The Marshall Islands held the soft opening of its new Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, establishing a permanent, government-owned home for the Republic’s diplomatic representation. The Mission reflects the Marshall Islands’ long history with the United Nations, beginning 75 years ago during its time as a United Nations Trust Territory and […]
Majuro Nitijela Member Stephen Philip raised concern about the threat that vessels grounded or otherwise disabled in Majuro lagoon present to the people and environment of the capital. He sent an email in late September to Transportation Minister Hilton Kendall and all members of the Majuro Nitijela delegation, including Speaker Brenson Wase, titled “sea vessels […]
President Hilda Heine, Cabinet members and diplomats took a tour of the Nitijela’s new but still under construction building Tuesday afternoon with Jerry Kramer and Pacific International Inc. officials. The occasion marked completion of installation of the roof over the building, which will now allow PII to step-up its work operations to complete the interior […]
President Hilda Heine told the nation Monday that despite 2025 being a year of accomplishment, three years after the signing of the Compact of Free Association “implementation of Compact III has not yet been fully realized.” In her state of the nation speech at Monday’s Nitijela opening, the President also said bluntly that accountability was […]
GIFF JOHNSON As the first Extraordinary Needs Distribution payment for 11 atolls and islands looms next month, Nitijela is considering legislation that would make all 24 local government jurisdictions eligible for END payments. Bill No. 56 is titled the “Ejjelok Ad Act 2025” and aims to expand the definition of the END program under the […]
GIFF JOHNSON The day after last week Tuesday’s fire consumed Nitijela, parliament staff were already setting up the ICC conference hall as a temporary Nitijela meeting space. Monday this week, the Appropriations Committee, with Chairman Jack Ading at the helm, completed the final series of FY2026 budget hearings from the ICC meeting location. Nitijela staff […]
Speaker Brenson Wase signed confirmation Wednesday this week that six of seven constitutional amendments were approved by Marshall Islands voters during a national referendum on April 25. He was joined by Minister of Culture and Internal Affairs Jess Gasper, Jr. and RMI and Nitijela officials.
HILARY HOSIA Toasts were exchanged between Acting Foreign Minister David Paul and Japan Ambassador Soma Hirohisa in honor of Emperor Naruhito’s birthday last Friday at the Marshall Islands Resort. Emperor Naruhito turned 65 this year. The Marshall Islands has been celebrating the imperial event since the establishment of the bilateral relationship with Japan in 1988. In […]
GIFF JOHNSON Friendship and a welcoming spirit was on full display Tuesday for the visit of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te. The red carpet airport greeting — featuring a hug of welcome between Lai and President Hilda Heine, CMI students singing, Marshallese and Taiwanese holding banners and signs of welcome, and a police honor guard — […]
The new tax law that was approved recently by Nitijela will not go into force for at least four-to-five months from now. Although Public Law 2024-14 Income Tax Amendment was signed and certified by Speaker Brenson Wase and Clerk Moreañ Watak on October 8, the tax change that affects withholding tax isn’t likely to take […]
