Department of Chamorro Affairs Director Ann Marie Arceo has apologized for what she described as a ”misunderstanding” over what her plans and intentions for Chamorro Village were.
“First of all, Chamorro Village was and always will be a small business incubator, that’s the main purpose. And secondly, Chamorro Village has always been a place to celebrate our diversity. It wasn’t my intention to discredit that,” Arceo told Patti Arroyo in an interview over NewsTalk K57.
Arceo cited the recognition given by Stars and Stripes of Chamorro Village being one of the most visited sites on island. “Because of this, Chamorro Village can also be an opportunity to maximize the opportunity to promote and showcase our culture and products,” Arceo said.
“But I just wanted to clarify that in seeking to maximize those opportunities, it’s always inclusive. I would like to apologize. I didn’t mean to cause all these misunderstandings about not being inclusive. I totally agree with what the administration’s aims for Chamorro Village,” the DCA director said.
Arceo also assured that the electric slide and other non-Chamorro dances can still be performed at the Chamorro Village. In an earlier interview with NewsTalk K57, Acting Governor Joshua Tenorio said many manamko had gone to Adelup complaining about a ban on their favorite dance at Chamorro Village.
Arceo also said there was no new rule ordering vendors in Chamorro Village to change their names to Chamorro or sell only Chamorro or made in Guam products or services.
She said this was just “encouraged” but there was no policy of evicting tenants if they do not comply.
Finally, Arceo said she is still in favor of having a cultural center, possibly the Sagan Kottura facility in the old Guam Memorial Hospital site, where Chamorro culture and language can be showcased and promoted.
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