The RMI Labor Division handed out the first Covid-19 unemployment relief checks to Marshallese on Monday this week at the Marshall Islands Resort. The funding for the Covid-19 unemployment aid comes through the US CARES Act, adopted earlier this year when the Covid-19 pandemic first hit the US. There were 26 initial recipients, including MIMRA […]
Finance Minister Alfred Alfred, Jr. introduced a $257.7 million FY2021 budget to Nitijela last Thursday. It is nearly $40 million above the $219 million budget for FY2020. The Nitijela Appropriations Committed launched daily hearings on the budget Monday this week. The budget includes money for a new Ministry of Environment, $8.8 million for state owned […]
The Joint Economic Management and Fiscal Accountability Committee (JEMFAC) held its first-ever virtual meeting last Friday. JEMFAC, which combines US and RMI officials, annually approves US Compact funding for the upcoming fiscal year. The RMI team gathered at the College of the Marshall Islands board room to connect by video with officials in the US. […]
Two Majuro businesses received RMI government-provided coronavirus economic relief funds at Cabinet July 10, the first businesses to receive aid since the government approved a $6 million Covid-19 relief fund. More businesses applying for the Covid-19 economic aid are currently under review for possible assistance, said government officials. President David Kabua and members of the […]
HILARY HOSIA For the first time in history, power will be available to the people of Ennibur Island, more commonly known as Santo or Third Island on Kwajalein Atoll. The island is home to nearly 1,000 Marshallese, many of whom are children.The development unfolded in a discussion by Kwajalein Mayor Hirata Kabua and President David […]
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Casten Nemra and Japan Ambassador Norio Saito signed two exchange notes for two Japan Grant Aid Projects last week. These are: • Economic and Social Development Program with grant aid of 371 million Japanese Yen ($3.3 million) for purchasing diesel fuel for reliable power generation. • Project for the […]
The Japan Embassy hosted a reception to celebrate the 60th birthday of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito Monday this week — the first such celebration for Naruhito’s birthday as the new emperor took up the throne in May of last year. The Japan Embassy held a special “moment of silence” in honor of the late Iroojlaplap Lein […]
President David Kabua’s new Cabinet lineup was officially announced to RMI ministry secretaries and department heads last Friday by the Clerk of Cabinet, Earlie Bing. According to the memo, Speaker Kenneth Kedi formally appointed President Kabua as the ninth president of the RMI last Friday. He was elected by Nitijela Monday of the same week. […]
KELLY LORENNIJ While Nitijela (Parliament) was split in half during Monday morning’s vote of no confidence, both sides reiterated one common concept: “Kien eo en jerbal ippen armij ro, kon armij ro, im nan armij ro ilo jokkwin wot juon.”* President Hilda Heine’s opening remarks were met with applause from the packed audience, resonating most […]
HILARY HOSIA Six senators are backing a move to resurrect postal ballots through Nitijela Bill 91, which was scrutinized during a public hearing broadcast live on national radio V7AB Tuesday from the Nitijela Conference Room. Last year, Nitijela voted to eliminate postal ballots. The termination of postal ballots has caused a ruckus among Marshallese living […]