Court Interpreter Program Basic Skills Workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             Contact: Geri Cepeda, Acting PIO
October 26, 2021                                                               671-477-7623
 
 
Court Interpreter Program Basic Skills Workshop
Two-Day Virtual Training this Thursday and Friday
(Hagåtña, Guam) –The Judiciary of Guam Court Interpreter Registry Program (CIRP) will hold a two-day Basic Skills Workshop, on Thursday and Friday, October 28 and 29, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days.  The training is free of charge, and will be held via Zoom (virtual platform).
To be eligible to serve as a court interpreter, interested persons must:

• Be at least 18 years or older;
• Be eligible to work in the United States;
• Speak English and at least one other language;
• Have completed high school or equivalent (GED);
• Not have a record of a felony conviction; and
• Submit an application to the CIRP office.

Those who complete the CIRP Basic Skills Workshop and are eligible to serve as court interpreters hold an important role in ensuring fairness and access to justice.  Registered interpreters may be asked to interpret for various court hearings, and may also provide services with non-courtroom matters. They have a special opportunity to serve the community and help persons with limited English proficiency. 
The CIRP currently has about 40 registered interpreters who are actively providing services, according to David Welle, the Language Assistance Manager of the Judiciary’s CIRP Program.  These court interpreters speak a wide range of languages, but there is a need for interpreters with skills in Korean, Pohnpeian, Chuukese, and Tagalog.  To apply to the CIRP, complete the application, which is available at: http://www.guamcourts.org/Forms/images/2013_01_23_InterpreterApplicationForm.pdf. 
 
For more information about the workshop and CIRP Program, contact Mr. Welle at (671) 475-3299 or dwelle@guamcourts.org.