Political Quotes

“today, I rise to commemorate the passing of one of Guam's most senior public servants and authorities on the Chamorrro language and culture, Mr. Jesus Barcinas. With distinction and a deep commitment to his community, Mr. Barcinas served as commissioner to the southern village of Malesso' before World War II. His service was so noteworthy that his activities were documented in Laura Thompson's premier work on Chamorro culture, ``Guam and Its People,'' published in 1942. He also served as councilman in the prewar Guam Congress. And in the middle of the battle for Guam, he heroically met United States military ships in a canoe to provide them with information about Japanese activities. In his later years, Mr. Barcinas served with great distinction in the bilingual program on Guam and on the Chamorro Language Commission. In those capacities, he shared his deep understanding and knowledge about the Chamorro language. For myself, he added to my understanding about our language and mentored me in ways which will stay with me the rest of my life. Tun Jesus is survived by seven children and our best wishes go out to each one of them. Thank you Tun Jesus for all your help for our people and our language.”