Political Reviews

Micronesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 taberannang korauaba, kelly g marsh, clement yow mulalap, christina sablan, tyrone j taitano

Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 lorenz gonschor, margaret mutu, christina newport, forrest wade young

209 232 the contemporary pacific • 27:1 (2015)

Un dångkalo na si Yu'os ma'åse gec, Guam Election Commission website. (thank you) to Attorney Julian Aguon, http://www.gec.guam.gov/ [accessed 14 Edward Alvarez, Michael Bevacqua, July 2014] Rita Nauta, and Maria Pangelinan Governor’s Office website. Press releases, for generously accommodating our Office of Governor Eddie Baza Calvo. requests for information in the writ http://www.governor.guam.gov/ ing of this article and to Shannon J Guam Legislature website. Murphy and Julian Aguon for their http://www.guamlegislature.com/ review of an earlier version of it. Guampedia. 2014. What is FestPac? http://www.guampedia.com/what-is References -festpac/ [accessed 24 July 2014] kuam, kuam.com: Guam’s News Net- Across the Water in Time. 2013. work. Hagåtña. http://www.kuam.com/ Documentary film. http://www .acrossthewaterintime.com/ Marianas Business Journal. Biweekly. Hagåtña, Guam. mbjguam.com ap, Associated Press. 2013. Audit: Guam Government Owes $1b in Long Term mv, Marianas Variety, Guam Edition. Debt. Yahoo News, 1 July. http://news Weekdays. Harmon, Guam. .yahoo.com/audit-guam-government http://mvguam.com/ -owes-1b-205101592.html [accessed pdn, Pacific Daily News. Hagåtña, Guam. 11 July 2014] http://www.guampdn.com/ Crossan, Rob. 2014. 6 of World’s Most pnc, Pacific News Center, Sorenson Colorful Colonial Holdouts. cnn, 17 June. Media Group. Hagåtña, Guam. http://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/16/travel/ http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/ colonial-holdouts/?c&page=1#cnn-disqus Saipan Tribune. Daily. Garapan, Saipan. -area [accessed 19 June 2014] http://www.saipantribune.com/ Draft seis, Draft Supplemental Envi- UN, United Nations. 2014. The United ronmental Impact Statement Guam and Nations and Decolonization. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana http://www.un.org/en/decolonization/ Islands Military Relocation (2012 Road- nonselfgovterritories.shtml [accessed map Adjustments). 2014. Prepared by 23 July 2014] Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Pearl Harbor, for Joint Guam US nps, National Park Service. 2014. Asan Bay Overlook Memorial Wall of Program Office, Washington dc, under Names, War in the Pacific National Contract Number n62742-11-d-1801, Historical Park. http://www.nps.gov/wapa/ Delivery Order 0011. April. planyourvisit/upload/Asan-Bay-Overlook Eilperin, Juliet. 2014. Obama Proposes -Memorial-Wall-Names.pdf [accessed Vast Expansion of Pacific Marine 24 July 2014] Sanctuary. Washington Post, 17 June. http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/ obama-will-propose-vast-expansion-of -pacific-ocean-marine-sanctuary/2014/ Kiribati 06/16/f8689972-f0c6-11e3-bf76 -447a5df6411f_story.html [accessed This review focuses on the debate on 4 Aug 2014] climate change and its implications for political reviews • micronesia 233 policymaking and attitudes in Kiribati. awareness and understanding of cli- It also deals with how the govern- mate change. The latter committee has ment has represented this issue to the been actively involved in regional and community and to the outside world international climate-change meet- through the local and international ings. Currently, the Kiribati Adapta- media and other channels and the tion Programme (kap) is championing impacts of such communications on adaptation strategies on the ground. I-Kiribati understanding of the issues. The risks associated with climate The review also looks at disjunc- change have been recognized around tures between what is written in the the world, including impacts on country’s national development plan water quality, land, and soil, as well and what has been said by President as increased possibilities of severe Anote Tong, as well as the disconnects drought and flooding. In reality, there between scientific reports about and is little Kiribati can do to reduce citizens’ knowledge of risks associated its vulnerability, and actions being with climate change and possibilities undertaken so far are described as the to address it at all levels. As the first “no regret” measures—steps that can review of Kiribati to appear in these be beneficial even in the absence of pages in almost two decades, rather climate change. The country’s strate- than being comprehensive, it seeks gies to tackle development challenges only to highlight and discuss key and climate-change risks are docu- trends and themes that have emerged mented in its development plan for in this debate in hope of suggesting 2012–2015 (Government of Kiribati useful directions for future reviews. 