Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio issue the following statements regarding the passing of Former Speaker Joe Taitano San Agustin:
“We join the island in mourning the passing of former Speaker Joe T. San Agustin. Speaker San Agustin lived a life dedicated to faith, politics, and serving the People of Guam. As the Speaker and Executive Director of the Guam Base Reuse and Closure (BRAC) Office, he was instrumental in shepherding the return and reuse of Tiyan. He was also Director of Administration to Governor Manuel FL Guerrero, the last appointed governor, and Governor Carlos Camacho, the first elected governor. In the Guam Legislature, he focused on protecting public finances, economic development, and uplifting every single person on our island. Speaker San Agustin was a staunch defender of the Government of Guam Retirement Fund and served as the Chairman of its elected board. Our island lost a great advocate today,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “Our deepest condolences and sympathies go out to his children—Senator Joe, Annie, Mary, John, and their families. As a friend, I will miss him. As an island, we will miss a great statesman, an advocate for the people of Guam, a compassionate public official, and a devoted Catholic. Thank you Joe for all that you have done for our people.”
“Speaker Joe T. San Agustin was a giant in politics. He helped shape and reform our public institutions and build Guam’s economic engines to generate wealth and prosperity for the island. He was well regarded by leaders of all persuasions and will be remembered as one of the most effective policymakers to have ever served our island,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio.
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