Get Murdered Here
Guam Memorial Hospital is the microcosm of the Government of Guam. Everything about the hospital is happening literally and metaphorically. Why paint a picture when we have literally built that which is the short-lived novel that is GMH. Built in 1964, about six years prior to when we started electing our governors, the hospital was probably a state-of-the-art institution and the island’s population was a little under 90,000. Today, we have the same hospital with maybe improved capabilities contained in a failing facility that can barely meet the needs of its employees, let alone the patients they serve. Just like the rest of our government can barely provide for the many officials, representatives, and employees, and fails to serve the people who fund them.
Months ago, the viral video broke of a water pipe bursting, flooding the floor beneath it. The worst part about it, while unacceptable, no one was surprised. Most of our residents have been in this facility, whether it be to visit someone who was there, or for themselves. We have seen the elevator struggle to function, the mildew (or was that black mold?) on the walls, and don’t get me started with the outside. Yet, this is merely one instance. Look at any government building--they look terrible. Our roads, while we see some improvements, continue to suffer from poor construction (thanks CoreTech). It is like our officials continue to build with no maintenance plan.
Patients come in and can simply leave without paying a dime. They have found ways to try and recoup the money, like garnishing tax refunds, but continue to haemorrhage money. Its to the point they have to forgive the money that is owed. Now we have a new bill that will levy a tax on vapes, and that money will in turn help GMH. Remember when then-gubernatorial candidate Lou Leon Guerrero promised to improve collections? Guess what was meant that they would find other ways to collect new money you don’t owe yet.
Now we are faced with the issue of how to save the hospital. Its no surprise that nothing has been done. The same tune has been played over and over. There is no doubt that a new hospital needs to be built. In fact, its time to privatize it. Yet, no one can come to an agreement. Where should they put the hospital? Who gives a fuck. If the area is sound and a solid foundation can be built, build the damn thing.
One thing is definitely clear – our elected officials are incapable to fix it and they don’t care. Sometimes its one or the other. This time, its both. Furthermore, if they can’t do something as urgent and necessary as the hospital, how much can you expect them to do anything else? Our schools couldn’t open on time this year. (By the way, this is not new. Guam Department of Education has always been in a state of disrepair. This whole issue with sanitation is not a sign that the schools are getting worse, its a sign that Public Health is finally doing its job.) Our roads get built up only to be cut up, repaired, and back to its original state five to ten years later. Our utilities are more expensive, not improving, and the only band-aid they have found is to give us a $100 credit.
Our island is falling apart just like our hospital. I think when they said GMH stands for Get Murdered Here was not referring to the hospital – it was referring to Guam as a whole.