2012). However, this plan only briefly Kiribati’s position on climate details its climate-change adaptation change has always been, and will strategies, and most of the presi- continue to be, centered on the notion dent’s views about climate change as of “disappearing nations” (Korauaba published by the local, regional, and 2012). This position is driven by international media have little con- scientific findings that low-lying atolls nection to this plan. For example, the such as Kiribati are in danger of sink- plan does not mention buying “floating due to climate change and sea-level ing metal islands” or purchasing land rise. Most of the land in Kiribati is in Fiji. In relation to the government’s currently only two to three meters newly purchased 6,000 hectares on above sea level. The “sinking feeling” Vanua Levu in Fiji, Tong said in 2013 is evidenced in impacts that people are that his government had no plans already experiencing and is supported to develop it but instead bought the by growing consensus among world land as an investment (Lagan 2013). leaders and scientists. In response to More recently, however, Tong indi- these threats, in 2012 the Kiribati cated the opposite in a Radio New government established its Climate Zealand International interview, when Change Study Team (ccst), and the he stated, “The Kiribati government Kiribati Parliament set up its Parlia- intends exploring options of com- ment Select Committee on Climate mercial, industrial and agricultural Change (psccc) to promote people’s development of the estate. This could 234 the contemporary pacific • 27:1 (2015) involve fish canning, beef and/or Pilot Scheme, or pswps) was later poultry farming, fruit and vegetable introduced by Australia. On the other cultivation, to name a few” (rnzi hand, Fiji has declared that it will not 2014b). turn its back on Kiribati should the Central to our understanding need arise to evacuate its population of the issue is the United Nations (see, eg, Liljas 2014). Intergovernmental Panel on Climate In 2006, the Kiribati govern- Change’s latest report, which confirms ment first declared the creation of that climate change is caused mainly the Phoenix Islands Protected Area by human activity (ipcc 2014). The (pipa). In 2008, formal regula- report goes on to identify small island tions were adopted for it, and two nations such as Kiribati as in danger years later it was added to the list of sinking, indicating as well that of unesco World Heritage sites. In some people are already struggling October 2013, Tong’s government to survive. President Tong has cam- established a $2.5 million endowment paigned vigorously on the idea that for pipa, which was matched by a Islanders are the victims and others grant in the same amount from the are the culprits. He has also claimed Global Conservation Fund of Con- that his people will one day have to servation International to start a trust abandon their country and migrate to fund to preserve the marine resources other countries (see, eg, Warne 2014). for future generations (iucn 2013). The term “climate-change refugees” The government has opened a new has troubled President Tong, who embassy at the United Nations in New stresses that people should “migrate York; the country also has embassies with dignity” (Lagan 2013). As a in Taiwan and Fiji (pina 2013). Refut- long-term plan to prepare its people ing criticisms regarding the high cost for migration, the government has of foreign embassies, the president invested in education and upgraded maintains that the new embassies are the Tarawa Technical Institute to part of his government’s foreign policy Australia and New Zealand stan- to ensure that they do not miss out on dards. Australia and New Zealand any opportunity and that their voices have been identified as two possible are heard at the international level. destinations for the people of Kiri- In May 2013, Jimmie Rodg- bati. However, the two countries have ers, head of the Secretariat of the publicly dismissed the idea of accept- Pacific Community (spc), stated, ing climate-change refugees, saying “Pacific islands are the victims of they are assisting Kiribati in differ- industrial countries unable to con- ent ways. Every year, New Zealand trol their carbon dioxide emissions. accepts seventy-five individuals from The truth of the matter is that we Kiribati to become residents under have no option but to accept this and its “Pacific Access” category. It has adapt” (Wéry 2013). In September also provided Recognised Seasonal 2013, under the theme “Marshal- Employment (rse) to certain Pacific ling the Pacific Response to Climate Islanders including I-Kiribati; a similar Change,” the Pacific Islands Forum scheme (the Pacific Seasonal Worker met in the Marshall Islands, where political reviews • micronesia 235 the leaders deliberated on their posi- equally with developed countries. tion on climate-change adaptation The disconnection between what is and pushed for mitigation