Chuuk Micronesia Independence Referendum

[@gbendicion7052]

This channel needs more publicity. It is darn amazing

[@JamesKerLindsay]

G Bendicion Agreed. Some fascinating stuff.

[@GeographyWorld]

Yes

[@kesefang1526]

Agreed

[@ipadair7345]

Yes

[@dernochjungenoergler]

indeed! concisely and precisely researched

[@joycemcclure4136]

I am an American living in Yap. There is incorrect information in this video. 1) The Compact will not expire in 2023. It goes into perpetuity unless both the US and FSM agree to cancel it. That is not going to happen. What will change in 2023 is the money flow. During the last renewal of the Compact in 2003, a trust fund was established by the US and will provide funding for the country and its states after 2023. It will replace the grant system that currently provides support for healthcare, education, infrastructure, etc. However, the US is now beginning negotiations for the next Compact renewal in 2023 and it is believed that the funding will be continued in some form not unlike what has been provided until now. 2) The current US Ambassador to FSM has made it very clear that the Compact is a unique agreement. It was initiated in the early 1980s when the islands came together and formed FSM. At that time, Palau and the Marshall Islands were also given Compacts when they became independent. Prior to that, they were all US Territories beginning after WWII. Some Chuukese leaders have said they would sign a new Compact with the US. But it has been clearly stated by the US that that will not happen. Chuuk would be left on its own. 3) If Chuuk does vote to cede from FSM, there will be some significant challenges for the island to consider. All Chuukese citizens who live and work or attend school in the US will be required to leave. That includes those living in Guam, Hawaii, and throughout the US. The number of Chuuk citizens living in the US and its territories numbers in the thousands. Some have lived there for many years and would have to leave their families behind since some are US citizens due to being born there. The question is if and how Chuuk can absorb that many people when it's struggling to provide jobs and social services already. China is indeed anxious to get their hands on this region and have had an embassy in FSM for the past 30 years. They were able to make deals with Palau several years ago to bring in tourists, build large hotels, and essentially overtake the island. The result has been a disaster on many levels including environmentally. Plus, Palau recognizes Taiwan as an important partner. When they refused to turn away from Taiwan, China pulled the plug on tourism as punishment and Palau is now in a bind economically with empty hotels. China has sent "investors" to Yap in recent years with promises of building a massive, 10,000 room resort, golf courses, and a casino on the 38 1/2 sq mile island. So far, despite bribery of some local leaders, the people have resisted their advances. Foreigners cannot own land in Yap; they can only lease it from the local owners. That is preventing the Chinese from getting a hold on the land they need since the parcels are often in the hands of various family members, some of whom are willing to give it away for 50 years, and some who are not. Some of Chuuk's and Pohnpei's leaders have also fallen under the spell of the Chinese. But they have only to look to Saipan to see the problems associated with Chinese development...human trafficking, money laundering, corruption. If Chuuk goes down the path of China's Belt & Road project, I fear they will regret it.

[@TicketToKnow]

Joyce McClure you are right of course about the trust fund funding post-2023! Thanks so much for your great comment. All of the 2003 COFA agreement wording emphasises the aim to enable FSM to become 'financially self-sufficient' post-2023. The point I was trying to make is that the FSM might find itself needing to negotiate some kind of new arrangement in 2023 depending on how much these funds are worth and what their economy is doing at that point in time. I definitely don't know which direction that will go but I think it's worth considering.

[@joycemcclure4136]

The FSM has appointed the lead negotiator and the various US departments that are involved in it are already meeting to begin fleshing out their side(s) before coming to the table. Sec'y Pompeo was in Pohnpei in July and made it clear that the US wants the negotiations to begin and conclude soon. Senator Murkowski was in Palau in 2018 and has held committee hearings on this region. Both appear to be strong advocates for FSM. So it's not a matter of "finding itself needing"...that is well known and agreed upon. It's a matter of when the negotiators will come to the table. The funding provided by the trust fund will fall short and, as you say, the US has always encouraged the FSM to become self-sustaining. The problem is that FSM has become a welfare state with the US providing top-down aid rather than bottom-up development. And so we wait to find out what level of support the US will continue to provide. In the meantime, the US military has upped its activity -- the Seabees are scheduled to arrive this month in Yap for a yearlong residency to work on infrastructure and other military teams of medical personnel, etc. are expected for shorter terms of service --- while China ups its activity in Pohnpei. Pres. Panuelo visited China last month to great pomp and ceremony and preening publicity from Xi. Nonetheless, Panuelo makes it very clear in his speeches that the US is FSM's #1 partner and will never take loans from a foreign entity. (When the Chinese representatives tried to muscle their way into the front/center seats at Panuelo's inauguration, his team put the US in them and China was relegated to a lesser position.) All this while China builds roads, bridges and even the government buildings on Pohnpei and Chuuk at their own expense. Sadly, most of their projects are built cheaply and are reported to be falling apart while few, if any, locals are given construction jobs in favor of Chinese workers.

