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The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, February 28, 201The4 1 College CMI bus gets a jump start of the Marshall Islands blessed its new bus last week, and as you can plainly see, the students are ecstatic. Photo: Hilary Hosia.

$1 on Nitijela’s The Marshall Islands Majuro showdown on el-Sayed ISSN: 0892 2096 See page 2 Friday, February 28, 2014 • Volume 45, Number 9 Bravo link brings Japanese to RMI

GIFF JOHNSON nearby the beleaguered Daiichi nuclear that followed the earthquake. But the A group of students from Fuku- plant in Fukushima, and uncertainties entire town, including Takahashi and shima, Japan is in the Marshall Islands about the future. her family, was ordered to leave the this week sharing their concerns about “The government says ‘don’t worry’ area the day after the March 11, 2011 nuclear contamination from the Daiichi (about radiation exposure) but recently earthquake and tsunami damaged the nuclear power plant as the Marshall we’ve seen many cases of thyroid Daiichi power plant, causing a melt- Islands marks the 60th anniversary of problems confirmed in the Fukushima down and ongoing radiation exposure. radioactive fallout contamination from area,” said Kai Sato, a Fukushima Three years later, Okuma “is a ghost the Bravo hydrogen bomb test at Bikini University student. town,” Takahashi said. It remains Atoll on March 1, 1954. “The government says it is safe (to off-limits to residents, with fences As Marshall Islanders launched a live in the Fukushima area), but I don’t blocking roads into the former town of week-long commemoration Tuesday believe it,” Sato said. There is uncer- 11,000. “No one can live in this town of the 15-megaton nuclear test that tainty among Fukushima City residents because of the radiation,” Takahashi caused widespread nuclear exposure, and “people don’t what is the correct said. She is worried about the safety severe health problems for islanders, information to believe.” of the area and despite her family roots and evacuations of populations from Keiko Takahashi lived in Okuma in Okuma extending four generations Fukushima residents Kaede Nagashima contaminated islands, the student Town, just 3.5 miles from the Daiichi back, she says “We shouldn’t go back, (left) and Keiko Takahashi in Majuro. group from Japan said Japanese are nuclear plant. She was fortunate to even if 100 years passes.” Photo: Hilary Hosia. facing similar problems of radiation live on a hill, so her home was not The concerns of the Japanese stu- exposure, forced evacuation from areas damaged by the devastating tsunami Continued page 2 Talk to us at [email protected] • Subscribe to the Journal Online at www.marshallislandsjournal.com 2 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal Fukushima El-Sayed issue takes students over Nitijela session visit with

Former Marshall Islands President Ministry of Foreign Affairs was consult- local nuke Litokwa Tomeing called for the resignation ing and vetting the nomination first with of the Loeak Administration Wednesday UNESCO and once we got the okay from for nominating Jamil el-Sayed to become them we were going to bring this to Cabinet survivors an RMI representative to UNESCO. But and the President. This was just the start of in an extended debate at Nitijela, President the vetting process.” Christopher Loeak and Foreign Minister Muller said he’s thankful UNESCO From page 1 Phillip Muller both dismissed the issue as checked and notified the government dents about radiation safety issues mirror no big deal. through its UN Embassy and that he was those of Rongelap Islanders in the Mar- Tomeing said the failure to follow proper able to quickly correct the mistake. shall Islands who have been told one of procedures in the nomination by the Foreign But senators in Nitijela challenged their islands is safe for return. Most of Minister of el-Sayed was a clear violation of Muller’s “it-was-just-the-start-of-the- the elders who were on Rongelap when it Foreign Minister the Marshall Islands Constitution. vetting-process response.” was engulfed in a snowstorm of radioac- Phillip Muller. Argument about Muller’s nomination of Senator after senator highlighted normal tive fallout from the Bravo test in 1954 el-Sayed, who is reported to have ties to the government procedures for nominating have openly expressed fear of returning terrorist organization Hezbollah, dominated an ambassador — procedures, which they to their former home atoll, which they Nitijela’s three-hour session Wednesday. said are clearly spelled out in the Marshall evacuated in 1985. “The world is shocked by our govern- needs to address like climate change and the Islands Constitution. Ebon Senator John Despite being forced to evacuate the ment’s action,” said Tomeing. “Our con- Compact. He said the issue about el-Sayed Silk said the Constitution requires that all town where four generations of her fam- stitution has been violated and if we don’t had already been corrected. Foreign Min- ambassadorial nominees be Marshallese ily have lived, Takahashi said, “I’ve lost do anything about this now then we may ister Muller responded to all questions and citizens, be of good character and be ap- my life but not my soul.” Her long fam- never (recover). Step down now those of complaints related to el-Sayed’s nomina- proved by a Nitijela resolution. ily ties to the town have prompted her you who are not doing what’s right for our tion as “just a start of our vetting process.” “Knowing all this how could you sign to begin researching the town’s cultural country. I am asking you to step down for Muller said he never met El-Sayed and that an appointment letter?” asked Silk. “The your mistakes and stop wasting our time. he came recommended by friends as some- Constitution has been violated so now what history so she can preserve it for future Let others who really want to work for the one who understands UNESCO processes. are we going to do about it?” generations even if Okuma is never people of the Marshall Islands step up to “We sent a request to UNESCO first President Loeak attempted to downplay habitable again. do the job.” because we in the RMI do not have means the severity of the issue saying that the Sato said he was concerned that some Loeak interrupted Tomeing, saying there to do background checks and our staff do mistake has been corrected and as far as people in Japan believe that the nuclear are more important issues the government not have the capability,” said Muller. “The the rest of the world is concerned they are accident at Fukushima is a thing of “satisfied.” He then classified the nomina- the past and has been resolved. “The tion of el-Sayed as that of an honorary nuclear plant accident hasn’t stopped,” counsel post. Majuro Senator Brenson Wase he said. In addition to ongoing radiation objected to the President’s characteriza- leakage at the Daiichi plant, he says the tion, saying in fact the post was that of an government’s official health checks that ambassador. recently confirmed 75 cases of thyroid “The Minister sent to UNESCO an am- tumors and cancers among people living bassadorial appointment letter,” said Wase. in the vicinity of the plant shows that He added: “It was a French newspaper that health problems are continuing to be felt alerted the RMI government of the appoint- by the population as a result of radiation ment, not UNESCO.” exposure. Namdrik Senator Matt Zackhras said “It is a human rights issue for people that he personally contacted the RMI’s UN in the Marshall Islands and people in Embassy on the issue and they told him Fukushima,” he said of the radiation they knew nothing about the UNESCO exposures in both countries. nomination. “Had el-Sayed’s appointment Kaede Nagashima was born in Fuku- gone through he would have had 10 years shima City. She said the area is famous of diplomatic immunity,” said Zackhras. for its agriculture products. “But today, Earlier in the month, Minister of Educa- I don’t want to eat fruits from Fuku- tion Dr. Hilda Heine, who is chairman of shima,” she said. the UNESCO National Commission for the “I think they are dangerous (due to RMI, said she was unaware of the el-Sayed radiation contamination).” She has been nomination. involved in a project of sharing high school student-written poetry and stories expressing concerns about the nuclear plant accident to audiences in Japan and Fishing will share these in the Marshall Islands this week. “We need to tell the truth about the tournament radiation situation in Fukushima,” Na- gashima said. March 1 is not only the 60th anniversary “I tell people that the Fukushima of the Bravo hydrogen bomb test, it is also nuclear issue is related to them and is the day of a Marshalls Billfish Club mini still an issue. Three years after the ac- Total Points tournament. cident, some people say it is past. But Registration for the tourney starts at it’s not over.” 6:30pm at RRE shoreline on Thursday. “The nuclear testing (in the Marshall The tournament will start and end at RRE Islands) resulted in both immediate and shoreline. continuing effects on the human rights of Anyone wanting to see the weigh in of the Marshallese,” said a United Nations fish caught, lines must be out of the water Special Rapporteur following a visit to by 5pm, so after that is a good time to appear the Marshall Islands in 2012. at RRE shoreline. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, February 28, 2014 3

Japanese aboard the PeaceBoat’s 81st global voyage sent this photo to show solidarity with Marshallese marking the 60th anniversary of the Bravo test. Arms boss here for Bravo US official flies in this Amenta heads up Alele Saturday ISAAC MARTY ter Wilbur Heine, Alele board everyone, especially to people The RMI national archive and others that have given who are unable to go up the great support to preserving stairs. Rose Gottemoeller, Acting Under and museum Alele has a new Alele which holds our culture Alele’s library is open for the Secretary of State for Arms Control director at the helm. Amenta and International Security, will Matthew Tibon, former Utrik and history. I’m proud to serve public and it also has a basic deliver this year’s US government Senator, is happy to give her and also to show people our computer training program message during the Nuclear Remem- service in Alele. She started on culture,” said Tibon. “Educa- that is open for interested indi- brance Day ceremony in Majuro January 16. tion Week had a lot of students viduals to sign up. Participants Saturday. At the moment she has four visiting the museum and it are separated into morning She will visit the RMI from March staff members. She is taking gives me an idea to do a chil- and afternoon groups that will 1-3 for various events and meetings. over from Bonny Taggart who dren’s exhibit that would make have a one-hour session learn- On March 1, she will participate in a was the interim director. Tibon it easier for kids to learn when ing computer. Alele is also series of Nuclear Remembrance Day said her plans are to continue they visit.” partnering with the Retirees’ activities in Majuro. She will also Alele’s goals such as seeking Currently the museum is Center (next to Alele) in doing tour the Department of Energy Body the improvement of the build- located at the ground floor the same computer program Counter Facility and speak with ing and also its services. “I’m after its original location in the for senior citizens and is being students at the College of Marshall grateful for Bonny, Secretary second floor experienced roof funded through a grant from Islands Nuclear Institute. Daisy Alik-Momotaro, Minis- problems with leakage. Tibon the Institute of Museum and On March 3, the Acting Under said the roof problem has been Library Services. Secretary will join RMI President fixed but the room needs reno- Tibon said Alele is aiming to Christopher Loeak on a visit to Kili vating and she’s looking for promote culture and tradition New Director of the Alele Museum Island for Bikini Day ceremonies. funding to fix it. The museum in local events and especially and Library Amenta Matthew. She will participate in a ceremony was put onto the ground floor gearing up for its upcoming an- honoring those residents who origi- by Alele board of trustees. His nual Lutok Kobban Alele (Cul- nally lived on Bikini prior to the start makes it easily accessible to tural Day) event in September. of nuclear tests in 1946.

