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Political Reviews

Micronesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017 michael lujan bevacqua, elizabeth ua ceallaigh bowman, monica c labriola, clement yow mulalap

Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017 peter clegg, lorenz gonschor, margaret mutu, chris nobbs, ‘umi perkins, steven ratuva, forrest wade young

The Contemporary Pacic, Volume 30, Number 1, 125–213 © 2018 by University of Hawai‘i Press

125 Micronesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017

Reviews of Kiribati, Nauru, Northern independence, with varying degrees of Marianas, and Palau are not included success. in this issue. The assumption of the chair of the Forum—a one-year term—was a Federated States diplomatic and political coup for the of Micronesia FSM, marking the first-ever chairing The Federated States of Microne- of the Forum by the FSM govern- sia (FSM) enjoyed a season of calm ment, but it was nearly derailed before ­during the period under review, it began. When a Forum member certainly in contrast to the tumult of assumes the chair, it typically hosts recent years. But in foreign relations, all other Forum members in its ter- the ­federation grappled with tempera­ ritory for a major annual meeting. mental and ­tempestuous regional The gathering is a significant logisti- and international forces, even as it cal challenge, where the new chair attempted to enhance its stature as a welcomes not just the Forum members constructive member of the interna- from the Pacific but also “dialogue tional ­community. partners” from around the globe, Two major developments domi- including the United States, China, nated the foreign side of the ledger for and Japan. The FSM was slated to the FSM during the period in review: host the forty-­seventh meeting of the the assumption by the FSM govern- Forum from 7 to 11 September 2016 ment of the chair of the Pacific Islands in Pohnpei. A few months before the Forum, an intergovernmental group- meeting, however, FSM government ing of independent and self-­governing officials publicly expressed concerns states in the Pacific (including Austra- about the logistical capacity of Pohn- lia and New Zealand) whose stated pei to host the meeting, particularly in aim is to enhance the economic and terms of lodging. In response, the FSM social well-being of its members government asked foreign delega- through cooperation between those tions attending the meeting to limit governments and relevant regional their delegations to heads of state or and international agencies (pifs heads of government, their spouses, 2017); and an escalation of efforts by and five support personnel for each the Government of Guam to address delegation—a tall task for Forum the growing number of inmates members such as Australia and New in Guam prisons from the FSM, Zealand, as well as the major dialogue ­including through unprecedented partners, all of which typically bring and legally questionable means. In large ­delegations and hordes of media each situation, the FSM attempted to personnel to the annual Forum meet- navigate various thorny issues while ings (kp, 23 June 2016). projecting an aura of authority and By the time the Forum meeting

126 political reviews • micronesia 127 rolled around, the FSM government vulnerabilities to climate change and seemed to have addressed the logisti- disasters and to mainstream relevant cal hassles involved—including by management approaches throughout enlisting homestays to accommodate their policy making in all sectors, excess participants—and so the gov- ­ideally in time for the entry into force ernment was able to turn its attention of the Paris Agreement on climate to substantive discussions. The meet- change (pifu 2016a). The FSM gov- ing’s official theme was “Small and ernment was already well situated to Far: Challenges for Growth” (Wyeth carry out the frdp, because the FSM 2016). In addressing the theme, the had enacted a law in January 2014 meeting tackled a wide range of that called on all departments and line regional issues, including fisheries, agencies of the FSM government to maritime surveillance, pacer-Plus incorporate climate change and natu- trade negotiations, the 2030 Agenda ral disaster risk management into their for Sustainable Development, and annual budgeting and policy making climate change (fsmis, 19 Sept 2016). (fsmis, 9 Jan 2014). The adoption of On climate change, the smaller, devel- the frdp was an example of the FSM oping members of the Forum banded government using its position as chair together to push for a proposal from of the Forum to push for an issue the Forum to the Green Climate Fund, of importance and relevance for the which is a mechanism under the FSM—and whose operationalization United Nations Framework Conven- would not be a major new burden for tion on Climate Change (unfccc) the FSM government. that finances adaptation and mitiga- Forum Leaders also adopted the tion projects. Stressing the difficulty Pohnpei Ocean Statement: A Course they experience in accessing