efforts written and what is said about chal- on the part of developed countries. lenges posed by climate change and In July 2014, a few days before the ways to respond to the changes receive annual Kiribati independence celebra- little attention. For instance, Tong tions, Tong convened the Coalition has repeatedly promoted the idea of Atoll Nations on Climate Change of constructing a “floating island” (cancc) in Tarawa with leaders from (Fox 2013), and he has attempted to the Marshall Islands, Maldives, and answer questions posed by interna- Tuvalu (rnzi 2014a; pina 2014). tional journalists based on “what if it Jon Palfreman has argued that it happens” scenarios. In addition, there would be hard to change the mindset are claims that Tong is deliberately of world leaders because many are using climate change to seek funds skeptical about the scientific valid- from the international community and ity of climate-change science (2006). distract attention from major issues Climate change is of course a topic such as overcrowding, unemployment, subject to debate and interpreta- pollution, and health problems (see, tion, but on the ground it is a reality. eg, Lagan 2013). Getting the interna- Partnering with Island nations and tional community to solve as many donors to speed up awareness and problems as possible because they adaptation, the South Pacific Regional seem to be linked to climate change Environmental Programme (sprep) is a card now being played by the has undertaken a series of regional president and other Pacific leaders. meetings and trainings for govern- For biblical reasons, some Christian ments, civil society, and the media to denominations have downplayed the promote climate-change adaptation seriousness and urgency of the gov- (sprep 2014). Developed countries ernment’s campaign. Many elders are and donors are aware of their respon- very reluctant to talk about leaving sibilities to help nations with funds to because they do not understand what adapt to the changes. Nevertheless, is happening and where they would small island nations such as Kiri- be going. The media are caught in bati claim that these are not enough the “victim vs culprit” debate but to reduce their vulnerability and to have at times published or broadcast increase their capacity to adapt. sensational and emotional stories This is how climate change has illustrating people’s feelings and set a new standard for relationships ideas about the unknown future (Day between smaller nations and indus- 2011; Korauaba 2012). Recently, an trialized countries. Their interaction I-Kiribati man applied for refugee is very much influenced by the rec- status in New Zealand, but his appli- ognition of risk and responsibility cation was turned down because (Beck 2000), in the sense that evi- current international law doesn’t dence strongly suggests that people recognize climate-change refugees. The in Kiribati and other smaller nations man is now overstaying in New Zea- are at risk and that responsibility rests land and awaiting deportation (Radio 236 the contemporary pacific • 27:1 (2015)

Australia 2014). The Kiribati gov- Apart from climate change, the ernment is not involved in this case, president had sacked three of his despite earlier pleas by the president in cabinet ministers for misconduct. support of migration as an alternative Communications, Transport and due to climate change and sea-level Tourism Minister Taberannang rise. A few days before the general Timeon and Public Works and Energy election in New Zealand in September Minister Kirabuke Teiaua resigned 2014, the National Party announced amid controversy over allegations of that climate-change refugees would receiving excessive sitting allowances not be allowed into New Zealand (rnzi 2013; Islands Business 2013). (pmc 2014). Timeon was a key member and Despite the sense of urgency in Kiri- founder of the ruling Boutokaan Te bati and in many other Pacific Island Koaua Party. The party’s philosophy countries to address climate change, is to uphold and support the truth. this reviewer feels that several measures Timeon later told the local media being proposed are inappropriate. that he did not want to step down Climate change is a political issue, and because he believed that he had not leaders and activists are busy casting done anything wrong, but he resigned blame on others for destroying nature. because he respected the president’s Overwhelmed by the gravity of the power according to the constitution. debate, the Kiribati government has Timeon is still sticking with the party rushed through a few projects and despite being sacked and even though made irrelevant and inconsistent mes- his chances to succeed Tong are slim sages to the world. Purchasing land in due to his age and the alleged mis- Fiji lacks proper planning, and propos- conduct. Toward the end of 2013, the ing a floating island may confuse and government heavily campaigned on frighten