A scheduled Chuuk Independence referendum that was to be held in Chuuk this year, all seems to be forgotten. But that may not be the case, it might just be the appearance on the surface.

Matt Kuor, a senator from the Northwest region of Chuuk, said: “I heard from reliable sources that [the proponent] are getting ready to introduce it again.”

Chuuk, as part of the Federated States of Micronesia, has had a long history of disagreements over fair distribution of allocations money, among other things.

But while there may still be no discussion or talks about an independent Chuuk yet, Sen. Kuor said he wouldn’t be surprised if something happened soon. Timing is of the essence; 2023 is soon to be upon us.

If, in fact, this Chuuk Independence referendum sees the light of the day, what does it mean to the Marshall Islands?

Perhaps nothing. But if you had any relatives, friends or associates in Chuuk, then the story becomes of interest to you. If it signals any changes in US policy, then it certainly would be interesting to watch.

John Pattis, strong opponent of the secession movement living in Dededo, said they can certainly try again. But he said he thinks the message Chuukese living abroad sent to the Chuukese leadership the first time around, is loud and clear… the people of Chuuk don‘t want any part of the movement!

In their final report, the Chuuk independence movement said they have rallied strong support for independence. They’re very confident that if put to the people, it will pass.

Kuor said it is true. Chuukese abroad were very influential the first round. They had it in for the folk in Chuuk that the relationship they want with the US… they’re going to get from their current relationship to the FSM. But he adds it doesn’t have to, there are better ways that if worked out, are far better than the ones we have right now… at least, for state of Chuuk.

“The bottom line is, as the Chuuk leadership, we want Chuuk’s appropriation to do with it as we see fit,” Kuor said.

A good example of this is FSM Congress 52% pay raise of June 10 of last year, said Kuor. What percentage of this 52 is part of the Chuukese appropriation? But does Chuuk have any say in it… no it doesn’t!

He said the sooner we get out of this relationship (with the rest of FSM), the better off we are to figure things out on our own. 

This is right time to reintroduce the movement, he said: when there is talk of possibly a new base in FSM and Palau… when China is flexing its political muscles in South China seas… and not to be outdone, Korea, too, is still trying to assert itself over the area.

But Washington has stated she is not offering agreement to independence Chuuk–similar to one’s with FSM, Marshalls and Palau.

That, certainly, is their prerogative to use that tone of language, Kuor also said. Remember, it’s politics. But could they just let us go when thing are heating up with China?

And the renegotiation in 2023, he said; what are we renegotiating? Of course, it’s the United States denial rights to the exclusive use of the area for defensive posture. But what if… we turn the table on them.

“We say, our waters may not be much, but it’s still our waters and you cannot have that,” Kuor said. “We go to renegotiate table and denied them that.”

“Originally scheduled to take place in March 2015, the referendum has been delayed three times,” stated a wikipedia.org. One by the governor in 2015, one by Chuuk State Legislature and the third in 2020