Every year since 1987 for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and since 1995 for the Republic of Palau, there has been a Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting across the Pacific. Annually, Pacific Islands Forum members (there are 18 including New Zealand and Australia) send their leaders along with delegations (because they can't travel alone) to spend a couple of days and thousands of dollars in a series of meetings that are designed to shape policy and create what the Pacific Islands Forum calls " fostering cooperation between governments, collaboration with international agencies, and by representing the interests of its members".
The "interests of its members", eh? Well, then please honor the Gentlemen's agreement to rotate the leadership of this regional organization among the members. Here is a quote from a letter sent to the forum from Micronesian leadership regarding this:
“We emphasize our regional understanding that it is the Micronesia sub-region’s turn in rotation to submit a candidate to be the next Secretary General”.
It's our turn, or let's just say good-bye.
The last Secretary-General from Micronesia... and I'm talking the 'North Pacific' countries of FSM, RMI or Palau, has been never. It was said by one of the candidates that leadership of the Forum is needed at this point. This is true, leadership, AND respect.
The expected repatriation of FSM citizens from the Marshall Islands has been canceled until further notice. This happened as a result of two reported positive COVID-19 cases at the Kwajalein Military Base. The cases were identified in quarantine and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands has issued public announcements to remain calm and assure their citizens that this is NOT a community transmission.
This is truly a shame. Our fellow Micronesian country is now a COVID-19 infected location. The flights into Kwajelein directly from the USA never stopped. It's amazing it went this long, and a good thing that it was not a community transmission. Only 20 minutes away by boat is one of the most densely populated areas - Ebeye. It would be a nightmare to have COVID-19 land on those shores.
We should be down to about ten countries that remain COVID-19 free today. In Micronesia, this includes the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of Palau, Republic of Nauru, and the Republic of Kiribati.
Over in the U.S. Colony of Guam, the COVID-19 cases continue to rise. According to the Pacific Daily News, an 82-year-old woman is the 77th COVID19 related fatality. The Gateway (GUAM) to FSM is still infected. Keep it shut till further notice.
OPINION: In this COVID-19 pandemic age, Halloween can still exist! Yes, even though many public events and gatherings have been modified or even canceled, we can still enjoy Halloween. The use of common sense is paramount. Advisories have already been issued, especially in Micronesia on public events and gatherings. These should be looked at again, and then PLAN your event around these advisories. Whether it be Halloween or any event, they can still go on. Common sense and elbow grease go a long way.
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
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