The RMI’s first national marine sanctuary was officially established Tuesday evening at a signing ceremony at the International Conference Center. President Hilda C. Heine joined with Iroojlaplap Boklon Zackious, Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce Tony Muller, Utrok Nitijela Member Hiroshi Yamamura, and Utrok Mayor Tobin Kaiko in signing documents to establish the RMI’s first […]
WILMER JOEL A new septic truck was donated to the Majuro Water and Sewage Company last week by the Office of Insular Affairs of the US Department of Interior to address environmental and public health issues. This donation was funded under Interior’s Technical Assistance Program. A press release from the US Embassy states that the […]
GIFF JOHNSON In the still preliminary and unofficial vote tabulation, Majuro Mayor Ladie Jack was outpolling main challenger Margaret Alee Bigler by more than two-to-one and three of the four incumbent Majuro Nitijela members were showing the highest numbers. Incumbent Stephen Phillip and candidates David Kramer and Yolanda Lodge-Ned were locked in a battle for […]
HILARY HOSIA Christopher Jorebon Loeak was officially crowned paramount chief following his coronation ceremony at the United Church of Christ last Saturday. Hundreds in attendance and thousands more via the National Telecommunication Authority livestream witnessed Loeak being ordained on the alter by UCC Reverend Herbert Langijota. Reverend Langijota presented a Bible and Hymn to Loeak […]
The Nitijela is calling on the RMI government to investigate the “Four Atolls,” which have consistently not produced timely audits or shown accountability over their funds.3 A 24-page Public Accounts Committee report to Speaker Kenneth Kedi recommends that the national government “investigate the accounts of the Four Atolls as to why they have financial systems […]
WILMER JOEL One of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history was observed nationwide during the 35th Nuclear Victim Remembrance Day and 69th anniversary of the Bravo hydrogen bomb test last Wednesday — March 1 — focused on the theme “kūrtiplọk” or perseverance. This annual event commemorates the devastating repercussions and injustices experienced by victims […]
GIFF JOHNSON and HILARY HOSIA Last week’s signing of an MOU for the Compact of Free Association was momentous for the Marshall Islands and the United States, coming less than a year since RMI Foreign Minister Kitlang Kabua took up her post and US Special Envoy Joseph Yun was named by President Biden to head […]
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 […]
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 […]
Voters want change and new directions for the RMI, two winning candidates told the Journal this week. “The people have spoken and they want change,” said incumbent Majuro Senator David Kramer, who is being returned to office with 2,477 domestic votes in the Majuro electorate. “They want a new government and that is evidenced by […]
