But the islands lack the means to enter an industrial economy.
This can leave some islands lacking a pier for large ships isolated for days or weeks.
The island lacks running water, plumbing and power lines.
As the situation is today (end of 2011) the island lacks the most basic system for sewage treatment.
The island is fertile, but lacks any fresh water.
What some islands lack in charm, however, they make up for in peculiarity.
More than half the islands lack potable water and are an unfit place to live.
Because of the usage, the island now lacks any trees.
There are no coral reefs along the coast, and the island lacks a good harbor for ships.
The entire island lacked electricity and television service for an extended period of time.