Archaeological dig in Garapan

We’ve listened to voices of the indigenous people who thirst to learn of their ancestral history in the ancient burial ground in Garapan. Simultaneously, Best Sunshine desires to fast-track construction of its integrated casino plans. We could make this a win-win situation.

It’s easy to move from point A to B if BSI listens to timely and fitting advice. A scientific archaeological study was undertaken earlier. This hasn’t been completed because of the lack of funds to see it through. Picking it up where the project ended and seeing it through to completion won’t require incurring cost of over a million dollars.

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. BSI could consult with the local archaeological firm to negotiate a deal that turns the undertaking into a major contribution to our indigenous community.

The idea of a non-scientific dig—plans to wrap recovery of skeleton and historical items—isn’t going to do justice to the project before it. I seriously doubt that the planned “world class” archaeological group could prepare credible data analysis on all findings. As such, there’s the chance to ignore what the indigenous people wish to learn from the digging of an ancient burial ground.

Data recovery has to be scientific so we know the ancient history of ancestors buried in the site and what’s behind artifacts in relationship to the folks in the burial ground. Mr. Mike Fleming of Swift Harper Archaeological Consultant has very interesting information explained in his piece. I was able to secure initial understanding of what may have happened then.

I find SHARC’s work, pending final completion, sufficient for both the indigenous people and BSI. The local firm has been on this project for more than 15 years. All that BSI needs to do is pay the fees to cover expenses already incurred and the balance of the project. I’m sure it won’t take a million dollars to wrap up this aspect of the plan.

Doing so grants the indigenous people a peace of mind including BSI enabling the latter to fast track its project quicker than by reinventing the wheel.

Culture v. success
Among renowned professionals in education and culture, a question was raised whether culture is a plus or minus in determining the future success of a child. Indeed, it looks like a thorny and heavy issue that would require critical review. However, it merits healthy discussion.

Took an in-depth look at issues in my culture that would have derailed my determination to move ahead some 40 years ago. Did my lingo hold me back or wasn’t it the primacy of my spirit and being as a sibling of these pearly isles?

Were farming and fishing aberrant deterrents? Nope! These were foundational pillars upon which was founded the cultural tradition of our people. It became a tool we’ve honed and the vehicle we hitched on learning survival in the heavy and mind numbing depression of the ’60s. Culture was the foundation of our growth and development as students.

What then was the key issue in the eventual success of most kids in career development in subsequent years? There’s the convenient excuse of poverty derailing poor kids from succeeding in school. But isn’t the greater truth found in how families shape their children’s prospect more profoundly than what anyone else could do?

I grew up in abject poverty and had to slug it out day and night to exit its filthy swamp. Yes, there was painful fog of the hard though golden days of yesteryears. But it made us better people going through the grind of abject poverty, daily. We wanted to succeed and we did! It was one well-earned trophy in what seemed a never-ending journey.

Asians that now make up more of new migrants across the country have placed the highest premium in the education of their children. Only until they graduate from college could they get parental kudos. I’ve seen this too among Japanese, Chinese and Korean friends. Their goal is the education of their children. They walk the extra mile each day to support the education of their kids.

Now, could we claim the same in placing primacy in the education of our children? Or is it an inconsequential issue to deal with when we find time for it? Reset your buttons and place a high premium in the education of your children. Only you as parents could help them set their goals to navigate life after mom and dad (LAMD).

Is culture a deterrent? It isn’t! It is our foundation! It’s a personal assertion and I’m interested in reading your take on this issue. It’s healthy to start discussion on this and other issues of significance that shape the future of our young people.