following opinion in response to one written by Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Hermosa in the Pacific Daily News. Mr. Hermosa’s op-ed was critical of the seaport’s recent decision to purchase the Port Authority of Guam’s first brand-new crane because the crane was manufactured in China.]
Opinion by Rory Respicio for Kandit News
This is to acknowledge Mr. Charlie Hermosa’s letter joining the growing chorus of support for highlighting the importance of cybersecurity and national security in acquiring new gantry cranes. His concerns align 100% with the Port’s public efforts to demonstrate our commitment to balancing operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and national security as we work to do the right thing for Guam and our region.
The Port’s aging cranes, while exceptionally maintained, have surpassed their intended lifespan, making replacement essential to supporting Guam’s local and regional economies and the nation’s defense needs. As Mr. Hermosa rightly pointed out, reliance on Chinese-manufactured cranes poses cybersecurity risks—a concern we fully agree with. However, the dominance of Chinese companies in the global crane market limits alternatives, leaving ports across the nation with difficult decisions in the absence of sufficient funding or flexible procurement regulations.
As we have emphasized, federal funding, particularly from the Department of Defense, would resolve these challenges by allowing the Port to purchase cranes under guidelines that align with national security priorities. This is fundamental to our plea. Federal funding would also preclude the Port from purchasing Chinese-manufactured cranes, as such funds require adherence to strict clauses and prohibitions unavailable under current procurement methods. This would be the ideal outcome for all parties—strengthening Guam’s supply chain resilience, addressing cybersecurity concerns, and safeguarding the Port’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific.
We encourage Mr. Hermosa to direct his advocacy efforts toward the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Advocacy emphasizing the importance of federal funding for secure, strategically aligned infrastructure would support the Port’s ongoing efforts to resolve these challenges. Federal support ensures Guam’s interests are prioritized, enabling us to move forward with solutions that benefit the island, the region, and the nation.
The Port remains committed to transparency and public engagement as we address these challenges. Together, with the support of our community and stakeholders, we can secure the funding needed to achieve our shared goals for a secure and resilient Port, ensuring it remains a vital hub today and for decades to come.
