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 […]
HILARY HOSIA Irresponsible betel nut chewing and the stains this creates has long been a public health issue in Marshall Islands even before the enactment of the betel nut law in 2010 that prohibits the sale of the stimulant drug. Add Covid-19 and the issue resurfaced in Nitijela — only this time on steroids. So […]
The Japan Embassy hosted a reception to celebrate the 60th birthday of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito Monday this week — the first such celebration for Naruhito’s birthday as the new emperor took up the throne in May of last year. The Japan Embassy held a special “moment of silence” in honor of the late Iroojlaplap Lein […]
GIFF JOHNSON New RMI President David Kabua was elected Monday by a comfortable Nitijela majority, 20-12.The Nitijela chamber was jam-packed with a standing room-only crowd for the election as the drama of the post-November 18 election came to a conclusion with Monday’s vote. The voting itself lacked the drama of the 2016 Nitijela election that […]
Flags began flying at half staff earlier this week to honor the late Iroojlaplap and President Imata Jabro Kabua, who died in Honolulu last month. A large crowd turned out Tuesday at Amata Kabua International Airport to greet the US Marines aircraft that transported Kabua’s family and his remains from Honolulu. He was transported directly […]
The KBE Local Government’s “Air Bikini” airplane arrived last Friday to much fanfare and celebration at Amata Kabua International Airport. A big group of local VIPs was on hand to welcome the plane next to the AMI hangar. The event included a blessing from UCC Rev. Palukne Johnny, speeches by Acting President Brenson Wase, KBE […]
The Association of Pacific Island Legislatures met last week in Majuro, adopting a series of resolutions many of them focused on environment and renewable energy-related actions APIL wants to encourage. APIL’s membership is made up of US-affiliated islands in the north Pacific, including Hawaii, and Nauru and Kiribati. APIL expressed its support and encouragement for: […]
Nurses’ Week in the RMI kicked off Tuesday at the Ministry of Health in Majuro with a ceremony honoring our important health care providers. Numerous VIPs, including Health Minister Kalani Kaneko, Speaker Kenneth Kedi, elected leaders, US Ambassador Karen Stewart, and Taiwan Ambassador Jeffery Hsiao, joined in the festive occasion. The theme for this week’s […]
HILARY HOSIA Nitijela senators began endorsing a plan to repeal the postal absentee ballot ban Wednesday following the presentation of a petition to restore voting for islanders living off-shore by Evelyn Konou and Biram Stege. Over 800 Marshallese citizens endorsed the petition, for which Parliament Speaker Kenneth Kedi and Maloelap Senator Bruce Bilimon publicly announced […]
KELLY LORENNIJ While Nitijela (Parliament) was split in half during Monday morning’s vote of no confidence, both sides reiterated one common concept: “Kien eo en jerbal ippen armij ro, kon armij ro, im nan armij ro ilo jokkwin wot juon.”* President Hilda Heine’s opening remarks were met with applause from the packed audience, resonating most […]