the Green to Sustainability. In acknowledgment Climate Fund and similar funds, these of the centrality of the ocean to the members called on the developed cultures, identities, and livelihoods members of the Forum (ie, Australia of Forum members, the document and New Zealand) to assist them in canvasses various threats to the ocean their efforts to access the funds (rnz and to its potential uses for sustain- 2016a). Additionally, and of more able economic development, including immediate consequence, the Forum marine pollution; ocean acidification; Leaders endorsed the Framework for coral reef degradation; and illegal, Resilient Development in the Pacific: unreported, and unregulated fishing. An Integrated Approach to Address It calls for the enactment and perpetu- Climate Change and Disaster Risk ation of genuine and durable “part- Management (frdp). With memo- nerships for action” in relation to ries of widespread devastation from ocean-based sustainable development, Typhoon Maysak and Cyclones Pam as articulated in the samoa Pathway and Winston still fresh in the minds adopted by the Third International of Forum members, the frdp casts Conference on Small Island Develop- climate change and natural disasters ing States in 2014 (UN Conference on as potent development challenges and Small Island Developing States 2014). calls on Forum members to address The Pohnpei Ocean Statement also 128 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018) endorses the convening of an inter­ West Papua tested the ability of the governmental conference to negoti- FSM as Forum chair to corral diver- ate an international legally binding gent views and produce a consensus instrument to regulate the conserva- outcome. With various governmental tion and sustainable use of marine and nongovernmental organizations biological diversity of areas beyond in the region pushing for broad and national jurisdiction (eg, the high sustained involvement of the Forum seas), in order to address major gaps in the issue, there was general recog- in international ocean governance nition among Forum members that (pifs 2016b). The FSM has been a the Forum meeting in Pohnpei had to major player in the push for such a address the matter in some substantive conference, including in negotiations form (rnz 2016b). at the United Nations. Prior to the holding of the annual In addition to advocating for the Forum meeting, the FSM gave a hint adoption of two major outcome docu- of how it might approach the issue ments, the FSM officially joined the as chair. On 23 August 2016, Presi- Smaller Island States (sis), a subgroup dent Christian received a delegation of Forum members (ie, Cook Islands, dispatched by the Government of Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Solomon Islands to inform him about Niue, Palau, and Tuvalu, in addition the Pacific Islands Coalition for West to the FSM) established in 2006 to Papua (an initiative spearheaded facilitate the provision of technical, by the Prime Minister of Solomon logistical, and financial assistance Islands, the Honorable Manasseh to Forum members characterized by Sogavare), and to invite President limited development capacities and Christian to attend the inaugural fragile and vulnerable natural environ- meeting of the coalition the follow- ments (pifs 2016b). FSM President ing week. Solomon Islands has taken Peter M Christian called the induc- the lead in recent years in pushing tion of the FSM a “great honour” for international support for the that the FSM had “wanted for a long self-determination aspirations of the time” ­(Maclellan 2016). With the people of West Papua, as well as for FSM seated, the sis tackled several international condemnation of alleged critical issues, including the develop- human rights abuses suffered by the ment and broadening of regional air people of West Papua (including transport options (eg, Air Niugini and bodily harm in addition to the stifling Air Nauru service into the FSM) and of self-determination initiatives) at the the crafting of a joint proposal of sis hands of the Government of Indo- members to the Green Climate Fund, nesia, the administering authority in all in accordance with a regional strat- West Papua (Wyeth 2017). Recogniz- egy adopted by the sis earlier in 2016 ing that reality, President Christian’s (pifu 2016b). response to the delegation took two The Forum meeting was not all tacks: On the one hand, self-determi- smooth sailing, however. The ques- nation should be a matter resolved tion of how to address the self-deter- internally and with the support and mination struggles of the people of involvement of all concerned parties; political reviews • micronesia 129 but on the other hand, human rights to Indonesia and internal processes are universal rights that must not be rather than substantive involvement of denied to any people, and the interna- the Forum in the matter. The silence tional community must not condone of the FSM on the issue was notable. human rights abuses. On the latter Indeed, later in September, during the point, President