Making Sense of an Independent Chuuk (Part 4)

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Letter from the author.

edited by: Charity Irons

Our subject, "Making Sense of an Independent Chuuk" will be a series of articles centered around newsletters, videos and other materials pertaining to the subject of "Chuuk Independence".

Please view: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of our series.

Please also view a handout (.pdf) that was submitted to us from an anonymous source. It details (in Chuukese) the pros and cons of independence: Link to Handout.

In this episode of our ongoing series, we will look at some positive features of independence. The following "advantages" were compiled from the public and/or sent to us from anonymous contributors.

CHUUK'S ADVANTAGES OF BECOMING AN INDEPENDENT NATION

I. POLITICAL ADVANTAGES:

  1. Autonomy (Self-Government): The people of Chuuk will have the authority over the organization and structure of our government.
  2. Native Tongue, the official language: It will be easier for the people of Chuuk, especially those that are unable to speak or fully understand the English language, to be involved in our government when the Chuukese language becomes the national language. Today, English is the national language in official communications between the people in the four states.
  3. Foreign Assistance: The foreign assistance provided, including fundings, will no longer be divided between the four states.
  4. Transparency of Government: It will be easier for the people of Chuuk to fully know and understand what the Chuuk Government is doing, and their reasons, because everything will be communicated in the Chuukese language and in Chuuk.
  5. Government Revenue: Any tax revenue meant for Chuuk will now be 100%. It will not be done as it is today, where only 50% returns to Chuuk.
  6. Government Process and Actions shall be faster: Every government action and process will now be expedited faster because the other three states will no longer have any authority over it.
  7. Independence shall be an open door to the outside world: More opportunities for other resourceful nations willing to aide Chuuk Government in various forms of assistance, including fundings, when Chuuk is introduced to the world as an independent nation.
  8. Revenue from the Economic Zone: Revenue from within the Chuuk Government’s ocean borders of the 200 miles Exclusive Economic Zone will be significantly larger in aiding the Chuuk Government financially, because they will be receiving the full 100%. Today, the FSM national government receives 100% of the revenues.
  9. Foreign Government Embassies: Other embassies will open their offices in Chuuk, leading them to lease lands and spaces, when Chuuk becomes an independent nation.

    Note: Every nation in the world does not just decide to become independent without any preparations. It has been delayed, but plans to start the political movement of an independent Chuuk will begin as soon as March of this year with a "yes" vote. Secession from the Federation will occur only after all negotiations and plans are complete. This is to ensure a smooth transition.

II.    ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES:

  1. Foreign Investments will provide an opportunity for exports and an increase in jobs.
  2. Being independent will allow us to better plan and prepare our country for tourism.
  3. We can develop our Natural Resources faster and more efficiently if independent.
  4. Development of our Human Resources: Upon becoming an independent Chuuk, it will be an imperative priority for our government to set forth regulations in preparation of outside companies and their investments. This will help in keeping the people of Chuuk in our nation, bring back those who moved away, and to work together in rebuilding our economy.

III.    SOCIAL ADVANTAGES:

  1. Gaining more assistance in developing and improving our medical facilities and hospital.
  2. Gaining more assistance in developing and improving our schools and education department.
  3. Gaining more assistance in developing and improving our infrastructures.
  4. Government Services: Expedited services and processing of official documentations provided by our National Government, such as the processing of our passports.