Ceremony for Angel Santos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2009

Nasion Chamoru – A candlelight vigil will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 6:00pm at the Angel L.G. Santos’ Latte Stone Park in Hagatna, Guam. Tomorrow marks Angel Santos’ 50th birthday and we will honor his life by coming together as an island community, to include a viewing of his life through his words. The entire island community is welcome to attend the service.

The late Senator Angel L.G. Santos sparked a movement of Chamoru consciousness that has lasted since his untimely passing in 2003. He has been credited with taking the risk of defying both local and federal government authorities and altering the thinking of the Chamoru people. He fought for the implementation of the Chamoru Land Trust Act, the return of excess federal lands, uncovered toxic wastes on private property kept quite by military authorities, wrote and lectured on the social injustices of the Chamoru people, and championed human rights especially for Indigenous Peoples from around the globe.

Santos died soon after spending half a year in a Federal Prison for a misdemeanor that of clearing the land his grandfather once owned but taken away by the Federal Government. His lasting legacy continues on through his words reminding us that

“We cannot be passive or silent when human beings endure suffering or humiliation. We must step forward and take sides.

We must assist immediately. At times, we may fail. At times, we may make mistakes. But we must never make the mistake of failing to try. People deserve nothing less.”

Santos is survived by his family and his children, Angel Ray Anthony Santos, IV, Sheila Marie Santos Indalecio, Christopher Ray Pangelinan Santos, Vanessa Joy Gumataotao Santos, Francince Nicole Gumataotao Santos (deceased), Brandon Scott Gumataotao Santos, Maga'Lahi Taga Hurao Santos-Salas, Ke’puha Hirao Santos-Salas, Sosanbra Elisha Santos-Salas.