This is an article which was published in the local newspaper The Independent/L'Independent on Sunday 24 April, 2005, in the area so-called

LETTERS.

To ni-Vanuatu, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Because I cannot write to all ministers and all political leaders of your country, I decide to write to the editor of the independent newspaper hoping that he will publish my letter, which is a deep and sour feeling from a New Caledonian Kanak towards his Vanuatu Kanak brothers.

I have just spent some time visiting your country and before I leave I would like to share the conclusions I have made of this trip.

1. I visited your hospital and I'm glad I did not get sick while here, because I understand that since independence, if you get sick and haven't got a private insurance, which is the case of a majority of ni-Vanuatu, you die and the government doesn't care about this situation.

2. Your minimum wage is so poor that your buying power is low. Lucky the expatriate community is there to buy from the market or supermarkets otherwise you wouldn't go too far.

3. The prices in the shops, restaurants, rental cars etc....are just crazy and unaffordable. I'm wondering how you can live with such low salaries.

4. Your economy is essentially based on overseas aid programs because from my information sources, the copra, cocoa, kava and beef are not really the participating factors of your country's incomes.

5. Your tourism which should be your primary economy is poor, incompetent and lacks professionalism.

6. The state of your roads is the perfect reflection of a failed independence.

7. You do not have nice cars and I know why. How do you expect to have nice cars with such rubbish roads?

8. It seems that you have the worst drivers I have ever come across. The taxis and public transports are dangerous and carrying tourist in dangerous vehicles.

9. Most of the people met are poor and dirty. Their hygiene is suspicious.

10. Your police force is a joke from what I hear. No vehicles, no petrol, no citizen's protection. In fact, no resources.

11. Your government has been corrupted for almost 25 years of independence and the slack population doesn't even consider making a revolution to restore order and responsibility to the elected members of government.

Let me tell you ladies and gentlemen from Vanuatu, whatever your origins, political affiliations or religions: in your situation I would be ashamed to show my country in such a state, to the foreigners.

You should not try to push for New Caledonia's independence because if this is going to be the result of the independence, I'd rather remain with France and be French. Black, but French. We have good roads in New Caledonia, we have nice cars. We have water and electricity almost everywhere. We have social security if we get sick and the doll for the unemployed. The minimum wage in New Caledonia is approximately 7,5 times higher than yours. Why would I trade this for the hip of s....like you have?

The best thing you can do is let some foreign power come and restore law and order and take control of your economy for the benefit and the good wealth of your children.

I don't think I'll waste some more money to visit your poor country. It's not worth it and doesn't teach us good lesson. All the best with your chaotic future.

Maximilien Goyetche.
Riviere Salee, Nouvelle Caledonia.

Note of the editor:

Because of the disturbing tone of this letter, I was inclined not to publish it. In discussing it with ni-Vanuatu colleagues however, I was persuaded there are points made which can assist any debate concerning the relevant merits and pitfalls of independence, a topic likely to be much argued this year. Your comments on the subject are welcome - Ed.

The Independent
BP 1555-Port Vila
Tel:29999-Fax:29991 email: independent@vanuatu.com.vu

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