Guam's governor has laid out his support for several development projects, while laying bare the difficulties of his quest for a decolonisation vote.
Guam's governor, Eddie Calvo. Photo: Office of the Governor of Guam
In his seventh annual 'State of the Island' speech on Monday, second-term governor Eddie Calvo outlined his plans for his final year in office.
The projects include a US$100 million modernisation of the territory's hospital and a plan to redevelop the island's capital district, Hagåtña.
Mr Calvo also pledged his support for a four cent fuel levy to fund road upgrades, and his attorney general's lawsuit against the United States over contamination of Guam's natural resources.
He also restated his commitment to one of the main promises for his term - holding a plebiscite on the territory's political future.
However, Mr Calvo said such a vote continued to be held back by several legal uncertainties, such as voting and registration requirements, and a challenge currently before the federal court.
Despite the failure of plans for a plebiscite attached to last year's election, Mr Calvo said he intended to hold a vote during his time as governor "come hell or high water".