Christian expressed a opening of the General Debate of the willingness to support Forum efforts 71st United Nations General Assem- to work with the United Nations in bly in New York City, while leaders addressing the alleged human rights from Solomon Islands, Tonga, Nauru, abuses suffered by the people of West Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Marshall Islands, Papua (fsmis, 9 Aug 2016). How and Palau expressed support for the that approach would comport with a self-determination of the people of preference to resolve the West Papua West Papua and called on the interna- situation internally was a tension left tional community (including various unresolved by President Christian in mechanisms in the United Nations) his remarks to the delegation. Never- to address their alleged human rights theless, he set the stage for how the abuses (Walsh 2016), President Chris- Forum meeting would address the tian did not mention West Papua in issue of West Papua shortly thereafter. his speech to the General Assembly, After extensive discussions on the either as chair of the Forum or in his matter, the Forum Leaders issued a national capacity (fsmis, 21 Sept terse consensus statement. The official 2016). communiqué from the meeting states As the FSM government attempted that Forum Leaders “recognised the to present an assured hand when political sensitivities of the issue of dealing with regional tensions as West Papua (Papua) and agreed the Forum chair, it struggled to handle a issue of alleged human rights viola- matter brewing much closer to home: tions in West Papua (Papua) should the “deportation” of FSM migrants remain on their agenda. [Forum] from Guam’s jails back to the FSM. Leaders also agreed on the importance In early July 2016, during a radio of an open and constructive dialogue address discussing the relationships with Indonesia on the issue” (pifs between Guam, the FSM, and other 2016a). The statement is notable for countries that have Compacts of Free several reasons (other than its terse- Association with the United States, ness): It does not explicitly mention Guam Governor Eddie Calvo called the self-determination aspirations of for an end to compact migrants taking the people of West Papua, it implicitly advantage of the US federal govern- affirms Indonesia’s authority over ment’s lax enforcement of deportation the people of West Papua, and it does provisions of the compact with regard not recommend a specific way for- to those compact migrants who do not ward on the matter. The tension in abide by local and federal laws. Stress- President Christian’s remarks to the ing the disproportionate number of delegation from Solomon Islands the compact migrants in Guam’s prisons, previous month seemed to have been Governor Calvo promised to formally resolved in favor of careful deference contact the FSM government to try to 130 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018) work out an arrangement for return- supported Governor Calvo’s use of his ing migrants from the FSM in Guam’s Organic Act authority to act in lieu of jails back to the FSM (pdn, 11 July federal authorities to deport convicted 2016). felons (gdp, 18 July 2016). Notably, On 10 July 2016, shortly after however, Guam Attorney General the radio address, Governor Calvo Elizabeth Barrett-Anderson had noti- escalated his efforts by “deporting,” fied the Guam Legislature on 8 July for the first time, an inmate from the 2016 that the jurisdiction for deporta- FSM back to the FSM. In what was tion lies with the US federal govern- labeled a “test case,” Calvo invoked ment rather than at the state and local his “residual authority” under the levels, and that deporting convicted Organic Act and signed an execu- migrants from Guam was not a prior- tive order that authorized the Guam ity for the federal government (pdn, government to pay for a one-way 19 July 2016). ticket for the inmate to his home state Perhaps because of that clarifica- of Chuuk in exchange for commut- tion from the attorney general, the ing the inmate’s sentence as well as Guam Legislature did not adopt for an agreement by the inmate to Senator Respicio’s resolution, but never return to Guam. A spokesper- that did not deter Governor Calvo son for the governor claimed that the from forging ahead with his new Calvo administration had tried to get approach and repatriating more FSM officials and entities in the US govern- convicts from Guam (pdn, 22 July ment to address the issue of possible 2016). Tellingly, however, the Calvo deportations of convicts back to the administration stopped calling the FSM, but to no avail. In light of that actions “deportations.” Instead, when inaction, and because the convict met the administration orchestrated the all the criteria for deportability—he repatriation of another inmate (again had no local source of support, he was from Chuuk), the governor’s deputy not attending a school, he had mul- press secretary stressed that the gov- tiple felony convictions, and he was a ernor did not deport inmates, as that public charge—Governor