Many of the palm trees I see on the islands are not healthy. When I asked why, I was told, “At first, a white substance appeared on the palm trees, later turning into a black oily paste that drips onto other plants and spreads.” Sadly, it has already spread across the Maldives. The disease doesn’t only affect the leaves; it spreads through the trunk as well. This is deeply worrying for the entire coconut palm population, and it’s happening right before our eyes. The government must act.