The job of a moderator is never an easy one.

PLAIN ENGLISH

Maureen N. Maratita

But you would think that after a year of virtual events, we would have all learned to “mute” and turn off our video cams if we are not speaking.

At the virtual CNMI Industry Day held on March 23 and March 24, the request to mute and turn off video cams was clearly featured on the screen and repeated at appropriate intervals to all attendees. The polite request fell on some deaf ears.  …

 

Glenna SP Reyes, the highly professional special assistant for military affairs to the governor is an example to all moderators of virtual events. By Day 2 of the CNMI Industry Day — hosted by the NMI’s PTAC office, NAVFAC Marianas, and NAVFAC Pacific — Glenna was clearly grinding her teeth at the disorderly conduct, especially with all those important prime contractors waiting to present (nine of them according to NAVFAC Marianas.)

“We have a hot mic,” Glenna said — like we couldn’t all hear the lively music in somebody’s background (at 8 a.m., mind you) AND see whoever that was on their patio in a tracksuit and baseball cap. One attendee took a phone call on air. (Such a pity we only heard one side of it.)

“We have a hot mic,” said Glenna yet again and finally resorted to public shaming and naming names. That worked like a charm…

 

  I assume that every event organizer inevitably has a checklist somewhere so that the little things are not forgotten among all the excitement.

At the March 27 rock concert at Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi arena the checklist apparently included “Test attendees for COVID.”

The 5,000 music fans had a choice of three venues in Barcelona where they could get tested and were required to wear masks inside the venue (but not social distance, though the Sant Jordi can seat upwards of 16,000). The event and entry requirements were government approved, with masks and the test included in the ticket price, and those with various medical conditions were asked not to sign up.

Attendees received their test results in about 15 minutes, via an app on their phones, according to media reports. The testing did snag a few positive cases, who received a refund. …

 

Here in Guam, I know there is a sizeable birthday party coming up within weeks where — aside from any now-commonplace temperature check — attendees will only receive an invite if they have been immunized. A party is as good a reason as any for getting your shots.

Whatever inspires you. …

Will COVID tests or proof of immunization be ‘a thing’ at community events?

It is possible. You already need a COVID test to fly to certain destinations if you want to avoid quarantine, so that additional cost of pay to play is here. And it certainly has not put people off vacationing in Hawaii. It’s a small thing really among all the other usual hassles before you can enjoy time away. …

 

In the meantime, the first employer has asked, nay — required employees to get immunized. That would be the government of the Northern Mariana Islands. Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres wisely sought the counsel of the attorney general and is apparently within his legal rights. …

 

— Maureen N. Maratita is the publisher at Glimpses Media. Publications at Glimpses Media include the Marianas Business Journal, MBJ Life, The Real Estate Journal, Guam Business Magazine, Beach Road Magazine, Buenas and Drive Guam.