people. Training and prepar- the rights and protection of women, ing people to migrate with skills and which resulted in the introduction of qualifications recognized in particular a new Family Bill and the establish- countries such as Australia and New ment of the new Ministry for Women Zealand is problematic if those coun- and Youth. In early 2014, President tries will not currently accept climate- Tong sacked Minister of Labour Boutu change migrants or refugees. Several Bateriki after he was reported to have churches have opposed the govern- beaten his former wife and appeared ment’s position on climate change, and in court for that offense (rnzi 2014c). the elderly renewed their allegiance Five women in Kiribati were murdered to their country. In general, some of by their husbands or former partners the government’s activities to address between January and June 2014. The climate change are too broad and hard men are being held in prison awaiting to put together. However, this reviewer their trials. Following public discon- understands that their main objective tent and outcry about the murders, in has been to tell the world that Tong, September Parliament unanimously who now appears to be a climate- passed the first reading of a bill to change activist rather than a leader, is amend the penal code and reinstate genuine and serious about his country. the introduction of the death penalty political reviews • micronesia 237 for murderers. Leaders of the Catholic http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/ and Protestant churches criticized the kiribati/6286/kiribati-copycat-killings-of bill, saying it will erode Christianity, -women-trigger-death-p/ [accessed 5 Oct and therefore called on their members 2014] to oppose it (Edmonds 2014). Fox, Michael. 2013. Floating Island May The notion of disappearing nations, Save Kiribati. Stuff.co.nz, 9 April. a common theme arising from the http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south debate on climate change, has shaped -pacific/9126357/Floating-island-may and influenced our knowledge about -save-Kiribati [accessed 5 Oct 2014] science and small nations such Government of Kiribati. 2012. Kiri as Kiribati. This is not to dispute bati Development Plan 2012–2015. As scientific findings that these islands approved by cabinet, 25 April. Available are in danger of sinking due to climate via Australia Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website: http:// change and sea-level rise. There is aid.dfat.gov.au/countries/pacific/kiribati/ danger and the need to take action is Documents/kiribati-development-plan now. However, Tong’s government has -2012-2015.pdf [accessed 2 Oct 2014] spent much time, energy, and effort ipcc, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate on climate change, and as a result Change. 2014. Climate Change 2014: short- and medium-term challenges Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. such as overcrowding, unemployment, Part B: Regional Aspects. Contribution of environmental pollution, and urban Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment shift have often been overlooked. Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on These challenges existed in Kiribati Climate Change, edited by V R Barros, prior to independence. We are now C B Field, D J Dokken, M D Mastran- witnessing one of the most challenging drea, K J Mach, T E Bilir, M Chatterjee, issues of our time, one that calls on and others. Cambridge, uk: Cambridge leaders such as Tong to carefully University Press. http://ipcc-wg2.gov/AR5/ and thoroughly plan their strategies. images/uploads/WG2AR5_SPM_FINAL .pdf [accessed 4 Oct 2014] Taking unnecessary measures is not just costly but also expends time and Islands Business. 2013. Kiribati President energy. Leaders such as President Tong Defends Ministers’ Sacking. 8 November. http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/ need to continually check and balance kiribati/3528/kiribati-president-defends their attitudes and motives to ensure -ministers-sacking/ [accessed 15 Oct 2014] that they are consistent with their own government’s policies. iucn, International Union for the Con- servation of Nature. 2013. $5 Million for taberannang korauaba the Largest and Deepest unesco World Heritage Site. 2 October. https://www References .iucn.org/about/work/programmes/wcpa _worldheritage/?13778/5-million-for-the Day, Lauren. 2010. We Are Not Refugees. -largest-and-deepest-UNESCO-World Honours BA dissertation, University of -Heritage-Site [accessed 5 Oct 2014] Technology, Sydney. Korauaba, Taberannang. 2012. Media Edmonds, Elesha. 2014. Kiribati Copycat and the Politics of Climate Change in Killings of Women Trigger Death Penalty Kiribati: A Case Study on Journalism in a Bill Debate. Islands Business, 1 October. “Disappearing Nation.” Master’s thesis, 238 the contemporary pacific • 27:1 (2015)

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