Calvo acted was the purview of the US govern- in lieu of federal authorities to deport ment—rather, the Calvo administra- the inmate (gdp, 14 July 2016). tion entered into agreements with Governor Calvo’s action received inmates to grant commutations (which support from a local legislator, Senator were well within the authority of the Rory Respicio of the Guam Legis- governor) in exchange for voluntary lature, who introduced a resolution and permanent departures from Guam on 15 July 2016 stating that the US (gdp, 26 July 2016). Attorney General government “consistently neglected to Barrett-Anderson, while agreeing that adequately enforce the provisions of the governor had the legal authority the [compact] . . . and has not taken to commute sentences and enter into the necessary steps for the removal repatriation agreements with inmates, and deportation of those foreign emphasized that she “disagreed . . . criminals who are engaging in crimi- wholeheartedly” with the notion that nal activity” in Guam. The resolution the governor of Guam has the legal political reviews • micronesia 131 authority to deport and warned Gov- dent Christian that contained striking ernor Calvo to “proceed cautiously” language. Pointing to the challenges and in a “racially neutral” manner of Guam and the FSM in “shepherd- with his commutations initiative (pdn, ing societies scorned by subjugation 2 Aug 2016). by imperial masters,” Calvo implored The Calvo administration’s actions President Christian to reconsider the triggered official responses from the refusal of the Office of the FSM Con- FSM. On 19 August 2016, after a fifth sulate General to assist Calvo’s com- convict returned to the FSM under mutations initiative and warned that Governor Calvo’s commutations if the office did not change its tack, initiative, Speaker Wesley W Simina of the governor would declare Consul the FSM Congress wrote to President General Ruecho persona non grata in Christian to voice his concerns about Guam (pdn, 8 Sept 2016). the Calvo administration usurping With a major diplomatic crisis the authority of the US government in brewing, President Christian autho- conducting deportations “and any- rized FSM Department of Foreign thing that has the appearance thereof” Affairs Secretary Lorin Robert to (pdn, 4 Sept 2016). In early September communicate to Governor Calvo the 2016, Governor Calvo received a let- FSM government’s concerns about ter from FSM Consul General Robert the commutations initiative, including Ruecho stating that the Office of the whether the convicts from the FSM FSM Consulate General in Guam went through proper due process, in would no longer assist the Calvo full understanding, before agreeing administration in verifying the FSM to return to the FSM in exchange for citizenship of convicts whose sentences commutations of their sentences, as were commuted by Governor Calvo well as whether it was appropriate and who were slated for repatriation for the Office of the FSM Consulate to the FSM. Without that verification, General in Guam to provide the neces- the convicts could not be readmitted sary citizenship verification rather into the FSM. On 6 September 2016, than the FSM Department of Justice. Governor Calvo responded to Speaker The Calvo administration responded Simina with a letter explaining his with incredulity, noting that it was the commutations initiative and asking the FSM that was denying due process to FSM government to work with Guam its own citizens who wished to return in protecting the people of Guam to the FSM and that the Office of the and to “take responsibility for those FSM Consulate General had aided the who have abused [Guam’s] hospital- commutations initiative on numerous ity . . . and soiled the reputations of occasions in the past (gdp, 12 Sept those law-abiding men and women of 2016). Micronesia living on Guam” (gdp, 7 Eventually, cooler heads prevailed. Sept 2016). Shortly after the diplomatic row with Governor Calvo’s communication the FSM erupted, Governor Calvo with Speaker Simina was just a warm- proceeded to commute the sentences up, though. The governor followed up of four more convicts from the FSM, shortly thereafter with a letter to Presi- bringing the total to nine by 1 October 132 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018)

2016, but his administration turned Mauritius, had been the first country over those four convicts to the custody to propose amending the Montreal of US federal authorities for deporta- Protocol in 2009 to tackle hfcs, and tion proceedings rather than enter into the adoption of the Kigali Amendment repatriation agreements with them. on 15 October was a major diplomatic Governor Calvo expressed satisfaction achievement for the FSM (Christian that the US government was finally 2016). Indeed, when the Marshall treating the deportation of convicted Islands became the first country to compact migrants as a priority in ratify the Kigali Amendment domesti- Guam (pdn, 1 Oct 2016). The Calvo cally in February 2017, its minister for administration maintained their new foreign