POLL: "Who has the best solution for when compact funding ends?"

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By 2023, compact funding from the United States is scheduled to end. In a frantic effort (for most), the COFA nations and some states have employed different solutions to make up for the expected budgetary shortfall.

A uniform goal of improving or refining tourism, agriculture, fisheries, diplomacy, and foreign assistance have been announced by most of the COFA islands.

The selections in this poll are options specific to a State/Nation. They are not official responses to the end of compact funding.

  • The RMI is planning on launching their own cryptocurrency called "SOV". It will be legal tender in the Marshall Islands along with the US dollar. The unprecedented move intends to boost the RMI's economy.
  • Chuuk State in the FSM is taking a contentious attempt at seceding from the Federation. A move that members of the Chuuk State Political Status Commission guarantee will lead to economic progress and overall stability. Along with secession, members of the state's legislature have introduced a bill for online gambling. The bill promises to open the market for internet gaming; a possible multi-million dollar venture.
  • Yap State in the FSM has been tied to a controversial multi-billion dollar company that plans on building a "mega resort". The plan would potentially open the flood gates for tourism and usher in a wave of employment opportunities and profits through land leases.
  • The FSM has had a strategic development plan to strengthen their agriculture, fisheries and tourism. But the basic principles of the plan are the same with Palau and the RMI. Where the FSM differs from Palau and the RMI is their relationship with China and how the FSM has cultivated that relationship through China's belt and road initiative. An initiative that connects around 100 countries to China through trade, investments, and construction.
  • Palau's unique brand of ecotourism and sustainability has gained worldwide attention. This attention has given Palau the bittersweet problem of having too much tourism. Some tactics have been put in place to maintain a balance between their ecotourism and sustainability goals. But will it work? Will Palau's day in the sun fade away? Or are they building the perfect model for ecotourism?