MALGov’s Jasper Lanki, left, and Mayor Mudge Samuel, second from right, with athletes. Majuro Day fun Majuro Atoll Local Government executives joined sport officials in recognizing Majuro Day winning teams Monday night at the crowded Delap Park. Majuro Day Battle of the Band winners ‘Bunin No’n Likiej provided a lively atmosphere with their upbeat per- formance. Athletes were seen rushing to the sandy dance floor while others ‘bust a move’ from where they stood. The fireworks, $1,000 to $100 winning envelopes, the live music and the chaotic fun contributed to a night to remember. 4 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal Fiddler opens next week GIFF JOHNSON their self-confidence, and raising Eight weeks of rehearsals will their aspirations about what is see the ICC stage explode in song possible is what motivates Garrod. and dance from Tuesday through Dartmouth out “It’s about personal develop- Saturday next week. ment,” he said. “I encourage (the students) to take themselves seri- The musical Fiddler on the The Dartmouth teaching pro- who get experience working ously.” Roof has been in preparation with gram in the Marshall Islands will with veteran teachers here in lo- Garrod believes the work the several dozen students practicing officially end with the close of cal high schools and elementary students put into preparing for daily to be ready to perform the the school year in June this year. schools. the play has an impact on their show that is being directed by Prof. Professor Andrew Garrod said Garrod said Dartmouth has learning in school. Teachers have Andrew Garrod of Dartmouth. the program brought the first decided to end the program mentioned to him seeing positive It is the 10th play Garrod has undergraduate students to the largely over concerns about changes in classroom engagement directed in Majuro since 2004 RMI i n 2000, and the following possible liability issues with of students involved in these plays. — eight have been Shakespeare year launched the beginning of Dartmouth students in the Mar- A dance Garrod also likes the mix of plays and last year’s and this year’s the graduate program that has shall Islands. Garrod said that sequence students involved — this year, musicals — and possibly the last placed teachers in schools for he would consider continuing in students from Marshall Islands as the Dartmouth program is wrap- an entire year. to do the plays in the January-to Fiddler High School, Assumption, Majuro ping up a 15-year relationship with The undergraduate program March period if the Ministry of on the Coop, CMI and USP are partici- the Ministry of Education this year. provides a 10-week teaching ex- Education is interested to keep Roof. pating. The shift to musicals has been a perience for a group of students it going. big hit with local audiences. Last Garrod said this year’s play year, 900 people packed the ICC could not be put on without many for the final night of West Side Dartmouth football player at the sist the play in other ways. It takes a good deal of work to helping hands from the com- Story — more than double the door to prevent the students from This year’s play includes some turn normally shy Marshallese munity. largest crowd that ever appeared leaving the rehearsals.” veteran performers with first tim- young people into expressive stage Tickets can be purchased in for the earlier Shakespeare shows. How times have changed. The ers. CMI student John Riklon is actors. “The ICC is a big room,” he advance this Saturday at Pay- Garrod recalled the first year last few years, often more than playing a lead role for the fourth said. The students are learning that less (9:30am-12noon), EZ Price he and the Dartmouth students double the number of students year and USP’s Jennifer Alik is they have to be expressive enough (1:30-4pm), and K&K Island Pride worked to stage a play. “The stu- than can be used audition for the also an experienced actress play- so their emotions transmit from (9:30am-12noon and 1:30-4pm), dents had never seen or been in a plays. “This year, 70 turned out ing the lead female role. “They the stage all the way to the back and also at the door each evening play,” he said. They didn’t have a for the auditions,” he said. It was are role models for the rest of of the room. They held their first at ICC Tuesday through Saturday clue what it took to make it happen way more than could participate, the cast,” said Garrod. “They are rehearsal at the ICC last week and nights. The play starts at 8pm, and and this meant Garrod was chal- but Garrod found ways to include focused, learn their lines quickly, are continuing this week. based on last year’s large crowds, lenged to keep their attention at the a number of those who did not get and help others. John frequently Involving students in a process best advice is to arrive well before daily practices. “I had to station a selected for parts in the play to as- models parts for others.” of working as a group, building 8pm to get a good seat. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, February 28, 2014 5 6 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Workers install new lining in a reservoir. Team fixes leaks at reservoirs ISAAC MARTY Water leakage in three of Majuro’s airport reservoirs is now being addressed. According to Majuro Water and Sew- age Company (MWSC) General Manager Joseph Batol, the problem occurred because the tarps holding the water were old and it was found last year that reservoirs numbers three, four, and five were not able to store up to their maximum capacity of five millions gallons each. This resulted in a drop from total maximum capacity of 36.4 million gallons to an average 24 million gallons. The improvement project is funded by the Pacific Adapta- tion to Climate Change. It hired Australia based company Fabtech to do the job. Fabtech supervisor Dean Warner and colleagues Enrique Baltan (deputy) and Antonio Pel (installer), along with a team of MWSC staff, are busy installing new fabric liner or tarp sheets at the reservoirs. Warner has 11 years experi- ence doing this type of work while Baltan and Pel are four years into it. The strategy is to install the new layer upon the old layer of sheets. Warner said the old layer would be a protection layer underneath to prevent future leaks. He said the work started January 21 and completion is expected next month. The reservoir work is happening from 6pm to 6am due to the heat of the day. When the sun reflects from the new sheets it gets hot on the reservoir. Warner said Fabtech was the company that installed tarp sheets for reservoirs one and two about 14 years ago with the leadership of his current boss. How old are the reservoirs? MWSC Supervisor Fred Billy, who is a long time employee, said of reservoir number three that it’s about 22 years old. Batol emphasized that water security is of critical im- portance to the RMI as a whole and Majuro where the majority of potable water is produced from treated rainwater harvested from the large Majuro airport runway catchment area. Installation of a new floating cover on reservoir num- ber three is yet to be done. The cover is aimed at eliminating evaporation to prevent losses and it’s another strategy to ensure water security despite changes in climate. The covering, compared to reservoir number one and two, is a newly designed and stronger material. “Reservoir number three will support reservoir number two as a storage for treated water that is ready to supply the public,” said Batol. “Our main goal is to provide better water service to the public. When we have more water we’ll be able to extend water hours.” The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, February 28, 2014 7 8 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

The RMI Riddle No. 493: Sponsored by CopyMasters Komol to ACROSS 1. Energy, bomb, or fallout. Australia 5. Nervous. 10. Skipper. The Australian govern- 11. Reef resident. ment is providing a new 12. Kwaj spot. grant to the College of 14. Museum. the Marshall Islands for 15. Away. computers for student use. 17. Joint. The Australian grant is 19. Command. for US$21,988.57, said 21. Cry. CMI President Carl Hack- 22. Fuel. er in congratulating CMI 23. K&K village. staff for their work in pro- 24. British historian A.J. ducing the grant request. Toynbee said: “America is a Photo: Hilary Hosia -----, friendly dog in a very small room. Every time it wags its tail, it knocks over a chair.” 25. Plaything. 26. Mistake. USP-led financial 9. Ebon’s drifter. Answers to Riddle No. 492 28. Uncooked toast. 13. Diplomatic mission. 30. Bubu. 15. Watch. 31. Western atoll. 16. Chair’s mate. 33. Dad says yes to fruit! seminar a success 17. Less than nine. 34. Diver’s ‘dress’. USP Marshall Islands Campus ran a the general public about financial manage- DOWN 18. Day four. two-day financial seminar for non-finance ment issues. 2. School. (abb.) 20. Going away. 27. Street. managers recently that brought together a At the end of the two-day seminar, an 3. Rent. total of 51 people from local NGOs, private evaluation of the seminar was conducted 28. Bud and XXXX. 4. Our neighbor. (4,5) and government organizations. The seminar and it showed that all of the 42 participants 29. Hounds. 6. Big church. Note: (abb.) = abbreviation was implemented by Mesake Nawari who is who took part in the survey are interested 7. School. (abb.) 30. Opening. (3,4) = indicates the number a Senior Fellow at USP’s Graduate School in further short courses offered by USP not 8. Pain. 32. Our airline. (abb.) of letters in words. of Business at the Laucala Campus in Fiji. just in finances but also in other areas. The workshop was centered on: under- Another workshop on “investment standing financial statements and their inter- analysis of utility company projects” was Need a pen to do the puzzle? relationships; working capital management; conducted last month with 12 employees and planning and budgeting. Attendance of Marshalls Energy Company and Majuro Buy your stationery needs at: was good — 96 percent — throughout the Water and Sewage Company who are in the two days. It showed a great interest from managerial level. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, February 28, 2014 9 10 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 11 12 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal AROUND TOWN Kite boarders’ windy adventure THOMAS ATWELL Desperate to do some kite board- ing, Mark and I set off from the beach at the Long Island Hotel and kited downwind to Anjeltake about six miles or so away. We were going to Glenn Martini’s house to meet up with him and then kite at some shipwreck/break about six miles from there. Our instructions were to look for the orange buoy hanging off the black hammock in the coconut tree. We may have been silly for going as the weather was rainy and squalls were coming through, but we felt it wasn’t too severe so off we went. When we were just past the air- port (about three or four miles) a rain squall came through. The wind was quite strong and then suddenly it died. Mark’s kite was already down and I was doing all I could to keep my kite in the air. No such luck. My kite fell through my lines and when the wind picked back up I tried to relaunch. Each time I relaunched my kite looped. Eventually it just started looping by itself and I was Kite boarders Tom Atwell being dragged through the water. I (above) and Mark at the Hangar decided I needed to flag the kite out Bar at Majuro airport. and re-rig my lines or self rescue. I Photos: Karen Earnshaw unhooked and when I did my kite leash broke and the kite went bye- bye. I quickly realized I couldn’t someone else must have picked catch it so I paddled in to shore. I up the kite. I handed him 100 bucks wasn’t worried since the wind would and he dropped me back off stating eventually bring it in; maybe a few he will find my kite. miles away but “Hey, we’re in a After paddling back in I speak lagoon,right?” Perhaps a big lagoon briefly with the guy across the street but it’s still a lagoon. who turns out to be a Senator from Mark had relaunched his kite and Rongelap. I decline an offer for a even got to my kite but couldn’t do ride, thinking I may unintention- anything as it was taking everything ally pass Glenn and decide to walk to keep his kite in the air. But no me but seemed okay and headed down to Laura, 15 miles away. After worries; everything and everyone toward Laura. 45 minutes a fellow named Doug is drifting west where eventually it No-one was home at Glenn’s. stops and says Glenn is looking for will all wash up around the village Hmm. After leaving my board and me and that Mark is okay. He gives of Laura. harness in a conspicuous spot i me a ride back to Glenn’s where I So after swimming/paddling in the scrounged around for something am to wait. pouring rain for about 45 minutes to leave a note with. The best I I wait. Eventually Glenn and Sofie I made it to a beach and started could come up with was a bunch of van Gunsteren get there and tells walking. Mark had put his kite in clothespins, so i spelled out “LOST me Mark is on Rongrong island the water again and eventually got KITE” on their porch. about 16 miles away. I asked them going. I was keeping an eye on my I grabbed a windsurfing board how they knew this and they said kite and it seemed to be about a and some swim fins and paddled Mark had borrowed some a cell mile off shore drifting east. All good. about a mile out in the lagoon. Still phone and had called them to say I walked the beach with a bunch no kite. I’m shocked I can’t see it, he was trying to find a boat to get of local kids and asked about a but it’s raining quite hard reducing off the island. boat. They didn’t understand Eng- visibility. I’m sitting on the board and As we are waiting for Mark’s sta- lish and I have a very limited ability a boat comes by. I flag him down tus Glenn’s boss, Joseph Batol, of Marshallese (yokwe) so I drew and they picked me up to go look calls and says Alan, his nephew them a picture of a boat. “Oh, boat! for the kite. There were four men in picked some kitesurfer up and was Boat! No, no boat.” I ventured back the boat and they were involved in out looking for his kite. Everyone to the road in spots and eventu- a fishing tournament. We looked for knows everyone and everything ally made it to Glenn’s house. By the kite for 45 minutes or so, but no that’s happening on Majuro. Jo- that time I couldn’t see my kite any kite. The captain’s name was Alan. I seph calls back and Alan has found more as the wind had shifted and it told him my name and my hotel and my kite and it’s in Delap, 15 miles had disappeared in the veil of rain. that if someone finds the kit to give distant. Mark has made his way to Mark had relaunched and was past me a call. I think that at this point Continued page 13 The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 13

AROUND TOWN “Why teachers got their pay raise recently and don’t come to work? I’m fed up with covering for all these BS RMI teachers in government.” Elañe —Comment received by newspaper reader in Majuro. Batman ar riMajol Caller eo: OMG Batman rej trouble ilo City Hall! Batman: Itok im bok na — emaat ao gas. Caller: OMG Bat- man there’s trouble at City Hall! Batman: Come and get me — I’m out of gas. — Thanks to Ben Wakefield on Face- book, Marshallese Be Like. Mass exodus on United flight Here’s an item of interest. Marshall We had a small heads up that this Islands has been averaging about 1,000 was about to happen when Tourist Trap, people per year leaving to the United which handles passport photo needs States for the past many years. here, reported over 100 people coming That works out at an average of 20 in to get photos over a two-day period per week. last week. That “average” was kaboomed Mon- Why late February? Word is that Mar- day when a reported 100 people bear- shallese living in the US collect their IRS ing one-way tickets showed up for the tax refunds around this time, so have United flight to Honolulu. Most made it moolah to front tickets for their relatives out the door. back home. Tom Atwell couldn’t find a pen to tell Glenn Martini that his kite was lost, so he used some clothes pins he found on his porch and wrote ‘LOST KITE’ (except he ran out of pins so he couldn’t finish the last ‘E’. Photo: Sofie van Gunsteren. Alan retrieves kite From page 12 I had spent quite a bit of time shopping Laura by this time, meets Glenn’s friend, for the right hat and couldn’t find one. Tyler, has a shower and some food and Problem solved.. is working out a ride back to the hotel. So I kited six miles, walked five and After a bit Glenn and Sofie take me paddled/swam for two. Kind of a triathlon. to Uliga across from Momotaro where Mark sailed for 24 miles, begged a ride we meet Alan and I retrieve my kite. By to Laura of 8 miles and taxied it back to this time, I’m pretty stoked by the whole the Long Island Hotel for 20 miles. adventure. We have to thank everyone involved Mark makes it back to the hotel where in this whole adventure. To be honest it we meet up again. As a bonus when I pull made the whole trip! The Marshallese out my kite a banana and hat falls out. and Ri-belle are simply the best. 14 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Opinion page Send letters to PO Box 14, Majuro, MH 96960 or email [email protected] Certification of port pilots essential Michael VredenbErg, Maritime Training Center, CMI It is generally accepted in admiralty that pilots aboard vessels are acting as servants of the vessel and are under the authority of the master, even if the master is compelled by local laws to take aboard a pilot. Most jurisdictions severely limit the liability of pilots so legal actions against them are exceedingly rare. Generally the ship owner is responsible for the negligence of a pilot. In almost all port areas pilots are completely independent in order to avoid conflicts of interest with commercial port authorities and marine safety agencies. For example, Hous- ton, Galveston, New Orleans, and the Columbia River bar pilots are formed as mutual associations with limited liabil- ity much as law firms, accountants and doctors partnerships are organized. Most, if not all, pilots’ associations forbid their members from holding any other maritime-related employment specifically to avoid conflicts. Marine safety organizations likewise forbid their officers and employees Continued page 18 Bravo legacy lingers in RMI

