A Letter of HOPE to Guam’s New Legislature


Opinion by John A. Ananich II for Circus Weekly, Kandit News & Views

 

“Let’s work toward progress until the Guam we see in our hearts becomes the Guam we see with our eyes.”

Dear senators-elect,

First and foremost, congratulations on your election to serve the people of Guam. Your role carries a tremendous responsibility—to lead, inspire, and deliver on the hopes of a people yearning for change. This letter comes from a constituent deeply invested in the future of our island. And more importantly, a husband and father trying his hardest to keep his family grounded on a place we call home. As you take your seats in the legislature, I ask that you take a hard look at where we are today and, more importantly, where we could be tomorrow.

Guam is at a crossroads. The resilience of our people has been tested, not by natural disasters or outside forces, but by a system that has forced them to choose survival over growth. A system that has failed. The weight of high living costs, limited opportunities, and stagnant leadership has pressed down on families, small businesses, and entire communities. Threatening to suffocate the life and dreams right out of them. Yet, despite these struggles, Guam endures.

But resilience alone is not enough. Survival cannot be the ceiling of our people’s potential—it must be the platform from which we launch into higher goals. For too long, we have waited for industries to be introduced, for reforms to be implemented, and for promises to be kept. Time is not on our side. What we need now is urgency, action, and leadership that matches the strength of the people you represent. Guam’s future cannot wait another day.

The Voices of the People. The Real Struggles Threatening Their Ability to just EXIST. Real Solutions, With Heroic Action and Leadership has Never Been More Desperately Needed:

Through heartfelt conversations and messages on social media, our people have shared their struggles. These are not abstract issues; they are lived experiences that demand immediate attention. Here is what your constituents are saying:

The Crushing Cost of Living: Families are forced to choose between paying utility bills or putting food on the table. The rising cost of groceries and basic necessities has pushed many into survival mode, leaving no room for dreams or growth.

The Exodus of Talent and Loved Ones: So many have left Guam, not because they wanted to, but because they couldn’t survive here. Parents watch their children leave, knowing they may never come back because the island offers few to no opportunities for them to thrive.

Healthcare in Crisis: Access to affordable and quality healthcare is a daily struggle, with long waits and limited services that leave our people feeling neglected.

Safety Concerns: Lawlessness and a lack of accountability have left families feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods. This isn’t just about tourists—it’s about protecting our people.

Education System Under Strain: Schools are underfunded, and teachers are overworked. The infrastructure is crumbling. Parents worry about the quality of education their children receive, knowing it directly impacts their future.

These struggles are the reality for the people you serve. They are the foundation of why Guam is in desperate need of bold, transformative leadership.

 

Unlocking Guam’s Economic Potential

Our island is blessed with untapped potential that could transform not only our economy but the very lives of those who live here. It is time to move beyond the rhetoric and focus on real, actionable solutions. The following are areas where leadership is desperately needed:

1. Cannabis Industry: An Economic Medicinal/Recreational Tourism Game-Changer

The legalization of medicinal and recreational cannabis in Guam was a bold step, but progress has stalled. WHY? According to studies, Guam’s cannabis industry could generate more than $11 million annually, attract an estimated 31,500 visitors, and create hundreds of jobs in its first year of full implementation. Positioned at the geographic crossroads of countries where cannabis remains illegal, Guam could become a hub for cannabis tourism, attracting visitors from Asia and beyond. Yet, delays in regulations and infrastructure have left this potential untapped. Again, WHY?

This industry is not just about economic growth—it’s about diversification (A term used loudly and loosely by so many of you). It’s about creating jobs, generating revenue, and positioning Guam as a forward-thinking destination. The time to act is now. Every delay is a missed opportunity, and the people of Guam cannot afford to wait any longer.