[@johnstonpalik]

Joyce McClure, U.S. abandon Pacific Islands in Micronesia for so long after WWII; that's the main reason China came forward to help and assist the Pacific Islanders in the Federated States of Micronesia.

[@An_Ian]

I have yet to hear a nation who gained from the belt and road say for china

[@richardpruett7500]

Hernando Malinche, having lived in China and Micronesia, I adjudge Joyce's comments to be mostly correct and not racist. They are not slurs against the Chinese race but observations regarding the actions of the PRC government.

[@HairyGhostbear]

4:48 For those wondering: in May 2023 the Federated States of Micronesia signed an agreement with the US to extend the Compact of Free Association for 20 more years.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for your post. In the mid-1960s my ship patrolled the Federated States of Micronesia as well as Palau. Back then Chuuk was known as Truk Atoll. Our patrols included the Marianas Islands, as well as the Caroline Islands. On one occasion, we picked up a critically ill islander at Wolei Atoll and transported him to Truk to be flown to Guam for surgery.

[@styxcabin]

Good stuff. You did not mention possible donor/benefactor/patron Indonesia. That country has a big role behind the scenes in Vanuatu, where the Indonesians reportedly fight for influence against the Chinese, with both giving secret monetary gifts to locals running for the Parliament of Vanuatu, during each election cycle. Hence there is an election every 11 months or so, since the Members are incentivized to get those gifts!

[@angelavanhorn2325]

👍🦜🦜

[@angelavanhorn2325]

👍🦜🦜

[@TheRaySauce]

It's a sticky situation for us but being that we owe a lot to the U.S. I hope and pray our leaders for Chuuk come to a realization that we cannot afford the cost of being independent. It's just not the right time. We can be independent but seeing where we're at economically probably not a good time.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Very good video. This is certainly going to be an interesting one to watch. If it does go for independence, Micronesia will be one a very interesting state. Perhaps the world’s only island chain state with two major parts divided by another. An odd maritime island parallel to US and Alaska.

[@GeographyWorld]

Border would be worse than Brunei!

[@khadidjakoka6419]

Independence means _new nation _new era _new future _Yes for Chuukese independence.

[@Inbal_Feuchtwanger]

Its great to find channels like this before they become large. Just popped up on my recommend. Commenting so I can check on its growth at a later time. 1/23/20 19.2k subs.

[@mikeryan2141]

I like this idea. On the 04/13/20, 31.7K subs.

[@ValeriePallaoro]

Me too; 18/7/20 52.3K subs and that's 12.5 k increase in 3 months 20 days; and a further increase of 20.6k in 3months five days or 33.1k since your comment .. I coulda bin more math but ...

[@dernochjungenoergler]

thanks for a superb overview! such an underrated channel... concisely and precisely researched at the same time, my thanks

[@kareemhaidar2003]

I’m with the unity of the Federated States of Micronesia 🇫🇲

[@uts4448]

joey Jones what a stupid response. What if I say, “the people on Guam lost their culture and now they try to copy Polynesians”. Sounds ignorant right? Just like your response. Ignorant.

[@julieandon3849]

I'm against Chuuk secession. Those leaders are acting on their own without the consent of the population.

[@the8thgemmer467]

That’s why they’re holding a referendum

[@audigex]

Without the consent of the population? What do you think a referendum is?

[@vladimirkovacevic4415]

Why ale smal islands from pacif don't unite(idkn English sory)

[@ipadair7345]

@@vladimirkovacevic4415 cause they have different cultures, traditions, languages, many don't even share the same ancentry. The politics in the countries are probably different, some countries are better(in living standards) than others, which would cause exploitation of the poor, and mass domestic migration. Also, why would they, even if all small island pacific nations united, they would still be miniscule in terms of millitary, & economy. In fact they would be worse off, as they would only have 1 U.N seat, instead of so many. Many nations are also allied to different foreign states. Many are to the U.S, some to PRC, and a few to N.Z. Summary: There's no benefit for them to be one nation, and it's diplomatically detrimental.

