In an interview with the BNI Election Newsroom, newly elected Lower House MP, U Tint Soe, spoke about the current situation involving the excavation of natural resources in his hometown, Hpakant, in western Kachin State.
Q: Can you tell us about the current situation in Hpakant?
A: I want to say that there is no rule of law or peace in Hpakant now. I want to say that Global Witness’s recent report on the status of Myanmar jade resources is nearly all correct.
Businesses owned by local citizens are very few in our Hpakant. Also, the real owners of the companies are not Chinese people born in Myanmar but Chinese citizens. I have been living in Hpakant for 27 years. As everyone knows, our citizens did not have the right to receive much benefit from the natural resources in our country.
Q: How much damage has natural resources excavation done to the area?
A: The amount of environmental damage is quite unbelievable. Our Hpakant area was an area with natural mountains and presentable [natural] resources in the past.
Now, all the soil has been destroyed. If I were to talk in terms of area, nearly 400 square miles have been totally destroyed. They have become pot-holes and waste soils. It has become like a desert. If I were to talk about the extent of deforestation caused by companies that cut down the trees for daily use such as firewood, coal and constructing buildings. We could cut the trees and bamboo at the entrance of our village in the past. Now, we have to travel at least 40 miles from the village to cut down trees. A lot of conservation effort is needed. (Courtesy of Mizzima)
December 23, 2015
Buddhist Extremism Loses Out in Myanmar Vote
With the opposition National League for Democracy’s (NLD) landslide victory in Myanmar’s Nov. 8 election, the enduring popularity of its leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, was confirmed. The results also constituted a strong popular rebuke of military rule, as the former generals of the incumbent Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) suffered an embarrassing defeat.
But another group was also revealed to be less politically powerful than expected: the Buddhist nationalist organization known as Ma Ba Tha, or the Association for the Protection of Race and Religion. Led by Buddhist monks who espouse a particularly vocal brand of anti-Muslim nationalism, Ma Ba Tha had spent months lobbying for the enactment of legislation and policies aimed at “protecting” Buddhism.
Before the election, many observers were predicting that Ma Ba Tha’s growing clout could impact the electoral outcome. The organization had already proven itself to be a political power player, securing by mid-2015 the passage of four “Race and Religion Protection” bills restricting interfaith marriage, religious conversion and Muslim birthrates. Today, however, the monks of Ma Ba Tha have fallen out of the headlines.
Ma Ba Tha Weakened
As the NLD prepares to take the reins of government, Ma Ba Tha is in a decidedly weaker position than it was before the vote. And the dramatic reversal of fortune is thanks, in large part, to the group’s own choices during the campaign.
Though Buddhist monks are technically barred from direct participation in Myanmar politics, in the months leading up to election day, the monks of Ma Ba Tha intervened repeatedly. Prominent Ma Ba Tha leaders, including the notorious Wirathu, called on supporters to vote for candidates who would safeguard Buddhism and traditional Burmese culture. In many instances, they made it clear that this meant the ruling USDP. (Courtesy of Asia Sentinel)
But another group was also revealed to be less politically powerful than expected: the Buddhist nationalist organization known as Ma Ba Tha, or the Association for the Protection of Race and Religion. Led by Buddhist monks who espouse a particularly vocal brand of anti-Muslim nationalism, Ma Ba Tha had spent months lobbying for the enactment of legislation and policies aimed at “protecting” Buddhism.
Before the election, many observers were predicting that Ma Ba Tha’s growing clout could impact the electoral outcome. The organization had already proven itself to be a political power player, securing by mid-2015 the passage of four “Race and Religion Protection” bills restricting interfaith marriage, religious conversion and Muslim birthrates. Today, however, the monks of Ma Ba Tha have fallen out of the headlines.
Ma Ba Tha Weakened
As the NLD prepares to take the reins of government, Ma Ba Tha is in a decidedly weaker position than it was before the vote. And the dramatic reversal of fortune is thanks, in large part, to the group’s own choices during the campaign.
Though Buddhist monks are technically barred from direct participation in Myanmar politics, in the months leading up to election day, the monks of Ma Ba Tha intervened repeatedly. Prominent Ma Ba Tha leaders, including the notorious Wirathu, called on supporters to vote for candidates who would safeguard Buddhism and traditional Burmese culture. In many instances, they made it clear that this meant the ruling USDP. (Courtesy of Asia Sentinel)
Interfaith group provides Christmas meals to Myanmar's poor
For the poor children and families from the Irrawaddy riverside in Mandalay, where people live in temporary tents, one good meal is a special Christmas gift.