March 1 is a national holiday in the Marshall found that: “The nuclear testing resulted in both im- Islands marking the day the Bravo hydrogen bomb ‘A United Nations Special mediate and continuing effects on the human rights was exploded at Bikini Atoll, spewing radioactive of the Marshallese…The effects of radiation have fallout on islands around the Marshall Islands. This Rapporteur urged the US been exacerbated by near-irreversible environmental year’s 60th anniversary is being marked in Majuro government to pay the awards contamination, leading to the loss of livelihoods and — and other locations around the world. For most issued by the Tribunal.’ lands. Moreover, many people continue to experience Marshall Islanders, it will be a time to reflect on the indefinite displacement.” fact that the US nuclear weapons test legacy has left The US government maintains that the Compact’s numerous unresolved issues for their nation. One affected atolls is over $2 billion. These have not been $150 million compensation fund was “full and final” of the most important outstanding issues is the US paid because US funding provided under the 1983 and that no further compensation is needed — de- Congress’ lack of official response to a petition for agreement proved to be far short of the awards made spite the fact that the US government withheld from more compensation submitted over 13 years ago to by the Tribunal during its period of operations from Marshall Islands Compact negotiators secret reports Washington by the Marshall Islands government. The the early 1990s to the late 2000s. that showed the widespread extent of fallout con- point of the petition, which was submitted pursuant A United Nations Special Rapporteur, in a report tamination that was not limited to the four atolls as to provisions of the Compact of Free Association, is to the UN Human Rights Council in late 2012, urged claimed (to this day) by US officials. The US contin- to get the US government to pay the awards adjudi- the US government to pay the awards issued by the ues to fund limited health care and medical programs cated by the Nuclear Claims Tribunal, which was es- Tribunal, as well as making numerous other recom- for people affected by the testing, as well as conduct- tablished by the Compact. The Tribunal’s awards for mendations to address ongoing problems caused ing ongoing scientific research and monitoring. personal injuries and only four of the most seriously by the nuclear test legacy. His Special Rapporteur A series of events and workshops in Majuro for Nuclear Survivors Day will feature exchanges among people with nuclear experiences from Japan, Aus- The Marshall Islands Journal tralia, the Marshall Islands and elsewhere, as well as Phone: (692) 625-8143/6 • Fax: (692) 625-3136 • email: [email protected] • www.marshallislandsjournal.com talking about shortcomings in the compensation and cleanup programs. Editor...... Giff Johnson received after deadline are subject to Whether these events push action on outstand- Production/Advertising...... Brett Schellhase late charges. Letters to the editor may be edited or cut. ing nuclear clean up, compensation and health Advertising Manager...... Suzanne Chutaro Please mail your letters to the above address, fax them to (692) care needs, they will connect people to issues that Advertising Assistant...... Darren Lanki 625-3136, or email them to [email protected]. 60 years after American’s largest hydrogen bomb The Marshall Islands Journal is a dual language, once a detonation are still a concern of significance in the Reporter/Photographer...... Isaac Marty week publication of the Micronitor News & Printing Company. Marshall Islands. Truly what is needed to advance Reporter/Photographer...... Hilary Hosia It has been the newspaper of record for the Marshall Islands Marshall Islands interests is on this important issue Surfer Chick...... Karen Earnshaw since 1970. Subscription Rates are $87.00 per year for the is for the government to establish by law a nuclear print edition sent U.S. first class mail to U.S. domestic mail agency with the mandate to pursue independent Basic Advertising Rates are for display ads, camera ready zones ($50.00/6 months) and $227.00 per year for international radiation-related environmental and health studies, copy: $5.85 per column inch. All material must be received by airmail. The digital (pdf) version sent by email is $52.00 per gather information and resources, and pursue nuclear 12:00 noon Monday for that Friday’s paper. (5:00 pm Friday year. Please make checks payable to: MARSHALL ISLANDS compensation, clean up and health funding and the week prior to publication for full page ads). All ads JOURNAL, P.O. Box 14, Majuro, Marshall Islands MH 96960. programs. The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 1 5 MOE im MOH rejjab kejerbale jaan ko jen Compact eo

Ilo nuuj eo an wiik eo lok ilo Journal eo, kimar ripoote bwe Ministry of Education ear jab kejerbale jonan in $442,000 iloan fiscal year 2013. Menin ej tarrin in $609,093 laplok, ilo an kobatok jonan in $167,093.50, jonan jaan rekar jab kejerbale nan Education Supplement Education Grant eo (SEG) nan Scientists validate Jose FY2012. Kotobar ko ijoke, rej won- manlok nan kejerbal jonan jaan eo ear jab jerbal nan FY2012 SEG money eo, eo im elane enaaj tobrak, emaron jiban bwe drift across the Pacific en jab jako jonan in $167,093.50, ekkar nan US Embassy eo. Although fisherman Jose Salvador the satellite daily wind and current Ijelokin Compact grant ko, Alvarenga’s more than one-year voy- variability that drove the model,” SEG money eo ej itok im bedbed age from Mexico to Ebon sparked said the UH researchers. “The paths ion menin “kejerbale ak luuji”, skepticism worldwide when he first of the tracers passing by, or nearing, ilo kejekjek in. arrived here last month, a new piece Ebon Atoll span not more than two Jonan eo Ministry of Health of evidence is adding weight to the degrees latitude or about 120 miles. ear jab kejerbale ear barein- drifter’s story. “Alvarenga’s claim that he had wot kelon lok wot ilo wiik in, His westward drift across the Pa- been adrift for 13 months and that ilo an driwoj tok melele ko cific to the Marshall Islands agrees he came from Mexico, therefore, ikijien Ebeye Special Needs with simulations of a computer falls well within the model’s limits Health account eo. Ministry of model developed at the University and is consistent with the prevailing Health ear jab kejerbale tarrin of Hawaii at Manoa’s International pattern of wind and ocean currents in $89,891.80 nan aikuij ko Pacific Research Center. during his ordeal.” an Ebeye ikijien ejmour, ilo UH Manoa scientist Nikolai Maxi- The mathematical computer model FY2013 eo. menko and scientific programmer was originally developed by Maxi- Jonan jaan kein raar jab jer- Jan Hafner placed 16 tracers into menko and Hafner from paths of bal jen Ebeye Special Needs, their ocean model 200 nautical actual drifters with 15 meter deep eboktok tarlep in nan Ministry miles southwest of the coastal fish- drogues. The initial purpose had been of Health Compact funding ing village Chiapas, Mexico around to chart the varying ocean surface ear jab kejerbale ilo 2013, nan the time that Alvarenga says he was circulation. $355,441. blown off shore. “When the devastating tsunami Jonan tarlep eo nan aolepen While some of the tracers used in happened in 2011 in Japan, our ministry kein ruo enanin tobar the simulation move faster and over- model was adapted to track different Drifter Jose Salvador Alvarenga $964,000, raar jab kejerbali nan shoot the Marshall Islands over the types of tsunami driftage by adding was loaded up with gifts on his FY2013. Jonan in ekebaak jilu period, others have not yet reached different strengths of direct wind- departure from Majuro. He is pic- katten laplok, in jonan eo raar the islands. force to the model,” Maximenko tured with President Christopher jab kejerbali ilo FY2012, nan “Overall, however, the 16 trac- recalls. “Details of our model are Loeak in the airport VIP lounge. Health im Education ilo drettan ers show a remarkably narrow path on our IPRC Marine and Tsunami in $339,000. over this long period of time, given Debris website.” 16 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

the brav files ‘It’s really horrible what they did to us’ Lani calls for justice now SUZANNE CHUTARO Today, Bikinians struggle with island. Many of us live in the US “We are a community that has ‘No one, not my diabetes and many other non- because there are no opportunities lost so much as a result of the US communicable diseases as a result on Kili or Majuro.” nuclear testing on our islands,” local government of losing their way of life. As part But even those who have moved said Bikini Councilwoman Lani of their compensation package for to the US are financially struggling, Kramer. or the national decades Bikinians have received she explains. Disadvantaged by She views the nuclear legacy government, is rations of diabetes-inducing pro- a poor educational foundation and the compensation money the cessed foods — USDA canned received in the islands and the people receive as a curse. engaged with the chicken, candied yams, green limited nuclear compensation “It’s not just land we’ve lost,” US Congress beans, corned beef and the likes. funds now available, most people said Kramer. “As a result of being More recently, instead of sending of Bikini are burdened by the displaced, we’ve lost our culture on this issue USDA canned foods, the US has mundane daily struggle of making heritage — our traditional customs agreed to give the Bikini Atoll Lo- ends meet. She adds that infighting and skills, which for thousands right now.’ cal Government the money to buy within the local government over of years were passed down from — Lani Kramer the food rations for the community depleting nuclear compensation generation to generation. My com- and manage the distribution. trust funds and declining operating munity’s heritage is an endangered “Every quarter we are given budget has preoccupied the people species. ” bags of rice and cases of chicken,” of Bikini for far too long. A majority of the people of Bi- of. This thought always makes “After they were exposed like explains Kramer. “I want justice now for the kini are now scattered, living on me feel sad and angry knowing that I can never trust what the US The rations will depend on the people (of my grandmother’s gen- Kili Island, Ejit Island on Majuro now that my grandmother and the tells us (about our island),” said number of persons in the family. eration) who went through being and in the United States. community left not knowing or Kramer. They also receive about $40 per displaced, left ignored for months “Growing up I did not really understanding the full extent of Kramer is a third generation person per month — this too is starving on other atolls while the understand the issues,” admits what they were agreeing to and that displaced Bikinian, born on Kili doled out quarterly. “Is this what tests were taking place, and then Kramer. It was not until her teens they would never return.” Island and raised on Majuro and you call just compensation?” asks were returned to a contaminated that her interest began and she In the early 1970s, after US gov- in the US. Kramer as she contrasted this to atoll to live,” said Kramer. “We began to learn about the issues for ernment scientists declared Bikini Returning to the Marshall Is- how the “Downwinders” living need to go to the US Congress. herself. safe for rehabitation, a group of lands in 1995 after spending her near the Nevada Test Site were But no one, not my local govern- “It’s really horrible what they did Bikinians were returned to Bikini teen years studying in the US, treated by the US government after ment or the national government, to us and till this day no one has only to be removed again in 1978 Kramer recalls returning “to see being exposed to nuclear fallout. is engaged with the US Congress stood up for us,” said Kramer. “Our because of the extent of the radio- my community struggling” eco- “People living on Kili are fed up on this issue right now. This should grandparents were taken advantage active contamination on the island. nomically. with the harsh environment on the be everyone’s fight.” The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 17

the brav files ‘We were constantly starving on the island.’ Fight for next generation SUZANNE CHUTARO ing her mother and other elders “It was fun and we all felt spe- Thirty-three-year-old Evelyn ‘I will be forever in the community surviving on a cial,” she said. “But now, knowing Ralpho-Jeadrik was born on Arno medley of pills they had to take what I know, I feel like a fool — I Atoll and raised on Ebeye. During fearful. The US daily to support their thyroid had no idea what was going on.” the Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior function. The greatest regret Ralpho- evacuation of Rongelap in 1985, told my mother it “Taking these pills was her nor- Jeadrik has over the nuclear legacy Ralpho-Jeadrik was on Rongelap. was safe and they mal daily routine,” said Ralpho- of her community is the inability She was five-years-old. Jeadrik. “Now we learn about to fulfill her mother’s wishes. “My She doesn’t remember much returned only to Project 4.1. They provided medi- mother always wanted to return from that time but what she does be contaminated.’ cal treatment to collect data on to Rongelap,” she said. “But she remember about growing up is the bomb effects, not to care for told us she didn’t want us to go being ridiculed and teased like them. Now they want us to return there because she didn’t want to many of her fellow children from — Eveyln to Rongelap again to live. Are they put us at risk. But because she Rongelap. returning us so that they can do had already been exposed and was “We’d be called names like Ralpho Jeadrik more tests on us and collect data?” older she wasn’t scared to return. ‘ri-bomb’ (people of the bomb) According to Ralpho-Jeadrik, as She wanted to die on her island and or ‘ri-paijin’ (poisoned people) or a child she remembers being col- be laid to rest there.” they would just say ‘bokalak’ (ex- Jeadrik told the Journal in an inter- my mother it was safe and they lected with all the other children Lijohn died in 2012 and was plosion),” said Ralpho-Jeadrik. “If view. “I don’t know if it is safe and returned only to be contaminated.” of Rongelap to overnight on US buried on Majuro. we had pets with deformities, they I don’t want to put my children at Ralpho-Jeadrik is the daughter medical ships that were operated “Our wish now is, at the very say it’s because we’re ‘ri-bomb’.” risk. I do not believe it’s safe. of Lijohn Eknilang who was one by Brookhaven National Labora- least, to fulfill the wishes our all This stigma remains today and “Well, ask yourself: would you of the 82 people on Rongelap and tory. our parents’ generation who have now the community of Rongelap is go live in a place that is contami- Ailinginae when the 1954 Bravo “They would put us in white passed and that is to take them being told by the US that a portion nated?” test at Bikini dumped high-level shirts and had us sit in some sort home to Rongelap and lay them of their atoll is safe and progress Ralpho-Jeadrik says she has fallout on them. Eknilang, who of machine while someone was to rest. has been made to rebuild their seen many people get sick as a died recently, was an outspoken at a computer monitor,” recalls “I don’t want anything but jus- community — homes have been result of living on Rongelap so her member of the Rongelap com- Ralpho-Jeadrik. tice,” she said. “My mother is gone built, development projects cre- answer is a definite “no!” munity who told the story of the On those trips she says she now. All her life she struggled. To ated and the US Department of In- “I don’t trust what the US gov- Bravo test to people around the recalls being given treats of ice me, the way I see it, because she terior is insisting the people return. ernment says,” she said. “I will world. cream and chocolate and they was one of the originals exposed “I won’t move there,” Ralpho- be forever fearful. The US told Ralpho-Jeadrik grew up watch- would watch movies. Continued page 18 18 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

