A Path Back Home—Why Guam Must Embrace Its Homegrown Talent


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

[Author’s note: A tribute to a concerned citizen, they know who they are. And No. I’m not using pronoun preference identification.]

“If only there was a path for homegrown talent to return.” That single statement resonates with so much weight, carrying the hopes of countless Guamanians who dream of bringing their knowledge, skills, and passion back to the island they love. But behind those words lies a truth we cannot ignore: coming home isn’t always the warm embrace we envision—it’s often a cold shoulder.

Guam’s homegrown talent—the doctors, educators, engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators—have made waves across the world. They succeed not just because of their skills, but because they carry a deep sense of culture, pride, and responsibility to represent Guam. Their stories are celebrated in publications, like those by Manny Crisostomo, showcasing how far Guamanians have gone to put their island on the map.

But what happens when they try to bring that excellence back home? Too often, their stories become cautionary tales. Talented Guamanians return with dreams of contributing to Guam’s growth, only to face rejection or indifference. The system they hope to uplift sends them a harsh message: “You’re not enough.”

Nowhere is this reality more visible than at institutions like the University of Guam. Instead of championing homegrown talent, UOG has developed a reputation for favoring off-island hires over qualified locals. It’s a quiet truth that many locals know but hesitate to speak out about. Time and time again, highly qualified Guamanian professionals are overlooked for permanent positions, which are instead given to individuals with no connection to the island.

This isn’t just about one institution; it’s about a mindset that undervalues the people who are the backbone of this island. The result? Talented Guamanians, full of potential and pride, are turned away, their stories quietly becoming warnings for others: “Don’t try. Guam doesn’t have a place for you.”

We cannot afford to let this be the legacy we leave behind. Guam needs its people. Guam needs its talent. And most importantly, Guam needs to start valuing the very people who carry the heart and soul of this island wherever they go.

If we’re serious about addressing this, then it’s time for bold steps. Guam needs a “Return Home” program—an initiative dedicated to recruiting and retaining homegrown talent. This program could identify skilled Guamanians excelling off-island and offer them opportunities, relocation assistance, and incentives to return and contribute to Guam’s growth.

Institutions like UOG need to set the example, adopting policies that prioritize qualified locals over external candidates when hiring, especially for roles where cultural understanding and community connection are critical. It should be mandatory for these institutions to justify why a local candidate wasn’t selected if an off-island hire is made. Public accountability in these decisions is long overdue.

The private sector also has a role to play. Businesses should be encouraged to invest in returning talent by offering opportunities for mentorship and professional development. Tax incentives could reward companies that prioritize hiring Guamanians, fostering public-private partnerships that create career pipelines for those coming home.

More than that, we need a centralized network to connect homegrown talent—on-island and off-island—where they can collaborate, mentor, and grow together. This cohort could act as a think tank, a talent pool, and a platform for innovation, ensuring that Guamanians have a voice in shaping Guam’s future.

And why not go further? Imagine hosting an annual Homegrown Talent Summit, bringing together returning professionals, local businesses, and policymakers. This could be a platform to celebrate success stories, address challenges, and create actionable solutions to integrate homegrown talent into Guam’s workforce.

Rejection doesn’t just hurt individuals—it weakens Guam as a whole. Companies and communities thrive because of the people behind their mission. When Guam shuts out its own, it robs itself of the very individuals who can drive its progress.

This isn’t about turning away off-island expertise—it’s about balancing it. Guam thrives on diversity, but it must never be at the expense of its own people. If we want to keep the spirit of Guam alive, we have to give homegrown talent the respect, opportunity, and support they deserve.

Returning to Guam shouldn’t feel like a risk—it should feel like coming home. And for those who stay, it shouldn’t feel like they’re stuck—it should feel like they’re part of something greater.

We owe it to the future generations who are watching. We owe it to the ones who’ve stayed and fight for this island every day. And we owe it to the ones who left, not because they wanted to, but because they had no choice.

It’s time to stop rejecting our own people. It’s time to build the path home.

The path to return exists; we just have to make it stronger, wider, and impossible to miss. And we need to do it now—before the stories of rejection become the only stories left to tell.

“Put-Fábot, Guåhan, nu i guinaiyå-ta para i kuttura yan familian-måmi, kåhulu yan chule’ i dinanña’.”

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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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