HILARY HOSIA
The flow of communication has always been a recurring challenge to communities in remote outer islands in the Marshall Islands.
This issue may be a thing of the past with the introduction of free Starlink equipment donated by the Marshall Islands Red Cross Society last week during the Marshall Islands Mayors Association at the International Conference Room.
The donation is part of MIRCS’ Emergency Response initiative with funds from the Green Climate Fund and is gifted to all 24 mayors representing each respective atoll.
MIRCS Secretary General Erica Peter received applause from the mayors following the official handover. The goal of the program, according to MIRCS press release, is to enhance communication capabilities during emergencies, disasters and weather-related updates.
Prior to receiving the free equipment, the mayors and their proxies signed an agreement form as pledge to maintain the equipment and to use the equipment for community purposes.
Each local government, however, are responsible to cover service and maintenance fees.
Some outer islands are already making use of Starlink services, which were installed last year by various candidates for election or local governments.