Kino Kabua

RMI’s Covid-free status ends

RMI’s Covid-free status ends

First Lady Ginger Kabua (third from right) with mother Dolores Shoniber (in wheelchair) and niece Natalie Shoniber were the first to get off Saturday’s United Airlines flight at Kwajalein as the first group of repatriated Marshallese arrived. Photo: RMI Liaison Office. Last week’s first-ever Covid-positive case in quarantine at Kwajalein and the arrival of the […]

JEMFAC okays $34m budget

JEMFAC okays $34m budget

The Joint Economic Management and Fiscal Accountability Committee (JEMFAC) held its first-ever virtual meeting last Friday. JEMFAC, which combines US and RMI officials, annually approves US Compact funding for the upcoming fiscal year. The RMI team gathered at the College of the Marshall Islands board room to connect by video with officials in the US. […]

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 […]

RMI issues Covid business aid

RMI issues Covid business aid

Two local businesses received Covid-19 relief checks from the RMI government July 24, bringing to four the number of firms that have received assistance. President David Kabua and members of the Cabinet joined with representatives of DAR Coffee Corner and Happy Hands handicraft shop for the business relief check handover ceremony at the Cabinet. In […]

RMI pays Covid relief

RMI pays Covid relief

Two Majuro businesses received RMI government-provided coronavirus economic relief funds at Cabinet July 10, the first businesses to receive aid since the government approved a $6 million Covid-19 relief fund. More businesses applying for the Covid-19 economic aid are currently under review for possible assistance, said government officials. President David Kabua and members of the […]

Perfect storm hits US Marshallese

Perfect storm hits US Marshallese

GIFF JOHNSON The coronavirus has turned into the perfect storm for thousands of Marshall Islanders living in the United States. Since March, Marshallese have experienced extraordinary Covid-19 infection and death rates in many American states. “The most vulnerable people in the United States in almost every state where there are large numbers of Pacific islanders, […]

RMI extends travel ban

RMI extends travel ban

The RMI National Disaster Committee extended the Covid-19 border closure for another month with the issuance of a new Travel Advisory late last week. Chief Secretary Kino Kabua issued Travel Advisory 14 June 4, extending the ban on incoming travelers to July 5. It also continues the ban on travel between Majuro and Kwajalein on […]

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 […]