The debt crisis can be traced to the island's commonwealth (ie,
colonial) status which leaves the island government unable to negotiate
trade deals or open its
ports to foreign imports and dependent on Congressional goodwill and tax policies benefiting US corporation rather than island residents.
Sail downstream to Salay, once a bustling
trading port to see its
colonial architecture and visit Yoke Sone Kyaung, Burma's best - known teak carved monastery.