MicSem Discussions

MicSem Discussions

The MicSem Discussions are short summaries of the two hour meetings which were held at the MicSem offices in Pohnpei. The discussions began in 1993 and continued intermittently until 2000. Prior to the discussions, between 1986 and 1988, MicSem conducted reflection weekends on different islands. The theme of the reflection weekends was decided by the people who attended, usually numbering between 30 and 80 persons. The summaries for some of these are listed below as well.

The Taste of Pork: Congressional Funds for Development

The pros and cons of the pork barrel funds long appropriated by FSM Congress.

April 26, 2000 HEALTH

Your New Business Doesn't Have to Fail

Promise and problems in setting up a private business in Micronesia.

April 01, 2000 BUSINESS

Vitamin A Deficiency

Causes of Vitamin deficiency, extent of the problem, and strategies for dealing with it.

April 21, 1999 HEALTH

Education for What?

Discussion on the purposes of education in Micronesia.

November 19, 1998 EDUCATION

Revenue Sharing Between the States and National Government

Revenue sharing may be needed in view of the states' financial problems.

March 19, 1997 ECONOMICS GOVERNMENT

The YTK Proposal and the Future of Fishing in Pohnpei

Japanese proposal to establish a large fishing industry on Pohnpei may threaten other fishing interests.

February 13, 1997 BUSINESS ECONOMICS GOVERNMENT

PUC: Friend or Enemy?

Discussion of a recent decision by Pohnpei Utilities Corporation to raise power and water rates.

January 24, 1996 GOVERNMENT SOCIAL ISSUES

Population Policy for FSM

Discussion of the need for a population policy and the strong cultural forces against limiting family size.

October 18, 1995 GOVERNMENT SOCIAL ISSUES

Casino Gambling: Should it Be Allowed?

The pros and cons of legalizing casino gambling to stimulate development on Pohnpei.

September 06, 1995 GOVERNMENT SOCIAL ISSUES

Freedom of Information: Who Has a Right to What?

Freedom of press can provide important information to the public, but it can also do social damage in a Pacific society.

May 17, 1995 CULTURAL JUSTICE & LAW SOCIAL ISSUES

What Can We Do to Improve Our Schools?

Improvement of education does not begin with money so much as good leadership and other factors.

March 29, 1995 EDUCATION GOVERNMENT

How Good is Our Health Care in FSM

Primary health care emphasizing preventive health and a health insurance program would improve health care greatly.

January 31, 1995 GOVERNMENT HEALTH

Domestic Violence in Micronesia

With the breakdown of social mechanisms that once protected women, new means of protecting them from harm will have to be found.

November 30, 1994 CULTURAL GOVERNMENT SOCIAL ISSUES

The FSM Foreign Debt

Explores the current status of foreign investment and debt in FSM

October 12, 1994 ECONOMICS GOVERNMENT

Relations Between Pohnpei State and FSM

Tensions between Pohnpei and the national government are linked to land rights, allocation of funds, and authority.

September 22, 1994 GOVERNMENT

Where Do Traditional Leaders Fit in Today's Society?

Traditional leaders have a distinct function, but can not easily be absorbed into the modern authority system.

May 12, 1994 CULTURAL GOVERNMENT

Is There a Place for Foreigners in Micronesia Today?

How can foreigners be integrated into Micronesian society better than they are at present?

April 13, 1994 ECONOMICS GOVERNMENT

Women's Role in Micronesia: Then and Now

Many of the traditional roles of women have eroded with modernization, raising the question of how adjustments can be made.

March 08, 1994 CULTURAL GOVERNMENT SOCIAL ISSUES

What Can We Do to Promote Private Business

Exploration of ways in which the private sector in the economy could be helped to expand.

January 26, 1994 BUSINESS ECONOMICS

Educating for Self-Reliance

Educating a generation to become financially self-reliant cannot be accomplished by the schools alone.

January 26, 1994 EDUCATION GOVERNMENT

After The Compact, What Then?

What will the FSM Government do to promote economic development and self-reliance before the end of the Compact funding period?

November 10, 1993 ECONOMICS GOVERNMENT

Is the Congress of FSM Becoming Too Powerful?

The concentration of power in FSM Congress might make it the dominant force in the national government.

October 13, 1993 GOVERNMENT

What's the Fishing Industry Doing for FSM?

Comparative look at benefits from fishing rights fees and the local fishing industry in FSM

September 08, 1993 ECONOMICS GOVERNMENT

Economic Development in Yap

Reconciling the need for economic development with social change in Yap.

October 06, 1990 ECONOMICS

Population Pressure and The Church's Response

Does rapid population growth in Chuuk warrant a serious attempt to limit family size?

April 08, 1989 RELIGION SOCIAL ISSUES

Changes in the Palauan Family

The radical change that has occurred in the organization of the Palauan family demands adjustments within the family.

January 01, 1989 FAMILY CHANGE

Faith, Culture and Democracy in Truk

Discussion of the fit between democracy and traditional authority in Chuuk, and how the church can help mediate.

April 30, 1988 CULTURAL GOVERNMENT RELIGION

Changes in the Yapese Family

Discussion of the shifting values that have been caused by family change in Yap.

January 30, 1988 FAMILY CHANGE

Palauan Custom

Changes in many of the most important Palauan customs demand a response today by Palauans.

November 22, 1986 CULTURAL