[@dennisbafney4551]

I've always in favor of the United states of America's security and influence in the FSM. I hope that the four states representatives will continue to come in unity to resolve this challenges that the nation is facing.

[@johnmartin4495]

@joey smith Your leadership get together in Guam drink beer and fight with machetes?..mmm ..idk..Micro reps get together drink beer and forgot that they're married is all I know lol

[@beentrill8492]

The us should have closer ties with the there compact states

[@Meow09]

Grwta video! Ticket to know, I reckon you should make a video on Norfolk Island and their independence trial stuff. All I know is they had a vote whether to become independent, stay as a territory of Australia, or become a territory of New Zealand.

[@OverlordGaming]

Good to see you grow!

[@TicketToKnow]

Thanks! Unexpected but very welcome. Great to see other Australians out here doing the thing 🌏

[@khadidjakoka6419]

There are small countries that do not have any wealth, but have chosen independence. Independence means _New Nation _New era _New future.

[@GeographyWorld]

Even if they do vote for freedom, they could end up like Bougainville not having independence straight away.

[@iSolutionsMicronesia]

Geography World true. but bouganville does not have china wanting to take over from US.

[@GeographyWorld]

@@iSolutionsMicronesia Both the US and China will likely battle for influence in a new Bougainville or Chuuk

[@ShineyFace1337]

I'm part chuukese and I'm full on against the independence of the state Edit:spelling

[@edinatruth3486]

You cannot be a plural, the proper term is Chuukese. Tiro, -Your Chuukese Sister

[@ShineyFace1337]

@@edinatruth3486 thank you for pointing that out

[@khalidmahmood5084]

Your knowledge compelled me to subscribe to you. Thanks for the latest news.

[@khadidjakoka6419]

Independence is precious & its value known only by great nations, Yes for Chuuk independence.

[@melheinrich5438]

Being a member of FSM wouldn't change if becoming statehood. Title will stick with Chuuk forever. Go statehood Chuuk!!!

[@irenesetik9645]

I am from Chuuk and I vote No for Chuuk Independence. If the United States still want to renew the agreement. I hope they divide the money according to the populations of each States because I think that is what we are facing that it's never enough to complete what we suppose to accomplish every year in Chuuk States. Whomever the United States send to our country to see for the used of the money. THEY were never been corrected or explain that we have 40 small atolls Islands. And they never go to all the atolls to evaluate the living of the people. To explain that Chuuk State have the most populations among the three States and the money should divide wisely. I guess that is why we have those military ships coming over to renovate the schools, help out for medical assistance, help the community and teach the community. This is just my opinion. I hope a pray for the best of Chuuk State and the Federated States of Micronesia. This is a very nice video. Thank you.

[@suliols]

It is good to note, in the context of geo politics, that the US has compacts with PALAU, FSM, and the RMI thereby controlling ocean and air space spanning from Hawaii to Palau in the North Pacific. US has strategic deniability, thus no other military power may enter. If chuuk secedes, which is in my opinion unlikely, that puts a hole in that stretch of strategic deniability.

[@БоянМихов-м9э]

Shaun Suliol What does RMI stand for?

[@suliols]

Боян Михов Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI)

[@SuperTonyony]

It is idiotic that both Wyoming and California have the same number of senators. It is idiotic that the person who receives the most votes does not necessarily win the presidential election. I can see exactly where the people of Chuuk are coming from.

[@neneto55]

@joey smith how is drinking beer relevant to the topic at hand? 🤔😏 I'm sorry, I don't find your comments relevant to the video nor does it adds any value of discussion. I'm a chuukese living in California, I actually read the comments to know where people stand on this topic before I get my ballot in March. Yours, not helping at all... thank you.

[@neneto55]

@joey Jones I understand where you're coming from but the few people you know does not define the rest of us. I'm sorry your encounters has not been pleasant but that doesn't mean the rest of us are the same. There are still some good people, I hope one day you meet one.