the bravo files Human Radiation Experiments report, Japanese host N-workshop Irene: ‘I’m not giving up’ SUZANNE CHUTARO “To return to Rongelap is to give Irene Abon was born on ‘My local up on the fight our parents’ gen- Rongelap and at the age of seven ‘Maybe Rongelap eration sacrificed their lives for,” she was forced to leave her home can be like a government is said Abon. “My local government because of radiation contamination is too busy dealing with business deposited by all six nuclear tests in getaway — I’ll too busy dealing plans and they are losing sight of the 1954 Castle series. visit it but I don’t with business the bigger issue — our nuclear Despite her love for Rongelap, legacy. Those of the first genera- tion that were affected are few now Abon, 35, says she does not have believe it is safe plans and they and their issues are being ignored hope of ever being able to safely to live there. The are losing sight of by our leaders.” return. For a population that was un- “My parents moved off the the bigger issue.’ Rongelap people willing participants in the nuclear island for our safety, the safety arms race, the people of Rongelap of future generations,” explains have mixed feelings have paid been forced to pay with Abon. “To return now would be on resettlement.’ — Irene Abon their lives. to give up on their fight against According to Abon, Rongelap the injustice done to our parents’ people receive nuclear compen- generation. What if we moved sation quarterly that amounts to back and children and future food crops and the canned foods Today after living on Majuro, There are those who say “we’re $75 per quarter per person ($25 a generations end up with genetic they provided ran out fast. I was Ebeye and Mejatto Abon consid- already contaminated just never month per person). defects — then what?” extremely homesick. The whole ers herself a nomad. “I can move mind let’s return, it’s our home.” “This amount decreases regular- Abon recalls the move from community was housed under one anywhere in the world now and Some just want to stay on Mejatto ly nowadays,” she said. “Having Rongelap in 1985. roof. We struggled on Mejatto for I’ll adapt,” she said. But moving but others want to keep fighting for the Nuclear Claims Tribunal was “I was on trip number three many years. her family back to Rongelap is not justice, she said. good but there is no money there.” of the Rainbow Warrior,” said “I see my generation as a lost an option. Abon says she is of the group Meanwhile “the originals” who Abon. “I didn’t understand what generation of Rongelap Marshal- “Maybe Rongelap can be like a that wants to keep fighting and were directly exposed to Bravo was going on. They moved us to lese,” she said. “There was no food getaway — I’ll visit it but I don’t is disheartened that her local in 1954 receive an addition $500 Mejatto and the memories I have crop on Mejatto so I never had the believe it is safe to live there,” she government is heavily focused on quarterly for food. She believes it from that time are some of my opportunity to learn traditional said. “The Rongelap community business development plans as op- is far from adequate compensation worst. We were constantly starv- skills and how to make Marshal- has mixed feelings on resettle- posed to going to the US Congress for the suffering islanders have ing on the island — there were no lese food.” ment. and beating down their doors. experienced. ‘I want to fight for justice’

From page 17 happened to my mother’s generation and to radiation fallout and nuclear contami- for future generations. Though I may not nation she should have been treated as a reach the end of this fight, I hope the fu- queen and be a priority to the US govern- ture generation will continue to fight for ment. justice. (The US) took our lives so they “I want to fight for justice for what should care for us forever.” Young N-survivors gather in Majuro

Youth representatives from communi- using digital media and how their commu- ties affected by cold war atomic testing nities survived displacement, irradiation, will gather in Majuro later this week to illness and discrimination. commemorate Nuclear Survivors Day. “We hope this is to be the first of several, March 1 is the 60th anniversary of the ongoing digital storytelling workshops “Bravo” thermonuclear explosion, which developed from our Global Hibakusha contaminated islands downwind of the project,” said co-convener Associate test. The local populations, many of whom Professor Mick Broderick of Murdoch suffered prolonged illness from their ex- University, Australia. posure to fallout, were evacuated to other “We plan to expand these in scope and atolls and some have been unable to return size over successive years. home for decades. “While the Japanese hibakusha in Hi- Third generation ‘hibakusha’ (nuclear roshima and Nagasaki remain the only survivor) youth from Hiroshima and people in the world directly attacked with Kazakhstan, representing families who nuclear weapons, the Marshall Islands directly experienced the effects of atmo- history, along with the people near the for- spheric nuclear explosions, will join their mer Soviet test site in Kazakhstan, share Marshallese peers in Majuro. similar experiences of cold war nuclear They will assemble in the Marshall Is- colonialism. lands to share their histories and explore The workshop runs from 28 February to different types of cultural representation March 2 at RRE. The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 1 9 20 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Opinion page Send letters to PO Box 14, Majuro, MH 96960 or email [email protected] Certificates a RMI following example must for pilots

From page 14 of regional tax systems from holding other shipping-related employment, espe- cially as pilots. I do not know how pilotage is structured I thought this might be mitted to local governments in the RMI but I assume steps have been taken to avoid good stories to share with (through a Revenue Sharing these types of conflicts. your readers especially By Bruce Agreement between the two In most areas of the world members of these orga- on value added tax (VAT) Bilimon, governments) will likely be nizations of pilots are subject to strict qualifications movement in the Pacific and higher or at least remain in and examination by their state and national maritime our views on the Mayors Assistant the same budgetary level. As safety authorities. Association consideration Secretary, such, it is a winning proposi- They must possess certificates of competency (gener- of an absolute rejection of tion for local governments ally Class 1 Unlimited Master) and meet other rigorous the RMI government’s tax Customs, because instead of expend- standards such as medical fitness (especially eyesight), reform bills. ing or exerting additional STCW requirements, navigation knowledge and bridge First, on the region level: Treasury, efforts (or costs) to collect resource management. The International Maritime Kiribati is making progress Revenue taxes, the function, task and Organization (IMO) in 2003 adopted Resolution with tax reform in imple- responsibility of collecting A960(23) on “Training, Qualifications and Operational menting a new computer and taxes becomes concentrated Procedures for Maritime Pilots other than Deep Sea system to help with the Taxation, and administered by a cen- Pilots” as a measure to standardize pilotage activities administration of VAT. The tralized authority. and requirements among its member states. Because it Kiribati Parliament passed Ministry Under the current design, is not an amendment to a Convention, this Resolution VAT legislation in Decem- of Finance the new tax collection au- serves as a recommendation only and consequently ber 2013 and it is due to thority will be independent does not have legal force. come into effect for the of the National Govern- Problems arise in settling damages if the ship’s P&I first time on April 1, 2014. ment with its own governing club (insurance) discovers that the pilot has not been Kiribati also passed a new most likely enact its VAT Tonga and Vanuatu, Cook board of directors (including duly examined and properly licensed by the relevant Excise Tax Act and a new legislation this April with Islands) in terms of imple- the Mayors of Majuro and maritime authority (in the RMI this would be the Revenue Administration an implementation date 12 menting and administering Kwajalein), tax revenues Ministry of Transportation and Communications and Act, which both start on the months later in April 2015. tax regime have undergone to be collected will be dis- not Ports Authority, which is not a marine safety or same day. These are new tax Even though RMI started in recent years the same bursed on a monthly basis enforcement agency) or has otherwise been found to be laws and are almost identi- the reform process earlier modernization and reform into both treasuries of the technically incompetent and/or medically unfit. Cover- cal to the corresponding tax than Kiribati and Palau it efforts RMI is currently National and local gov- age may be denied to the vessel owners in this instance reform bills we currently would seem we take “one undertaking. ernments, and finally, the and they would have to cover damages themselves. have before the Nitijela. step forward two steps back- As for our local govern- upgraded and modernized If P&I cover is cancelled or suspended when the In the same footsteps as ward.” For all intents and ments, the only impact or administrative, transpar- ship has that particular pilot or another member of Kiribati, Palau is looking purposes, the tax reform change will be in the way tax ency and accountability the association aboard, the ship owner may decline seriously to implement the ought to be debated at the is collected. If enacted, ex- mechanisms built into the a charterer’s instructions to proceed to that particular VAT or consumption tax. highest level of our govern- isting local government tax new system will give RMI port. Or, because owners are required to maintain cover The expectation, according ing structure, and if it is the collections on sales tax, ho- taxpayers absolute confi- under the terms of a charter party the charterer may to our International Mon- decision or judgment of our tel fees and existing excise dence on the enforcement, then repudiate the contract if the owner cannot meet etary Fund PFTAC col- elected leaders to enact, de- taxes will be consolidated compliance and collection the terms. It can be a very vicious circle. leagues, is that Palau will fer or defeat the bills, then into the proposed national of taxes. that will be the decision we consumption and excise Obviously, given the size all will need to respect and taxes — tax collection and of our country and waves live with. payment processes are sim- of challenges looming in I wish to emphasize that it plified and comparable taxes the coming years, now is is the intention and foresight at the national and local the best and prime time to of the RMI government levels are harmonized. All simplify and unify our tax through its proposed tax other local government fees, system thus eliminating reform policies to modern- business regulations and duplication of efforts but ize and simplify our tax ordinances associated with more so enabling our local system to benefit RMI citi- Finance will still remain governments to focus and zens and the private sector. with the local governments. provide essential services Same as with 14 out of 18 In other words, the National to their respective com- Pacific island countries that Government or if enacted munities. are currently using or in the by the Parliament, the new In looking ahead and be- process of implementing Marshall Islands Customs yond 2023, the RMI Rev- the same tax structure RMI and Revenue Authority (MI- enue Tax and Customs Of- is now considering. The CRA) collects the consump- fice (Ministry of Finance) RMI’s proposed 10 percent tion and excise taxes and yields to the wisdom of our consumption tax rate is then remits to the Local National Government that quite low in comparison to governments their fair share modernizing and simplify- most other countries in the of revenues. ing our tax and customs region. Moreover, the 10 In this connection, the arrangements is the best percent rate was the con- statement in the article that policy to adopt for our small sensus reached by the Tax the new tax legislations will country. Frankly, aside from and Revenue Reform and “take the ability of the local foreign grant assistance, Modernization (TRAM) governments to generate revenue potentials from our members representing both income from sales tax” is developing fisheries and the interests of the private incorrect and inaccurate. ship registry programs, we and public sectors. Fact is, the income from do not have many choices Well performing countries sales tax collected by a to sustain the country’s rev- in the region (Fiji, Samoa, centralized authority and re- enue stream. The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 2 1 22 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 2 3 Drive results in 13 pints of blood

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in of Uliga Mosque. “And according to the conjunction with the College of Marshall Islamic teachings, saving one life is as if Five Marshallese are in this Islands and Ministry of Health held a blood you have saved the whole of humanity. So, 2012 Xavier graduation drive earlier in February. It was the first of us Muslims are always looking for a way to photo. Father Rich many that are expected for the year for the continue to help humanity and we are here McAuliff, SJ, is at center. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. for their service.” The blood drive collected 13 pints of Imam Kauser observed: “Local people blood, with CMI Dean Ruth Abbott being are not used to going to donating blood. the first to donate. Following her was the “However, holding these kinds of events Imam of Uliga Mosque, Imam Kauser. gives a chance for the locals to open up Both had donated blood in previous drives, and see that, this is actually for a good and were very happy to give back to the cause. We are looking forward to increase Xavier teams up community. the participation in these kinds of commu- “Giving blood is a way to give back to nity events, so that more and more people the community and it helps save lives,” become aware of the benefits of giving with Japan school said Imam Ahmad, Missionary and Imam blood.”

Xavier High School in to sign a Memorandum of Stardom for Wisdom the Federated States of Mi- Understanding with Sophia cronesia has established University’s President Prof. Crossword puzzlers in the RMI are getting crossword puzzle people. a formal partnership with Takashi Hayashita and APIC smarter. Five individuals and teams submit- Getting an A+ this week are: Becky Sophia University in To- President Sato. “I want to ted completed crosswords this week and five Lathrop, Dyna Reimers, Herman Lee-Enos, kyo, Japan. The partnership, thank, in particular, former won. Wow! That’s pretty great. Helbe Namna and the team of Neri Wase and which will be formalized in Ambassador Peter Sato and It’s given the editor the idea that he needs Sharla deBrum. a ceremony at Sophia Uni- former Japan Ambassador to to find a new chief riddler — or perhaps All of these names are being tossed into versity on April 3 provides the FSM Shoji Sato, and the the chief assistant needs an assistant chief. the hat for next week’s drawing to see who for a qualified Xavier High Association For Promotion But we’re getting distracted with the main will win the March pizza from the famous School graduate to attend of International Coopera- point of this story which is the successful and world-renown Flame Tree. the noted Jesuit university tion, who were instrumental on a full scholarship each in establishing our partner- academic year. Father. Rich ship with Sophia Univer- The unique partnership, McAuliff, SJ. sity,” Fr. McAuliff added. the first of its kind for So- Sophia University has ac- phia University in Oceania, tively pursued academic and is supported by the Tokyo-based Association student exchange activities with over 180 for Promotion of International Cooperation partner schools and other academic institu- (APIC), which, together with Sofia, will tions in 40 countries around the world. Also, fund each Xavier High School students’ Sophia has entered into memorandums of four-year program of studies at the Japa- understanding with local high schools in nese university in commemoration of APIC Indonesia, China and Korea, establishing founder Nobuhiko Ushiba, the former State an “overseas affiliated schools” system Minister and former Japanese Ambassador to accept international students and build to the USA. APIC is now headed by Peter a solid relationship with countries of the Yoshiyasu Sato, former Japanese Ambas- Asia-Pacific region. Xavier High School sador to China. will be part of Sophia’s “overseas affiliated “The entire Xavier High School com- schools” system. munity is thrilled with our relationship with The Society of Jesus established Sophia Sophia University. Having the opportunity University in 1913. Since then, the univer- to send one of our best students, each year, to sity has grown to one of Japan’s premier this outstanding Jesuit university will open universities. It conducts classes in Japanese new opportunities for our graduates, and for and English. Sophia University has ap- their home nations,” said Fr. Rich McAuliff, proximately 11,500 undergraduates, 1,200 SJ, the director of Xavier High School. Fr. graduate students and nearly 300 students McAuliff will travel to Tokyo in early April are from nations other than Japan. Bill 56 nan ukot income tax Elmakwot in kakien nan ukot RMI likare bwe allowance ko kab kolla ko jen income tax law eo, emoj an jede imaan in-kind, rej drelon einwot wonen ri jerbal Nitijela jen ippen Finance Minister Dennis nan un ko rejelet kolla eowoj. Enbwinnin Momotaro. kakien in, elane enaaj weppen, eban jolok Elmakwot in, Bill 56, enaaj jolok aolep jekjek ko jet kio ikijien jab kolla eowoj, income tax eowoj nan armij ro im jonan botaap ejamin bar wor kon in jerbal kaal ko wonaer ekij $4,160 ak driklok, ilo juon year, renaaj melim elkin wot an naaj elle kakien im kakobaik juon eowoj kaal kin 16 bojjan kaal jab in. Kojebwebweik income tax enaaj nan aolep ro im wonaer elle ilon in $20,800, bed iumin juon Marshall Islands Customs ekoba nan binej lok ettel ko im rej kio kotlok and Revenue Administration kaal. bwe jikin jerbal ko kab ri jerbal ro ren jab Oktak kein ikijien income tax rej mottan kolla income tax, jen kolla ko jet einwot wot jet bill ko im rej kio ejerwawa wot ippen allowance ko, kab kolla ko jen jikin ko jet. Nitijela nan ukot aolepen tax system eo ilo Elmakwot in nan komman oktak, ej ka- Aelon Kein. 24 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal Aussie aid cutback won’t impact on RMI

