LIVING IN HOPE

Different people have reacted in different ways to Australia's plans to strip Norfolk of its right to self-government.
There are some who want it to happen.
Some think we deserve to have it happen.
Some just think it is inevitable.
Some don't mind.
Some don't care.
But fortunately there is a large body of people who think this is a very special place, and do not want to risk losing those things that make it special. They believe that Australia's push is not only unjust and undemocratic, but that it will cause enormous damage to our economy, our identity and the well-being of our community. They are very proud of what this island and its people have achieved, and have great confidence and optimism that we can continue to be a strong and vibrant community, while maintaining control over our own affairs.
I was very impressed by this statement put out by the NORFOLK ACTION GROUP. It was in last week's Norfolk Islander, and would like to reproduce it mainly for the benefit of the Norfolkers and friends overseas who regularly check in to "Angels and Eagles."

A MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM NAG.
"We live in 'd' baes side iin d' werld (We live in the best place in the world.)
We know it. The hundreds of thousands who have holidayed here over the years know it too........
Our people have faced many challenges over the 150 years of the modern Norfolk, and we have always prevailed and grown stronger.
We are faced today with the biggest challenge in our short history which, through the intervention of the Commonwealth to limit (at best), and take away (at worst) our ability to self-govern, will greatly change our way of life, culture, and our community.
But, we believe we can prevail again.
Where we can be sustainable. Where we can retain all that is good about life and living here - our community and culture; improve what needs to be - and there are many areas where we must do better: build better experiences for tourists who tell us they do not want a mini-Australia to visit; and pay our way in a manner that is ours; in a future of self-government, and partnership with Australia, where we are not a burden on the tax-payers of our partner forever.
Furthermore, a self-determining Norfolk Island Government is the only government who can guarantee: the 'veranda' for our elderly; three doctors, a dentist, and a physiotherapist; you can have your baby on Norfolk Island; a low regulatory environment and low taxes that can underpin our competitiveness in tourism; a (democratic) choice as to the governance model we want; nil unemployment; and the best outcome for the Australian taxpayer."

A message for all our friends and family in New Zealand, Australia and other parts of the world. We are working hard to keep this beautiful island a good place for you to come home to!!!