Micronesian Counselor, Issue 54

Hezel, Francis X. (2005-01-31). Micronesian Counselor, Issue 54. Micronesian Counselor (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Micronesian Seminar. pp. 1–8.

• Has attachment: File:DRW8KNSI.pdf

Abstract: The lead article, Peeking into the Public Process: The Crusade for Good Governance, by Francis X. Hezel, S.J., explores how international donors, development banks, and aid agencies have made good governance a prerequisite for assistance, and what this means for Micronesian states. It describes how weak governance is reflected in underfunded services, corruption, and reliance on personal networks rather than public accountability.

Additional discussion includes examples from Pohnpei and Chuuk of how government contracts are awarded, commentary from Yap and Kosrae on political cronyism, and references to regional donor assessments of governance in the Marshall Islands and Palau. The issue highlights both the pressures from international standards and the local realities of adapting governance reforms to island contexts.