Former Guam representatives to Congress Madeleine Bordallo and Robert Underwood have criticized current Guam congressman Michael San Nicolas’ announcement of a planned Guam Liberation commemoration event to be celebrated in Congress.
In a news release, San Nicolas said this year marks the first time in the event’s history that a Guam registered non-profit organization and not a stateside organization is the official host.
But in a rare simultaneous interview with Patti Arroyo on K57, Bordallo and Underwood took exception to the Guam Society of America not hosting the event as has been the practice in the past.
“It’s okay for Mike to take a shot at me or Madeleine, but to take a shot at the Guam Society of America is something else,” Underwood said.
“I agree with Robert. You have to involve GSA,” Bordallo said.
Underwood added: “I have an issue with them taking a jab as if these parties had not taken place or there was a hiatus.”
“The last time I went, which was last year, there were 1,300 attendees. And of course, the Guam Society of America played an important role,” Bordallo said.
Underwood also said that although the Botanical Gardens is a nice place, it’s not convenient. “It’s a smaller venue and you have to go out of your way to get there,” Underwood said.
When asked to comment on his predecessors’ criticisms, San Nicolas had this to say: “Ai Adai.”
This year’s event will be hosted in the Capitol Botanic Garden on July 17 and features first-time event performances from Jesse & Ruby (and friends), Siñot Frank Rabon (Master Of CHamoru Dance) and the GVB Dance Academy, and solo dance performances from the Guam District Director and professional cultural dance artist of 17 years Mrs. Jennifer Winn.
In addition, there will be a special solo vocal performance from vocalist pioneer and event coordinator Mr. Michael Kilayko, the official presence of the 2019 Guam Cherry Blossom Princess and Guam Congressional Office team member Ms. Elima Ahzi, and the official presence of 2018 Guam Liberation Queen Ms. Kamarin Nelson.
According to San Nicolas, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, has already confirmed her attendance as the guest of honor, as well as numerous other members of Congress and caucuses.
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