The CHamoru term “inafa’ maolek” refers to a 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 have 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 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 spent hours justifying censuring Sen. William Parkinson over the infamous “lewd gesture” directed at Sen. Joanne Brown during a session in October. 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 have mitigated the hysterics and saved precious time in the session hall, where more pressing issues could have been tackled. But let’s leave those 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 the 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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