The duty to inform and the right to know

(May 14, 2020): How much do we really want to know the "happenings", say, in our government? on our islands? at our communities? It is easier to not find out than to have access, of course. We are so use to letting go, never minding, not knowing. That's standard operation in Chuuk -- I think, more than anywhere else in Micronesia. But, with the take-over of Facebook, many of us seem to have resorted to famous FB for "everything". Even our high ranking leaders -- at least some of them are spinning their own "news" for others to know and hear regarding current affairs. Good on them! But, at the same time, Feispuk is not liable to the layer of confusion it naturally facilitates as "socializers" take on the role of legit media. We can't really blame them, either. Including myself for that matter.

For now, let us hope at least, that our State assure the following:

1. That there is an official website for the Executive Branch. It is ok to also have a facebook page -- but an official site, first and foremost. One to be managed by the Office of the Governor, Public Information Assistant or Specialist.

2. That V6AK Radio is streamed live on the Telecom radio portal, like Yap Station (V6AI) and Pohnpei Station (V6AH). This way, it reaches further, especially during "special" programs and moments.

3. As bonus (not necessarily by the State):  A biweekly independent publication (can we?) and for the Baptist Radio to also run a AM station to reach distant communities in Chuuk.

I think nurturing a hunger for improved information-telecommunication system and providing the opportunity and capacity to achieve it would help transform our society. Along with other necessary changes. Let us begin with these. What you think?

Starting House to House in Fefen Fanip

(April 22, 2021): A couple of weeks ago, at Onenimas in Fefen Fanip, after taking my first day of house-to-house campaign in Fanip Village. At the end of the day, I shared a good dinner with village chief Larry Michael, end of table, and others. Thank God for an eventful day, taking me closest to the mountain ridge over the villages of Mwanukun, Mesiku, Upwein, and Saporenong. Indeed a very different feeling, refreshing as one looks over the spread of islands from that high elevation.

I also took time to visit some water spring and wells, those this lingering between being somewhat filled and somewhat unsanitary. The people were concern after weeks of no-rain. Now, that concern is somewhat subsided, having had some good downpour the past 5 days.

In the photo, from left: Mekai Kinu, a relative from Pwene section on Fefen; Chief Larry Michael, Jimmy Immy, a cousin of mine who joined me on the campaign trail, and Amram Cornelio -- who is about to be installed at the Sacred Heart Church as a catechist for the entire Macheweichun islands.