-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [SIV Global:] Colonialism - time to move on
Date: Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:45:17 +0100
From: smallislandsvoice@...
Reply-To: notify@...
To: notify@...

SMALL ISLANDS VOICE

Do you live in a small island?
Tell us what you think.

***************************************************************************

The debate on 'colonialism' and small islands has highlighted multiple
facets
and complex consequences. While we have not been able to post all the
responses received, you will find them on the Small Islands Voice
website at
http://www.unesco.org/csi/smis/siv/Forum/keyissues20a-colonialism-compi.html



In closing this discussion, here are four extracts from recent messages
received from islanders around the world:

In the real world real, 'Real Politik' involves the ownership of 'raw
material' and the 'Brain Power' to convert that into a commodity that
can be
utilized and used to further the specific nation's desires and
ambitions. Take
the simple case of 'plastics' - it may seem puny, but how many island
nations
do you know that produce this stuff? Mind you, firearms, artilleries,
ammunitions, or better yet nukes for that matter. The belief that
cultures are
meant to remain the same is a colonial tool, used to repress old natives
into
their own little corners. (writer from Federated States of Micronesia).

The interest of the military being here on our Northern Marianas Islands is
mainly for the purpose of military strategic position, almost like a
spot on
the chessboard where if the opponent would make a move, a counter is ready,
therefore advancing to check mate. I am afraid that the cultural values and
tradition will be jeopardized by the Western laws that we are experiencing
now. What more would the military do? (writer from Northern Marianas).

Some island countries have accepted to be colonies when they feel it is
very
advantageous for their countries or they are unable to function as a nation
because of national or territorial or resource restrictions. But I
wonder to
what extent these people are suffering a silent sense of loss (for
discrimination, loss of tradition, sense of ownership of their resources,
national pride, etc.) or whether they were tamed into resignation and
conformity, or if they really feel fulfilled and happy. It deserves a more
deep and unbiased social survey or research to really assess the effect and
general acceptance of being a colony in these countries. (Pedro Alcolado,
Cuba).

I really do not think that colonialism has much relevance to today's
political
and business environment driven by technological advances, free trade and
deregulation. Small island states can opt to preserve their identity and
culture, but in doing so they must create their own way and stop blaming
their
failures on their past rulers. Education can be a key factor for success
and
happiness. (Ioannis Economides, Cyprus).

Title: Colonialism - time to move on
Author: P. Alcolado, I. Economides, writers from Fed. States of Micronesia
and Northern Marianas
Date: Thursday, 5 July 2007

***************************************************************************

Please send your comments to <mailto:smallislandsvoice@...>

To see all the messages in this global forum, visit
<http://www.sivglobal.org/>

To find out more about Small Islands Voice, go to
<http://www.smallislandsvoice.org/>

If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please email to
<mailto:smallislandsvoice@...>


--

http://pankaj-atcrossroads.blogspot.com

C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa,
908 Deccan Gym
Pune 411004
India
Tel: 020 25654239
Mob: 09423009933
Email: psekhsaria@...