The politicians pontificate and manoeuvre with eloquent manifestos and pronouncements saying little about the challenges we must confront. - Joni Madraiwiwi

Back then (in 1985) the issue of the day was nuclear testing, now we are faced with problems such as climate change, overfishing, deforestation, shipments of radioactive materials through Pacific waters and nuclear proliferation. We need to remain vigilant so that we won't become victims again.

Who would have planted the cane, run the mills and funded the colony if they had gone to battle?

The essence of traditional leadership is learned by osmosis. The next generation learns from what their elders and the current generation does. This was appropriate in a society where the pace of change was gradual.