White Rice Increases the Risk of Diabetes (Suke)

It seems that everywhere you turn, another Chuukese is either dying or their legs amputated because of diabetes or suke. According to a large  clinical study conducted by the National Institute of Health, eating more white rice raises the risk for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is one of the largest growing health problems [...]

Global Support Help Chuuk Wrestling Team Win Big for Chuuk

When the wrestlers from Chuuk State left Chuuk on July 16 for Palau to participate in a two-week intensive wrestling training camp prior to the start of the Micronesian Games, they had hopes of improving their skills and representing Chuuk State proudly. The training camp was the idea of SHIP/HOOPS and made possible by Asinech [...]

Accountability for Chuuk’s CIP Funds Questioned

The recent wire transfer of $37,000 of capital improvement project (CIP) funds to Moch Municipality has raised some questions regarding proper accountability measures for these public funds. According to a press release from the FSM Public Information Office, President Mori had approved the release of these funds to over 27 Chuuk municipalities. Concerned that such [...]

Does Chuuk need a medical school or better elementary schools?

The FSM Public Information Office recently announced the endorsement of a new medical school that is close to open with its main campus on Chuuk. The project was initiated by a certain Dr. Christian Hong from Hanseo University, a South Korean institution with no medical college on its own campus. It is apparently supported by [...]

U.S. Military Hits Up Impoverished Micronesia for Recruits – ABC News

This recent article on ABC News tells of how young Micronesian citizens are being heavily recruited to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. While I don’t blame our youth for looking at the military as the only viable options for jobs and to pay for a college education, one has to stop and wonder whether [...]

$2.4 Million CIP Funds Released to Chuuk: Good or Bad?

Yesterday, the FSM  Public Information Office announced (Presidential Order to release CIP Funds to Chuuk Municipalities) the signing of a Presidential Order releasing $2.4 million worth of Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds to the Chuuk municipalities. These Compact funds, according to the press release, were given to “the rightful owners” to help alleviate the “current [...]

A new year’s invitation, not resolution

What a year 2009 has been! As we set sail for the new year 2010, I invite all CRM supporters to pause for a moment to  reflect on how each of us has contributed positively or negatively to 2009. Using the challenges posed in “The Invitation” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, I challenge all of us [...]

Coconut Nation: A Perspective on Coconut Day in FSM

By Vid Raatior Micronesian coconuts must have egos the size of…well, coconuts when President Mori signed a presidential proclamation declaring September 2nd as Coconut Day in the FSM. Micronesia has joined a list of celebrations around the world marking some rather profound historical moments. The Tibetan community, for example, have celebrated this day since 1960 [...]

Joyleen Berdon: The Joy of Micronesia in the Big Apple

By Vid Raatior I am thankful to Paul Otoko who first alerted me to the inspiring story of Joyleen Berdon, a young Micronesian who is an up and coming writer, cartoonist, story teller, model, website developer, etc…in my former stomping ground of New York City. While Joy is making a name for herself and ultimately [...]

What matters to me and why?

What matters most to Vid Raatior and why? Get a synopsis of Vid’s values and rationale for founding the Chuuk Reform Movement.