affairs proclaimed that “the approach for about a dozen more world owes a great debt to the Feder- commutations throughout the rest of ated States of Micronesia in particular the period in review, as the Christian for their tireless leadership in securing administration continued to refuse to this [Kigali] Amendment” (unfccc assist in the original commutations- 2017). and-repatriation effort. In addition to its work on the Kigali As the FSM tamped down regional Amendment, the FSM took steps to crises, it took a number of strides to address environmental concerns closer burnish its reputation on the inter- to home but with international link- national level as a champion for the ages. In July 2016, the World Heritage protection of the natural environment. Committee of the United Nations In October 2016, in Kigali, Rwanda, a Educational, Scientific and Cultural delegation from the FSM led efforts by Organization inscribed the ruins of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol Nan Madol on its World Heritage List on Substances that Deplete the Ozone as well as its List of World Heritage Layer to adopt the Kigali Amend- in Danger. Nan Madol is a series of ment, which aims to phase down the nearly one hundred towering edifices ­manufacture and use of hydrofluoro­ on the shores of the main island of carbons (hfcs). hfcs—initially Pohnpei, fashioned six hundred to adopted as replacements for ozone- nine hundred years ago out of basalt depleting substances in refrigeration and coral boulders, that were the and air-conditioning—are four thou- ceremonial center of a vast politi- sand times more effective at warming cal dynasty. The inscription of Nan the planet than carbon dioxide and are Madol as a World Heritage in Danger growing in usage by up to 15 percent was owed to, among other things, the per year. Phasing down the manufac- destabilizing effects of siltation and ture and use of hfcs will avoid up to sea level rise on the structures along 0.5 degree Celsius of global warming, Pohnpei’s shores (kp, 22 July 2016). In playing a major role in meeting the mid-April 2017, in line with its previ- goal in the Paris Agreement on climate ous creation of a shark sanctuary in change of keeping the average global its entire exclusive economic zone, the temperature increase to no more than FSM enacted a law that doubled the 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindus- area of its waters that would be closed trial levels. The FSM, along with to commercial fishing as regulated by political reviews • micronesia 133 the FSM national government, that pursuit of diverse goals. However, the is, up to twenty-four nautical miles FSM’s primary foreign partner and from the shores of the FSM out to sea foil remained the United States, whose (compared to the original distance of Compact of Free Association with the twelve nautical miles) (kp, 18 April FSM provided grist for several major 2017). Most of the commercial fishing political developments (in addition in FSM waters is by foreign fishing to the controversy over “deporta- fleets pursuant to lucrative annual tions” of FSM migrant-convicts from licenses granted by the FSM national Guam). In late 2016, the FSM hired government, so the closure is a signifi- the “powerhouse” law firm of Arnold cant financial sacrifice for the FSM in & Porter in Washington, dc, for the interest of environmental conser- approximately us$420,000 per year to vation. And, in late May 2017, the assist the FSM in, among other things, Government of Japan (represented by “looking ahead to possible compact its embassy to the FSM) signed a grant negotiations when funding under the contract worth over us$850,000 to current compact is expected to expire finance the first phase of a project by a in 2023” (kp, 11 Nov 2016). A few Japanese outfit to assess leakages of oil months later, in early February 2017, from Japan’s numerous World War II the law firm likely had to handle a airplane and shipwrecks in the Chuuk potential major crisis as media in Lagoon and take steps to implement the United States published a draft emergency measures to address those executive order being considered by leaks (Japan-FSM Embassy 2017). the administration of US President The effort had been a long-standing Donald Trump that would, among priority of the FSM, dating back to the other things, direct federal authorities Emanuel Mori administration (2007– to take steps to deny admission into 2015), but the United States and Japan the United States by aliens deemed to had long resisted entreaties by the be likely “public charges” as well as to FSM to take responsibility for assess- remove those already-admitted aliens ing and addressing leaks from their who have become “public charges” wrecks in FSM waters—a resistance (Marianas Variety, 13 Feb 2017). In that was doubly troublesome because light of long-standing concerns raised those countries retained the right by the Guam and Hawai‘i govern- under international law to grant access ments about the strains imposed by to their wrecks. Indeed, during the compact migrants