GIFF JOHNSON The polio epidemic in the Marshall Islands 57 years ago offers a cautionary note in today’s coronavirus world. A total of 194 Marshallese and two Americans experienced some level of paralysis and 11 Marshallese died on 10 of 22 populated atolls. The polio epidemic here happened eight years after a vaccine for the […]
GIFF JOHNSON Leaders of nuclear test-affected atolls described their first meeting as a group with US Ambassador Roxanne Cabral late last week as “productive and positive.” Coupled with a meeting the nuclear atolls had with President David Kabua earlier last week, they feel there is momentum building for dignified solution to the US nuclear weapons […]
GIFF JOHNSON The US Army Garrison, Kwajalein Atoll had its first long-distance brush with coronavirus when one of the 15 base workers scheduled to return this week tested positive for Covid-19 in Honolulu prior to departing for Kwajalein. Contract tracing by Army authorities identified three others in the intending repatriation group to have had contact […]
Tuna transshipment in Majuro during June saw a big rebound from May, but the numbers remained low by the standards of the past two years. A total of 11 tuna transshipments by purse seiners to carrier vessels in the lagoon and unloadings (tuna off-loaded at the dock for local processing or shipment via freezer container) […]
GIFF JOHNSON The coronavirus has turned into the perfect storm for thousands of Marshall Islanders living in the United States. Since March, Marshallese have experienced extraordinary Covid-19 infection and death rates in many American states. “The most vulnerable people in the United States in almost every state where there are large numbers of Pacific islanders, […]
GIFF JOHNSON The infamous Marshallese trickster Letao is scheduled to take center-stage in Honolulu next year. He will make a world premiere at Kumu Kahua Theater as a central character in a new play, “[x]other: a micro story,” written by Daniel Kelin, II. [x]other: a micro story will be featured at the Hawaii theater for […]
GIFF JOHNSON A Marshallese man “highly gifted with words” and knowledge of the Marshall Islands died this week in Majuro at the age of 71. Throughout his life, Cent Langidrik was a teacher, school principal, Education Secretary, Public Service Commission Chairman and, most recently, a member of the RMI Customary Law and Language Commission. Aside […]
GIFF JOHNSON Following last week’s repatriation of nine Marshallese from the FSM, the RMI National Disaster Committee (NDC) is expected to start considering arrangements, including protocols, for RMI citizens stranded in Covid-19 affected countries to return home. Part of this major decision to eventually allow RMI citizens back home will be contingent upon the completion of […]
GIFF JOHNSON Food supply issues as the Covid-19 coronavirus continues to affect nations of the world are a key concern of large retail and wholesale companies in the Marshall Islands. K and K Island Pride Supermarket officials pointed to a number of future supply chain worries that they are attempting to grapple with. Already, local […]
GIFF JOHNSON RMI government authorities are making special arrangements for Guam-based couriers to bring an overdue delivery of cash for local banks and, separately, for a handful of Marshallese stranded in Pohnpei to return to Majuro. Although planning has progressed, it is unclear if either of these initiatives will happen, based on: • The reluctance […]