An interfaith group of woman comprised of Catholics, Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus reached out to Mandalay's poor on Dec. 20 to provide meals as a way of conveying the Christmas message of joy.
"We find Jesus among the poor … so we show the simplicity and joy to the people. We need to get out and smell the sheep that Pope Francis said," Irish Columban Sister Kathleen Geaney, the group's founder, told ucanews.com.
Sister Geaney said the simple meal of rice and curry can go a long way to help the people, especially children, many of whom are malnourished. Meals are provided on special occasions, like Christmas and Easter, she said. However, the group distributes about 400 eggs each week among need families. (Courtesy of ucanews.com)
An interfaith group of woman comprised of Catholics, Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus reached out to Mandalay's poor on Dec. 20 to provide meals as a way of conveying the Christmas message of joy.
"We find Jesus among the poor … so we show the simplicity and joy to the people. We need to get out and smell the sheep that Pope Francis said," Irish Columban Sister Kathleen Geaney, the group's founder, told ucanews.com.
Sister Geaney said the simple meal of rice and curry can go a long way to help the people, especially children, many of whom are malnourished. Meals are provided on special occasions, like Christmas and Easter, she said. However, the group distributes about 400 eggs each week among need families. (Courtesy of ucanews.com)
Roads being upgraded along international borders with Bangladesh, Pakistan, China
NEW DELHI: India is constructing and upgrading roads along the borders with Bangladesh, Pakistan, China and Nepal and plans similar action along the Indo-Bhutan and Indo-Myanmar border as well, government told the Lok Sabha today.
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said construction and upgradation of roads of 4,379 km along Indo-Bangladesh border has been going on.
Such a project is also being implemented in 689.95 km along the Indo-Pakistan border, he said during Question Hour.
Construction and upgradation of roads is also going on in 3,796 km along Indo-China border and 1377 km along Indo-Nepal border, the minister said.
Government has also plans for development of border along Indo-Bhutan and Indo-Myanmar border, he said. (Courtesy of The Economic Times)
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said construction and upgradation of roads of 4,379 km along Indo-Bangladesh border has been going on.
Such a project is also being implemented in 689.95 km along the Indo-Pakistan border, he said during Question Hour.
Construction and upgradation of roads is also going on in 3,796 km along Indo-China border and 1377 km along Indo-Nepal border, the minister said.
Government has also plans for development of border along Indo-Bhutan and Indo-Myanmar border, he said. (Courtesy of The Economic Times)
Open borders make way for pollution in Myanmar
Researchers warn that Myanmar's Mergui archipelago should be made a protected area before the signs of human-caused pollution reach its unspoiled waters.
Imagine this, says Marine biologist Manuel Marinelli, as he paints a picture of unbearable cruelty: Somewhere in the African savanna, two vehicles connected by a 200-meter-long barbed-wire fence plough overland, clothes-lining zebras, lions, gazelles, and elephants. From their catch, gazelles are plucked and sold as steak. The rest, now dead, is left to rot.
"If anybody did that, they would go to jail," says Marinelli, a former Greenpeace bottom-trawling expert. "But that's what is happening underwater every single day." Most of what happens to marine life, he adds, happens out of sight and out of people's minds. The same disregard applies to plastic waste in the oceans, he told DW.
Last month, the Austrian native and founder of nonprofit Project Manaia sailed to the pristine coastal region of the Mergui Archipelago, where 800 islands lie off the coast of Myanmar and stretch down beyond the border with Thailand.
The country's isolation for the past 60 years has granted the sea there rich coral cover and ensured the continued and colorful existence of 365 species of reef fish. (Courtesy of dw.com)
Imagine this, says Marine biologist Manuel Marinelli, as he paints a picture of unbearable cruelty: Somewhere in the African savanna, two vehicles connected by a 200-meter-long barbed-wire fence plough overland, clothes-lining zebras, lions, gazelles, and elephants. From their catch, gazelles are plucked and sold as steak. The rest, now dead, is left to rot.
"If anybody did that, they would go to jail," says Marinelli, a former Greenpeace bottom-trawling expert. "But that's what is happening underwater every single day." Most of what happens to marine life, he adds, happens out of sight and out of people's minds. The same disregard applies to plastic waste in the oceans, he told DW.