on their public United Nations Ocean Conference in services budgets, the draft order repre- June 2017, President Christian called sented a significant threat to compact on the United States and Japan to do migrants. (As of press time, the draft their part in preventing the looming executive order has not been final- environmental catastrophe in the fed- ized.) With that threat looming, the eration’s waters (rnz 2017). FSM and the United States officially The actions of the FSM on the confirmed and accepted Akillino H international stage were broad based Susaia as ambassador of the FSM to and varied, interacting with numer- the United States in mid-March 2017, ous foreign entities and processes in finally filling the crucial post after 134 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018) it had been vacant for over a year 15 March 2017). For the foreseeable (fsmis, 28 March 2017). future, FSM migrants in the United The appointment of Ambassador States will be regulated by the immi- Susaia took place in the same month gration provisions of the compact, that the FSM held a national referen- unless they choose to forgo their dum to decide whether the national FSM citizenship in favor of obtaining constitution of the FSM should be ­citizenship in the United States. amended to allow citizens of the FSM As the FSM confronted numerous to also hold citizenships in other challenges and crises in its foreign countries without relinquishing their relations during the period under citizenship in the FSM. Although the review, the federation enjoyed a proposed amendment did not men- smooth domestic transition of power tion US citizenships, it was widely in a congressional election year. In understood among FSM voters that early March 2017, along with voting the amendment was primarily aimed on the proposed constitutional amend- at allowing FSM citizens—many of ment on dual citizenship, the federa- whom currently reside indefinitely in tion cast votes to elect representatives the United States pursuant to the com- to the ten two-year seats in Congress. pact—to obtain US citizenship without Voters returned all incumbents except giving up their FSM citizenship. That for one in Chuuk and one in Pohn- objective caused grave consterna- pei, the ­latter being the vice speaker tion for former FSM President John of the FSM Congress (kp, 15 March R Haglelgam, who submitted a letter 2017). When the Twentieth Congress to the editor of the Kaselehlie Press of the FSM convened for the first in February 2017 that warned about time in mid-May 2017, the members major logistical and legal hurdles to retained Senator Simina as Speaker becoming a dual citizen of the FSM and selected Senator Esmond Moses and the United States and tarred dual from Pohnpei as the new vice speaker. citizenship as a major threat to the Chairmanships of the main commit- “national sovereignty and the con- tees of the Congress largely remained tinual development of nationalism” the same (kp, 12 May 2017). With the of the federation (kp, 8 Feb 2017). FSM Congress newly reorganized, and In order for the proposed amend- with two years remaining in the tenure ment to be adopted, at least 75 of President Christian at the head percent of votes cast in at least three of the federation, the FSM looked of the four states of the FSM had to be forward to maintaining and advancing in favor of the proposal—a rather high the spirit of unity that the president threshold. Ultimately, only Kosrae had exhorted the federation to achieve approved the proposal by the neces- several months earlier in a speech sary percentage (85 percent); less than he delivered during commemoration a three-fourths majority of votes cast festivities for the thirtieth anniversary in each of the other three states were of FSM Independence Day (kp, 3 Nov in favor of the proposal (just over 2016). After weathering a seces- 70 percent in Pohnpei, 61 percent in sion attempt by ­Faichuuk (Mulalap Chuuk, and 52 percent in Yap) (kp, 2016) and internecine battles between political reviews • micronesia 135 the FSM Congress and the execu- ?option=com_content&view=article&id tive branch in recent years (Mulalap =401:fsm-joins-smaller-island-states 2017); and with the international -group&catid=8&Itemid=103 [accessed stature of the FSM being burnished 5 Sept 2017] as it chaired the Forum, led various Marianas Variety. Saipan. Daily. ­international environmental initia- http://www.mvariety.com tives, and recalibrated its longstand- Mulalap, Clement Y. 2016. Micronesia ing political and legal relationship in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2014 with the United States, the federation to 30 June 2015: Federated States of seemed to be on the cusp of being ­Micronesia. The Contemporary Pacific acknowledged as a major contributor 28 (1): 172–184. to the international community—if it ———. 2017. Micronesia in Review: can just maintain calm relations on Issues and Events, 1 July 2015 to 30 June the home front. 2016: Federated States of Micronesia. clement yow mulalap The Contemporary Pacific 29 (1): 94–104.