[@uts4448]

joey Jones obviously they chose Guam because it’s the closest thing of America. The same way there’s a lot of Mexicans in Texas. Texas is the closest American state to Mexico. And I’m guessing the farther you travel, the more it costs. But I do believe this: ALL the Chuukese who don’t have good intentions when they leave Chuuk should’ve stayed their axx back home. Making the rest of us look bad. But at the same time, Not ALL of us are bad.

[@uleysuspeter3605]

I support your channel man it's really helpful makes me understand this

[@tbaskoking8066]

Remember Micronesians united we stand or seperated we fall😇😇

[@jaymesmith632]

Chuuk need USA, not China.. great video 🔥🔥

[@ValeriePallaoro]

Chuuk need which ever gives the most money for the privilege; however, maybe US doesn't want China there.

[@waihale]

thank you for breaking it down

[@georgepretnick4460]

Let Trump build a mega hotel there. He'll move the White house and Congress to Chuuk.

[@irenesetik9645]

That will be a very pleasure idea.

[@refimataw8132]

@@irenesetik9645 ~ kapong ngonuk

[@somiisolo7233]

Im From Chuuk And I Vote No For Chuuk Independent!

[@somiisolo7233]

Most of the Chuukese born or raised in the USA Voted No For Chuuk Independent.

[@johnstonpalik]

The truth about the Chuuk referendum to become independent is a smart thing to do and an excellent choice for all. More money will be coming to Chuuk to help the people and their economy. Chuuk will control their own money and make their own revenue, not like when Chuuk joins the federation (FSM). Vote "YES" ya is the best and smart choice for the people of Chuuk.

[@johnstonpalik]

@joey smith, that's not true because the U.S. won't be allowed China to fish in your rich ocean and best dive wreck in the blue lagoon. It will be the same as the three other states, but Chuuk will get more U.S. funding (money). Those smart Chuukese who propose the referendum know better, and they're more experienced in the federation (FSM) long ago. VOTE YES!

[@johnstonpalik]

That's not true. The United States won't let that happen to Chuuk. Both will have a unique relationship. More secure and safe for the people of Chuuk. More money coming from all the donor countries to help Chuuk.

[@khadidjakoka6419]

Independence is precious & its value known only by great nations.

[@faanengaaw7357]

Im Micronesian & a citizen of the country. I am also frm Chuuk & i am strongly against this referendum for Chuuk & i strongly suggest other Chuukese people out there to pls vote against this referendum.

[@skerhnekia5762]

The Compact will not end only the Financial Assistant that will be no more.

[@angelavanhorn2325]

Thank you for this very educational and informing political statues for Chuuk Lagoon...I was still against this forming of independent, since they have announcing out. Chuuk a very disorganized govt and poor leadership. The dire poverty with no running water, no electricity, not enough hospital, no real industry, the pollution on marine and land is still called Chuuk a Third World Country. The USA have not beattention, which we have more problem here at home USA. Once China's footing it's power, they will literally put Chuukese on concentration camp like what China's did to Hmong...Chuukese are like farms animals, they like to sing and dances until there is no tomorrow. I have been away from being an activist since the death of my beloved son was dtd to July 19, 2017. Anyway, whoever advicing the Chuuk politicians on this suicidal schemes, are out to pocketing their pockets as piggy bank. There is not enough doctors and nurses in Chuuk, yet the Chuukese politician are waging another scams...

[@srinivasvasu3906]

Oh god.I never heard micronesia.when ever i use google earth k only see hawai onthe other half.i dont even know that islands exists

Chuuk is sitting on a gold mine but they don't seem to know it. It's called VAST OCEAN resources. THEY should be owning all those fishing ships and packing houses not CHINA or Japan. They can also coop with someone like elon musk to develop underwater turbines to produce electricity. Ocean currents can produce tons of electric. They need to think outside the box. They need to keep the chinese out of there at all costs.

[@dernochjungenoergler]

does anyone happen to know how it ended up with the 2023 Chuuk referendum?

