There’s nothing wrong with occasionally re-examining goals, purposes, programs of an institution — that’s purportedly what keeps it relevant.
It is a little disturbing, however, that in this case, none of the stakeholders appear to be involved in the reassessment. Those who’ve benefited from MicSem’s services, have made use of its products, who rely on it for guidance and perspective, would not appear to have been given a voice, or a role to play, in the reevaluation process.
I, for one, would hate to see it change. Though its products may be aimed at the FSM, the Marshalls and Palau, they have a much broader impact — often equally applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as well as other developing islands in the Pacific. I have, for example, made frequent use of its publication Micronesian Counselor in my online column “On My Mind,” often quoting it at great length because it is so pertinent to the topic at hand.
Micronesian Seminar has been directed by Fr. Francis X. Hezel, SJ since its founding in 1972. Currently on sabbatical, Hezel has written extensively about Micronesia’s history, culture, and economics — particularly of the Marshalls and the Carolines, and is widely recognized as an expert on the region.
Comments may be sent to John Hagileiram, S.J., Regional Superior, Society of Jesus of Micronesia, at [email protected].
RUTH TIGHE
Tanapag, Saipan
