What we have this month

Our Cover

Federal unemployment programs are coming to an end . Now what ?

Covid Update

Third wave sweeps Guam back to square one

Pacific Reflections

When ‘ free association ’ becomes a loose phrase

VOL . 5 GUAM • PALAU CNMI • FSM NO . 09

$ 1.25

SEPTEMBER 2021

THE HUNT FOR

CNMI

The Article 12 conundrum : A discourse on ancestral lands www . pacificislandtimes . com

When federal unemployment benefits expire 16-18

From the Publisher ’ s Desk A balancing act : Collective goal vs individuals rights 4

Brief Chat Benjamin Cruz : OPA ’ s hands are tied 6

Insights
Views from the Trench : Minimizing harm 7
These Islands : Remember September	8
Pacific Reflections : Is “ free ” just a word on paper ?	9
Tall Tales : Taxes and Insular Case	10
Yes & Know : Leo on the radio	11
Variations : Fairy tale politics	12

Environment No tourists , no trash , no cash 13 The plastic solution to Guam ’ s plastic problem 14

Public health The Covid battle : Public health vs . freedom of choice 15

Technology
Tides : Paperless forms	20
Converge : What makes cryptocurrency a big thing	21

CNMI Article 12 revisited 22

Around the Pacific
Ancient resourcefulness	23
PMA soaring into the 21st century	24
How the pandemic hinders the Yap murder trial ?	25
Endangered species further endangered	25
Refreshing American soft power in the Pacific islands	26

Philippines The last bastion of anti-divorce policy takes a huge step forward 27

Life
Lessons : The power of smile	28
Daydream : Behind the pull-on stilettos and luxury labels	29
Bookshelf : When Women Heal : overcoming trauma	29

Art Art Therapy 30