Guam Chamber and GVB lead islandwide anti-graffiti campaign
Guam Chamber and GVB lead islandwide anti-graffiti campaign
The Guam Chamber of Commerce announced during its May General Membership meeting the launch of the newly formed anti-graffiti campaign led by the Guam Chamber of Commerce and the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) to combat graffiti and to develop solutions to fix this long-standing problem. The campaign is also supported by the Islandwide Beautification Task Force (IBTF), the Tamuning Mayor’s Office, Guam Police Department, Guam Power Authority, Guam Waterworks Authority, Department of Public Works and GTA.
Acting Governor Joshua F. Tenorio was the guest speaker at the Chamber’s Membership meeting. Acting Gov. Tenorio presented updates on the IBTF’s recent projects to combat illegal dumping, removal of junk cars and garbage, and clean up of eyesore areas around the island, to name a few. The meeting provided the backdrop for the Guam Chamber of Commerce and GVB to engage Guam’s business community, tourism stakeholders, and residents to join efforts to clean up vandalism and report any suspicious activities. Residents are encouraged to report vandalism or graffiti to the Guam Crime Stoppers, which is offering a $2,000 cash reward sponsored by the Guam Chamber of Commerce and GVB for the arrest and conviction of offenders.
Committee Chair and Chamber Board Member Ben Ferguson presented details of the anti-graffiti campaign that included the $2,000 reward, plans for how the committee will approach cleanups, and plans to launch a campaign designed to instill pride and unity. The campaign will focus on high-traffic areas from the Micronesia Mall to areas in Tumon and Tamuning.
Ferguson said, “While the graffiti scourge is nothing new, the seriousness of the problem exacerbates the challenges Guam is facing in recovering our tourism economy. More importantly, it degrades our environment and jeopardizes the quality of life for all who live and work on Guam. It’s time to restore pride in our island community, and this is a good place to start.”
Key to the success of the program is the assistance of Crime Stoppers and a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the individuals responsible for the growing graffiti problem on Guam.
Regine Biscoe Lee, President and CEO of GVB stated, “We are grateful for this public-private collaboration with the Guam Chamber of Commerce to address Guam’s unsightly graffiti and vandalism issues. We invite the entire community to join us and amplify the message that this disrespect has no place on our beautiful island. Let’s take pride in our home and keep Guam the best place to live, work, and visit.”
Guam Chamber of Commerce President Catherine Castro added, “In 1994, Sen. Elizabeth Arriola was the main sponsor of Public Law 22-149, the Don’t Mess With Guam Act. We honor the legacy and vision of past leadership as we look forward to a brighter future free of the urban blight that continues to plague our beautiful island. It’s time for the community to roll up its sleeves and work together to make Guam a better, cleaner, and more beautiful place. If you see something, report it to the Guam Crime Stoppers, and let’s put an end to vandalism.”
More information about the program can be found by calling the Guam Chamber of Commerce at 671-472-6311. Residents are asked to report suspicious activity through the Guam Crime Stoppers app called P3 Tips, which can be downloaded through any app store. The app is a national Crime Stoppers app, and users can locate Guam on the app to anonymously report local crimes.
Source: Google News
