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By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has nominated a real estate broker and an insurance executive to serve on the CHamoru Land Trust Commission’s board, following the recent dismissal of two commissioners, Jeffrey John Ibanez and David Herrera.
Fabrienne Cruz Respicio and Jeremy Rojas have been nominated to the board.
The governor’s office said Respicio would “fill the vacancy left by the expiration of former board member Angela Santos’ term.”
Santos said she stepped down from the board in May 2022.
A CLTC commissioner serves a three-year term. It wasn’t clear if Rojas’ would fill Ibanez’s or Herrera’s seat.
Before Ibanez and Herrera were removed, the five-seat commission was operating with only four members. The two commissioners' dismissal has left the board with two remaining members: Arlene P. Bordallo and Earl J. Garrido. The fifth seat has been vacant since Santos left the post.
“Fabrienne Cruz Respicio and Jeremy Rojas bring exceptional expertise and leadership to this responsibility,” the governor said. “Their experience in real estate, title services, and property management will strengthen the commission’s ability to uphold its mission with transparency, efficiency, and fairness.”
A press release from the governor’s office said, “These nominations reflect the administration’s commitment to ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the commission in fulfilling its mission to restore CHamoru lands to their rightful stewards”
Respicio is the principal broker of Blue Continent Realty. The governor’s office said her extensive experience in real estate provides valuable insights into property transactions, management and land use planning.
“Her background in real estate brokerage ensures a deep understanding of the needs of landowners and the complexities of land distribution,” the governor’s office said.
Rojas is the vice president and general manager of the Pacific American Title Insurance & Escrow Company, who “brings a wealth of knowledge in title insurance, property records, and financial oversight,” according to the governor’s office.
“His expertise will be instrumental in ensuring proper land conveyance and protecting the interests of beneficiaries under the CHamoru Land Trust Act.”
Ibanez, meanwhile, is seeking to appeal his removal from the board through the legislative route.
He wrote to Speaker Frank Blas Jr. on Jan. 28, requesting his reappointment to the commission, citing a public law “which grants the speaker of the legislature the authority to appoint a Commissioner when a vacancy has existed for more than 90 days without an official nomination from the governor.”
“As you may be aware, throughout my tenure as a CLTC commissioner, I have worked diligently to uphold the integrity of the commission, ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to the legal mandates set forth in Title 21, Chapter 75 of the Guam Code Annotated. My commitment has always been to serve the Chamorro people and protect their ancestral lands through sound governance,” Ibanez wrote.
Ibanez noted that with the fifth seat remaining vacant for over 90 days, the speaker may invoke his authority "under 4 GCA § 2103.3 to make an appointment prior to any nomination by the governor."
On Feb. 4, the governor nominated Joseph A. Cameron to fill the last vacant seat at CLTC.
Cameron currently serves at the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities' Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
"A staunch advocate for CHamoru culture, he is deeply committed to protecting Guam’s lands and heritage. His distinguished career includes serving as the former President of the Department of CHamoru Affairs, former Executive Director of the Hagåtña Restoration and Redevelopment Authority, and a former officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” Leon Guerrero said. “He brings a wealth of experience and a lifelong commitment to preserving our CHamoru identity and protecting our lands.”
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