Despite a major cutback by the Australian govern- ment to its overseas aid Energy program, the Australian Embassy in Pohnpei said the reductions will have advisor a “minimal” impact in the RMI, FSM and Palau — though whether a major big bonus Ebeye water improvement project will gain funding for Australian officials highlighted implementation next year the effectiveness of an energy remains a question mark. technical advisor provided to “We have identified sav- RMI. ings which will cause mini- “The work of Australian energy mal disruption to the overall Ebeye residents advisor, Nick Wardrop, in col- effectiveness of our aid haul water in jugs. laboration with the government delivery,” said the Austra- of RMI led to savings of ap- lian Embassy in response to proximately U$4 million through questions from the Journal. reforms in the petroleum sector,” “Overall savings totals the Australian Embassy said. AUD550,000 (US$496,000) “This is a significant saving to across the North Pacific. We ‘We have identified the government of RMI, and in are pleased to report that in savings which will cause January 2014 Marshalls Energy the North Pacific aid pro- minimal disruption to Company (MEC) announced a gram for this financial year $3.2 million profit.” expected impacts are likely the overall effectiveness The Embassy said “the sustain- to be minimal in terms of of our aid delivery.’ ability of our investments is a top financial commitment and priority.” importantly development The savings and profit will outcomes.” Australian officials are still aid program will not affect ongoing enable the government of RMI discussing the areas for the reductions design phase of this project. While “to implement further reforms with the three governments. Overall, implementation of the program re- allowing long term improvements Australia is providing up to $17.4 mil- mains a priority for Australia’s North in service delivery,” the Embassy lion in official development assistance Pacific Aid program, funding to imple- said. The Australian government this fiscal year for sustainable eco- ment the Ebeye water and sanitation is “focused on effectiveness and nomic development, the Embassy said. improvement depends on: the rigorous administration of the Australia, through the Asian De- • Outcomes and recommendations aid program to achieve results,” velopment Bank, is currently funding of the design phase. the Embassy said. “The govern- the design phase for the Ebeye Water • The ongoing commitment of the ment’s policy is to more closely Supply and Sanitation program. The RMI government to a reform agenda align aid, trade and diplomacy Australian Embassy said funds for to improve service delivery. and to focus on the Asia-Pacific/ the design phase have already been • Future Australian Aid budget al- Indian Ocean region.” transferred to ADB so changes in the locations. Won eo ej eddoik wa ko Jirilok eo ikijien waan kaan eo im ear driboje wa eo waan RMI, MV Kwajalein ilo oop en Delap, ekom- man bwe en wonlontak juon unin kenono kin an won eddo eo nan kol- laiki jorrean jab in. Wa in ilo tore eo ear bed iumin ke- jebarok eo an juon iaan port pilot ro. Kakien ko an RMI rej kemlet bwe juon wiik. Ports Authority eba ej an pilot eo juon wa eo im ej mwelik mweear jen Innem elane juon wa ej bed iumin eddo. Port Majuro ej aikuij kejerbale port kejebarok eo aer enaaj jirilok im Juon men emool ej bwe port pilot pilot ro. driboj bar juon wa, ak er ion wod, ro ebwe an lap jonan jaan eo rej loe Jen tore eo ear jino kakien in, elle ak walok juon bar kain jorrean nane jen aer katartar im mweliki jibuki lok jen 10 year ko remotlok, innem im jujen jorrean wa eo makmake im jima wa im rej mwelik mweear ilo jekjek in ekomman bwe en kanuij armij ro ion, innem enaaj an won Port Majuro. Botap ewor ke aer in lap wonen pilot ro ewor aer lijen, eddo eo nan kollaiki wonen jorrean maron kolla wonen jorrean ikijien ekoba jaan nan Marshall Islands ko? jortokliki jirilok ko rej walok jen Ports Authority eo bareinwot. Company eo im waan tima eo maan peier? Enin ej kajjitok eo kin won eo enaaj ba, “tima eo ej jerakrok kin Menin ej aikuij in alikkar jen enaaj kollaik wonen jorrean eo wonake eo an juon port pilot, innem RMI Ports Authority kinke eddo eo ewalok: Keidri nan year ko lok, jekdron ta eo enaaj walok, eban am im won ej bok eddo in kollaiki ren enanin aolepen pilot ro rej kio private eddo. Ej an pilot eo eddo.” alikkar, elane eddo nan kollaiki ebed contractor, im rejjab jerbal nan Ports Ak ilo ien eo pilot enaaj ba ej ippen pilot ro, innem emoj aer jela Authority, elane kenono kin 40 awa jerbal nan RMI Ports Authority, ak kadede. The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 2 5 26 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal DIVING business directory

radio

Pictured at the Bank of Guam briefing, from left: Anthony Presidents meet Babauta, Former Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of construction Interior; President at bank briefing Emanuel (Manny) Mori, Federated States of Micronesia; Bank of Guam hosted an all-day brief- services, and financial growth, said Presi- Lou Leon Guerrero, ing at its Hagatna, Guam headquarters for dent’s Chief of Staff Chris deBrum. President Bank of Guam President Christopher Loeak and the other Loeak, Foreign Minister Phillip Muller, and President, Board Presidents of the Freely Associated States their delegation arrived Guam from Japan on Chair and Chief last Wednesday. The briefing emphasized Tuesday last week. On Thursday they flew Executive Officer; banking, community relationships and future to Honolulu, and we expected to return to Lorin Robert, opportunities. Majuro earlier this week. President’s office Secretary of Foreign Among issues discussed were building officials also confirmed that Bank of Guam Affairs, FSM; Eddie relationships, banking opportunities, regional briefed them about a change affecting wire Calvo, Governor economic outlook, remittance and foreign de- transfers from the freely associated states, of Guam; Phillip posits and FDIC insurance, financial products a service that is being halted in response to Muller, Foreign and services, investment strategies and trust new US banking regulations. Minister, Republic of the Marshall Islands; Watch out President Christopher Loeak, for bad RMI; Delegate Swenny Ongidobel, Chairman of the $100 bills Banking and Financial Matters, Beware, counterfeit money House of Delegates, is floating around Majuro. Republic of Palau; Last week, a Do It Best President Tommy cashier was given the $100 E. Remengesau, bill that is shown in these Republic of Palau; photos. and Senator Philip Although it appears to Reklai, Senate Vice be a fairly obvious fake, President, Republic counterfeit bills often are of Palau. accepted by cashiers. Income tax law bill introduced New legislation to revamp the RMI’s clear that allowances and benefits-in- Printing income tax law has been introduced to kind are included in wages and salaries Nitijela by Finance Minister Dennis for the purposes of paying taxes. The Proposed new Momotaro. legislation, if adopted, will not elimi- The proposed amendment, Bill 56, nate currently existing tax exemptions, income tax would eliminate all income tax for but no new contracts of exemption will Wage $ % tax people earning $4,160 or less, adds be allowed once the bill becomes law. • 0-4,160...... 0% a new tax of 16 percent on income Administration of income tax will • 4,161-10,400...... 8% of excess above $20,800, and closes loopholes come under a new Marshall Islands over 4,160 that currently allow employers and Customs and Revenue Administration. • 10,401-20,800....12% of excess employees to avoid income tax through The income tax amendment is part of over 10,400 provision of allowances and other pay- a series of bills pending with Nitijela • 20,801+...... 16% of excess ment systems. to change the entire tax system in the over 20,800 The proposed amendment makes it Marshall Islands. The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 2 7 business directory beautician PNA faces tough decisions in Honiara GIFF JOHNSON “We have an agreement with the US We should all be so lucky as the Par- we need to honor. We have to come up education ties to the Nauru Agreement to have with an internal agreement in order to problems like this — what to do with move forward.” $93 million. How to distribute this pot • Defining non-fishing days: Differ- of money resulting from last year’s ing definitions of non-fishing days is successful conclusion of negotiations causing “leakage” in the VDS that is with the US government and its tuna intended to cap fishing days to create industry is just one of several pivotal scarcity and maintain the price. Aqorau decisions facing the PNA when island said allowance for non-fishing days fisheries officials meet in Honiara need to be tightened so it is not abused March 5-14. by distant water fishing nations. The Over the past four years, PNA has terms “transit” and “non-fishing days” forced a paradigm shift in the com- need to be standardized, said Joseph. mercial fishing industry in the region, “How we are using days is creating giving islands the greatest control loopholes,” he said. “It needs to be retail they’ve ever enjoyed over the $7 billion defined once and for all and enforced.” business. By requiring foreign fishing Marshall • Domestic fisheries development: companies to adhere to a “vessel day Islands PNA members are benefiting by foreign scheme” (VDS) and setting a minimum fisheries vessels gaining domestic designation fishing day fee — now at $6,000 — Director by accessing licenses through the FSM while setting limits on days, PNA has Glen Joseph. Arrangement, which allows vessels to more than tripled revenue accruing to fish multiple exclusive economic zones its eight member nations. The Marshall on a single license. The number of Islands Marine Resources Authority foreign vessels seeking licenses under and the RMI government has been the the FSM Arrangement jumped last year, beneficiary of this windfall in fisheries and Joseph worries that it is being used revenue. ‘Pressure on the as a vehicle for cheap licenses at the But success has its downside. The region for fishing expense of domestic fleet development challenging issues before PNA “re- and access to the region. “We need to flects the success of PNA members,” days will only address it with our domestic interests at says PNA CEO Dr. Transform Aqorau, increase as the the forefront,” said Joseph. The islands who is based at the organization’s want to attract distant water fishing Majuro headquarters. The solidarity European Union nation partners but “our domestic in- of the eight nations — Papua New has joined the dustry needs to be developed by us, not Guinea, Solomon Islands, Nauru, dictated by others,” he said. Palau, Federated States of Microne- lineup of foreign Synchronizing fishing rules at the sia, Marshall Islands, Kiribati and national level with those at the regional Tuvalu — has been the key ingredient fishing fleets level is crucial to ongoing success of to PNA’s early success. In addition to beating a path PNA, said Joseph. the tripling of revenues, PNA at the end to the lucrative One key issue that doesn’t fit easily of 2013 began successfully marketing into a bullet point issue for resolution computer repairs internationally certified sustainably fishing zones of is the hurdle that fisheries access agree- caught skipjack in Europe, generating ments between islands and distant wa- a premium price for the product. More the PNA’ ter fishing nations pose to PNA nations distant water fishing fleets are flagging maximizing the value of a fishing day. domestically and more fish processing As conceived, the VDS aims to create a facilities than ever before are operat- Islands fisheries Director Glen Joseph sellers market, allowing PNA members ing in the islands, offering significant in the lead up to the March meeting. to auction their days to the highest bid- employment opportunities. In Honiara, PNA officials will at- ders. But bilateral agreements — where Still, cracks in PNA unity were tempt to resolve these issues: fisheries and foreign ministry officials evident in 2012, when Kiribati kept • Distribution of US$93 million from Asian or other nations come to selling fishing days to foreign fishing from the US fisheries treaty. Key to town every year or two to negotiate fleets over its agreed-to limit instead this is deciding which countries will deals with their island counterparts — trading with other PNA countries for provide days for the 8,000 promised has been a mainstay of Pacific fisheries unused days. This resulted in a modest under the new treaty. In part because for more than a generation. Aqorau is reprimand at PNA’s annual meeting the US treaty includes provisions for 15 encouraging fisheries officials to move gas station last year and a promise by Kiribati not percent of the funding to be distributed away from bilateral fisheries access to do it again. The year just past saw equally among all Forum Fisheries negotiations to selling days through the different interpretations of non-fishing Agency members as well as a percent- VDS, allowing the market to dictate the days, which has turned into a promi- age for administration costs, the actual price — which he believes will punch nent loophole in PNA’s VDS. per day rate of US payments to islands the price well above the current $,6000 Pressure on the region for fishing in whose waters tuna is caught will be a day benchmark. days will only increase as the European below the new US$6,000 daily bench- The question is how many of these Union has joined the lineup of foreign mark fee, making it less attractive for critical issues can PNA solve in Honia- fishing fleets beating a path to the lucra- PNA members to offer days. ra. Maintaining unity will, no doubt, be tive fishing zones of the PNA. “What “We have to decide once and for a continuing challenge but also the key we do as a group is contingent on what all where we get the days (for the US to PNA’s ability to drive the industry as we do individually,” said Marshall fleet),” said Joseph. it has the past four years. 28 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 2 9 30 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal Two boys with their birds There was a fighting atmosphere between these Batkan boys when the Journal arrived at the scene. Bojack Timothy’s (pictured left) rooster Lo-kotubtub (challenger) went against Oliver Timothy’s domestic fowl La-lej (Brave). The match was a tough one to call. Photo: Isaac Marty. Muller presents Forum report

