Block Party gives back
HILARY HOSIA
The famed Majuro New Year Block Party lived up to its reputation yet again this year as evident by thousands of participants enjoying the contagious festival — even families from Nauru, Pohnpei and Marshallese living abroad flew in for the occasion.
But, what’s a new year celebration without the thought of giving back to the community? The block party committee organized a disaster relief fund via a recycle collection point where cans and plastic bottles were collected and later turned in for cash at Majuro Atoll Waste Company. The proceeds from the collection will cater to families in need should a disaster strike whether in Majuro, neighboring Pacific Islands or somewhere else.
US Ambassador Karen Stewart, government representative Senator Maynard Alfred, MAWC General Manager Jorelik Tibon and National Disaster Management Office Director Timmy Langrine dropped the first bottles in the recycling bin.
“The gesture may be small but it’s a start,” long time block party organizing front man and chair Waylon Muller said of the collection point.
Police presence and officials in uniforms contributed to the safe environment.
The M-Polen band and Barab Edwards and friends made sure people’s spirits were up all night with their unique performances, one that had the dance floor bombarded by satisfied fans.
Another upside was the kids village, where fun games and prizes were abundant thanks to Jacky Salomon of Bank of Guam, Dr. David Ackley and Assumption students — and most notably the cotton candy stand.
Lastly, if you drove by the block party and noticed the clean street, you have the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to thank: the whole community came out to clean at 5am New Year’s Day, a tradition that started two years ago by Marshallese Muslims.
Read more about this in the January 4, 2019 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.