Speaker Terlaje Puts CLTC at Risk of Losing Quorum

Hagåtña, Guam - The Chamorro Land Trust Commission (CLTC) is at constant risk of being unable to conduct its business because of a lack of legislatively confirmed commissioners. With just three current members, the absence of any one person prevents CLTC action.

Despite this reality-ten months of waiting, follow-ups by email and phone, and two formal letters, the Legislature's Chair of the Committee on Land has refused to schedule a public hearing on the nomination of Jeffrey John P. Ibanez to the CLTC.

Speaker Therese Terlaje, the 37th Guam Legislature's Chairwoman on Land, has not responded to these communications nor provided any legal or legitimate reason this nominee should not receive a fair hearing before the Committee and community.

"Many leases are waiting to be approved for our people. The three commissioners need help to move along these leases. The Speaker is holding these leases hostage by not moving along the nominee," said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. "Mr. Ibanez is a member of this community in good standing who has stepped up to serve the CLTC and its trustees; he deserves a hearing before the Committee-period. While a great degree of discretion is given to Committee Chairs, those willing to offer their time and expertise to serve this community should at least be considered and given the respect of a straight answer."

Governor Leon Guerrero had a verbal conversation with Speaker Terlaje in April and sent her first follow-up letter on May 10, 2024, and her latest letter to her on June 20, 2024.

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