2. Aquaculture: Our Gateway to Exports

For decades, Guam has struggled to produce and export goods, relying heavily on imports to sustain daily life. Aquaculture presents an unprecedented opportunity to reverse this trend. Guam’s waters are ideal for cultivating high-demand exports like shrimp, tuna, and seaweed. With strategic investment in aquaculture, we could establish our first major export industry, bringing new revenue streams to the island while providing sustainable livelihoods for our people.

Imagine Guam becoming known worldwide for premium seafood products. This is not a distant dream—it is a tangible reality waiting to be realized. However, we must act with urgency. Global demand for aquaculture products is rising, and every day we delay is a day we lose ground in a competitive market. Leadership is required to turn this vision into reality, ensuring Guam takes its rightful place as a leader in aquaculture. We should be leading the way in industrial development in this region. Not just getting started.

3. Tech and Data: A Pacific Hub

Guam’s strategic location in the Pacific positions it perfectly to be a tech and data hub for the region. Investments in data centers, undersea cable infrastructure, and renewable energy could make Guam a central player in global communications. Tech giants are always searching for locations with low latency and strategic positioning—Guam fits the bill.

This industry has the potential to provide high-paying jobs for our people and attract international investment. By embracing innovation, we can ensure Guam doesn’t just keep pace with the world but leads it.

4. Renewable and Nuclear Energy: Breaking Free from Outdated Fears

The rising cost of energy is a burden on families and businesses alike. It’s time for Guam to embrace renewable energy solutions like solar, wind, and tidal power. Moreover, we must set aside outdated fears and consider the benefits of small-scale nuclear energy, which has allowed other countries to thrive.

We cannot afford to cling to old narratives while the rest of the world moves forward. Energy independence is not just possible—it’s necessary. By investing in these technologies, Guam can reduce costs, create jobs, and secure a sustainable future.

5. Agricultural and Food Security

Guam imports [about] 90 percent of its food, making us vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions. Around the world, countries prioritize food self-sufficiency, growing their own staples to feed their populations. Guam, with its fertile soil and favorable climate, has the capacity to do the same. A robust farm-to-table initiative could not only reduce our reliance on imports but also preserve our cultural heritage, stimulate the economy, and provide healthier options for our residents.

 

Leadership That Matches the Moment

The people of Guam deserve leaders who see beyond the next election cycle. We need leaders who understand that the struggles our families face daily—rising utility costs, shuttered businesses, limited job opportunities—are urgent issues that cannot wait. The time for “introducing ideas” has passed. We need action, implementation, and results.

Your leadership should be rooted in the understanding that Guam’s greatest resource is its people. Policies should not only help them survive but empower them to thrive. Prioritize investments that create opportunities, protect our culture, and bring outside revenue into Guam. No longer can we, or should we, rely on only two main sources of income. Which both sit on unstable grounds. We need to create multiple streams of revenue that propel Guam into the competitive edge of economic prosperity. Not on the edge of economic collapse. Work with urgency to address the problems we’ve ignored for too long.

Guam is not broken—it is waiting. Waiting for leaders bold enough to act, compassionate enough to listen, and determined enough to deliver. As you take your oath, remember that you are stewards of the trust placed in you by your constituents. The people are watching, and they are counting on you to be the leaders who finally turn promises into progress.

 

The survival of our people should be the basic foundation on which we build, their potential should be limitless. Let us be the generation that plants the seeds of prosperity so that future generations can reap the benefits. Let’s not be the generation that harvests the crop and neglects to plant the seeds. Our children, your children are counting on us.

Guam’s future is not written—it is created. Together, let us create a future of forward thinkers, a Guam where no family has to leave to thrive, where families don’t have to choose between their roots and their dreams. A Guam where industries flourish, and where the island we love becomes the beacon of opportunity it was always meant to be. Let’s work toward progress until the Guam we see in our hearts becomes the Guam we see with our eyes. Let us Build the Guam we all deserve to call home, TOGETHER!

With a heart full of HOPE and determination; your neighbor,

John A Ananich II

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John A. Ananich II is a local small businessman, U.S. Army and combat veteran, former Guam Police Department officer, and resident of Dededo.


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