Rocks from the dark…

Fr. Francis X. Hezel, S.J., a man widely considered to be a very valuable asset to the Micronesian region recently delivered a keynote speech i Koror, talking about how Palau has changed since his first visit to thenation over forty years ago. Speaking about culture, health, and tradition, he delivered his insights on Palau’s advancements as well as its shortcomings.Fr. Hezel spoke about “Highs” – betel nut, drugs; “Food” – how food has traditionally been part of our culture; “Sex” – teen pregnancies, STDs; “Competition” – how Palauans are well known competitors; and “The Gender Divide & Mental Health” – talking about the high cases of mental illnesses in Palau. Most of these topics raise health concerns, which are well understood by citizens and foreign residents alike in Palau. However, despite knowing these concerns, we somehow tend to let the message out the other ear whilst we turn the other cheek.