In Micronesia, a Gnawing Doubt Amid the Palms

Haberman, Clyde (1985-11-04). [www.nytreprints.com "In Micronesia, a Gnawing Doubt Amid the Palms"]. New York Times. New York, NY.

• Has attachment: File:7U6JSQVQ.pdf

Abstract: "...United States officials do not agree that their stewardship of Micronesia has been as bleak as island leaders say. On Saipan, Janet McCoy, the Trust Territory High Commissioner, points to new airports and communications equipment, and to American-fostered health programs, schools and police training. Equally important, Mrs. McCoy says, is political development. It is a feather in our cap, she said. They all came out as democracies, and there are not many places you can say that about. But many Micronesians see, instead, few paved roads, unreliable power systems and indoor plumbing that tends to be a wishful thought. Somehow, even the best plans often seem to go wrong. Water mains laid on Ponape sprang leaks, and the only way to locate cracks without tearing up a newly paved road was to hire American specialists in sonar detection. But the experts arrived during a severe drought two years ago, so there was no leaking water to detect. Forty years is a long time to take pride in a small thing like a new airport, President Lazarus Salii of Palau said. What we are recommending is that you give us the money. We will do a better job than you have shown yourself to be capable of."