Last month, the Austrian native and founder of nonprofit Project Manaia sailed to the pristine coastal region of the Mergui Archipelago, where 800 islands lie off the coast of Myanmar and stretch down beyond the border with Thailand.
The country's isolation for the past 60 years has granted the sea there rich coral cover and ensured the continued and colorful existence of 365 species of reef fish. (Courtesy of dw.com)
US envoy says Washington wants solutions to Rohingya issue
The US envoy, who was on a visit to Cox’s Bazar on Monday and Tuesday, met district and local officials, registered as well as undocumented Rohingya refugees, and organisations providing humanitarian assistance in the area.
She also visited two USAID-funded projects, according to the US embassy.
Bangladesh has been sheltering Myanmar’s Muslim minority Rohingya, who fled sectarian violence at home, for decades.
Myanmar has refused to grant them citizenship.
The Ambassador appreciated the fact that Bangladesh had hosted hundreds of thousands of Rohingya and what the country had done to help this “vulnerable population”.
The embassy said she reiterated the US commitment to helping Bangladesh, Burma, and countries across the region “find just and durable solutions for the Rohingya and to providing protection and assistance to Rohingya refugees, asylum seekers and their host communities”. (Courtesy of bdnews24.com/)
She also visited two USAID-funded projects, according to the US embassy.
Bangladesh has been sheltering Myanmar’s Muslim minority Rohingya, who fled sectarian violence at home, for decades.
Myanmar has refused to grant them citizenship.
The Ambassador appreciated the fact that Bangladesh had hosted hundreds of thousands of Rohingya and what the country had done to help this “vulnerable population”.
The embassy said she reiterated the US commitment to helping Bangladesh, Burma, and countries across the region “find just and durable solutions for the Rohingya and to providing protection and assistance to Rohingya refugees, asylum seekers and their host communities”. (Courtesy of bdnews24.com/)
NGOs Seek Kyaukphyu SEZ Delay as President Pushes Implementation
RANGOON — A coalition of 107 nonprofit organizations has demanded that the Kyaukphyu special economic zone (SEZ) project be suspended until power has been transferred to a government led by the National League for Democracy (NLD), as incumbent President Thein Sein urged just the opposite on Monday.
Khaing Kaung San, chairman of the Wunlark Development Foundation in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, told The Irrawaddy on Monday that the organization held a meeting—the All Arakanese Civil Society Organization Forum—from Dec. 18-20 in Kyaukphyu, also located in Arakan State. More than 200 people participated in the forum and drew up a list of 12 points detailing why the government ought to halt construction of the project.
Myint Thein, deputy minister for rail transportation and head of the Kyaukphyu SEZ management committee, outlined the project, billed as Burma’s western economic gateway, to Lower House lawmakers on Dec. 3, urging that it be carried out quickly. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar on Tuesday reported that Thein Sein also urged acceleration of the tendering process for the project, “so that the next government can continue to implement the project in easy way,” during a meeting the day prior with the Myanmar Special Economic Zone Central Working Body, which he chairs.
Announcement of the tender winner for the project has been beset by a series of delays.
Although the president this week pushed for speedier implementation of the Kyaukphyu SEZ, locals worry about the project’s societal impacts, particularly for farmers, who often lose out as a result of such large-scale, land-heavy developments. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)
Khaing Kaung San, chairman of the Wunlark Development Foundation in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, told The Irrawaddy on Monday that the organization held a meeting—the All Arakanese Civil Society Organization Forum—from Dec. 18-20 in Kyaukphyu, also located in Arakan State. More than 200 people participated in the forum and drew up a list of 12 points detailing why the government ought to halt construction of the project.
Myint Thein, deputy minister for rail transportation and head of the Kyaukphyu SEZ management committee, outlined the project, billed as Burma’s western economic gateway, to Lower House lawmakers on Dec. 3, urging that it be carried out quickly. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar on Tuesday reported that Thein Sein also urged acceleration of the tendering process for the project, “so that the next government can continue to implement the project in easy way,” during a meeting the day prior with the Myanmar Special Economic Zone Central Working Body, which he chairs.
Announcement of the tender winner for the project has been beset by a series of delays.
