Scoops! A look at some of the exclusive stories and images that the Journal shared in 2025
BY MAUREEN N. MARATITA
Journal Staff
January 2025
Words matter: Serving the community in the courtroom
For individuals navigating the legal system in a language they don’t fully understand, interpreters play a vital role in ensuring justice.
The Judiciary of Guam’s Court Interpreter Registry Program provides interpreters in 19 languages, but shortages persist, particularly for rare languages like provincial Filipino dialects and Samoan.
The top 10 languages served include Chuukese, Tagalog, Pohnpeian, Korean, Mandarin, Yapese, Kosraean, Palauan, Japanese, and Russian. Interpreters can be requested for specific needs by contacting the Judiciary.
February 2025
How am I doing? The performance review unmasked
If there’s one thing that can make the whole team quiver — from managers to the lowest employee on the ladder — it’s performance reviews.
So much has been written about performance reviews that it’s breathtaking. Peter Drucker, the Austrian American management consultant — also known as “the father of modern management theory” wrote about the topic, and the Harvard Business Review has published books managers can turn to. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The subject has been widely studied for decades.
In-person meetings seem to show the best results, but employees are often dissatisfied with feedback, and performance reviews do not necessarily improve performance.
While it seems productive to provide immediate feedback to employees, few companies do so.
March 2025
What lies beneath: Chuuk Lagoon needs more oil clearance
Experts in Chuuk are warning that the state — and a vast swatch of the central Pacific — are at growing risk of an environmental catastrophe should the oil tanks rupture in one or more of the Japanese transport vessels that still litter the floor of the lagoon.
Eighty years after the surrender of Imperial Japanese forces on what was Tokyo’s most important naval base in the region during World War II, there have already been a series of small-scale leaks of fuel oil from the ships, which are corroding at a more rapid pace as nature takes its toll on their steel hulls.
Given the inevitability of the sunken ships breaking apart, experts are warning that steps need to be taken immediately to avoid the worst-case scenario of an estimated 30 million gallons of heavy fuel oil and diesel being spilled into the largely pristine waters of the lagoon.
April 2025
Fewer loans, fewer students: A picture of college in Guam
For many students, financial aid is the deciding factor in whether or not to attend college in Guam.
At the University of Guam, 89% of students receive some kind of financial aid and at Guam Community College, recent statistics put that number for Fall enrolled students at 46%.
At UOG, fewer students are receiving finance for their secondary education. Since 2017, total federal student loan disbursements have dropped by 56% or by $3.5 million, while other financial aid sources like federal grants and scholarships have remained relatively stable over the eight years.
But debt is a burden for students.
May 2025
Growing back Guam: Farming sees renewed interest
The number of farms in Guam is growing, alongside endeavors to further develop the farming industry.
Efforts are also taking place to address challenges, gather facts on farming today and promote sustainability.
Data from a 2023 census by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service was released April 24.
That puts the total value of sales at $6.16 million with each farm generating an average of $4,932
in revenue.
June 2025
Out-migration depopulates Marshall Islands at a continuous and alarming rate
Each week, the Marshall Islands Journal newspaper is filled with classified ads seeking skilled construction workers, accountants, and project managers. Nearly all these positions end up being filled by aliens.
In 14 years, the population has dropped 33%, with heavy out-migration among working age Marshallese and students.
In particular, skilled workers have left for jobs in the United States that pay significantly more than the minimum wage of $4 that prevails in the Marshall Islands.
Ada’s Trust & Investment Inc. celebrated its 45th Anniversary with a May 29 party at Three Squares Restaurant. Present were (from left) James Purviance; Maria Ada Bonnie, board member; Julia Purviance, sister of James; Frances Ada Purviance, board member and mother of James and Julia; Patricia P. Ada, vice president and chief financial officer and board member; Jennifer Ada; Carla P. Ada; board member; and Peter P. “Sonny” Ada, president and chairman of the board, and husband of Jennifer.
July 2025
Regional colleges evolve, but challenges still remain
Institutions of higher education in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau and the Marshall Islands are reshaping the educational landscape with new programs, expanded facilities, and community-focused initiatives. While some celebrate milestones, others face challenges, highlighting both the promise and the pressures facing higher education in the region.
This was the first in a series examining education across Micronesia.
August 2025
Going South: Southern villages face challenges
Southern Guam’s scenic coastlines and historical landmarks should be enough for the more adventurous and curious visitors to venture south. Especially with renewed interest in cultural heritage, and the rise of rental cars as tourists explore beyond Tumon.
Recent data from the Guam Visitors Bureau’s May 2025 exit survey showed that visitors from Korea and Japan continue to rate Guam highly, with 94% of Korean travellers saying they plan to return.
While Tumon remains a tourism hub, southern mayors and business told the Journal that more must be done to promote the authentic warmth and hospitality that define Guam’s hospitality.
Engineers with the 513th Expeditionary Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron Engineers Squadron painted "Leading the Way" on a bulldozer in Tinian, as homage to Air Force civil engineers in the region during the 1940s, as shown in the July 18 photo. The group was in Tinian to reclaim the runway for future construction.
September 2025
We’re having a party: Caterers on Guam are busy
These days, not everyone cooks for christenings, weddings, funerals, holiday parties, or other gatherings, whether hosted at home or in community venues. Many turn to caterers, restaurants, or hotels for prepared meats, baked goods, and complete buffet spreads.
Caterers told the Journal more families and businesses are relying on them than ever before, not only for birthdays and weddings, but also for funerals, rosaries, corporate meetings, and team-building events.
October 2025
A brave new world: Business openings in Saipan
SAIPAN — Despite the uncertain economic times, several brave souls on Saipan have taken the leap to set up their own businesses — from electronics and pet grooming to poke bowls, barbecue, and smoked meats.
November 2025
Drive slow: Road and bridge construction lies ahead
Guam will experience several major construction projects in the next few years — possibly beginning from as early as the end of December this year, according to Vincent P. Arriola, director of the Guam Department of Public Works.
“We’ve finished a good four or five big projects the last couple of years. We’ve got one ongoing and are ramping up on maybe four new big ones,” he said.
According to Journal files, about $280.9 million in federal funds will be used to harden Defense Access Roads that essentially connect U.S. military installations in Guam, stretching from Andersen Air Force Base to Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz to Naval Base Guam.
(From left) Penny Satae, meat merchandizer; Michael Calma, meat merchandizer; Michael Mindel, meat supervisor; and Tommy Guerrero, meat supervisor. The four members of the Meat Department were working at Sinajana Pay-Less Supermarket on Nov. 29. The store held its soft opening on Nov. 21 and its grand re-opening will be held on Dec. 6.
December 2025
Rising cost meets rising crime
According to the latest crime statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Guam saw increases in both violent and property crime in recent months.
The FBI reported a 19.7% rise in property crime from January 2024 to January 2025, while violent crime increased by about 7%.
However, sales of security products have varied between commercial and residential customers. mbj
