At this moment, the number of continentals is augmented by those working on the runway project and the paving of the road to Anakena. Our sources say that workers from the mainland were brought in because they work for less pay than the locals. Direct TV will soon be available on the island. A new kindergarten has been built, separate from the island's school. It is located near the church and the Hogar de Menores.
Construction is on going at the regular school, presumably an upgrade on the classrooms.
An extensive item in El Mercurio for 25 February denounced the current economic depression on Rapa Nui and accused the continentals of abandoning the island. The Mayor further noted that students are not prepared for secondary education, have no technical capacity and, after school, there is little future which leads to a high incidence of alcoholism. There is no center for treatment, no psychologists, psychiatrists, nor counselors. All students study Rapanui but there are no books in the language. I don't know when, but we will.