Rebuilding after Yutu

It’s a given the economy would dip from destruction of a superstorm. Most basic infrastructure here are totaled and would take time to rebuild. The physical damage has adversely affected even the normal conduct of business here.

Yet we have begun rebuilding in earnest. With resilience we should return to normalcy soon.

It is rumored that shipment of CUC-ordered materials might be delayed out of California. Remember the golden state recently dealt with humongous forest fire that destroyed a lot of homes. It’s also rebuilding!

Meanwhile, it means far more for far less and must diligently guard how we spend scarce fiscal resources. Any shift or change is hard so you could imagine rebuilding revenue losses.

Businesses need time to rebuild before rebounding. Despite the hardship let’s look forward with a sense of optimism.

Our thanks to FEMA, the military and other organizations that helped immediately after the storm, passing water and food in the villages. Si yuus maase`!

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Sunset: Sailing into the sunset highlights the grand golden glow reflected in the silvery waters around the lagoon. Instantly, you are engulfed in that majestic dome-like setting, humbled by the sheer beauty of paradise even as an islander.

It’s a picturesque scene from shore, reef, and beyond. I’ve watched the sunset spread its tentacles far and wide while fishing in the lagoon. Love the Beach Road drive when the golden glow leaves to break another dawn across the sea.

Yes, we take our sunset for granted. This is because we see it throughout the course of the year. But if you live in Texas or Tokyo, you get an appreciation of our colorful sunset while rainbow chases rain-forming clouds at a distance.

Take a picture of it and send it to friends across the country. You’d be surprised at their reaction and likely ask for an enlarged version to place in their living room.

I’ve seen a lot of Nippon visitors taking photo snaps of the lovely sunset, giggling and comparing who captured the best. It was our visitors who found our beautiful golden sunset a real feature of the island. Evidently, have you seen the sunset?

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Shore: The vast lagoon runs the entire stretch of the shoreline on the western side of the island. It’s good fishing and playground for locals and visitors alike.

Fishermen fish for family dietary needs while visitors have water sports activities that keep them gathering prestigious suntan.

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Luff: I was looking for the mayor on one of the islands for a casual visit. The secretary related that he’s out on “luff land,” learning a new theme song.

No surprise that folks around town have heard the mayors rehearsing their rendition of For Me and My Gal, dwarfing music greats like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Said Magoo, “Eh, with a young catch I’d do it right or she’d be looking for another mayor!” Mayor who?

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Tinian: We know that our brothers and sisters on Tinian had to endure the brutal destruction of Yutu. A lot of homes were destroyed, including farms and businesses and had to begin anew.

Powerful storms are especially hard on islanders who farm for a living. Hoping too that local and federal agencies have extended a helping hand so they could get back on their feet.

The destruction itself takes a lot of work to clear, clean, and prepare for another round of planting. Most should ably regain their tracks in about six months to a year’s time.

Small: I’ve been to many countries near and far and counties across the fruited plain. I’ve visited small farm and island communities where folks share and care for one another unlike huge cities.

It’s the close-knit relationship that is most appealing and how they come together as a community when something needs to be done. It’s the culture of help and share that stands out prominently. It’s an indelible part of our island culture, too.

I’ve seen it all over island nations in the Pacific. It’s most admirable how folks voluntarily pitch-in. It’s a hallmark of small communities all over where unity and generosity are a way of life.

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A belated felis noche buena to one and all! Si JR & family!