A two-page report show- ing income and spending for the Pacific Islands Forum was Who gave us $$ submitted to Nitijela earlier last month by Foreign Minister Phillip Muller. for the Forum Since the last session of Nitijela, senators have been requesting a report on this ac- Income Account Amount count, which was set up outside 4070 Miscellaneous Other...... 4,442.58 of normal Ministry of Finance 4055 United Arab Emirates (UAE)...... 59,940.00 accounting system. 4005 Local Contributions...... 73,450.00 In a brief cover letter to 4010 Kazakstan Contributions...... 99,785.70 Speaker Donald Capelle, Muller 4075 MOFA...... 25,000.00 said: “The works related to the 4060 Turkey Contributions...... 100,000.00 Forum were quite extensive 4040 Russia Contribution...... 125,000.00 and so many activities were in- 4000 RMI Finance...... 300,000.00 volved, however, for your ease 4035 India Contribution...... 162,833.10 of reference the following table 4030 New Zealand Contribution...... 164,014.61 should give you the picture of 4045 Japan Contribution...... 179,175.00 what transpired.” 4065 China Contributions...... 200,000.00 The table referred to re- 4025 Australian Contributions...... 207,700.00 ports that the RMI govern- 4050 ROC Contributions...... 407,530.00 ment received $2,108,870.99 Total Income...... 2,108,870.99 for the Forum while spending Expense $2,167,631.40. This left a deficit of $58,760.41 (the report lists 5035 Bank Service Charges BOG...... 338.60 the deficit as “$58,000”). It also 5065 Tax Payable Exp...... 753.93 notes the Forum account is wait- 5100 Charter Boat...... 1,850.00 ing on $100,000 from Marshall 5050 Communications...... 1,424.95 Islands Development Bank and 5030 Auto Rental Expense...... 14,066.80 the ROC. The two-page report 6001 Vehicle Repair & Maintenance...... 5,611.25 offers line-item amounts for the 5055 Per Diem...... 7,230.00 spending, but no detail. 6015 SPCL Contractor Workers...... 17,733.61 For example, under the head- 5080 Insurance Expense...... 13,584.59 ing “contractuals services,” 5095 Handicrafts...... 28,122.50 the Forum account is said to 6010 Uniforms/Materials...... 19,933.39 have spent $638,573.50. It 5000 Travel Domestic...... 23,316.00 lists “vehicle” spending at 5005 Travel International...... 24,850.93 $363,409.60. Meanwhile, “mis- 5070 Miscellaneous Expenses...... 118,407.56 cellaneous expenses” are listed 5015 Fuel...... 72,295.83 as $118,407.56. There is no 5020 Supplies...... 66,884.30 breakdown of these and other 5045 Rental Hotel/Housing...... 65,923.16 spending items. 5085 Repair & Maintenance...... 96,354.16 Marshall Islands Auditor 5025 Food...... 128,386.73 General Junior Patrick told the Nitijela in his 60th semi-annual 6005 Transfer Out...... 159,323.38 report submitted earlier this 5060 Equipments...... 299,256.63 month that auditors are in the 6000 Vehicle...... 363,409.60 “planning phase” for a financial 5010 Contractuals Services...... 638,573.50 and compliance audit of the Total...... 2,167,631.40 Forum account. Balance...... (58,760.41) The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 31

Participants in the Junior State of America’s 23rd annual Winter Congress Convention.

Regional group visits US capital Coop Kids give Students from Marshall Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Palau, FSM, and the Northern Marianas were in Washington, DC for five days this past week to join in the Junior State of America’s 23rd annual Winter Congress Convention. CuPid a breAk The two-day simulation of the US Congress allowed students to meet as members of a simulated US House Majuro Co-op high of Representatives and US Senate. school students were The program is part of a special scholarship offered at it again. “This time by the Junior Statesmen Foundation and funded by we waited to the week the US department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs. after Valentine’s Day Students were selected following an essay contest to visit the hospital,” that required a 500-to-700 essay on the topic, “What said teacher David are the major issues facing the second session of the Appelbaum. “We figured 113th US Congress.” As part of the program, students that people always get involved in the mock US Congress were given the attention on Valentine’s Day, but then are opportunity to submit legislation. In addition to the 12 neglected the week after. students from US affiliated islands in the Pacific, five The students donated $1 joined from the US Virgin Islands to combine with over each and we distributed 1,200 students from the US. In addition to the Winter colorful baskets of Congress Convention, the students visited Washing- apples, oranges and ton landmarks including the White House and the US toothbrushes. capitol as well as meeting with officials at various US This time the mission federal government departments. was called “Obvious The two RMI representatives were Drago Dujmovic Cupid” — because it was and Caleb Joseph, both from Majuro Baptist Christian not “Secret Cupid.” Academy. Photos: Cathrine Cheng Eve and Selina UWC The United World College Na- tional Selections Committee in the RMI held its 3rd Selections Day at USP on Friday. Nine shortlisted candidates spent the day interviewing, play- ing educational games and mak- ing friends. In the end, only two scholar- ships could be awarded — one went to Eve Burns of Laura High School who will attend Lester B. Pearson UWC in Victoria, Cana- da and the other to Selina Leem The United World Last week’s answer of Marshall Islands High School College National who will attend the Robert Borsch ship to Armand Hammer UWC in Selections UWC in Freiberg, Germany. New Mexico. Committee In 2012, Kami Mackphie of Each scholarship is worth with this year’s Northern Islands High School about $80,000. UWC Schools candidates. was awarded the first UWC offer the International Baccalau- Photo: Tamara Scholarship to attend Lester B. reate high school program as well Greenstone Pearson in Canada and in 2013, as creating an environment of Alefaio. Sage deBrum of Majuro Coop peace, intercultural understand- ing and leadership.

School was awarded the scholar- S udoku 32 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal Mike adds a college class

A brief correction to Dean Jacobson’s letter to the editor in last week’s edition was provided by CMI instructor Karl Fellenius: “Dean’s environmental science class is now being taught by Mike Trevor, who was already teaching one section and now has two. Dean’s introduction to marine science class is being team-taught by three people at MIMRA — Candice Guavis, Melba White, and Benedict Yamamura. Karl Fellenius is jumping in as needed to assist with lectures and labs, and Don Hess is doing the overall coordination of the joint Mike Trevor effort as well as assisting on some labs. All of whom are Dean’s friends.” Greg’s search for parents

My name is Greg Michael Lederer. I eight siblings. I know the sibling before live in Northern California. I was born in me was born August, 26 1986. If you Ebeye, Marshall Islands. I was adopted know of a way I can reach them please and I’m trying to reach out to my birth let me know. parents John Erakdrik and Neibed Lautej. I would like to thank them for the life They were the age of 34 and 33 when I they have given me. My email is: gle- was born December 2, 1987 and I had [email protected].

The Dash-8 in Jaluit.

Runways the big problem for AMI

Among the myriad problems facing Air to fix one runway,” he said. “In half a year, Marshall Islands as it attempts to stabilize all the airport will be in order.” its outer islands service is the poor condition While the Dornier, which is the workhorse of many outer island runways. plane for all the smaller runways, has been “Fixing airport in the outer islands needs grounded repeatedly in recent months with to be a top priority for the government,” a variety of problems, the Dash-8 has not AMI General Manager Jefferson Barton said been immune to these problems. Despite its last week. “The runways are like a terrorist recent $4 million fix during a major over- (to our planes). Rocks, mud, dirt and coral haul in Australia last year, “we’re already hit the planes when they land.” experiencing similar problems with the It is not necessary to pave runways, but Dash,” he said. at minimum they need to be scraped and AMI has no choice but to fly to these outer compacted, he said. “The government can islands because it has to provide the service do this at minimal cost and it will save and generate revenue, but the cost of doing it everyone millions of dollars in damages,” hurts the airline and the government, which Barton said. “Fixing the runways will reduce has to assist the airline to pay for spare parts. by 90 percent the damage and breakdown “We need drastic action for the success of of the planes.” the airline,” he added. “Then we will have a Everyone is frustrated over the repeated more reliable service and public confidence down time of the planes, he said. “A lot of will improve.” things are intertwined that make air service The government airline simply can’t keep a challenge,” he said. functioning in this environment, he said. AMI pilots do a great job in dealing “It’s a burden on AMI,” he added. “More with runways that have holes, large bushes than once a month, we have an ‘aircraft on nearby, and high grass. “Our guys know how the ground,’ which shouldn’t be happening to fly,” he said. “They are the best of the best. more than once in six months. But the airports are so bad.” The government needs to fix the airports Barton would like to see the government so AMI can concentrate on providing ser- begin working on one outer atoll runway at vice. Instead, we’re busy trying to fix our a time. “It will only take about two weeks aircrafts.” The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 33 34 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal Amenta ebok eddron Alele ISAAC MARTY RMI national archive im mu- Museum eo seum Alele, ewor juon an director kaal ilo unjen jila eo. Amenta Mat- thew Tibon, former Utirik Senator, eppelok non ej monono in jerbal ilo Alele. Kora in ear jinoe jen January 16 raan eo. Ilo tore in, ewor wot an emen ri am alwoj kiio jerbal. Kora in ej bok eddo eo jen kar Bonny Taggart, eo im ear jerbal enwot interim director eo. Tibon ear ba bwe jibarbar ko an renaaj ‘Ilo Education Week eo, nan wonmanlok wot kin jibarbar ear kanuij lon ri jikuul im kottobar ko an Alele eo, einwot ro raar lotok museum eo, kokmanmanelok imoko ekoba jer- innem menin ear maron bal ko. “Elap ao kamolol Bonny, Secretary Daisy Alik-Momotaro, letok jet melele nan na, Minister Wilbur Heine, Alele bwe in komman jikin board eo, kab ro jet im raar maron an aijri ro maron aluje jiban im lelok ijoko kunaer nan im ekatok jen ien ko rej kejebarok wot Alele eo, eo im ej ijo in ej kokni manit im bwebwenato lotok.’ ko ad. Elap an utiej buruwo nan – Amenta Matthew Tibon. jerbal im kwalok nan armij kin manit in ad,” Tibon ear ba. “Ilo Education Week eo, ear Director kaal eo an Alele kanuij lon ri jikuul ro raar lotok Amenta Matthew Tibon. museum eo, innem menin ear ma- ron letok jet melele nan na, bwe ettel ko emoj aer kommani kio, im drelone, elaptata nan ro im eaban ilo elkin raelep, enaaj wor juon aer Library Services eo. Tibon ear ba in komman jikin an aijri ro maron room eo rej aikuij kokaale lowan, aer maron jikin uwe lonlok. kilaaj in ekatok kin kilen kejerbal bwe Alele ij jibarbar nan kelaplok aluje im ekatok jen ien ko rej im ej wonmanlok wot im kabbok Alele eo ej bellok nan public, computer. Alele ej bareinwot wor kelwetak eo kin manit im kapeel lotok.” Ilo torein, museum eo ebed jaan nan kokmanmane. im ebareinwot wor juon jikin basic an kon ilo Retiree’ Center en, ko ad ilo ien ko ewor brokraam ilo ground floor eo, elkin aer kar Museum eo raar drore ilo ground computer training program ie, im (iturin Alele) im rej kommane ejja an public, im kio elap aer jino kemakiti jen ijo jikin ilo kar jinoin, floor eo, jen kelet an Alele board ebellok nan aolep ro reitok limo computer brokraam kein wot nan bebojakjak nan Lutok Kobban ilo second floor, itok wot jen an kar of trustees eo. Menin ebareinwot ie. Ro rej bok kunaer rej kejenolok ritto ro, im jaan nan kommane ej Alele (raan eo an manit) ilo naaj ettel eon mweo. Tibon ear ba bwe komman bwe en bidodo an armij ruo ien ko, juon ilo jibbon, im juon etal jen Institute of Museum im September in. The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 3 5 Chee trial over, CJ to make ruling

