A youth group composed of young Federated States of Micronesia citizens is helping to address negative stereotyping as well as promote tolerance in Guam.
Natewined is a youth group organized by 23-year old Chuukese Eddie Nathan Winis.
The group includes like-minded individuals who hope that regional migrants are seen for bettering their lives rather than committing crimes and taking advantage of Guam’s public services.
Speaking to Guam Pacific Daily News Winis expressed that people still stereotype and is still talking negatively about Micronesians.
The group he established is not only aimed at addressing negative stereotyping, but as a way to keep Micronesian youth busy with afterschool activities and away from crimes, alcohol and drugs.
Winis stressed that, “there are Micronesians that give us a bad name, but I think people should always have an open mind that there are bad people in every race.”
Freely Associated States migrants from Palau, Marshall Islands and the FSM are reportedly putting a heavy and costly strain on public services in Guam, particularly in Department of Corrections.
Guam lawmakers are currently pushing for the enforcement of deportation laws to help reduce the costs of hosting criminals from the region.
