Letters

If I didn't know Robert Keith-Reid's column (August issue) was about the Solomon Islands, I would have thought he was writing about my own state in the Federated States of Micronesia. I mean it sounds so familiar that it could have been Chuuk, not the Solomons.

For example, he stated, "Democracy simply is not yet a viable proposition for the country" because it "has too few decent, capable people able to make sure that it works." How very true! Chuuk needs more educated and honest Chuukese if democracy is going to have a chance.

He went on further to say that the Solomon Islands is now "foundering." The same could be said of Chuuk where a lack of competency, talent and integrity have brought about a serious financial crisis that has plagued the state for years.

As in the Solomons, "western democratic practice" is no match for the powerful influence of Chuukese culture that permeates all levels of government. In Chuuk we have a saying, chuuk kei chok, which means do it the Chuuk way and everything else-regulations, procedures and the law-be damned.

Democracy has continued to be frustrated in Chuuk by politicians and bureaucrats alike who drain the treasury dry and do other questionable activities. Unfortunately, these people are still free today to do more damage because the government is either unwilling or unable to enforce law and order there. In fact, one could say there is no law and order of any kind as evidenced by recent events-and many complaints from the public.

I believe only Chuukese can undertake the necessary reforms that will improve governance and resolve the financial situation. Outsiders who have no stake in the land can affect temporary success by imposing their solutions, but only Chuukese can make lasting changes that will ensure a better future for their people. They cannot continue to blame others for their failures.

Kasio E. Mida
Honolulu, Hawaii

No-Choice Promotion

I found it telling to find a full color advertisement for the Won Pat Guam International Airport across from your article telling the sad tale of GovGuam's financial picture. Although the Airport Authority is always referred to as an "autonomous" group, it is a government-run agency, operating from taxes and fees.

Why it needs to spend dollars to promote itself is beyond my understanding. Air travelers have no choice other than to use it and few really care, as long as their basic needs are met for a few hours.

Promote Guam as a tourist destination, Yes! But the promotion of the airport itself serves little purpose, except to show that GovGuam's understanding of how to spend revenues responsibly is still a lesson to be learned.

K. R. Jeffcoat
Koror, PW

Identity Correction

Greetings from Fiji! The (July, 2003) story about our daughter, Katerina Martina Teaiwa, is much appreciated. May I just clarify an important point, however, regarding identity. My husband John identifies as a Banaban or Ocean Islander, a member of a group of people with a history associated with, but different from that of people of other Islands in the Republic of Kiribati, ie. Gilbertese or I-Kiribati, and from people in Fiji.

Joan Martin Teaiwa
Suva, Fiji