Travel posters present idyllic scenes of South Pacific islands, in the midst of clear blue waters, lovely and calm. But al is not calm in New Caledonia, an archipelago of 140 islands, many of which are not inhabited, 750 miles east of Australia. Its name came from James Cook in 1774 because it reminded him of an area in his native Scotland.
However, all is not peaceful and calm because of the voting rights question. It is part of the French overseas territories. The indigenous Kanak people constitute about 40% of the population, and moves to expand voting rights to non-indigenous people has resulted in consternation and now violence.
French troops recaptured the airport over the weekend, held by separatists. The future of this small territory with only about 270,000 is convulsing a nation of 68 million. The airport is vital not just for tourism, but for food and medical supplies. How to balance the indigenous against the settlers does not just affect New Caledonia.
Prayer for the Day
The consequences of history lay hard on us, O God,
Whether in remote places or closer to home;
The demands of those oppressed by invaders and rulers,
Now cannot be ignored by those who hold power.
Grant, O Righteous One, that rulers grant accommodation,
So those seeking rights peacefully, do not resort to violence.
In the name of the One who speaks to all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
You cannot continue to victimize someone else just because you yourself were a victim once—there has to be a limit.
Edward Said, Palestinian American historian and critic (1935-2003)
What colonialism does is cause an identity crisis abut one’s own culture.
Lupita Nyong’O, Kenyan-Mexican actress
Understand, O dullest of the people; fools, when will you be wise?
The One who planted the ear, does God not hear?
The One who formed the eye, does God not see?
The One who discipline the nations, who teaches knowledge to humankind,
Does God not chastise? The Lord knows our thoughts,
That they are but an empty breath.
Psalm 94: 8-11