'Like putting the cart before the carabao': Barnett calls out GHURA’s fast-tracked hospital project as power grab
Sen. Chris Barnett has called out the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority's fast-tracked hospital project in Mangilao as a power grab, and accused the administration of having a "hidden agenda that prioritizes profit and power over the health and wellbeing of our community."
Barnett was responding to recent media statements made by GHURA Deputy Director Fernando Esteves concerning the construction of a new Guam Memorial Hospital in Mangilao and the existing sinkholes on the recently acquired property.
The senator said he's condemning the governor and GHURA officials for their "deceptive efforts to fast-track a hospital project while masquerading it as a housing project initiative."
"We must not succumb to the allure of authoritarian governance masquerading as progress. In a truly equitable society, transparency and accountability should be the cornerstones of government actions," Barnett said in a statement. "Instead, we are witnessing a blatant disregard for the public interest as Governor and GHURA officials advance their housing project agenda without the consent of the very people it is supposed to serve. This is nothing less than a power grab, orchestrated by special interests seeking to exploit the vulnerabilities of our community."
Barnett said while there is indeed a housing project in the works, it will not be located in Mangilao.
"The Governor herself inadvertently revealed this during a recent talk show when she expressed intentions to return the existing hospital property in Tamuning to the original landowners, suggesting the potential for luxury housing developments," the senator said.
Moreover, he emphasized the significance of adhering to 12 GCA § 5130, titled "Reports as to Areas to be Considered for Housing Projects; Approval," as it establishes a legal standard for the execution of housing projects.
The statute ensures that both the executive branch and the Legislature are involved in determining the suitability and authorization for land use.
"It's like putting the cart before the carabao," Barnett said. "GHURA's land acquisition illustrates the dangers of unilateral decision-making without thorough consideration of legal frameworks and community involvement."
Barnett is among senators pushing for a new GMH to still be located in Tamuning. This has the support of a number of medical doctors and other health care professionals.
"The members of the 12th Guam Legislature recognized the potential for land grabs and backdoor deals that would line the pockets of the privileged few with gold, which is why they included statutory language clearly outlining what GHURA can and cannot do regarding housing and urban development projects," Barnett said. "They made it absolutely clear that the primary purpose of this agency is to provide housing for our people. Today, I am most grateful for their foresight and wisdom."
Barnett said he is urging Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero to work with the members of the Legislature to work out some of her demands and find a common ground for the benefit of the people.
"I know she is better than this," he added.
