FBI honors RMI law officers

US Ambassador Karen Stewart presented FBI recognition to RMI Attorney General Filimon Manoni during a reception to honor US-RMI law enforcement cooperation. Also recognized by the FBI during the ceremony were Ministry of Finance officials Itibo Tofinga and Ruben Zackhras, Jr. Departing former MALGov Sheriff Will Lathrop was also recognized by Ambassador Stewart. Photo: Evelyn Ralpho Jeadrik.
US Ambassador Karen Stewart presented FBI recognition to RMI Attorney General Filimon Manoni during a reception to honor US-RMI law enforcement cooperation. Also recognized by the FBI during the ceremony were Ministry of Finance officials Itibo Tofinga and Ruben Zackhras, Jr. Departing former MALGov Sheriff Will Lathrop was also recognized by Ambassador Stewart. Photo: Evelyn Ralpho Jeadrik.

US Ambassador Karen Stewart honored three RMI government workers and a departing American during a brief ceremony as part of a reception honoring law enforcement cooperation at her residence last month.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation prepared three awards for RMI Attorney General Filimon Manoni, and Ministry of Finance customs and revenue staff Itibo Tofinga and Ruben Zackhras, Jr.

“Thank you for the work you do, and for your excellent cooperation and commitment,” Stewart said to the three has she handed them their framed FBI certificates.

The awards thanked the RMI officials “for your superb cooperation with the FBI in development of mutual efforts against crimes that pose dangers on an international scale. Since criminal activity now crosses many borders, law enforcement agencies around the world must develop unprecedented levels of cooperation. You have been instrumental in fostering those efforts, and the FBI is grateful for your selfless contributions.”

Stewart then presented Will Lathrop, departing former MALGov Sheriff, with a certificate of appreciation for his “work here as Sheriff, and for the excellent cooperation you have afforded the Embassy.” Stewart told Lathrop: “You have made a real difference here, and you will be missed by the Embassy and by your colleagues.”

The presentations were part of a reception held to recognize law enforcement cooperation between the United States and the Marshall Islands, which the ambassador described as extremely broad in the many areas it covers. This includes the US FBI preparing to assign an agent for investigations and training in the RMI and the other two freely associated states, she said.

Read more about this in the June 8, 2018 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.