Micronesian leadership

Perhaps it was fortune that I was wedged right into the better side of history. It enabled the privilege for this scribe to work for what was known as the Congress of Micronesia. Oh, the pleasantry of working for the leadership giants of the region, men of intellectual acuity, proactive sense of leadership, humility, and wisdom. They were men of real stature, gift-wrapped in humility as to even share the wisdom basket generously during session breaks.

It was a real learning experience observing how they probe and deal with issues. You listen to the floor debate premised on reasoned analysis, though humor was sometime used to temper heated discussions. How pleasant that was in the pioneering years of island nation building. I’ve benefited tremendously from their wisdom, vision, sturdy disposition, even humor. This forged my being issue-oriented or being able to see the larger picture or forest over the trees.

The likes of Tosiwo Nakayama, Dwight Heine, Amata Kabua, Lazarus Salii, Luke Tman, Bethwel Henry, Bailey Olter, John Mangefel, Petrus Tun, Ray Setik, and Andon Amaraich were the giant navigators who charted the course of island nation building in consultation with traditional chiefs across Micronesia. Though faced with the challenges of the demands of modernity, they still gave humble deference to the role of tradition that has guided the survival of their people for more than 4,000 years.

Though a sovereign Micronesia with all six administrative districts didn’t materialize, it didn’t change the fact that the subsequent establishment of the FSM and Republics of Belau and the Marshalls were still under the sturdy hands of the folks mentioned above. Indeed, most have gone upstairs to claim their leadership trophies.

I have seen huge curtains raised and lowered like the Micronesian Constitutional Convention in 1975 and the NMI’s in subsequent months, two status negotiations; law of the sea conference; and a visit to Rongelap, Utirik and Bikini in the Republic of the Marshalls on the annual check-up of the folks by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in 1974. The level of thyroid disorder is 20 percent higher than the national average. (Will discuss this later).

However superbly endowed with wisdom, they still would come by our office and ask that we review major statements they have written destined for delivery at some prestigious international or regional body. I wasn’t about to tinker with the likes of the late President Amata Kabua and John Mangefel, each of whom won rewards in English Literature at UH or elsewhere. How do you improve upon another superbly written statement from the late President of Belau Lazarus Salii? Not with my off the ranch grammar, poor comprehension of issues and concepts and a wobbly diction. It is for this reason that I call it a real learning experience.

These folks say their piece off the prepared text as they speak. It shows their depth and clarity of understanding of the issue at hand and makes for pleasant listening for any and all continuing students of government. It’s a tale of confidence echoing in their words, wisdom, and conviction. Some are poetic in their expressions, others bluntly straightforward, while still others were soft spoken though powerfully thoughtful and tactful in the use of words of wisdom.

Yes, they all came from the far-flung islands of Micronesia that stretches from Mili in the Republic of the Marshalls to Tobi in Belau and the Taga Stone isles of the NMI. Conventional wisdom has it that Micronesia stands for small islands. How about a sea of islands? I mean, there’s the spread of pearly isles in the open waters. A bit more fitting, isn’t it?

I’ve spent time in Belau admiring nature’s gift of the pristine Rock Islands. It’s a unique experience altogether. I am especially impressed by its traditional fishing method where you only catch what you’d eat that day. What grand camaraderie as fishermen return home from fishing trips and spread the catch among friends and family. And they guard their fishing tradition to ensure that future generations can still fish the traditional way even as man “sails among the stars.”

Pohnpei was a totally unique experience in itself. It’s known as the Rain Garden of Micronesia for the constant drizzle daily. I visited Nan Madol, the burial ground of traditional chiefs. The pile of rocks was all done by raw human power centuries ago. I mean, try lifting one of the small broken pieces (4” x 12”) that weighs about 30-40 lbs. Imagine the pile on the grave that stretches about eight feet long and 12 inches wide each. It must weigh a ton. Ah, yes, the distant ring of a sakau gathering in nahs or utt at sunset.

That was the pinnacle of my government career. But a trip down memory lane awakens the yearning for real leadership with vision and integrity. I have yet to see such pleasantry in the local political arena. Most are stuck in the filthy mud of provincialism. Perhaps I’m a spoiled brat after my stint with the intellectual and leadership giants of the region.

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As an established musician, I’d listen to new talents whip it up in the local music scene. Very impressed with Ace Elameto whose rendition and medley of Lovely Flower represents real talent. I mean Ace deserves being called Mr. Harmony. His voice, first and second, easily follows the key he presses on the keyboard. His music is one very pleasant and soothing harmony!

Would also salute Alfred Saures and Marvin Guerrero. These are two up-and-coming musicians who would fill the air and parties for many years to come. What pleasantry it is listening to musicians who have both the voice and talent to mix it in so their music gels during performance. Yes, there are those who will never make it, but let me employ polite niceties, you know, there are things best left unsaid.

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[I] DelRosario is a regular contributor to the[/I] Saipan Tribune’[I]s Opinion Section.[/I]