Its the economy, stupid?

The Tinian economy is in a state of flux. It is hard to know if it is getting worse, or beginning to get better. One sees and hears a about a lot of activity going on, especially with the new casinos coming, and even, perhaps, the Marines coming to the island. On the other hand, one also sees businesses closing. For example, the paper had a story that the gas station and store located by the SN-5 is closing (SN-5 is the shipping company on island--almost everything that gets shipped from Saipan to Tinian comes via SN-5). There are also rumors that the Koreans are going to purchase the Dynasty Casino. The casino has been having some rough times, with tourism decreasing. Their staff has been reduced, some restaurants have closed, etc., all in an attempt to cut costs.

The boat they have been working on since we first moved to the island is taking shape. It looks to be another freighter that could be used for shipping freight between islands.

This is what it will look like when done? Perhaps. This is one of SN-5's boats

A group of tourists get ready to go out scuba-diving and/or fishing. There were also a couple of fishermen on the dock catching a few small fish.

The ferry has cut down the number of times it crosses to Saipan. Now there is one voyage a day to Saipan, at 1pm, and one return trip, at 5pm. If you miss the boat, you are out of luck until the next day.

This small store that has sit idle for years is being worked on. Men were removing the old corrugated metal roof, and will install a new metal roof. This could only mean one thing--someone is going to use the building for something--perhaps a new store or restaurant?

The roadwork continues. They have been removing the existing asphalt paving, and then grading the road.

Now it is just a wider, dirt road. It no longer has the large potholes in it, but it does get dirty!

The work on the home? next to Tinian High school continues. which reminds me, school is back in session now.

I discovered another little prayer chapel along the road. Not sure what it is used for. Perhaps on special occasions?

Here is another--possibly. It looks like the other one, but I always thought it was one of the 'bus stops' that had been build around the island...don't know for sure.

All in all life on Tinian doesn't change a lot, or quickly, just slow island life.