Merizo, Guam


Merizo, is the southernmost village in the United States territory of Guam. Cocos Island is a part of the municipality. The village's population has decreased since the island's 2000 census.

History

During the first Spanish missionary efforts on Guam, Merizo was the site of resistance encouraged by Choco, a Chinese resident of the village. The parish of Merizo was the second established by the Spanish on Guam. A large population of Chamorros from the Mariana Islands were relocated to the village during Spanish rule.
The village covers an area of and is located on the shore below the volcanic hills of southern Guam. Places of interest for visitors include Merizo Bell Tower, and Merizo Pier where ferries can be taken to Cocos Island Resort. Several popular dive sites are located off Merizo's coast.

Contamination of lagoon

Officials from the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Public Health and Social Services and the Coast Guard announced findings of major polychlorinated biphenyl contamination in the Cocos Lagoon on February 20, 2006 and warned people not to eat fish caught there. The contamination is believed to have come from a United States Coast Guard station which operated on Cocos Island from 1944-1963.

Climate


Education

Primary and secondary schools

Public schools

serves the island.
Merizo Martyrs Elementary School in Merizo and Inarajan Middle School in Inarajan serve Merizo.
Southern High School in Santa Rita serves the village.

Public libraries

operates the Merizo Library at 376 Cruz Avenue.

Recreation

Water sport crafts can be rented near Merizo Pier. The pier is also a great fishing spot.

Mayor of Merizo