Although the president this week pushed for speedier implementation of the Kyaukphyu SEZ, locals worry about the project’s societal impacts, particularly for farmers, who often lose out as a result of such large-scale, land-heavy developments. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)
Govt to Hand Over Unfinished SEZ Business to NLD
RANGOON — While preparing to come to power in 2016, Burma’s main opposition party the National League for Democracy (NLD) must also gird itself for the substantial challenges of completing three special economic zones (SEZ)—Thilawa in Rangoon Division, Dawei in Tenasserim Division and Kyaukphyu in Arakan State.
Maung Maung Soe, a former professor of economics, warned that the incoming NLD-headed government will not be able to avoid SEZ developments because plans for them are already taking shape, though many of the individual projects have yet to be put into action.
“These are huge responsibilities that the new government will have to handle. Every SEZ is a different situation that will have to be handled carefully,” he said. “Burma’s new government will have to be transparent, and it will also have to know how these different zones can bring benefits to the country.”
At a meeting with incumbent President Thein Sein on Monday, the chairmen of the various SEZ development committees—Hset Aung for Thilawa, Han Sein for Dawei and Myint Thein for Kyaukphyu—discussed the status of their respective zones.
According to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar, Vice President Nyan Tun said that of the three SEZs, Thilawa had been the most successful to dat. Its first phase includes the development of residential and commercial areas over some 1,000 acres of land. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)
Maung Maung Soe, a former professor of economics, warned that the incoming NLD-headed government will not be able to avoid SEZ developments because plans for them are already taking shape, though many of the individual projects have yet to be put into action.
“These are huge responsibilities that the new government will have to handle. Every SEZ is a different situation that will have to be handled carefully,” he said. “Burma’s new government will have to be transparent, and it will also have to know how these different zones can bring benefits to the country.”
At a meeting with incumbent President Thein Sein on Monday, the chairmen of the various SEZ development committees—Hset Aung for Thilawa, Han Sein for Dawei and Myint Thein for Kyaukphyu—discussed the status of their respective zones.
According to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar, Vice President Nyan Tun said that of the three SEZs, Thilawa had been the most successful to dat. Its first phase includes the development of residential and commercial areas over some 1,000 acres of land. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)
Official Vows Crackdown on Illegal Jade Mining in Hpakant
MANDALAY — As talk heats up over jade mining in Kachin State’s troubled Hpakant region amid reports of frenzied extraction of the precious gems there in recent months, Burma’s deputy minister of mines vowed Monday to prosecute illegal jade miners large and small.
The ministry’s plan was discussed during a session of Parliament’s Upper House, where lawmakers called on the Union government to take action to restore rule of law in the region and prevent further landslides and environmental degradation.
“The ministry is going to take legal action against illegal miners and prospectors who are looking for residual jade in the pilings of mining waste,” said Than Tun Aung, deputy minister of mines, in response to a motion submitted by Kachin lawmaker Khet Tein Nan urging government solutions to some of the problems that have beset the jade trade in Hpakant Township.
The deputy minister said the ministry was mulling possible amendments to Burma’s Gems Mining Law to ensure better environmental protections and prevention of illegal mining, a tightening of permitting and enforcement on limits to the use of heavy machinery. The measures would be aimed at making gems mining a more sustainable sector, he added.
Regarding complaints that the fundamental ill afflicting Hpakant is an absence of the rule of law, Than Tun Aung said on this matter the ministry would cooperate with local authorities, the Kachin State government, the military and even ethnic armed groups operating in the region. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)
The ministry’s plan was discussed during a session of Parliament’s Upper House, where lawmakers called on the Union government to take action to restore rule of law in the region and prevent further landslides and environmental degradation.
“The ministry is going to take legal action against illegal miners and prospectors who are looking for residual jade in the pilings of mining waste,” said Than Tun Aung, deputy minister of mines, in response to a motion submitted by Kachin lawmaker Khet Tein Nan urging government solutions to some of the problems that have beset the jade trade in Hpakant Township.
The deputy minister said the ministry was mulling possible amendments to Burma’s Gems Mining Law to ensure better environmental protections and prevention of illegal mining, a tightening of permitting and enforcement on limits to the use of heavy machinery. The measures would be aimed at making gems mining a more sustainable sector, he added.
Regarding complaints that the fundamental ill afflicting Hpakant is an absence of the rule of law, Than Tun Aung said on this matter the ministry would cooperate with local authorities, the Kachin State government, the military and even ethnic armed groups operating in the region. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)
Women in Myanmar conflict zones face rape, lack healthcare - UN
BANGKOK, Dec 22 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Women and girls uprooted by fighting in Myanmar risk sexual violence and lack access to reproductive healthcare, said the U.N. Population Fund, which next month launches a health project for women and girls in conflict-hit areas.
