pollution

Letters

Kanak

mind

pollution

I wish to add to Susi Newborn’s “Toxic New Caledonia” {PIM, July 1992) a few comments on a related issue: mind pollution.

Since the Prise de possession , the Kanak people have been so intensively brain washed that they now are deliberate or innocent accomplices of the colonialist system.

Indeed, in Kanaky presently, the mported society is the norm, for

environmental problems are uncon

;ciously perceived as logical and ac :epted steps towards development in ts general meaning.

True freedom fighters aware of this ibsurdity have all paid with their lives, fhey are Atai, Eloi Machoro, Djubelly Yea and Alphonse Dianou to name a ew. Present Kanak leaders are com iromised individuals who more and norc distance themselves from the

ribe-peoplc majority.

Yet, they fail to acknowledge the acial and health problems of salaried

Lanak workers living in polluted

reas. Governmental housing projects

overtly favour foreign immigration,

nence the continuing colonisation of Lanak lands.

Moreover, no awareness program on te effects of pollutants on humans is vailable. The average person in the reet does not even know of the E.P.A. r the objectives of the news-making rreenpeace movement.

Hazardous chemicals are “White’s lings” like the HIV virus and Kanak Inesses are caused by sorcery.

Unfortunately, Kanak, people ig

ure their ignorance of the colonial oety, which makes them easy prey to ilonialists and themselves.

Political divisions within the FLNKS are direct effects of mind pollution, consequently, it comes as no surprise that the Kanak independence movement moves one step forward today and two steps backward tomor row, as illustrated by the signing of the Matignon Accords.

And for what price! Remember the Tiendanite and the Gossana massacres.

Wake up Kanaky, time is running out ! -Benjamin Malie (Kanak student) Victoria Australia.

Ratieta

Foundation

The Florence Reiher Ratieta Mem orial Foundation has begun its 1992 contribution drive. The foundation will recognise excellence in English composition by senior honor roll students in primary and high schools of Kiribati.

SUS2SO is awarded at the end of each school year to a student from each

school. The award is based on a

composition competition addressing a

pertinent topic. This year’s topic is environmental issues facing the Re public of Kiribati. The foundation was established in 1990 in memory of Florence Reiher Ratieta who was killed in an automobile accident.

Several contribution levels have been set up: benefactor SUSIOOO or more; patron S 500; sponsor 5250; contributor - SI00; friend 5435; and special - 5425. The last category is especially for Kiribatise students overseas.

Contributions should be sent to Florence Reiher Ratieta Memorial Foundation, Box 251, Majuro, MH 96960; or, c/o Anne loanne, trustee, Ratieta Brothers, Box 801, Majuro, MH 96960.

Mary C. loane

Secretary for the Foundation Majuro

Letters To The Editor Should

be adrressed to: Pacific Islands Monthly PO Box 1167 Suva, Fiji Islands.

Fax: (679) 303809