I drive on a paved roads everyday – roads that the United States, Japan, and Republic of Taiwan (ROC) paid for.Maintenance costs for my rickety jalopy has significantly declined and the old thing, when running on these roads, feels relieved.In addition, despite the rise in fuel cost, getting from point A to point B on the these roads makes me want to drive further to point C and onto Z – they are just that good!
And just recently, I had an extremely nutritious and healthy meal (approved and highly recommended by health officials.I had steamed milkfish, braised vegetables, and a slice of watermelon and a star apple.The fish, according to a friend, came from an aquaculture farm that received its seed money from Taiwan.A JICA volunteer supposedly assisted in the cultivation of the fish.The fish was harvested and placed in a cooler of ice – manufactured from ice machines that Japan donated and placed in strategic locations throughout Palau for fishing cooperatives.The vegetables and fruits came from the Taiwan Technical Mission in Nekken, Aimeliik.The meal was prepared and served by a certified chef from the Philippines who received his credentials from the United States.Sometime after the meal, I found out that a hired help of yet another foreign county washed the plates on which my meal was served.The meal was exquisite – many thanks to the donor countries and the hired help.I feel healthy already.
It seems that everywhere I go there is a reminder that Palau is where it is right now because of the assistances and support it has been receiving from outside.There are doctors, nurses, teachers, technicians, and engineers in Palau on a “voluntary basis”- Peace Corps volunteers, JICA volunteers, and Taiwan technical assistants- whom, based on identified need, the donor countries sent to help develop the country.It almost seems that each donor country is in a race to make its contribution first.Stimulus packages have stimulated the country and projects of all sorts –worth millions of dollars – are popping up simultaneously everywhere.
I thank everyone and anyone who negotiated for the stimulus packages and establishment of diplomatic agreements with the first world countries – my life is indeed far less complicated.More so, I am grateful for the United States, Japan, Taiwan (ROC), Philippines, and even Bangladesh for their generous contributions, which have, as far as I am concerned, made positive changes in my life – and I hope the people of Palau.
I appreciate the diplomatic tact that each donor country has exercised and hope that the people of Palau learn from it.The Embassy of Japan did not air any complaints last weekend during the President of Taiwan’s visit.Taiwan flags were flown on the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge and on Japan-donated streetlights.For a tourist, it would have appeared that the bridge and streetlights were some of Taiwan’s contributions to Palau.No one from the Embassy of Japan said a thing, however, I heard local people argue about the placement of the flags and its implications.I did not hear the rest of it.
I take off my hat to the Embassy of Japan for keeping quiet.As for the rest for you, be positive.We have been stimulated enough already.It makes no sense to stimulate our donors.
