A new law just signed by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero clears the way for "games of chance" to help fund this summer’s celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Guam’s Liberation.
The intent of Public Law 35-4 is to provide a funding source to the Mayors’ Council which will pay for the Liberation Parade, the Carnival, and most other activities hosted by the island mayors to celebrate and commemorate Guam’s annual Liberation activities.
But the mayors have some homework to do first. Within 60 days, they must draft rules and regulations for the legislature’s review and win approval.
Under the new law, games of chance will only be permitted during carnival hours and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and any night before a federal or GovGuam holiday.
“Liberation Day is our island’s most celebrated and commemorated annual event. It is a time when we remember a painful period in our history and the generation who endured enemy occupation," said Gov. Leon Guerrero. "We celebrate their survival and the U.S. forces who freed them and Guam. The Mayors Council hosts the majority of all these activities and their traditional source of funding was proceeds from games of chance. I have asked the Department of Revenue and Taxation to take the lead in assisting Mayors in drafting rules and regulations and I'm hopeful that the Legislature will take action to ensure that the Diamond Anniversary of the Liberation of Guam is our grandest celebration.”
“I am really excited about this year’s 75th Liberation Anniversary. Our planning activities began shortly after taking office and I am grateful for all the support from the Mayors and stakeholders. I have a lot of optimism and hope that the recently signed law will be acted on swiftly by our Mayors so that rules can be submitted to and approved by the Legislature as early as possible.” said Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio.
Please click here to subscribe to our digital online edition