Communal violence in Rakhine state in the west and fighting between government troops and ethnic rebels in Kachin and Shan states in the north have caused massive displacement in Myanmar, where as many as 645,000 people are displaced, the highest number in Southeast Asia.
"While on the run or while living in shelters, (women) often lack access to basic sexual and reproductive health support," the UNFPA said in a statement. "Without assistance by midwives or provision of contraceptives, women and girls are at increased risk of unsafe sex, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe delivery."
The UNFPA's $11.8 million, three-year programme will provide healthcare for expectant and new mothers and emergency care for women who have suffered violence, such as post-rape treatment and counselling, in Rakhine, Kachin and northern Shan states.
In Rakhine, ethnic Rohingya Muslims face persecution and live in apartheid-like conditions, confined to camps and townships with restrictions on movement and deprivation of food and medical care.
"Imagine women there who want to deliver a baby, and they don't have means of transport, or they do not have proper documents to move within their areas: These are factors that contribute to maternal death," said Stenly Sajow, humanitarian affairs specialist for UNFPA. (Courtesy of trust.org)
Communal violence in Rakhine state in the west and fighting between government troops and ethnic rebels in Kachin and Shan states in the north have caused massive displacement in Myanmar, where as many as 645,000 people are displaced, the highest number in Southeast Asia.
"While on the run or while living in shelters, (women) often lack access to basic sexual and reproductive health support," the UNFPA said in a statement. "Without assistance by midwives or provision of contraceptives, women and girls are at increased risk of unsafe sex, unwanted pregnancy and unsafe delivery."
The UNFPA's $11.8 million, three-year programme will provide healthcare for expectant and new mothers and emergency care for women who have suffered violence, such as post-rape treatment and counselling, in Rakhine, Kachin and northern Shan states.
In Rakhine, ethnic Rohingya Muslims face persecution and live in apartheid-like conditions, confined to camps and townships with restrictions on movement and deprivation of food and medical care.
"Imagine women there who want to deliver a baby, and they don't have means of transport, or they do not have proper documents to move within their areas: These are factors that contribute to maternal death," said Stenly Sajow, humanitarian affairs specialist for UNFPA. (Courtesy of trust.org)
Myanmar: What happened in 2015 and what's ahead
What is the issue?
Myanmar is undergoing a remarkable transition, with one of the world's most reviled military juntas voluntarily giving way to a democratic government. This reform process culminated in 2015 in a landmark general election.
For decades, the military ruled the country with an iron fist. Advocates of democracy were routinely thrown in jail and human rights violated. The country lagged behind the rest of world, still relying on things like typewriters, land-line phones and mimeographs.
Five years ago, everything began to change. The government released national icon and democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi after decades of on- and off-again house arrest. A nominal civilian government took power and Suu Kyi won a seat in parliament by elections. The world took note, easing sanctions on the country and allowing the once isolated state to rejoin the international community. (Courtesy of CNN)
Myanmar is undergoing a remarkable transition, with one of the world's most reviled military juntas voluntarily giving way to a democratic government. This reform process culminated in 2015 in a landmark general election.
For decades, the military ruled the country with an iron fist. Advocates of democracy were routinely thrown in jail and human rights violated. The country lagged behind the rest of world, still relying on things like typewriters, land-line phones and mimeographs.
Five years ago, everything began to change. The government released national icon and democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi after decades of on- and off-again house arrest. A nominal civilian government took power and Suu Kyi won a seat in parliament by elections. The world took note, easing sanctions on the country and allowing the once isolated state to rejoin the international community. (Courtesy of CNN)
UNESCO and Panasonic Launch Educational Support Programs for the Next Generation in Off-Grid Communities in Myanmar
YANGON, Myanmar & OSAKA, Japan–(BUSINESS WIRE)–UNESCO and Panasonic Corporation signed a project agreement for Myanmar in November 2015 to promote educational support aimed at sustainable development for the next generation of young people living in the vicinity of the Ancient City of Bagan*1 in Myanmar, which is currently a nominee for UNESCO World Heritage listing. The signing marks the launch of the following joint projects today.
