My fellow countrymen are a sturdy lot, perfectly capable of soldiering on through the cold, rain and biting wind. But heat surges have them wilting (or worse), and the air conditioning industry is definitely having a moment.
On July 5, the BBC quoted an air conditioning engineer as expecting the air conditioning supply to run dry throughout the U.K. His company received 900 enquiries in the week prior, compared to up to 30 in a “normal” week.
The first dinner my husband and I had with my brother and our sister-in-law (in an air-conditioned restaurant) during our stay began with a discussion on our AC system and available options in Guam, swiftly moving to potential systems for their home.
Apart from the heat, topics of conversation in the pub included what we think of President Donald Trump. We were similarly interested in opinions of incoming British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. A new leader in the U.K foreshadows what will happen in Guam. One way or another we will have a new governor, with a new cabinet, and we’ll see who makes it into the 39th Guam Legislature.
But as any politician knows, interest is focused on how policies will affect businesses and individuals.
As I write, Burnham has announced that pubs, clubs and live music venues in England will receive a 20% discount on their business rates bills. The hospitality industry is calling for similar measures.
In Guam the plan to reduce the Business Privilege tax to 4% survived (so far). Burnham aims to reduce the cost of living and has announced first measures — which include cutting the tax on the cost of electricity. (More measures are promised for retailers and small businesses.) In Guam, the Ukadu Power Plant was going to reduce cost and rolling blackouts. We all saw how that went after Typhoon Bavi, and the blackout schedule for villages appeared once more as our power system was on its own road to recovery.
The new U.K. government is of course being questioned on funding, always a discussion in Guam at budget time.
When the tax reduction for pubs was announced, the prime minister and his chancellor (the money man) were shown enjoying a pint of beer and mingling with delighted pub goers, who now expect to benefit, duly covered by English media.
Photos of the new PM were ready on 10 Downing Street’s site and Flicker Feed, conveniently available for download. His first speech on the steps of his new home was a little over eight minutes and given without notes.
We’ll see what measures our future governor will take to ease our economic burdens.
As we drove here and there, I enjoyed one of the simple pleasures you don’t get (or need) in Guam — a talking GPS with helpful hints, such as, “Traffic camera ahead.” Our invisible friend not only warned that a delay on the motorway (freeway) was coming up; she added, “You’re still on the best route.” mbj
— Maureen N. Maratita is the publisher at Glimpses Media. Glimpses Media includes the Marianas Business Journal, Guam Business Magazine, The Guam Guide, Wave 105.1 FM, Power98 and Route99.
