Governor Calvo’s Statement on Bill 216 and CQA
July 17, 2018
Hagåtña –
Governor Eddie Baza Calvo’s Statement on Bill 216:
This morning Governor Calvo met with members of Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency. He signed a bill that strengthens CQA Officers’ ability to meet its mission.
“I have just signed Bill 216-34 into Public Law 34-112. We look forward to CQA utilizing this asset at the Port for the construction of a facility to help them better safeguard the people of Guam by keeping illegal substances from slipping into our community.”
—–
Below is the original press release sent by the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2018
Governor Calvo signs Bill 216-34 into Public Law 34-112
HAGÅTNA, GUAM – Governor Eddie B. Calvo signed Bill 216-34, introduced by Senator Tom Ada and passed unanimously by the 34thGuam Legislature, into Public Law 34-112.
Public Law 34-112 reserves four (4) acres of land adjacent to the Port for the construction of a Customs Inspection, Holding, and Secured Sterile Facility to be used by the Customs and Quarantine Agency (CQA).
With over 90% of all commodities arriving into Guam and passing through the Port, it is crucial that Customs have an area to conduct inspections to identify, isolate, and mitigate threats at the border. Additionally, this facility will benefit our economy by facilitating commerce in terms of streamlining the customs clearance process for businesses and consignees alike.
“Designation of land for the facility is a critical first step toward re-establishing a facility in a secured area where CQA can conduct inspection of cargo containers arriving through the Port of Guam in Piti,” said Senator Ada. He continued, “although Bill 216-34 seeks to reserve up to four acres of public land for the Customs inspection facility, funding for construction will be the next hurdle to overcome.”
Before signing Bill 216-34 into law, Governor Calvo addressed Customs Officials to recognize their continued dedication and service. “The job you’re doing at our borders is fantastic. You are preventing illicit drugs and invasive species from coming into our island and harming our community and resources. I am glad to sign this bill.”
“We have three years to develop the property into a functioning facility and I intend to use my time here with the Agency toward that goal,” said CQA’s Acting Director Eric M. Palacios. He adds, “Today marks the beginning of the process to build a facility that the People of Guam deserve so that the women and men of the Customs and Quarantine Agency can better protect our community.”
Among those present at the signing were the Governor’s guests of honor, CQA’s Captain James W. Cruz and Mr. Franklin Santiago, both of whom will soon be retiring from the Agency and glad to have been a part of this significant event.
For more information, please contact our Public Information Officer Ms. Jessi Santos-Torres at (671) 475-6202 or email Jessi.Santos-Torres@cqa.guam.gov.
