Journal 5/11/1982
P1 Utrik to go PV
Senator Donald Matthew announced recently that Utrik Atoll has received a favorable response from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for cost sharing on a photo voltaic (solar) power system for his community. The 16 kilowatt system would provide for lighting, refrigerators, and a few community washing machines. The Council and Senator Matthew approached the Chief Secretary Oscar deBrum and President Kabua asking for support. President Kabua wrote letters to the US Department of Energy and NASA. Utrik Council has a $100,000 radiation compensation fund to be used on community projects and needs $150,000 more.
P1 Ajidrik Restaurant to reopen under RN management
What used to be called “Ajidrik Restaurant” is now an RN Restaurant, renamed after the new wife and husband management team of Norman and Roselind Matthew, owner of what used to be called the “Runway Snack Shop,” which is now also called an RN Restaurant. It reopens after a two-week closure.
Journal 5/10/1991
P1 DeBrum cites unfinished tasks
In an appearance before the House Appropriations Committee in Washington, DC May 9, Chief Secretary Oscar deBrum requested over $67 million in additional funding over and above the US administration’s 1992 budget. After expressing RepMar’s “unqualified support for the relationship of free association,” his statement went on to address “certain aspects of the relationship that require strengthening.” He listed: The full $20 million authorized as compensation for detrimental economic impact caused by the protectionist revisions introduced by the US government after the Marshalls referendum (in 1983); issues related to relief for radiologically impacted communities; the need to provide citizens with improved public services…at levels compatible with the spirit sandlotter of the Compact; and the need to correct deficiencies in capital improvement projects undertaken by the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands administration or to finish projects left incomplete.
Journal 5/13/2011
P1 $32m smiles
An eight-year impasse between the RMI government and the landowners of Kwajalein Atoll cam to an end Tuesday as Irooj Imata Kabua, Irooj Anjua Loeak, and RMI President Jurelang Zedkaia signed a Land Use Agreement authorizing United States use of Kwajalein Atoll. Majuro business people, bankers and media outlets V7AB and the Journal joined hundreds of Ebeye residents and landowners who filled the Ebeye United Church of Christ church and its surrounding grounds to witness the historic signing of the Kwajalein LUA, which will secure US military use and operations of Kwajalein Atoll until 2086.
P2 Kenneth rescues drifting boat
Kenneth Kramer’s speedy reaction to an emergency call averted a dangerous situation for a boat drifting towards the reef off the southern edge of the atoll near the MEC tanks Monday evening. The Bukot Nan Jesus church’s boat was returning from Arno with about 10 people on board when its engine failed. One of the passengers was WorldTeach volunteer Erica Moore, who teaches at Arno Elementary School. After the boat drifted for about 25 minutes, she texted WorldTeach Field director Angela Saunders, who in turn called her colleague Annie Himmelsteib. “Annie call the police and Sea Patrol to make sure they were aware of the situation, while I called Kenneth and Ben (Reimers).” Kenneth said he understood and and that he’d call me right back. He rang about 15 minutes later as he was going through the bride. Ben’s XXX boat was on standby to help. “I was having a family dinner when the call came in sometime after 6pm,” said Kenneth. “I call the dock and had one of our guys crank up the engine and get some ropes ready. When I got there, it was ready to go.” By the time they reached the BNJ boat, it was “really close to the reef,” Kenneth said. And it was pretty rough. It could have been a real problem.” They towed the boat successfully navigated the two boats under the bridge and arrived at the Pacific International Inc dock. A happy ending all around, except for one quirky item: WorldTeach was asked to pay for Erica’s $12 fare. They did.