The criminal trial of Cata- payment after RMI checks lina Chee on charges that she were cashed. was part of a conspiracy to de- Defense attorney Masek fraud the Ministry of Health challenged the “evidence.” in 2009 wrapped up Tuesday Masek said the alleged con- this week. spirators “invented a role” Chief Justice Carl Ingram to get Chee involved. Chee did not issue a ruling from was asked to print out fake the bench, saying he would PRs from a computer that take the case under advise- conspirator Danny Andrike ment and issue a ruling in could’ve easily done in two due course. minutes. The trial before Ingram “The real criminal here is wrapped up with closing ar- Candy Leon,” Masek said. guments by Acting Attorney “Candy Leon got away with General Jack Jorbon and her crime. How did she get defense attorney John Masek. away with thousands of Jack Jorbon On September 9, 2009, RMI’s money? The gov- Chee knowingly and willingly ernment gave her the sweet conspired against the RMI deal. All Candy Leon had government when she prepared two fake to do to elude jail time is to come up with purchase requisitions to obtain RMI pay- a name and she came up with my client.” ments for non-existent services, said Jorbon. While Jorbon contends that Chee was The prosecutor emphasized the evidence he part of ring of conspirators who included had presented during the trial. According to Danny Andrike, Candy Leon, Steve Samuel testimony by Candy Leon, Chee was fully and Nella Nashion, Masek countered that aware of the fake documents she prepared, the prosecution had offered “mismatched Jorbon told the Chief Justice. Chee took conflicting evidence” from the main gover- fake purchase requisitions to co-conspirator ment witnesses telling different versions Steve Samuel at Procurement and Supply, while under oath. Jorbon said, adding that Chee received her “I ask that the court dismiss the case,” end of the bargain in the form of a cash Masek concluded. 36 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal Jaki-ed found in San Francisco Special mat made by Namdrik’s Matlina KAREN EARNSHAW Four historic Marshallese jaki- ed have been discovered in the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Fran- cisco. Three date from a century ago, while the fourth was made by weaver Matlina Swain of Namdrik in 1977. The discoveries were made by long-time friend of the Marshalls Caroline Yacoe, who often trav- els from her home in Hawaii to attend the annual exhibition and auction of jaki-ed at the Marshall Left, weaver Matlina Swain’s gradson Wamoj Hisaiah with Islands Resort. She was recently Namdrik Senator Matt Zackhras. Above, the jaki-ed in the in San Francisco and heard from California musuem’s collection. Below left, Matlina. a colleague that the Academy had some Marshallese mats. She sub- sequently met with the Academy’s ‘I remember Senior Collections Manager Rus- Hisaiah on sell Hartman and was shown the watching mats, which she identified as being jaki-ed. her weaving More jaki-ed have also recently when I was a his bubu been discovered in museum col- young boy on Senator Matt Zackhras was thrilled to lections in Geneva, Switzerland, hear of the existence of Matlina Swain’s and Oakland, California, with the Namdrik. She jaki-ed in the California Academy of Sci- University of the South Pacific’s ences: “Let me see what I can find out Majuro campus team working on had a big box about her,” he said. A short time later he accessing photographs of these called with the news that he’d found a clothing mats. USP’s Director, Dr. in the house relative in Majuro, saying that Swain’s Irene Taafaki, along with Maria where she kept grandson is Wamoj Hisaiah, who is a Fowler, have been key to reviv- security guard at the National Telecom- ing knowledge about jaki-ed and all her weaving the revival of the skill of weaving materials.’ munications Authority. jaki-ed. “I remember watching her weaving Taafaki was also the mastermind when I was a young boy on Namdrik,” Hi- behind the creation of a virtual saiah said. “She had a big box in the house museum for jaki-ed, which can be where she kept all her weaving materials.” found at www.clothingmatsofthe- He added that his ‘bubu’ would not sell the marshalls.com, and was sponsored Elenu says kommol tata jaki-ed: “She gave them away as gifts.” by the Australian Government. According to Hisaiah, during the time Each week, hundreds of people that Japan held power in the Marshall around the globe have been check- Many Marshallese regularly visit clothing- this program and then to see it online as a Virtual Islands, Swain lived on Jaluit Atoll, where ing into the site to learn about the matsofthemarshalls.com, including, in late 2013, Museum. The last time I saw my Great-Great- she helped care for a sick man called Roja. history of jaki-ed, the ongoing re- Elenu Patrick, who lives in Tucson, Arizona. She Grandmother she was weaving a jaki-ed. May “She took care of him using traditional vival program of weaving jaki-ed, emailed the web master: she rest in peace. Marshallese medicines and when he was and visit the various museums that “Hi! You have no idea how deeply I appreciate “Well, many years later I found out that I was well he took her as his mother. have jaki-ed in their collections. your accomplishment in this kind of work and one of only few young people at that time who “She later came to Majuro and lived with These include the British Museum, thought of creating this kind of program to help have witnessed the weaving of an actual jaki-ed his family and gave him a jaki-ed. She died the Linden Museum in Stuttgart, revive a part of our culture that was actually dying when at that time the knowledge or at the edge of about 10 years ago, and Roja has also now Germany, and the Te Papa Museum out not too long ago. going extinct. Komol tata for all you good peo- passed on, but I will ask the family if they in Wellington, New Zealand. “I had tears I my eyes when I found out about ple’s hard work in creating this kind of program.” still have the jaki,” Hisaiah said. Collecting pieces of culture in the ’70s

The jaki-ed woven by Matlina Swain was ogy Hall, which featured life-sized dioramas “Our accession record for this mat records Majuro,” Hartman said, “so perhaps someone collected in 1977 by a staff member of the of about 10 cultural groups from around the it as a sleeping mat for a chief’s baby (based at the co-op introduced Matlina to our staff California Academy of Sciences. The Senior world was proceeding, with the overall theme on the designs) and gives its native term as person.” Hartman said the mat is woven of Collections Manager for the Department of being how different cultures adapted to their ‘arelung’.’’ pandanus and the black and reddish-brown Anthropology, Russell Hartman wrote: “At environments. “One of the dioramas dealt The notes on the jaki-ed also state it was dyed fibers are hibiscus. “I’m not sure what that time, the Academy had just recently with Micronesia, specifically the Caroline made specifically for the Academy and was the blue fibers are, although Caroline Yacoe re-instituted its Department of Anthropol- Islands, so a staff member was sent on a col- purchased from Matlina Swain on Majuro said the blue dye was likely from carbon pa- ogy (after a hiatus of some 70 years). The lecting expedition, as we didn’t really have for $20. “Other Marshallese items were pur- per, something that is noted for another object, installation of a new permanent Anthropol- much from that region. chased at Mary Lanwi’s Handicraft Co-op on but not for this particular mat.” The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 37 38 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal UWC ej letok 2 scholarship Burns im kab Leem rej etal im jikuul ilo United World College United World College National Selec- tions Committee eo ilo RMI, ear kommane Selections Day eo an kein kajilu ilo USP ilo Friday eo. Ri jikuul in Rutimjuon ri jikuul raar jolok aolepenLaura High raan eo im interview, kommane jetSchool ikkure Eve Burns kin jikuul, ekoba ione armij im bwebwenatoim ri jikuul in ippaer. Marshall Islands Ilo jemlokin, ruo wot scholarships Highraar School kommani – juon ear etal nan Eve BurnsSelina jen Leem. Laura High School, eo im enaaj iten jikuul ilo Lester B. Pearson UWC ilo Victoria, Canada, im eo juon ear etal nan Selina Leem, jen Marshall Islands High School, im Kajojo iaan scholarship kein jonan au- enaaj etal in jikuul ilo Robert Borsch UWC rokier remaron kij $80,000. UWC Schools ilo Freiberg, Germany. ko rej lelok International Baccalaureate high Ilo 2012, Kami Mackphie, jen Northern school program eo, ekoba ejake jet jikin Islands High School raar lelok nane UWC ko rej lorlorjake aenomman, im ekatok kin Scholarship eo kein kajuon, nan an kar etal manit ko reoktak jen dron, im katakin kin in jikuul ilo Lester B. Pearson ilo Canada, jerbal in tel bareinwot. im ilo 2013, Sage deBrum jen Majuro Coop School raar lelok nane scholarship nan Armand Hammer UWC ilo New Mexico.

Ricky teaches martial arts series The Brazilian martial art known as Capoeira is in session at the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI). It started early this month under the direction of martial artist Ricardo “Ricky” Ribeiro, who is currently an English instructor at CMI. The hour- long program is open to the public starting at 5pm on Mondays and Wednesdays at the old library room. So far a few CMI students are learning the basics with Ricky. According to Ricky, he’s been practicing Capoeira since he was 16 years old. What’s interesting about the art is its got music that adds fun to learning. Photo: Isaac Marty The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 3 9 Good news! Atoll is growing bigger

A Marshall Islands atoll that grew 23 per cent in 65 years shows islands can form and grow much more rapidly than previously New report on thought. Scientists say the research may be significant as sea levels continue to rise Nadikdik isle thanks to climate change, threatening low- lying atolls, reported MSN New Zealand single larger island. this week. “These changes were rapid and indicate In 1905, Nadikdik Atoll in the Marshall that reef island formation can occur quick- Islands (near Mili) was hit by a devastating ly,” the report said. typhoon, which destroyed large sections of Sea levels are expected to continue rising the reef island, and killed the entire popula- thanks to climate change, with the levels tion except two survivors. Scientists from around Marshall Islands rising at about 2.2 the University of Auckland compared aerial millimeters a year since 1946. photographs from 1945 with pictures from The report said there was considerable 2010, and found the vegetated area of the global interest about the future stability of Popular snacks ‘YumYum’ (noodle) and ‘Cool-C’ (drinking mix) from Kiribati islands grew by 23 percent. the landforms given the projected sea level found their way to Majuro earlier this month and have created some happy The research puts this down to sediments increases. faces. Pictured from left are CMI students Salome Torejak, Annie Tabuanaba, generated from the atoll’s surrounding Past studies have focused on the immedi- and Hideo Tokeak. Annie’s older brother flew in on Our Airline with these on reef system, which was likely in a healthy ate impacts of extreme weather events on hand for them. “This is something to remember home,” said Salome. condition as the atoll had been uninhabited islands, but comparatively few studies have Photo: Isaac Marty. since 1905.The scientists also noticed a new documented how islands have changed after island grew from a sediment deposit to a the impact. fully vegetated and stable island in 61 years, The report was the first to note the devel- and a number of separate islands formed a opment of new islands. 40 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal What we were saying way back when

Bikini elders lay wreaths

Journal March 1, 1968 P5 Social Security may begin Harry Brown, the Trust Territory’s P3 Marshall Islands Journal motto Social Security Administration, an- “These are the things you shall do: nounced that operations are under way Speak the truth to one another; Render to implement the Social Security Act in your gate judgments that are true and for citizens of the Trust Territory of the make for Peace.” —Zechariah Pacific Islands. The system will go into P4 Letter to the editor effect on July 1, 1968. Last week at noon, I saw at the in- Journal March 3, 1989 tersection of Reimer’s warehouse and KITCO employees’ homes, four teenage P2 It never was the ‘Pearl of the boys with poles in their hands. At the end Pacific’ of the pole was a ring of wire and two It’s a tough thing to find out that others carried a rope basket. I looked something you’ve believed in for years to see what dog they were after and isn’t true after all. Yessiree, “The Pearl saw them trying to corner a dog. I, im- of the Pacific” never was. In virtually mediately, yelled at them and told them every tourist publication and even in the to leave that dog alone — to not harm Marshall Islands Journal, reference has that dog because it belongs to Judge been made to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Kabua. The dog wore no license tag. oft-quoted description of Majuro as “the Upon a later date, in talking to Judge Pearl of the Pacific.” Fortunately, the Kabua, I learned his dogs have their Journal was tipped off to this fraud by licenses but if they wear them, people an alert historian resident of Majuro. steal them. Mrs. Yoshimi Jetnil had a We now wish to set the record straight. fine collar on their dog together with a Stevenson never uttered those words, license, but someone has stolen so he nor did anyone, except in recent years, is naked of license. when would-be experts attributed the Question: What use is a license when time worn Pearl of the Pacific comment someone steals it, and the dog is killed that never was to Stevenson. In fact, a because of no license? Suggestion: Let similar remark came not from Stevenson all owners of dogs register their dogs un- but from his wife, Fanny Stevenson, who der their names and when the New Year wrote of Majuro in 1890 as “a pearl of arrives, send out notices to each owner atolls.” to come in and pay their tax. Each home Journal February 28, 1997 needs one watchdog due to “Peeping Toms,” drunkard nuisance, thievery and P1 ‘For our children’ a general alarm and — children need a The exhilaration for Bikini elders of pet. —Nyoma Mikkelsen. returning to their home island for the first time in 51 years was tempered by P5 Medical supplies arrive a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the It has been said that it is either feast old and unkempt cemetery on the island. or famine. After an extended period of It reminded Emso Leviticus that she will famine, the Armer Ishoda Memorial Hos- likely not return to be buried here when pital is now feasting on a large amount she dies. “This is our final trip here,” said of drugs and medical supplies, which Leviticus this week on Bikini. She was a arrived Monday. The hospital had been young woman when the US Navy took out of many commonly used drugs such her and her family from Bikini in 1946 as aspirin. to make way for Operation Crossroads. lead a healthy life. get out and exercise! The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 4 1

