Edward Alvarez is stepping down from his position as executive director for the Guam Commission on Decolonization to focus on caring for his family.
“I am so honored to have had the opportunity to serve my island and my people,” Alvarez stated. “But these last few months have been very trying for my family and I have to step away from public service to focus on my duties as a brother and a son.”
In his letter to the Governor, Alvarez thanked the Governor for believing in him and allowing him to lead the Commission on Decolonization. For the last six years, Alvarez has been a proponent for the right of the native inhabitants of Guam, as defined in the Organic Act, to determine their political future. He has led outreach efforts, decolonization registration drives, and educational discussions in partnership with other agencies and local organizations.
“Since I relaunched the Commission on Decolonization, Ed has pushed the issue of Guam’s political status to the forefront,” the Governor said. “Ray and I are thankful for the work that he has done. We respect his decision and wish him and his family the best.”
Alvarez’s last day is April 13. The Governor has appointed Amanda Francel Blas, currently the Deputy Director of the Governor’s Communication’s Office to step up to the challenge.
“The people of Guam deserve to have their say in the future of our island and our government,” Governor Calvo said. “We must move forward with our decolonization efforts so that we may determine our political future. Amanda has served at Adelup for the last year and a half and has been involved in the decolonization and effort to educate this newest generation on the history of the plebiscite. Amanda possesses the energy, passion, and ability to move the decolonization effort forward.”
