‘Cultural preservation’ resolution is criticized

Due to what some lawmakers described as “insulting words” in the draft, House members moved Thursday to defer action on House Joint Resolution 14-33, which seeks to congratulate and commend the island of Rota and its people “for being the last island in the Marianas where the Chamorro culture, traditions, and language are still intact.”

The resolution, authored by Rota Rep. Crispin Ogo, also aims to commend the Rota people “for their commitment to perpetuate and preserve the Chamorro culture for generations to come and to designate the people of Rota as the guardians of Chamorro culture, traditions, and language.”

“What is this? What do you mean? What did we do wrong [here] as Chamorros?” asked Saipan Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider.

Ogo, during the session Thursday, explained that the resolution does not intend to alienate other Chamorros from other islands. He said it was more in line with the promotion of Rota as a cultural and eco-tourism site—in the same manner as Tinian is promoted as being a “casino” center.

Hofschneider said that Ogo’s explanation is not reflected in the resolution. “As drafted, the resolution contains insulting words,” he said.

Saipan Rep. Ray Tebuteb said the bill seems to disregard other Chamorros in other places. “It seems like you’re segregating the Chamorros on other islands. It hurts other Chamorros,” he said.

“The Chamorro culture is a very unique culture. You can’t find it anywhere but in the Marianas. So it’s not just Rota. Now, if you’re talking about culture, it’s not only about Chamorros. How about the Carolinians?” asked Tebuteb.

In his resolution, Ogo said that “because the island of Rota was never depopulated during the Chamorro-Spanish wars in the 17th century, the Chamorro culture, traditions, and language of Rota still remains intact.”

He said that Rota people continue to practice the culture and have tried to revive old traditions through projects such as the Chamorro Village that was completed in 1995 but was destroyed by a typhoon.

Ogo also cited that people on Rota have been recognized by the 23rd Guam Legislature through Rules Resolution No. 212 “for the perpetuation and preservation of the Chamorro culture for generations to come.”

The House majority decided to refer Ogo’s resolution to the House Ways and Means Committee.