It has been seven weeks since I arrived in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. For some strange reason, I have sensed little or no joy on this beautiful and supposedly "the happiest island in the South Pacific". At first I thought it could be because people were stressed out by the hype of the holiday season. Perhaps the locals would be happier after New Year's. Well, it is more than three weeks into 2014, and there is no sign of cheerfulness on the island.
On the day before Christmas Eve, I went to extend my visa at the Immigration Office, the lady on the other side of the counter told me about her oldest daughter's suicide two years ago. I asked my hostess about the incident. She replied that teenage suicides are very common in Rarotonga. Even the adults often feel "hopeless" living on this island. Most residents do not consider living here as a special gift from God. They want to live in New Zealand or Australia. As the saying goes, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the septic tank".
During many of my conversations with local papas and mamas, they have repeatedly raised concerns about their offspring resenting physical work, and turning to the bottle or other addictive habits for "relief". A week ago, the 10-year old girl next door let out blood-hurdling cries when her grandparents asked her to mow the lawn with a motorized lawn mower.This girl would otherwise play video games and/or watch movies 24/7 during her 6-week school break. Subsequently, the older generation is still toiling on their farms, yards and households while the younger generation pursues a hedonistic lifestyle.
Even though religion has a strong hold on the communities on Rarotonga, petty theft is prevalent. Lying and stealing are not being frowned upon. What could have been an island paradise is contaminated with greed, immorality and contempt for authority. Unless the young Rarotongans realize that the future is in their hands, build stronger work ethics, and shape up instead of ship out, social problems are going to plague this once "happiest island in the South Pacific".
On the day before Christmas Eve, I went to extend my visa at the Immigration Office, the lady on the other side of the counter told me about her oldest daughter's suicide two years ago. I asked my hostess about the incident. She replied that teenage suicides are very common in Rarotonga. Even the adults often feel "hopeless" living on this island. Most residents do not consider living here as a special gift from God. They want to live in New Zealand or Australia. As the saying goes, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the septic tank".
During many of my conversations with local papas and mamas, they have repeatedly raised concerns about their offspring resenting physical work, and turning to the bottle or other addictive habits for "relief". A week ago, the 10-year old girl next door let out blood-hurdling cries when her grandparents asked her to mow the lawn with a motorized lawn mower.This girl would otherwise play video games and/or watch movies 24/7 during her 6-week school break. Subsequently, the older generation is still toiling on their farms, yards and households while the younger generation pursues a hedonistic lifestyle.
Even though religion has a strong hold on the communities on Rarotonga, petty theft is prevalent. Lying and stealing are not being frowned upon. What could have been an island paradise is contaminated with greed, immorality and contempt for authority. Unless the young Rarotongans realize that the future is in their hands, build stronger work ethics, and shape up instead of ship out, social problems are going to plague this once "happiest island in the South Pacific".
