Journal 4/17/1981
P9 Marshallese theology students learn they share similar problems with American Indians Three Marshallese students — Kaje Kattil, Riten Menke and Nashion Naiser — of the Marshalls Theological College discovered that Marshallese and Indian Americans have many things in common in a recent trip to the mainland. Both Marshallese and Indian Americans have been subject to the same colonial power, the United States. Both Marshallese and Native Americans are learning to assert their power. Both are struggling with problems of learning to control their own resources. For Native Americans, it is land they have been moved off so a dam can be built. For Marshallese it is Bikini and Enewetak which were used for atomic bombing. In both groups, women have much power. The three students were part of a cross culture exchange program in which they spent the winter term at Cook Christian Training School in Tempe, Arizona. “Now we see a whole group like us, “said one Marshallese student. “We are not isolated and lonely.”
P9 Four attending Fiji conference A four-woman delegation representing the Marshall Islands Catholic and Protestant churches left Majuro for Fiji earlier in the week. The delegation, consisting of Jennie deBrum, Tita Aliven, Dinah Samson and Keta Lokboj, is making the trip to participate in a two-week conference on “Mission of the Pacific Women in the Church and Society.” The conference is sponsored by the Pacific Conference of Churches.
Journal 4/16/1993
P1 Mili war money scheme approved High Court Chief Justice Neil Rutlege on Tuesday approved a distribution plan proposed by iroij from Mili Atoll that sets the stage for distribution of more than $1.2 million in World War II claims compensation 17 years since it was awarded by the United States. Rutledge approved the payments to be made on a one-third basis to the iroij, alab and dri jerbal classes of landowners. But he cautioned Mili landowners against being greedy and urged them to use the spirit of compromise so that people will be able to begin receiving the money soon.
P20 Nitijela passes new laws, resolutions Resolution 53 asks Cabinet to conduct a feasibility study concerning establishment of tax-free zones in the Marshall Islands to encourage foreign investment “by creating a business-friendly environment.”
Journal 4/16/2004
P3 Few seniors pass CMI test Only nine percent of Marshall Islands High School seniors passed a College of the Marshall Islands math placement examination, according to CMI. This is a significant decline from last year, when 33 percent — 48 of 147 seniors — passed the math test. CMI Dean of students Richard Bruce said just 15 of 158 MIHS 12th graders passed this year’s math test.
P8 Bob Harris: ‘Start teaching English from age three’ Dr. Robert Harris’ advice to educators in the Marshall Islands: “English language instruction has to start a lot sooner (than it currently does).” Harris, who headed the Western Association of Schools and Colleges team reviewing the College of the Marshall Islands, spoke about the challenges that the college faces in addressing serious English language difficulties of many of its incoming students — most of whom are products of the public schools.
P10 Okay to be boring A local wag said after an EPA presentation on ozone problems last week that he didn’t mind people being boring. Just why do they have to subject others to it? It’s okay to be boring, just do it somewhere else,” he said.
P28 IMF worried by bank loans The International Monetary Fund was critical of the RMI government using trust fund money to bail out struggling local retail businesses, according to a February 13 report obtained by the Journal. “In recent years, bank loans to (the commercial) sector declined sharply and a number of major retailers struggled, partly owing to the increased competition,” said the IMF report. “Government purchases of contracted services decreased, particularly hurting private companies involved in transportation and facilities maintenance. Copra production plummeted, related to irregular shipping schedules and the lagged effect of weak export prices.”