|
Friday, January 07, 2005
Ong: Panorama of the changing earth
By Ted Aldwin Ong
Conclusion
THE latest tsunami that hit the countries in the South delivered a strong and disturbing signal that the earth is changing rapidly not only in its surface but even in its tectonic plates.
The catastrophe has become a rallying point of individuals and organizations for unity and solidarity with nations and people in the South. The outpouring of financial support and relief goods became a symbol of man's kindness and compassion to the people of the South regardless of race, culture, religion, and creed.
Non-government organizations in the Asia-Pacific are sending strong warnings to victim nations in handling governments of the North and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank in the face of this tragedy.
This situation might be taken advantage by Northern governments and IFIs to reconstruct infrastructures and rebuild the lives of the survivors by extending debt packages as a tool to control and monopolize their governments.
The Asia-Pacific Movement for Debt and Development is calling for the long-lasting relief for the peoples of the South in the face of the tsunami disaster. Non-government organizations are expressing their deepest sympathy and solidarity for the peoples of Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and many other South countries who are suffering from the devastation unleashed by the tsunami on December 26.
We cannot overemphasize how profoundly saddened we are by the climbing death toll, numbering over 150,000 with thousand others missing or injured, the destruction of property, the loss of livelihoods, and the widespread dislocation of communities.
The Philippines was also severely hit by super typhoons in the past weeks, leading to the death of more than 1,000 people and the destruction of over 10,000 hectares of farmlands. Rendered homeless and without access to clean water were 53,000 families.
Now, more than ever, at their hour of greatest need, the peoples of the South must be heeded in their long-standing demand for debt cancellation. In the face of this massive destruction, northern and international creditors should not continue to hold South peoples in bondage for debts that have in large part, only contributed to their impoverishment and deprivation.
If there is any measure of sincerity in the outpouring of compassion from North governments for the peoples of the South, let this be through concrete action. In addition to emergency relief operations and rehabilitation, what we need immediately is the unconditional debt cancellation.
In the face of this catastrophe, Southern governments should not continue to prioritize debt service and squander much needed public funds. There must be a stop in the payment of onerous and illegitimate debts.
For comments or reactions, send email to peoplesdomain@yahoo.com
or SMS to (0920)4284719
(January 7, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
