According to a news release from Governor Eddie Calvo's office, he has chosen to let the new law ending legal exceptions allowing casino gambling at the Liberation Day Carnival and village fiestas to lapse into law without his signature.
Concerned with how these events are to be paid for, the governor has directed cabinet and senior staff members to assist mayors with this year’s Liberation Day festivities to ensure the annual celebration marking the end of World War II will continue.
Bill 50, passed unanimously and which the governor allowed to lapse into law, repeals previous legislation that allowed exceptions for casino gambling on Guam.
The Legislature gave mayors the job of organizing Liberation Day festivities, honoring the men and women who suffered the atrocities and fought those who held this island captive. And for the last few years the Mayors had relied on the funding from the casino to help pay for festivities.
According to the release, Governor Calvo said, “I personally haven’t been a fan of gambling. The mayors utilized the casino for a very practical purpose. And now, the Legislature has taken away the funding the mayors need on the eve of the festivities, without providing alternate resources to the mayors.”
Governor Calvo said he won’t allow the Liberation Day festivities to be ruined.
“I’ve talked to my team and they’ll support our mayors as much as possible and if there’s anyone out there who would like to join us in making this the best Liberation Day season ever then please know that you are welcomed,” Calvo said.