CHORNOBYL: TWENTY YEARS LATER

     Twenty years ago in April 1986, the reactor at the Chornobyl, Ukraine nuclear facility malfunctioned because of human error (experimentation) resulting in an explosion and contamination by radiation of a large territory, in particular northern and central Ukraine and neighboring countries, Belarus and Russia. Although only several people died during the explosion itself, the long term contamination has affected hundreds of thousands in Ukraine and various European countries….

     The communist regime at that time at first attempted to cover-up the disaster both from the people of Ukraine and the world. In fact the government insisted on a celebration in Kyiv of May day and manifested a callous disregard for human life. A radioactive cloud hovered over Kyiv. Fireman and others summoned to put out the burning reactor often worked with no protection.  Many died immediately or thereafter. Others suffered greatly before succumbing to the inevitable. Tens of thousands inhabitants residing in nearby villages were forced to evacuate. Even today it is impossible to determine to the total casualty count and ecological damage associated with Chornobyl. The government of independent Ukraine has had to deal with relocation, compensation and closure.

     Like the majority of economically developed countries, Ukraine depends upon nuclear technology for its energy needs. Some ten nuclear energy facilities currently function in Ukraine, a number which will not decrease in the ensuing decades. Unfortunately, for a score of years Ukraine has had to live with the effects of the world’s greatest nuclear catastrophe.  Therefore it is incumbent upon the people and government of Ukraine to ensure the safety of all nuclear facilities on its territory for today and the future.

     It is important to note that the legacy of Chornobyl is not the product of an independent Ukraine. It is a result of Soviet policy and colonial exploitation.  Consequently, the world community, in particular the economically developed industrial countries must address the Chornobyl fallout issue, including its financial ramifications. Unfortunately, to date that community has come up short even as to the closure of the fourth reactor at Chornobyl.

         Toronto-New York                                                                            March 30, 2006