pdn, Pacific Daily News. Guam. References http://www.guampdn.com

Christian, Peter M. 2016b. Following pifs, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Micronesia’s Lead on Climate Change. 2016a. 2016 Forum Communiqué. The Diplomat, 10 Oct. http://thediplomat Forty-Seventh Pacific Islands Forum, .com/2016/10/following-micronesias-lead Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, -on-climate-change/ [accessed 31 July 8–10 September. http://www.forumsec 2017] .org/resources/uploads/embeds/file/2016 _Forum_Communique_11sept.pdf fsmis, FSM Information Services. [accessed 31 July 2017] ­Government news and public statements. Pohnpei. http://fsmpio.fm/ ———. 2016b. Pohnpei Ocean Statement: A Course to Sustainability. http://www gdp, Guam Daily Post. http://www .forumsec.org/resources/uploads/ .postguam.com attachments/documents/2016 Japan-FSM Embassy. Press release. _Communique_Annex3.pdf [accessed 2017. Grant Contract Signing Ceremony 31 July 2017] for the Project for “Oil Leakage Counter- ———. 2016c. Smaller Island States. measures Project for World War II Wrecks http://www.forumsec.org/pages.cfm/ in Truk Lagoon Marine Area, Federated strategic-partnerships-coordination/ States of Micronesia (Phase 1).” 8 June. smaller-island-states/?printerfriendly=true http://www.micronesia.emb-japan.go [accessed 31 July 2017] .jp/itpr_en/grantceremonyforprofectfor ———. . About Us. http://www oilleakge_en.html [accessed 31 July 2017 .forumsec.org/pages.cfm/about-us/ 2017] [accessed 31 July 2017] kp, Kaselehlie Press. Pohnpei. , Pacific Islands Forum Update. Semi-regular. http://www.kpress.info pifu 2016a. Pacific Island Leaders Endorse Maclellan, Nic. 2016. FSM Joins Smaller Regional Framework for Building Resil- Island States Group. Kaselehlie­ Press, ience to Climate Change and Disasters. 4 Oct. http://www.kpress.info/index.php 15 Sept. 136 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018)

———. 2016b. Smaller Island States West Papua. The Diplomat, 5 April. ­Welcome the Federated States of Micro­ http://thediplomat.com/2017/04/solomon nesia. 7 Sept. -islands-seeks-balance-in-relations-with -indonesia-and-west-papua/ [accessed rnz, Radio New Zealand. 2016a. Forum 31 July 2017] Holds Plenary Session in FSM. 9 Sept. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/ pacific-news/312910/forum-holds-plenary -session-in-fsm [accessed 31 July 2017] Guam ———. 2016b. Forum Summit Underway in the FSM. 7 Sept. http://www.radionz The year 2016–2017 was filled with .co.nz/international/pacific-news/312741/ great uncertainty, both internal to the forum-summit-underway-in-fsm [accessed Guam community and external, as the 31 July 2017] United Nations–designated non-self- ———. 2017. FSM and Marshalls Urge governing island territory continued Nuclear Clean-Up. 7 June. http://www to evaluate its relationship to the rest .radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/ of the world, and, in particular, to its 332467/fsm-and-marshalls-urge-nuclear administering power, the United States -clean-up [accessed 31 July 2017] of America. UN Conference on Small Island Develop- On the eve of the 2016 US presi- ing States. 2014. samoa Pathway: Out- dential election, Guam, being a day come Document. http://www.sids2014 ahead of North America, held its .org/index.php?menu=1537 [accessed “straw poll” for president. Residents 3 Sept 2017] of Guam, an unincorporated US terri­ unfccc, United Nations Framework tory, are not allowed to participate in Convention on Climate Change. 2017. the election of the US president and Marshall Islands Ratifies Agreement on vice president; they have no Electoral hfcs: First Country to Ratify “Kigali College votes or voting representation Amendment.” Newsroom, 28 Feb. in Congress. However, the straw poll http://newsroom.unfccc.int/climate-action/ has been an interesting piece of politi- marshall-islands-first-country-to-ratify cal trivia for decades, as Guam voters -kigali-amendment-on-hfcs/ [accessed tend to “predict” the winner of the 31 July 2017] next day’s contest (Los Angeles Times, Walsh, Patrick M. 2016. The Pacific Is 8 Nov 2016). Divided on West Papua. East Asia Forum, In November 2016, Hillary R 5 Nov. http://www.eastasiaforum.org/ Clinton won handily with nearly 72 2016/11/05/the-pacific-is-divided-on-west percent of the 32,071 votes cast in -papua/ [accessed 31 July 2017] Guam, yet, as the election unfolded in Wyeth, Grant. 2016. “Small and Far”: the United States, the predictions of Pacific Island States Gather at Annual most pundits as well as Guam voters Forum. The Diplomat, 9 Sept. http:// proved to be incorrect (pdn, 8 Nov thediplomat.com/2016/09/small-and-far 2016). In a major upset, Donald J -pacific-island-states-gather-at-annual Trump, despite losing the US popular -forum/ [accessed 31 July 2017] vote count by several million, won in ———. 2017. Solomon Islands Seeks the Electoral College to become the ­Balance in Relations with Indonesia and forty-fifth US president. political reviews • micronesia 137

