Former Governor of Guam, Paul McDonald Calvo

Former Governor of Guam, Paul McDonald Calvo, passed away last month at the age of 90. As a member of one of the most prominent CHamoru families, a longtime businessman, a political pioneer and founding member of Guam’s Republican party, he leaves behind a great legacy for the island.  

The eldest son of Eduardo “Jake” Calvo and Veronica Mariano McDonald, Governor Calvo was born in 1934 into a family with several pre-war businesses and known for political participation and advocacy. Calvo’s grand-father Tomas Anderson Calvo had been a member of the Guam Congress in 1917 and had encouraged the United States to provide democratic rights and self-government to the CHamoru people, at a time when the US Navy governed Guam.

After the war, Calvo graduated from George Washington High School, attended Peacock Military Academy in San Antonio, Texas and later earned a B.S. in Commerce in 1958 from Santa Clara University. Calvo’s father had been one of the founders of the Territorial Party after World War II. Calvo was first elected to I Liheslaturan Guåhan in 1964 as a Territorial candidate, but was part of its transition into the Guam Republican Party a few years later.  

In 1978, ran and won election to be the third elected I Maga’låhen Guåhan, with Joseph Ada as his running mate.  During his time as Guam’s Chief Executive, Calvo focused heavily on trying to attract new businesses to Guam, such as a tuna-fishing fleet, garment manufacturers and hotel development, and did increase Guam’s visitor numbers. One challenge that he faced was the Guam Federation of Teachers’ strike that lasted several months during his term.

One historic occurrence that lifted many spirits during his tenure, was the February 1981 visit of Pope John Paul II to Guam, which remains up until today the only time a Pope has visited Guam. During his time as governor, the conversation around Guam’s political status and decolonization was not as well-known, Calvo helped formally start this conversation by creating the Commission on Self-Determination during his time in office, which is the predecessor for today’s Commission on Decolonization.

Calvo unsuccessfully ran for re-election in 1982, and spent the remaining decades of his life dedicated to his family’s many business interests and his community work. Calvo was a member of many civic and business associations including: Elks Lodge, Rotary Club, Young Men’s League of Guam, Knights of Columbus, Guam Chamber of Commerce and the Agaña Cathedral Church Choir.

Calvo married Rosa Herrero Baza in 1956, they had eight children. One of their children, Eddie Baza Calvo, would follow his father’s path to serve as a Senator in I Liheslaturan Guåhan, and later be elected as I Maga’låhen Guåhan.

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