Senators questioned Guam Visitors Bureau officials Tuesday about the island’s slow tourism recovery, the decision to participate in the Great American State Fair and allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation at the bureau.
During an oversight hearing at the legislature, GVB President Regine Biscoe Lee told senators that arrivals have slowed because of Typhoon Sinlaku in April and record fuel prices because of the war with Iran.
Sen. Jesse Lujan, who chairs the committee overseeing tourism, asked about the bureau’s participation in the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.
He said the event cost Guam $220,400, including $91,900 for staffing, airfare, per diem and car rental for 15 staff.
Lujan noted that several states opted not to participate in the fair or to use contractors to run their exhibits.
He asked if any Guam organizations in the D.C. area were considered to represent Guam.
“We’re sending 15 people. You know, this is a field trip for GVB. Fifteen folks. Who approved this travel and participation, and who in GVB is responsible for determining the return on investment for this event?”
Biscoe Lee said the GVB board approved the trip. She said the agency was chosen to represent Guam, and the fair runs seven days a week for about three weeks.
She said many national influencers are at the event, and GVB “really did see this as an opportunity to share Guam’s story with the nation as it celebrates its 250th birthday.”
The agenda for Tuesday’s hearing called for discussion on “pending litigation, administrative claims, grievances, or employment-related matters subject to attorney-client privilege and any applicable legal limitations on public discussion.”
On June 1, an employee filed a federal civil suit against the agency, stating that she had been sexually harassed and sexually assaulted by former GVB President Carl Gutierrez on work trips and at the agency’s offices.
She accused the agency of maintaining a culture of sexualized misconduct, abuse of authority, intimidation, retaliation, and tolerance of inappropriate behavior.
Gutierrez was not named as a defendant in the $61.5 million lawsuit.
Biscoe Lee said at the beginning of the hearing that the agency had been advised by legal counsel not to comment on pending personnel matters or litigation before the courts.
“We hope the committee understands that this position protects both the legal process and the rights of everyone involved,” she said.
Senators still had questions. Lujan said a $61.5 million lawsuit would bankrupt the agency.
“What is the board’s plans to protect public funds, maintain operations and ensure that this does not further distract from tourism recovery?”
Biscoe Lee said GVB had a letter from legal counsel “and we cannot comment on this further at this time.”
He asked if GVB officials could “sit here today and honestly tell this committee that after the harassment was reported, there was no retaliation?”
Biscoe Lee said the agency “has undertaken prompt corrective action per its policies in response to the allegations. The bureau engaged in an independent off-island investigator to conduct a thorough review of the allegations, as well as the bureau's policies and procedures, and its response to the allegations as required by law, and called for it in our anti-harassment policies and procedures.”
“The extensive effort to address the allegations gives GVB confidence that it's in compliance with relevant and applicable laws and regulations, and beyond that, Mr. Chair, GVB cannot comment further on any ongoing litigation at this time,” she said.
Lujan continued the line of questioning.
“Did GVB reassign, replace, demote, remove duties from, change reporting lines for, isolate or otherwise alter the employee's role or working conditions after the complaint was made?” he asked.
Biscoe Lee offered a similar response.
“GVB remains deeply committed to maintaining a workplace that's built on respect and dignity for every employee,” she said. “GVB maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment at any level, and will continue to address all such allegations with full seriousness. We cannot comment further on any ongoing litigation at this time.”
