Letters
Letters To The Editor
In tune with tuna
Congratulations must be extended to Robert Keith-Reid and his publication Islands Business. Recent articles on tuna and the general fishing industry have shown very well researched statistical and dollar figures. Also Robert's article appearing in the Air Pacific in-flight magazine "Islands" was very informative and figures extremely accurate. Hats off there to Lenny Rodwell and his Forum Fisheries Agency staff for some obvious detailed input.
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I wrote of my disgust at the lack of quantification and detail in Islands Business a few years back. At that time it seemed the whole fishing debate (and resource debate for that matter) was bogged down by aid-funded scholarship types who theorised that "there was gold in them thar hills" and "abundant fish in these vast oceans". Massive statements, but we know that already. If these same scholarship academic types thought so strongly about the issue, and were so certain of the immense profit and reward, why don't they go into business? What is needed is more accurate figures to properly assess the feasibility and sustainability of the resource to the benefit of all parties. Islands Business' recent articles, with increased and more accurate data, are certainly a step in that direction. They enhance the knowledge of all lucky enough to be covered by the magazine's circulation.
Jason McIlvena,
jasonmc@blueskynet.as,
Australia
American Samoa condition
Your magazine should have a contest with your readership on which island state is the most corrupt. Some guidelines and criterion would first have to be set up. I am sure the United States territories would be the big winners, just too much money overflows out of the taxpayers coffers into the top local politicians pockets (ASG, not American Samoa Government but "All Sunia Government"). After all, there is no sheriff in town (no Federal court jurisdiction) and since our Uncle Sam is playing world cop, it's pretty easy to take the bacon here. Keep up the good work.
Jesse James McGuire,
American Samoa
