Gone too soon
FOR many of us, it may be hard to feel thankful on Thanksgiving. It has been a dreary week. As of Tuesday, there had been 313 new Covid-19 cases since Oct. 28th, and it seems that each day, more individuals are testing positive for the coronavirus.
And now we learn that two of the island’s esteemed long-time residents have passed away: Maya Kara and Eli Arago.
As legal counsel to the CNMI’s top elected officials in the executive and legislative branches, Maya was trusted because she was knowledgeable and proficient. As administrative hearing officer of CNMI Labor and the Retirement Fund, she was fair and principled. She was a valuable public servant. In private practice with her husband and law partner Bruce Mailman, she was a primary source of facts and clarity amid the confusion and uncertainty in the early days of the transition to the federal immigration system. Maya, moreover, was a loving wife, a doting mother, a gracious friend.
Like Maya, Eli Arago was seemingly tireless. He could have retired years ago after decades of diligently working for one of the private sector’s largest employers, but he chose to carry on so he could also continue serving the local community through various projects which included disaster-response, help for young students and the indigent, the promotion of sports and other recreational and health-related activities. He was, above all, helpful. He didn’t have to, but he volunteered to become the Philippine government’s honorary (unpaid) consul to the CNMI. That is not an easy job. But because they admired and respected him, other civic-minded community members gladly joined Eli to perform volunteer work to the best of their abilities.
As we mourn the passing of Maya and Eli — two of the community’s irreplaceable and cherished members — we should also remind ourselves that we have had the good fortune of knowing them and working with them. And for that alone, we are most grateful.
Stay safe
IN April 2020, FEMA projected that in the following month, there could be 6,500 cases of Covid-19 in the CNMI, and 470 cases serious enough to require hospitalization. We could suffer about 377 casualties, according to FEMA.
Since March 2020, there have been three Covid-19 related deaths in the CNMI. And amid the recent spike in the number of positive cases, there were, as of Wednesday, 200 active cases and two active hospitalization as a result of Covid-19.
We also have to point out — sadly — that many other jurisdictions and countries are dealing with truly alarming increases in the number of people with coronavirus infections, including those who are fully vaccinated.
Until we’ve somewhat tamed this highly contagious virus, we have to comply with the recommended safety measures. Those who are eligible should consider getting vaccinated or booster shots. But consult your doctor first.
Politics has tainted and distorted any and all discussion about public policies, including those involving the CNMI’s Covid-19 response, but it should be beyond dispute that local and federal health and other authorities are working nonstop to ensure our safety. And that’s another reason to be thankful in this season of disquiet.
