Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio issue the following statements in response to the acts of vandalism at the historic Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad in Humåtak:
“This deplorable act of disrespect to our island’s history is shameful and especially disappointing as our families celebrate the holidays,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “As a vibrant vista and gem of southern Guam, Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is a popular public space for our people and visitors alike. Once we were alerted, we directed the Department of Parks and Recreation’s State Historic Preservation Office to immediately restore this local landmark to its natural state and we are grateful that their quick response already has cleared some of the graffiti. Our administration further activated law enforcement officers to identify and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law. We will not tolerate any criminal activity that targets our history and we will not treat these misguided provocations lightly.”
“As chair of the Islandwide Beautification Task Force, it is disheartening to see this level of disregard for one of Guam’s most beloved sites in the south,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio. “We join the entire island in expressing our outrage and as our task force will be meeting on Tuesday, we plan to discuss this isolated incident and how we will step up our efforts to ensure the protection and preservation of our historic places. As we prepare to enter a New Year, we know there is no room for recklessness, whether in a pandemic or in respecting our history. Our community can and will do better.”
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*DPR has already begun work to clear graffiti from the Fort Soledad restrooms. Photos are attached. 
