Dr. Robert Underwood, a longtime advocate for Chamorro self-determination, is inviting everyone to join the planned Fanohge: March for CHamoru Self-Determination this September, stressing that the recent court ruling in the Dave Davis case should not deter the island’s quest for self-determination.
In an interview with the Patti Arroyo show on NewsTalk K57, Underwood said the statement has to be made that it’s not over for Guam’s self-determination and that island leaders must reaffirm support for Chamorro self-determination.
Underwood said there are still options that Guam can pursue such as going to Congress, appealing to the Supreme Court, or just doing it all over again but this time in a manner more mindful of the legal aspects.
He stressed that one doesn’t have to be Chamorro to be a supporter of Chamorro self-determination. He also said that the practice of “out-Chamorrorizing each other is counterproductive.”
The “Fanohge: March for CHamoru Self-Determination” is set to take place on Monday,
Sept. 2. The event will feature a march from Adelup to the US District Court aimed
at providing a symbolic demonstration of unity around the values of respect and
inafa’maolek, with regards to the issue of CHamoru self-determination.
On the day of the march, participants are encouraged to gather in front of Adelup at 8 am, with a march to the District Court set to start at 9 am.
Part of the rationale for this event is the recent affirmation of the Dave Davis case in federal court. Organizers said this and other forms of federal interference threaten to erase the connection of CHamorus to their native homeland.
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