Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Mar-Vic Cagurangan publisher @ pacificislandtimes . com |
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Contributing Writers Raquel Bagnol Rocky Coloma Zaldy Dandan Theodore Lewis Brian Manabat Joyce McClure Gabriel McCoard Jack Niedenthal Alex Rhowuniong Jayvee Vallejera Frank Whitman Aline Yamashita |
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The CHamoru term “ inafa ’ maolek ” refers to the concept of restoring harmony or order , a hallmark of Guam ’ s values and a gift from CHamoru ancestors , which we are squandering . There have been several moments these days when we could not recognize our island . The past two years , for example , were marred by convulsive bickering over plans to build a new hospital ( reminiscent of the Guam Museum , which took more than 10 years to build .)
The clashing opinions over the hospital site has taken a new legal twist , with Attorney General Douglas Moylan bringing the case to the federal court to challenge the governor ’ s use of federal funds . The lawsuit compromised the federal money and posed another barrier to the hospital project , according to the governor ’ s office .
But , perhaps , the legal route wouldn ’ t
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have been necessary had Gov . Lou Leon Guerrero been transparent instead of resorting to “ back-door deals ” with the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority . Surely she was kidding herself when she thought the legislature would let it slide , given its own disposition to protect its turf . How hard is it to open up , seek the legislature ’ s involvement and employ a little charm to convince the senators that her plan , as she claims , is ideal ? Disdain begets disdain .
It ‘ s a new year . A new calendar comes with a fresh start . Both the executive and legislative branches ought to look back , assess where they often failed and how to restore inafa ’ maolek .
During the 37th Guam Legislature ’ s lame duck session , Guam senators deliberated for hours toward censuring Sen . William Parkin-son over the infamous “ lewd gesture ” directed at Sen . Joanne Brown during a session in October .
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It ’ s unfortunate that the remaining sessions were focused on reinstituting decorum , which shouldn ’ t have been discarded to begin with . Why was it hard for Senator Parkinson to say “ sorry ”? It could ’ ve mitigated the hysterics and saved precious time in the session hall , where more pressing issues could have been tackled . But let ’ s leave these regrets in 2024 .
Decorum : let ’ s add that to your New Year ’ s resolutions .
Guam is entering a new era , with the Republican Party taking a majority control of the 38th Guam Legislature . Speaker Frank Blas Jr . promises frugality and civility and “ to bring back the confidence the people should have in this legislature . That ’ s the first thing .”
It ’ s 2025 . This is a time to reflect , celebrate our triumphs and accomplishments and toss away our shenanigans . Now begins a new era with , hopefully , bright prospects ahead .
Happy New Year !
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