Demon town Village ta eo ad walok elikin new iio eo Police on the speaker: Parents ,keep your kids off the road. If you can’t handle Drunk man: Ah, geez! I should have listened, kio itten kalibuuj. them, then stop making babies. Kid on roof: I’m not afraid of the police. Policeman: Emonono ilo iio in.

kejbarok kilen am kejerbal jaan rainin bwe koñank ta enaj walok iliju emakutkut ko an policemen in majol MOKTA. Kid: Leio ilukkin eno ice cream ippa. tokelik. Kid: Leio ilukkin Policeman 1: Jab emakutkut! Policeman 2: Do you see this stick! kwole. Oh, enwot ewor tokjen ninin pa. Policeman 3: Umaiki lal! Person: Oh my!

life is hard nowadays february is the month of love Family member: You need to think of the needs of others! Unemployed man Man: Sorry in advance ... but Happy Valentine’s Day. Woman blindly in love: I enjoying a free meal provided by others in the family: Ouch! will die in your name. 42 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Coconut replanting “The Social Protection of the Vulnerable in the Pacific project is already in full swing,” Project Manager Dwight Heine said this week of ongoing coconut replant- ing projects in Mili, Ailinglaplap, Namdrik, Ebon and Arno. Heine said people on the local atolls are generating income through the project. Funds from the Asian Development Bank’s ‘Japan Fund for Poverty Alleviation’ are supporting coconut replanting schemes in RMI, Tonga and Cook Islands. Photo: Hilary Hosia MIHS students argue the points and win Sixteen teams from Marshall Islands High School (MIHS), Assumption, GED, Coop, and Majuro Baptist Christian Academy (MBCA) went head to head in debates dur- ing education week. According to Ministry of Education Assistant Secretary Kanchi Hosia, the topic focused on whether the RMI should provide vocational training to all stu- dents. He said all teams were well prepared and had displayed good performance. In the end, MIHS was the victor, led by team members Selina Leem (pictured) and Erina Terry. Second place went to MBCA with Caleb Joseph and Hugo Nimoto. Ho- sia said Leem and Joseph received highest honor in the debate for earning perfect scores upon completing the debate. He said he ap- preciated all schools, students, and everyone else who participated and those who were involved in making the debate successful. “The second round debate will be on May Day and in Marshallese. The topic for the debate is pending,” he said. The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 4 3

Tom Armbruster with the Law enforcement teams Australian Navy’s Gary Bithell. do some target practice HILARY HOSIA Wesson .38 caliber, the boys shot at still silhouette A contingent of 19 law enforcement officers from targets placed 25 meters away. The deafening sound Sea Patrol, National Police and Airport Security followed by the jingly sound of brass hitting the conducted a live-fire shooting exercise near Amata ground and a hint of gunpowder provided the needed Kabua International Airport last Friday following a adrenaline rush to empty the clips onto the targets. three-day weapons familiarization. Behind the scenes coordinator Australian Royal Instructors Sergeant First Class Warren Bias and Navy Commander Peter Metcalf orchestrated the civilian police contractor James Edwards from event and is hopeful for future developments. United States Army Garrison, Kwajalein Atoll, US Ambassador Tom Armbruster and top-level po- walked the officers step-by-step through the exercise. lice members took advantage of the training exercise. Armed with nine-millimeter Beretta and Smith and They proved to be quite skillful in marksmanship. 44 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Moriana moves to OEPPC HILARY HOSIA The Journal has been scop- ing out potential leaders — young scholars returning from overseas with pres- tigious educational back- grounds — securing needed government positions as part of our Future Leaders seg- ment. New to the list is Moriana Phillip (pictured), the new talent at the Office of En- vironmental Planning and Policy Coordination. Other than her local job, Moriana recently acquired the Sec- retariat of the Pacific Re- gional Environment Program (SPREP)’s post as North Pacific’s technical expert in the water sector. She holds a master’s de- gree in integrated water re- source from the University of Queensland, Australia and bachelor of science in en- vironmental science from the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. Moriana is no stranger in her field of work. She has prior engagements with the International Water Center, Secretariat of the Pacific Community Water Division, United Nations Environmen- tal Program and Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority. The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 4 5 Aikuij emman lok airport ko ilo outer Ibwiljin jorrean el- lap ko rej jelmae Air Marshall Islands, ilo an kajjeon kokman- manelok service ko an nan aelon ko likin, ej kin kejekjek in an jab emman elon wot iaan jikin jok im kelok ko ilo aelon ko likin. “Kokmanmanelok airport ko ilo aelon ko likin ej aikuij in bed ilon tata ilo jerbal ko an kien,” AMI Gen- eral Manija Jefferson Barton (pija) ear ba ilo wiik eo lok. “Jikin jok im kelok ko rej einwot ri komman jorrean ak (terrorist) nan baluun ko waam). Dreka, bed- kat, bwirej rej jekare baluun ko ilo tore ko rej jok.” Ejjab aikuij in biij runway ko, botaap men eo edrik tata kameoeoiki im kakijnene eoer, lein ear ba. “kien eo emaron kommane wawein in ilo an jolok jidrik wot jaan, innem enaaj maron kejebarok million jima tala ko ikijien jorrean,” Barton ear ba. “Kokmanmanelok runway ko enaaj maron kadrikdrik lok jorrean kin 90 bojjan, ekoba an bobrae jorrean ko nan baluun ko bareinwot.” Aolep armij ebwe aer illu kin an ikutkut an jorrean baluun ko, lein ear ba. “Ekadrik in lon men ko rej puuk ippen dron nan komman bwe air service en lukkun bin im aban,” lein ear ba. Pilot ro an AMI ekadrik in emman aer jerbale elane rej jok ilo runway ko elon ron, mar, kab aetok wujoj ko ie. “Loma ran relukkun in jela ek kake,” lein ear ba. “Rej mokade iaan ri mokade otemjej. Botaap airport ko relukkun in nana.” Barton ekonan loe an kien jino komadmode juon iaan outer island runway kane ilo juon ien. “Emaron bok tarrin in ruo wiik ko nan kokmanmane juon runway,” lein ear ba. “Iloan wot jimettan year ak aolep airport ko renaaj dredrelok.” Ilo an Dornier jab maron in ek kake kin elon kain jorrean ko iloan allon ko kio, eo im baluun in ej bareinwot kein jerbal eo elaptata kejerbale nan runway jiddrik ko, eokwe Dash-8 eo einwot ej bar enjake jorrean kein. Mene jerbal in kok- kaal eo an kio kin kar $4 million ilo Australia ear komman ilo year eo lok, “kimij kio loe ejja kain jorrean rot kein wot rebareinwot walok nan Dash-8 eo,” lein ear ba. AMI ejjelok an bar kelet ak bwe en kelok nan ene kein kinke ej aikuij in komman service im komman jaan, botaap wonen kommane ekemetak baluun in im kab kien, eo im jen ien nan ien ej jiban airline eo wiaiki part ko an. “Kimij aikuiji bwe en lap jonan jerbal ko rej aikuij in komman elane en emman an airline in jerbal,” lein ear kakobaba. “Innem enaaj emman lok service eo im jujen emman lok jonan liki eo ippen armij.” Baluun in waan kien eban wonmanlok wot im jerbal ilo jekjek rot kein, lein ear ba. “Ej juon men eo eddo nan AMI,” ear kakobaba. “Elon lok jen juon katten ilo juon allon, baluun eo ejjab kelok, eo im ejjab aikuij in kar eindrein elle lok jen juon alen ilo jiljino allon. Kien ej aikuij in kokmanmanelok airport ko bwe en emman an AMI jerbale wot service eo. Ak ijelokin, elap ad boup kin an kajjeon kokkaali baluun ko.” 46 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal Tide Chart

Date Time Ft. 27 2:54 AM...... 3.8 Thursday 8:47...... -0.0 3:07 PM...... 5.0 9:31...... -0.6

28 3:35 AM...... 4.3 4 5:58 AM...... 5.0 Friday 9:32...... -0.5 Tuesday 12:03 PM...... -0.6 3:49 PM...... 5.3 6:11...... 4.8 10:08...... -0.9 .

1 4:13 AM...... 4.7 5 12:18 AM...... -0.6 Saturday 10:13...... -0.8 Wednesday 6:30...... 4.7 General 4:28 PM...... 5.5 12:38 PM...... -0.3 10:43...... -1.1 6:42...... 4.3 Manager of Majuro 2 4:49 AM...... 4.6 6 12:47 AM...... -0.2 Sunday 10:51...... -1.0 Thursday 7:02...... 4.3 Water 5:04 PM...... 5.4 1:13 PM...... 0.2 11:16...... -1.1 7:12...... 3.7 and Sewer

3 5:24 AM...... 5.0 7 1:14 AM...... 0.3 Company Monday 11:28...... 0.9 Friday 7:36...... 3.9 5:38 PM...... 5.2 1:50 PM...... 0.7 Joseph 11:48...... -0.9 7:42...... 3.1 Batol. MWSC puts in grant request

ISAAC MARTY The need for water on Majuro is high on the list for Ma- juro Water and Sewer Company (MWSC). General Manager Joseph Batol said the current water capacity is still not enough for the capital. He said a grant application has been submitted to the Cabinet for approval. It is a grant requesting $30,000,000 to upgrade the current water supply and sanitation systems. He explained that it had three phases: • Installation of a new 12 inch pipeline • Increasing water reservoir capacity • Replacement of the current sewer outfall with a new one. “The improved water supply and sanitation systems will provide a healthy environment for the city of Majuro,” said Batol. Batol explained that people in the west side of Majuro, mainly from Ajeltake to Laura, get their supply of water from the 30,000 gallons reservoir in Laura. He said there were cases where people at the end of the supply line from Laura hardly get water. “We proposed a one million gallon reservoir for the Laura area to improve water supply. It would be a great benefit for the people in the area,” he said.

ATTENTION! Carlson Elcar please stop by Mi- cronitor and see Rose Murphy con- cerning item #11353.

ATTENTION! Claudia Velma Heine please stop by Micronitor and see Rose Murphy concerning item #972.

ATTENTION! Joseph Tibon please stop by Mi- cronitor and see Rose Murphy con- cerning item #130.

ATTENTION! Ailinglaplap Local Government please stop by Micronitor and see Rose Murphy concerning item #1178. The Marshall Islands Journal — ­­­Friday, February 28, 2014 4 7 Program to help students move forward ISAAC MARTY College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) is not going to stop looking for ways to improve stu- dent academic performance. This is the case with its new program Learning Community. The program started last semester and it’s now targeting 57 new students enrolled this semester who are in developmental level one. According to Learning Community Coordi- nator and Developmental Education Instruc- tor Andrea S.D. Hazzard, the goal is to help students succeed and advance to higher levels. “The program aims to create community among students in social and academic as- pects,” she said. “We also don’t want students to drop out. In the past there were students who did because they were discouraged.” Hazzard said the program encourages stu- dents to move forward. It introduces topics and majors to give stu- dents a feel for different career paths and in time they would be able to determine where they want to go before they advance to credit level. The program has eight CMI faculty and Students Bercy Mealson two tutors. Hazzard said they are aiming to and Veronica Kiluwe play provide many activities and ways to teach a motivational game. students. “The hope is to keep students in school and to promote academic success,” she said. 48 Friday, February 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

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THAT following Jose, the El Salvadoran drifter, another visitor recently showed up at Delap Dock area in the form of this toad, held here by MALGov Sanitation Department’s Abo Mea?

THAT a trial of Cata- lina Chee over allegations that she was involved in defrauding the Ministry of Health in 2009 finished in the High Court this week? THAT an amendment to RMI’s shark ban legis- lation has been introduced to Nitijela that would al- low shark fins and car- casses caught outside of RMI waters to be trans- ported through the RMI? THAT the Hawaiian community in Majuro will for the first time join in In- ternational Women’s Day on Saturday March 8? Photo: Hilary Hosia THAT Utrik Atoll Local Gov- ernment will in- augurate its new ARE YOU Community Hall on Utrik next Wednesday? AWARE? THAT a Florida mansion once belonging to crime of people in Greece believe it is kingpin Al Capone, purportedly “widespread,” only 20 percent where he planned the Valentine’s see the problem in Denmark, Day massacre, is up for sale with and the question wasn’t asked in a price tag of over $8 million? the RMI? THAT a five-foot jellyfish THAT the Nitijela’s Ways and washed ashore earlier this month Means Committee aims to hold in Tasmania, one of the biggest public hearings on three new tax ever beached? bills this Thursday afternoon at THAT 83 percent of French 2:30, 3 and 4:30pm? Catholics surveyed think women THAT about 70 Marshall should be allowed to join the Islands High School students priesthood, while only 21 percent have received new Bank of agreed in the Philippines? Marshall Islands savings books THAT famous Hollywood as a result of community service actress Shirley Temple, known and support of BOMI, Marshall as the “biggest little star,” died Islands Basketball Federation, earlier this month at 85? Coach Tom Newell and the US THAT the International Space Embassy? Station has 600 ants aboard for THAT the RMI Auditor Gen- a behavioral monitoring experi- eral’s office now posts audits to ment? its website, http://www.rmioag. THAT if you think Marshallese com/, making it easy for the are borrowed up to the hilt, how public to inform itself about the about the US government that accountability — or lack thereof expects to borrow $284 billion in — in government agencies? the first quarter of 2014? THAT the play Fiddler on the THAT a survey about cor- Roof premieres this coming Tues- ruption found that 99 percent day at 8pm at the ICC?