Opinion by Mayor Anthony Chargualaf
One of the things I enjoy most about living in Inalåhan is seeing people stop to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day. You see it along our roads, at our beaches, near our natural landmarks, and in places that many of us have passed by countless times. Visitors pull over to take pictures. Families stop to capture a moment together. Residents rediscover places where they grew up but may not have taken the time to truly admire. As someone who has called the south home, I know how special this island is. Growing up and living among the people of southern Guam reminds me every day that our villages are more than places on a map; they are where traditions and cultures are still practiced each day. That is why it has been encouraging to see efforts like the Guam Photo Hunt highlight the different places across our island. What I appreciate most is that it brings attention beyond the usual destinations and encourages people to explore our villages. It reminds us that the beauty of Guam is also found in the quiet roads, historic sites, and natural wonders our families have cherished for generations. I was proud to see Inalåhan’s Bear Rock recognized as the location of the first Guam Photo Hunt winner. Bear Rock is a familiar landmark for our community, and it represents the natural beauty and character of southern Guam. For many of us in Inalåhan, it is more than a landmark; it is part of the landscape of our memories, a place connected to family and our stories. More than just a photograph, these moments remind us of the importance of sharing our island with others. When visitors explore our villages, they experience more than scenery. They meet our people, learn our stories, and see the culture and hospitality that make Guam unique. They sometimes help us to see our island in fresh, new ways, much like the winning Bear Rock photo. Tourism has always been an important part of our island’s future, but it works best when the entire community is involved. When visitors come to Guam, we want them to experience not only our beaches and scenery, but also our kottura, our håfa adai spirit, and the kindness of our people. Seeing people take the time to stop, take a photo, and appreciate Guam’s beauty reminds us that we have something truly valuable here. Sometimes it takes seeing our island through someone else’s eyes to realize just how fortunate we are. We are blessed to call Guam home, and it is our responsibility to protect these places, share their stories, and pass them on to the generations who come after us – seeing our island through someone else’s eyes to realize just how fortunate we are. I hope these efforts continue to inspire residents and visitors to travel our roads, visit our villages, and discover the many places that make Guam home.