GIFF JOHNSON With the border opening looming, there is more talk in the community about the arrival of Covid in RMI. There are more questions than answers: Are we ready, will there be lockdowns, will schools be closed? Neighboring FSM opened its borders officially Monday this week — but Covid slipped into Pohnpei and Kosrae […]
GIFF JOHNSON Thousands of Marshall Islanders converged on Ebeye Island last week for the first coronation ceremony of a paramount chief in half a century. The gala coronation for Iroojlaplap (paramount chief) Michael LaMañiñi Kabua featured dozens of islanders wearing traditional headdress and finely woven mat clothing unique to the Marshall Islands, spear carrying warriors […]
A group of 16 — a combination of people working in non-government media and students — participated in a two-week media training in Majuro called “Telling Your Pacific Story.” It featured the involvement of experienced media professionals — Floyd Takeuchi and Dr. Ann Auman — from Hawaii — and Corinne Podger — from Australia who […]
GIFF JOHNSON United States and Marshall Islands leaders said after completing the first round of talks last week that they hope to complete negotiations to renew provisions of an economic and security treaty by the end of this year or early next year. Washington sees extension of funding packages under compacts of free association with […]
GIFF JOHNSON Food, vehicle fuel, transportation costs for imported goods, and taxi prices are up dramatically compared to a year ago.But a lesser appreciated price increase will have a similarly big impact on people in the Marshall Islands. This is the cost of building materials.The International Monetary Fund said inflation is expected to be six […]
GIFF JOHNSON Testing of Marshall Islanders in managed quarantine Friday April 15 saw the largest number test positive for Covid since managed repatriation started nearly two years ago. Seven out of a repatriation group of 72 people tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a government announcement issued late Friday night. All seven are in […]
GIFF JOHNSON Last weekend’s completion of renovation work at Amata Kabua International Airport’s main terminal has paved the way for resumption of air service by United Airlines in the near future, according to RMI Ports Authority. Tentative plans were in motion this week for passenger service to resume next week April 11. Passenger pickup and […]
GIFF JOHNSON The President of the Pacific nation whose nomination for the Secretary General post became a flashpoint for the possible breakup of the Pacific Islands Forum has said not only does he not want the Micronesia area nations to pull out of the Forum, he wants current Secretary General Henry Puna to stay on […]
GIFF JOHNSON The briefest amendment in the history of the Nitijela could have an outsized impact on the Marshall Islands. It is a one-word proposed amendment to the National Telecommunications Act that was introduced Tuesday this week by Nitijela Member David Paul. The one word change proposed by Bill 66 for the NTA Act is […]
GIFF JOHNSON The body of an I-Kiribati fisherman was hauled out of Majuro lagoon Tuesday morning after it was discovered during the offloading of containers from a vessel at Delap Dock.The body of Rubeiariki Beriki, 29, was discovered by Majuro Stevedore and Terminal employees who were offloading containers from a MELL container ship. The body […]
