Kauai Writer Pens Micronesian Article for Al Jazeera

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Jon Letman, a Kauai writer who also contributes to Civil Beat, has published a terrific piece for Al Jazeera titled Micronesians in Hawaii face uncertain future.

The story addresses the impact of U.S. nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands and the consequences of the Compact of Free Association.

Excerpt:

Along with employment and education, health care is a top concern for many COFA migrants who suffer elevated rates of thyroid, colon and other cancers, ostensibly stemming from nuclear testing. Furthermore, the rapid urbanization and an interruption of their traditional diet based on of subsistence fishing and farming has contributed to higher incidences of diabetes, heart disease and strokes.

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Photo: Young boy in a Pohnpei shack. (Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet).

—Chad Blair

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