GIFF JOHNSON After two record-setting years of copra production, the level of “production” collapsed from January to March this year despite the still high 60 cent per pound price. The culprit in the collapse? Lack of ships to collect copra. In contrast to the previous quarter when 2,102.59 tons were brought in from the outer […]
GIFF JOHNSON Air Marshall Islands Dash-8 was grounded again April 11 and will remain in the AMI hangar until it can get the required inspection by certified engineers. A plan is in the works for bringing in certified aircraft engineers who can accomplish the inspections so that the Dash-8 can get back in the air, […]
GIFF JOHNSON I was minding my own business (for once), heading out of town Saturday afternoon.My phone “bings.” “A helicopter crashed into the lagoon by the airport,” says the message. That item took me out of my reverie and I drove with more focus to the airport, asking my informant some questions as I went […]
GIFF JOHNSON Important developments on the Marshallese repatriation program include a shortening of the quarantine time and increased numbers of people returning. At last Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, RMI leaders endorsed a Ministry of Health and Human Services/National Disaster Committee recommendation to reduce the quarantine time at Kwajalein from three to two weeks. Coupled with the […]
The premiere of the latest Marshallese and German-made movie “One Word” had the audience starstruck at Jittak-En Saturday night with its rich cinematography and unerring documentation about climate change. The movie is the outcome of the collaboration between German film team Kameradisten (Comrades) directors Viviana and Mark Uriona and local non-profit organization Jo-Jikum.It features great […]
GIFF JOHNSON Shades of 2005 — when garbage was pouring out of the Batkan dump onto the main road, forcing drivers to veer around it — have returned to the Batkan dump. For months, at a standstill on expansion or a new site, the dump has seen tons of garbage continue pouring into the facility. […]
GIFF JOHNSON Coronavirus vaccines were rolled out to a larger segment of the Majuro and Ebeye communities starting January 18. Last week, people in the 60 and over age group were eligible for vaccines and many took advantage of this by walking into the MCH Clinic at Majuro hospital to obtain the first of two […]
Since the rollout of Covid vaccinations in RMI shortly before the New Year, the Ministry of Health and Human Services has vaccinated 612 healthcare workers and other “front line” employees. Meantime, the RMI’s Covid vaccination program for the public will soon be moving into high-gear, with the arrival in Majuro of 6,000 doses of the […]
GIFF JOHNSON The death of Bethwel Henry in mid-December is truly the end of an era in the national development of the Federated States of Micronesia — and throughout the entire freely associated state area. While making a list can be troublesome — someone who should be on it is frequently left off — it […]
GIFF JOHNSON President David Kabua delivered a state of the nation address at Monday’s Nitijela opening ceremony, issuing a straightforward call for improvements in many areas of government operations.As is customary with ceremonial openings that do not involve the drama of an election, the chamber gallery evidenced many empty seats, save for the church singing […]
