World Bank

World Bank $60m for MEC

World Bank $60m for MEC

The World Bank will pump $60 million into the Marshalls Energy Company for a mix of alternative energy systems for Majuro, Ebeye and six outer islands where MEC supports power operations. There is no funding in the new grant for new diesel-powered generators. The goal appears to be to provide MEC with solar power capacity […]

Expanding social safety nets

Expanding social safety nets

GIFF JOHNSON President Hilda Heine remains focused on social protection programs for the Marshall Islands population. Continuing the theme that guided her first term in office, the President and her new government is focused on a series of initiatives to fill gaps that currently leave segments of the population in difficult circumstances. “We are getting […]

Resurrection week in Majuro

Resurrection week in Majuro

GIFF JOHNSON We don’t use the word “resurrection” lightly. But in the non-religious sphere of the Marshall Islands, we believe it is fitting to use that term for two events that took place largely out of the view of most local residents in Majuro. Twelve-and-a-half-years after the roof collapse halted use of the ECC national […]

MIMRA’s new coral atlas

MIMRA’s new coral atlas

WILMER JOEL Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) visited President David Kabua last week to showcase their new book which for the first time details the type of corals we have in our ocean and lagoons. The new book, “Field Guide to the Corals of the Marshall Islands,” was a World Bank-funded project. It was […]

Cash transfer program launched

Cash transfer program launched

Bank of Marshall Islands (BOMI) agreed to waive usual bank account application fees for women enrolled in the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program. The news was shared during the signing of an agreement between BOMI and the national government last week at the International Conference Center during the Early Childhood Development National Forum. The CCT […]

Hospital delivery ward spiffed up

Hospital delivery ward spiffed up

The Labor and Delivery Ward at Majuro hospital is back to full operation after completion of a major renovation program. The ward held a ‘reopening’ ceremony Monday to mark the upgrade attended by Minister Bruce Bilimon, MOHHS management, along with pediatricians, hospital staff and partners. The work was supported by the Early Childhood Development Project […]

PII struggles to get FSM payment

PII struggles to get FSM payment

GIFF JOHNSON Pacific International Inc. received a mediation award in its construction dispute with the FSM government over US government-funded road work it did in Chuuk state from 2009-2013. But the FSM refused to pay the mediation award of an initial $2 million on a total $6 million award. More recently, PII received a $9.5 […]

Solar to save RMI $$ millions

Solar to save RMI $$ millions

The new government is putting its weight behind a $20 million solar project to transform the energy situation of Ebeye and three outer islands. If it gains the anticipated donor support, the solar development will slash fuel costs now shouldered by the RMI government by several million dollars annually. “Building on great work done previously, […]