Donation of 500 units of “eneloop solar storage” to schools around the Ancient City of Bagan Panasonic will donate a total of 500 units of its “eneloop solar storage” to around 40 schools located in off-grid communities in the vicinity of the Ancient City of Bagan in Myanmar. At present, 1.2 billion people*2, or about 17% of the world’s population, live in areas without electricity. In Myanmar, 68% of its population*2 is said to have no access to electricity. Young people who live in off-grid communities around the Ancient City of Bagan are suffering from an educational disadvantage as they have no other choice but to study in a poorly-lit classroom, with limited daylight hours. (Courtesy of Cantech Letter)
Donation of 500 units of “eneloop solar storage” to schools around the Ancient City of Bagan Panasonic will donate a total of 500 units of its “eneloop solar storage” to around 40 schools located in off-grid communities in the vicinity of the Ancient City of Bagan in Myanmar. At present, 1.2 billion people*2, or about 17% of the world’s population, live in areas without electricity. In Myanmar, 68% of its population*2 is said to have no access to electricity. Young people who live in off-grid communities around the Ancient City of Bagan are suffering from an educational disadvantage as they have no other choice but to study in a poorly-lit classroom, with limited daylight hours. (Courtesy of Cantech Letter)
Myanmar accelerating SEZ development
Myanmar president U Thein Sein has urged the special economic zone (SEZ) working body to speed up the tender process or implementation of some key SEZs during the present term of the government, official media reported on Tuesday.
The term is set to expire on 30 March.
SEZ projects are important in terms of connectivity not only for Myanmar but also for the Asean region as they are strategically located on international routes in coastal regions, Xinhua cited U Thein Sein, who is also chairman of the central working body, telling consulting firms, preferred bidders and officials concerned.
The president referred to the country's three SEZ projects -- the Kyaukphyu in Rakhine state which is under the tendering process, the Thilawa SEZ in Yangon region and Dawei SEZ in Tanintharyi region.
The Thilawa SEZ attracts Japanese investors, while the Dawei SEZ was implemented by Thai investors.
A total of 48 foreign companies have invested $500 million in the Thilawa SEZ, which the report described as the most successful one in Myanmar.
The initial project for the Dawei SEZ was being carried out by Roland Berger, a global strategy consulting firm headquartered in Munich, Germany, the report said. (Courtesy of en.prothom-alo.com)
The term is set to expire on 30 March.
SEZ projects are important in terms of connectivity not only for Myanmar but also for the Asean region as they are strategically located on international routes in coastal regions, Xinhua cited U Thein Sein, who is also chairman of the central working body, telling consulting firms, preferred bidders and officials concerned.
The president referred to the country's three SEZ projects -- the Kyaukphyu in Rakhine state which is under the tendering process, the Thilawa SEZ in Yangon region and Dawei SEZ in Tanintharyi region.
The Thilawa SEZ attracts Japanese investors, while the Dawei SEZ was implemented by Thai investors.
A total of 48 foreign companies have invested $500 million in the Thilawa SEZ, which the report described as the most successful one in Myanmar.
The initial project for the Dawei SEZ was being carried out by Roland Berger, a global strategy consulting firm headquartered in Munich, Germany, the report said. (Courtesy of en.prothom-alo.com)
An Unlikely Foster Father Is Bringing Change to Myanmar
While Myanmar has been standing on democracy’s doorstep since its November elections saw landslide gains for the historically suppressed National League for Democracy party, the new government has decades of sanction-inducing behavior to reverse. The Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Myanmar among the top 20 most corrupt countries in the world. Following suit, the World Press Freedom Index places Myanmar’s press freedom 144th, mirroring its 141st GDP ranking.
But as high-ranking politicians and foreign interests scramble for a piece of Myanmar’s freshly baked democratic pie, countless unsung heroes continue working to make “the tropical East Berlin” one of Myanmar’s long-forgotten nicknames.
One of these unsung heroes is Jim Connor, and he’s a long way from his hometown in Pennsylvania.
When Connor was a teenager in Penn Wynne, Pennsylvania, his disenchantment with America’s public school system inspired him to explore an alternative education. (Courtesy of TakePart)
But as high-ranking politicians and foreign interests scramble for a piece of Myanmar’s freshly baked democratic pie, countless unsung heroes continue working to make “the tropical East Berlin” one of Myanmar’s long-forgotten nicknames.
One of these unsung heroes is Jim Connor, and he’s a long way from his hometown in Pennsylvania.
When Connor was a teenager in Penn Wynne, Pennsylvania, his disenchantment with America’s public school system inspired him to explore an alternative education. (Courtesy of TakePart)
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