[@maxvillyonecent7530]

😂 😂 😂 😂 You can't leave, cuz you borrowed tomuch from us

[@the8thgemmer467]

The referendum was postponed to 2022

[@juliegurwan1147]

I'm against chuuk leaving cause as a micronesian wat chuuk is doing is absolutely stupid cause if you look at the chart of funding from the U.S chuuk gets the most of the funding

[@maxvillyonecent7530]

😂 😂 😂 Yes, base on the population....... What happen in chuuk is corruption 😒 chuuk state have more rich people in Micronesia. They receive more then half of the compact. People in chuuk are rich and the government is poor. That's a fact

[@whereisamine]

Man I’d love to buy a hoodie and support your channel as you say but your merch si so expensive :/

[@safuwanfauzi5014]

Can you made video about Mariana Island and Guam, can 2 these Island can be independent states like Federated State of Mirconesia, Marshall Island and Palau?

[@santospaul8103]

Mariana Islands chose to be a commonwealth back then

[@safuwanfauzi5014]

@@santospaul8103 So commonwealth is like semi-independent right? outsider from 50 states in US right? or its just like America Samoa, Puerto Rico?

[@santospaul8103]

@@safuwanfauzi5014 just like American Samoa, but the Mariana Islands wanted to be under the US, that’s what their leaders back then were pushing for

[@safuwanfauzi5014]

​@@santospaul8103 I have read about Mariana Islander and Guam people wanted independent, especially Chamorro movement, because more and more white settler come and they becoming minority, they dont want to becoming like Hawaiian, Australia Aboriginal and New Zealand/Aotearoa Maori. lost their land forever, but luckily some distant cousin like Fijian, Samoa, Tonga and Palau the strong traditional culture pacific islander rule their on land, and people form outside non-native cannot live ​permanently in the country.

[@joered8395]

United Micronesia 👍

[@SirFaceFone]

Just what we need, small countries dividing themselves further

[@user-ix7iu4wf8o]

as long as they DO NOT offer/have/given any one bit of anything to increase the USA influence, I am alright with what they do. Nobody wants the USA anymore than CHINA but if a choice has to be made, I choose china anytime better than dirty USA or Australia. side note, let chuuk have their say in their independence regardless who wants more influence.

[@zabaree7622]

I think what the chuukese are trying to do is ask for another CFA for them self from the US. if the US says no, then there is no other option but to reach out to different countries for help.

[@johnstonpalik]

That is a smart move for the people of Chuuk islands to become an independent island state because they can make more money than join the federation (FSM). They will make more revenue and control their own money than sharing their income revenue with Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Yap.

[@jeffreyyorlang4354]

So much to consider. Why can't they mandate education for the republic of the FSM. Knowledge should liberate.

[@travellingman4609]

Which animation program do you use for your videos? Great videos.

[@TicketToKnow]

Thanks! I keyframe almost everything in FCPX and for anything a little more complex I use Motion. Apple gives a huge discount on both of them if you're a student

[@travellingman4609]

@@TicketToKnow Thanks, info is appreciated. Unfortunately I don't own a Mac so will need to buy a similar software program(s) for my Windows desktop. Maybe Adobe products.

[@khadidjakoka6419]

Great people of Chuuk, Vote strongly for Freedom & Dignity. Independence is precious, and its value known only by great nations.

[@jayleenencher871]

Hey ,,, are You one of those European spie or Aussie, how did you get all these incorect informations,,

[@zealandia5668]

What happens now though?

[@yungdraco7625]

Chuuk should be leave fsm. They make us look bad. They ain’t shit

[@raulmaximo5810]

Lol, Micronesia united is stronger in every single way, rather than divided

[@perrycomeau8070]

Can always need more t-shirts like Godzilla.

[@princetonjohnny6803]

A presidency candidate has fruitful & concentative plans over the years to lead his country to the next economical step, then seeks voters supports. A govt with a pop-up leader without preps & plans can hardly do no big changes. Don't see problems if Chuuk or Kosras , California or Maine holds presidencies for years (Chuukese wins seat for 8, another Chuukese takes 4 or 8 years,Kosraean wins 4 or 8, so as with PNI, YAP).9. It just got to do with popularity, good campaigns & plans & voters approval. Just curious

[@jeansiminaka4482]

The reason why hard for chuuk to be independent because they don't have knowledge plus the candidate don't have brain more.

[@ValeriePallaoro]

I can imagine the hilarity that would ensue if China got the privilege to pay. The argee-bargee of China/US politics would be a match in a fireworks factory

[@Professorkek]

Can you please get a Patreon so I can givce you money?

[@carladoumit2222]

And now its been delayed again to 2022

[@ronaldwhite5670]

From Australia......why don’t we hear about these situations in our media. This could be serious, China moving in again!!!!!

