Jeremy Bartel

Nitijela calls Bartel to honor

Nitijela calls Bartel to honor

GIFF JOHNSON Col. Jeremy Bartel was called to honor by Nitijela Monday in what Speaker Kenneth Kedi said was an unprecedented ceremony in the chamber. Bartel flew into Majuro Monday for the ceremony in the Chamber and was joined by US Ambassador Roxanne Cabral for the event. The Nitijela session started off as usual with […]

Kwaj system did its job

Kwaj system did its job

Kwajalein officials said the quarantine process at the Army base is working exactly as it is supposed to. In response to questions from the Journal, the US Army Garrison — Kwajalein Atoll (USAG-KA) command confirmed that from last week’s repatriated personnel going into quarantine here, two tested positive for Covid-19. “They have no signs or […]

Live Covid drill hits Majuro

Live Covid drill hits Majuro

This was a learning moment for hospital staff, IOM, airport staff, bus drivers, police, National Disaster Management Office, and everyone else involved. This exercise started off at the airport, where in the scenario, there were hospital staff testing people who just arrived on Majuro. Nurses practiced how to ask the questions, getting samples into the […]

USAG-KA hosts first RMI returnees

USAG-KA hosts first RMI returnees

HILARY HOSIA The first Marshallese to re-enter RMI during the lockdown was released Tuesday to the general public following 21 days of strict quarantine at the US Army Garrison – Kwajalein Atoll. Immediately after his release, longtime USAG-KA employee Joe Rubon met with US Ambassador Roxanne Cabral, Col. Jeremy Bartel, Kwajalein Mayor Hirata Kabua, Kwajalein […]

Close call on Covid

Close call on Covid

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 […]

The 42-day ocean drift

The 42-day ocean drift

HILARY HOSIA Their ocean saga started from the largest coral atoll in the world and ended at the world’s smallest. Kwajalein fishermen Godfrey Capelle, Benjamin Thomas and Junior Joram called for help on the phone when their outboard engine died midway through their fishing trip on April 2. The rough ocean condition that day made […]

USAG-KA to bring in workers

USAG-KA to bring in workers

HILARY HOSIA US Army Garrison – Kwajalein Atoll Commander Colonel Jeremy Bartel left a three-hour meeting on Ebeye June 1 with a smile on his face. The reason for the smile: Ebeye community members gave their approval for the Army to bring in six personnel to work at the Army installation. The six personnel, five […]

RMI to open the door

RMI to open the door

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 […]