Awards, media coverage and recognition for local businesses making names for themselves in the region and beyond

Dusit Beach Resort Guam receives 2024 World Travel Award

The Dusit Beach Resort Guam received a 2024 World Travel Award. 

The award is open to properties by multiple regions, and reviews evaluation of service quality, facility standards, and overall guest experience. Awardees are selected by industry professionals and consumers, voting online. The beach resort’s sister property, Dusit Thani Guam Resort, was also among the nominees.

Congressman Sablan recognized by Triple J 

Congressman Gregorio “Kilili” Camacho Sablan was recognized by Triple J Enterprises Inc. for his 16-year service as the Northern Marianas Islands first elected representative to Congress. 

Community First re-certified as a Community Development Financial Institution

Community First Guam Federal Credit Union re-certified as a Community Development Financial Institution by the U.S. Department of the Treasury CDFI Funds. CDFIs are financial institutions that strive to meet the needs of the economically disadvantaged in underserved communities.

Judith Guthertz named vice president emerita

The University of Guam named Judith Guthertz as a vice president emerita in the Society of Emeritus Professors & Retired Scholars for her more than 50 years of service at UOG.

Artist showcases unique works

General Manager of Smithbridge Guam Alan Bell and his partner, Alice Blackley, hosted an opening reception for her latest art exhibition at Blackley’s studio in Tamuning on Feb. 16.

Born in New Zealand, Blackley has been in Guam for a year, and the exhibition includes pastels on cards and oil, pencil and charcoal works on canvas generated in Guam. Blackley works across various mediums and styles, but has an “underpinning love of landscape,” according to her biography.

Among her educational credentials Blackley holds a 1996 bachelors of fine arts from the Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland, a 1997 post-graduate diploma and a1998 master’s in arts from Goldsmiths College of the University of London. Goldsmith’s has an international reputation and high academic standards. 

Blackley has exhibited in New Zealand, Australia and London through the years. For more details see ww.aliceblackley.com and for more photos taken at the event see Photo Gallery at www.mbjguam.com.

Japanese American leaders now include representation from Guam 

Ten Japanese American leaders were due to travel to Japan from Feb. 28 to March 7 as part of the Japanese American Leadership Delegation. The group will engage with a wide range of Japanese leaders and intellectuals from the political, public, and private sectors.

Sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and organized by the U.S.-Japan Council, JALD cultivates a network for Japanese American and Japanese leaders at the regional, national, and international levels, a release says.

Jason B. Miyahshita, managing director and senior vice president of Raymond James in Guam, is a member of the delegation. The group will visit Hiroshima and Tokyo to meet with Japanese officials, the release says.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability, Sea Grant, and G3 unveil mural at Chamorro Village

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant along with the Guam Green Growth Initiative unveil a mural painted by Kamakanui’aha’ ilono Pilialoha Aquino at the Chamorro Village. 

McDonalds of Guam and Saipan recognized a number of employees at its Annual Guam Employee Appreciation Party

PFM Inc. named Top-Performing US. Construction Company by ABC 

Pacific Federal Management Inc. of Guam was ranked 89th on the Associated Builders and Contractors 2025 Top Performers list. ABC recognizes the association’s contractor members outstanding achievements in safety, quality, project excellence, and special designations.

Marshall Islands announces biological protection of two atolls 

The Marshall Islands named its first national marine sanctuary. The 48,000 square kilometer area encompasses two uninhabited atolls, Bikar and Bokak, which will be fully protected.