WILMER JOEL
Bold remarks were made at the 70th anniversary of the Bravo hydrogen bomb test on Nuclear Victims’ Remembrance Day at CMI last Friday. Local and regional dignitaries delivered speeches during the memorial ceremony after a parade from Alele Museum to CMI.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Lance Posey said that the legacy of Cold War-era nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands should not be forgotten or minimized. “In honoring our past, we must confront our mistakes with humility and resolve to ensure that our actions serve as a testament to our commitment to justice, compassion, and the preservation of human dignity for all. As we move forward into an ever more uncertain world, the United States looks forward to continued partnership and cooperation that are key to building a brighter future.”
President Hilda Heine said it is an important yet difficult anniversary. “We mark this day each year not because the nuclear legacy defines us. Rather, we come together to draw collective strength to navigate the ongoing challenges radiating from the US government activities in our islands during the Cold War,” she said.
“Nuclear Victims’ Remembrance Day serves as a solemn reminder of the overwhelming repercussions and human rights violations inflicted upon the Marshall Islands and its people by the US government’s nuclear weapons testing program that took place nearly eight decades ago.”
Heine said that external support should help Marshallese leaders build capacity and represent community needs. “We need ongoing investments in our young and future Marshallese scientists, health practitioners, artists, engineers, politicians, navigators, economists, and more so we can draw from as much creative and intellectual talent as possible to lead us on our path forward.”
President Heine stated that moving forward is to seek restitution for personal injuries and environmental damages that her people are due — past, present, and future.
“Since taking office in the middle of January of this year, I have visited three of the four nuclear-affected communities, Kili, Mejjato, and Enewetak, to gain first-hand knowledge and to better understand the conditions under which nuclear weapons are being used,” she said. “These visits have taught me that while these nuclear-affected communities continue to survive, thanks to the resilience of the people, further assistance is needed to enable them to thrive. These visits have given me a new resolve to continue to seek justice for these communities and for all of the Marshall Islands.”
Secretary-General of the Pacific Island Forum Henry Puna stated that being present at the function “strikes a tender chord” with him. “I stand in solidarity with you all to ensure that we never forget those 50 long years of atrocities perpetrated on our Blue Pacific,” he said.
“Indeed, nuclear testing was a key driver for the creation of the Pacific Islands Forum 53 years ago, and we have made great strides with the landmark Treaty of Rarotonga in 1985 and the permanent cessation of nuclear testing in our region in 1996. The nuclear testing legacy remains a priority of our leaders, and the region continues to turn to you, the Marshall Islands, for your stewardship on this critical issue.”
In spite of the difficulties, Secretary Puna said that it is critical to remember the nuclear legacy in order to inspire future generations to pursue justice for the entire Blue Pacific Continent.
Miss Marshall Islands Claret Chong Gum was the mistress of ceremony. Majuro Mayor Ladie Jack delivered the welcoming remarks and United Church of Christ Reverend Belwin Langidrik offered the opening and closing prayers.