[@tdmori]

The session i do not agree

[@tdmori]

Secession i do not agree

[@johnstonpalik]

Good for Chuuk islands and the people.

[@moriatiksaunders3118]

I am not from Chuuk, but I say let Chuuk have their secession if that is what they want. The FSM is nothing more than a marriage of convenience and has far outlived its usefulness. To put it simply, It is a loveless marriage, why stay in a marriage when the partners no longer love or care for each others? Who gives a fuck what the rest of the world thinks, they do not live in them shoes.

[@singbardringang4878]

Stay with U.S.A!! Kinisou!

[@marioabello7137]

History tells out that secession of states, governments, and nations go through a trial by fire before it becomes an independent and great nation. The best example is U.S itself. Chuuk going as the tide to become a separate nation may very well be repeating an history in the remaking.

[@angelavanhorn2325]

Chuukese are like farm. They like easy going, food and dancing away...point is they cannot endured difficulty. They are misled. I was being close to murder today on my way home from work by an assassin. Im not surprised, all this political schemes might related to all this...🤐🤐

[@princetonjohnny6803]

For the many thankful years of US worthily funding FSM, economically, where's this $ going + the bountiful resources $ ? When is 'self-sufficient' wakes, rises, & moves on promisingly..... fill the gaps & roll uphill

[@Lekurishkun]

I will support anything against China, so I hope they still unite

[@jimchiro3459]

That's Stupid idea.

[@khadidjakoka6419]

Great Chuukese nation , don't waste this chance for liberty_Vote yes for independence.

[@tensinaarongaw5152]

We do not want a seperation UNITED WE STAND FOUR STARS FOUR PILLARD STRONG HOLD

[@johnstonpalik]

UNITED WE CORRUPTED BECAUSE OF TOO MANY CROOKS!

[@tensinaarongaw5152]

Hmmm so I guess your one of them yes folks sorry but this election all the corrupt are leaving office and all the new bloods are moving in GOD WILLING...

[@melheinrich5438]

I think going into the hands of China 🇨🇳 will cause more problems which other islands have experienced 🤔. I just wish that Chuuk, Yap, Guam, Palau, Pohnpei, and Northern Marinas come forward to being a state. Be individually or as a group. Things aren't looking good with China now and they have alot of American values in the citizens. A referendum vote 🗳 too see where the citizens stand which for. Statehood would really improve life for all citizens issues which I'm strongly loved happens.

[@alexcool40]

India and Pakistan occupied Kashmiri and India occupied Nagaland must free ..

[@pmemuch7459]

Ki

[@Airbiscuitmaker]

Here's another idea: Why not incorporating these "Federal States of Micronesia" into the USA? That each of the four separate "States" becomes an oversea territory like Guam, American Samoa and Puerto Rico? It is good for the Micronesians as well as for Uncle Sam.

[@joycemcclure4136]

They were US territories beginning in 1945 but opted to become independent in the late 70s.

[@HamzooPineda]

China will get them if they choose to separate from US.

[@j.r.freeman9420]

Nah we good with free association... More freedom and rights that way

[@pmemuch7459]

M

[@melheinrich5438]

I feel Chuuk should vote on being a statehood of America 🇺🇸. Be better representative to congress as well as Americans values. When being a state federal dollars would help in infrastructure needs. By installing military bases by Department of Defense on the islands will bring economic growth from military services too infrastructure needs to the islanders which needs agreements for hand. If referendum is held statehood should be added to the ballots for citizens to decide. It takes 50% or more to be a state. I'm for Chuuk to be a state so let's get it done.

[@melheinrich5438]

Yes that's true, Chuuk is still part of America but under territories status. It still up to citizens of Chuuk has that direction. Any country or state can ask to be part of the republic leading to full representation. Even just to see a referendum not binding on citizens feelings on the matter. Know territories have really done this except Port Rico. Most of the citizens are heading to the mainland now with special permission.

[@melheinrich5438]

Chuuk should stay with America 🇺🇸 and become a statehood. Being a state would help in infrastructure, medical, law enforcement and security which all costs alot. Chuuk would like any other states run it the way they want. You are all Americans in your blood. China 🇨🇳 helping islands financially then don't pay they take over the islands. Research this statement which is true. Referendum should become a state its over due for all Chuuk.

[@johnsiren3027]

It’s up to the people bottom line.