I have been visiting the island regularly since the 1980s. This lastest visit, however, depressed me terribly. A number of issues seriously concern me and I wish to raise them here, each in turn, but not necessarily in their order of importance. Travelling vehicles have to be constantly avoiding potholes and rocks. The roads seem to have steadily deteriorated over the last 20 years.
Urgent repair is required.
Rotuma is the most remote island of the republic, therefore, as a matter of justice and equity, all these items should be subsidised by the Government. This is the case in many socially and politically enlightened countries. Thirdly, the pollution of the beaches and sea by tin cans, bottles, plastic bags, used batteries, etc. is totally unacceptable. Educational programs should be instituted in schools and villages to address the problem and adequate fines imposed on those continuing to pollute. For example, polluters could be required to clean various areas of the beach or sea which they pollute.