'The largest political demonstration': Plans for a march for self-determination

Various community groups aim to organize the largest political demonstration on Guam in order to promote the cause of CHamoru self-determination. 

"Think of the march as an event in which everyone agrees on the need to move forward. We just haven't agreed on the destination, but we will lose if we stay put," said Joni Kerr, associate professor at Guam Community College. 

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The Fanohge March for CHamoru Self-Determination will be held Sept. 2. Participants are invited to gather at Adelup at 8 a.m., with a march to the U.S. District Court scheduled at 9 a.m. 

The event is open to everyone and isn't in favor of any political status or ideology, event organizers said at a press conference Thursday.

"The immediate objective is to demonstrate that this issue has widespread support in the community of Guam," said Robert Underwood, former University of Guam president. "And the local elected leaders should pay attention to it and reaffirm their commitment." 

Movement toward a decision

Political status options are independence, statehood and free association. None are endorsed by the march. The march simply hopes to encourage movement towards a decision, Underwood said. 

"Our purpose here is to stand up for CHamoru self-determination and to communicate that to the governor and other elected officials," Underwood said. 

Moving toward a decision is necessary because the status quo is unacceptable, Kerr said. 

"Not being able to vote for president, are you comfortable with that?" Kerr said. "Are people satisfied with not being able to do that?" 

Plebiscite case ruling

The march comes on the heels of the federal court's decision to strike down Guam's political status plebiscite authorized by local law in 1997. 

The non-binding plebiscite vote, which by law is only for native inhabitants of Guam, would allow eligible voters to state their preference for the island’s future political relationship with the United States — statehood, independence or free association. 

Yigo resident Arnold “Dave” Davis, who doesn't meet the legal definition of native inhabitant, filed a federal lawsuit in 2011 after the Guam Election Commission rejected his attempt to register for the plebiscite.

A panel of Ninth Circuit judges, in an opinion issued August, sided with Davis. 

"We hope that maybe the Supreme Court or Congress will take another look at our case, and take up their responsibility on part of the United States to let us decolonize," said Jesse Chargualaf, University of Guam student. "U.S. law didn't always get it right pertaining to indigenous people, and we're hoping that they will one day."

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