Guam’s local elections for senators Trump in January 2017 brought with in the island’s 15-seat legislature, I it a wave of anxiety for the local gov- Liheslaturan Guåhan, represented a ernment and community over the new similar coup d’état of received opin- president’s ideological threat to a net- ion, as 7 of the 15 veteran politicians work of social programs that ­benefit were voted out by wide margins, residents of Guam, such as food making way for a new generation stamps, welfare, and ­housing assis- of leaders not drawn from the usual tance (pdn, 24 May 2017). Overall, elite class of the island’s civil servants the US federal government is estimated (kuam, 9 Nov 2016). Long-serving to provide $500 million to $600 mil- incumbents from both parties, includ- lion in assistance to Guam each year ing the powerful Speaker of the Legis- (pdn, 4 July 2016). lature, Judith Won Pat, a daughter of With the release of budget propos- the local political legend Antonio Won als from the Trump administration Pat, were unseated (Marianas Vari- and the Republican-controlled US ety, 14 Nov 2016). Guam Democrats Congress, the negative impact on retained control of the legislature with Guam was confirmed for many local a nine-to-six majority—one less than officials, some of whom spoke out required for a “supermajority,” which about the dramatic effect they might would allow their party to overcome have. As a US territory, Guam does a veto by Republican Governor Eddie not have full representation in the US Baza Calvo (Pacific Islands Report, Congress or government but nonethe- 9 Nov 2016). less is subject to all federal laws and One significant issue that played a decisions. At the time of this writ- role in the desire for change among ing, Trump’s budget is still a work in Guam’s voters was that of the gov- progress, but it paints a bleak picture ernor’s pay-raise scandal. After the for Guam in terms of federal contribu- 2014 election, in which Governor tions. Funding for the arts, education, Calvo was elected to a second term, food stamps, and insular affairs would his office submitted a bill to the Guam all be dramatically reduced (gdp, Legislature in special session to pro- 25 May 2017). vide raises of up to $40,000 each for Although exact figures are not elected leaders, political appointees, known at the time of this writing, and classified personnel—including Guam and other territories are also the governor himself. The raises were threatened with losing at least $3 mil- approved at the time, but a public lion of funding in “Compact Impact” outcry immediately arose, and the aid. This aid represents financial legislature and governor scrambled assistance that the US government is to defend or amend their actions. On supposed to be obligated to pay to off- 22 May 2017, the controversial raises set the costs and strain on the island’s were at last repealed, with the Guam resources caused by mass immigration Legislature voting 10 to 5 to override from the neighboring Micronesian the governor’s veto (pdn, 23 March countries whose citizens are entitled 2017). to enter US territories visa-free under The inauguration of President their Compact of Free Association 138 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018) relationship with the United States the US government on Guam were (pdn, 23 June 2017). exacerbated by another example of The only increase in federal spend- federal interference in local affairs. On ing for Guam would be connected 8 March 2017, in the case of Arnold to the controversial military buildup Davis v Guam Election Commission, and infrastructure projects related to US District Judge Frances Tydingco expanding US military facilities on Gatewood ruled in favor of Davis, the island. Trump’s budget proposal a white expatriate who had been would provide more than $300 mil- resident in Guam for some time (gdp, lion for wastewater improvements 9 March 2017). Davis had filed a and the construction of two air force lawsuit in 2011 through the “Center hangars (pdn, 24 May 2017). for Individual Rights” in the United While government leaders lamented States, an extreme-right-wing legal the potential federal cuts to fund- organization known for its opposi- ing for social services, a new activist tion to affirmative action and the group was formed in 2016 to halt one Voting Rights Act. The center has of the key components of the US mili- received significant funding from Betsy tary buildup on Guam: the building of DeVos, Trump’s notoriously unquali- a firing range on the historic Litekyan fied secretary of education, as well (Ritidian) site. The group, named as the Koch brothers, the right-wing Prutehi Litekyan (Save Ritidian), has billionaire kingmakers. Davis and his held teach-ins and petition drives and lawyers claimed that a Government it plans to work with environmen- of Guam law mandating a nonbinding tal watchdog groups in the United self-determination plebiscite violated States to pursue legal options (kuam, Davis’s constitutional rights as a US 6 March 2017). The pristine beaches, citizen by prohibiting him from regis- cliffs, caves, and jungle at Litekyan are tering and participating on the basis a US national wildlife reserve, the site of race (pdn, 9 March 2017). They of an ancient Chamorro village and were requesting a summary judgment cave paintings, the home of endan- declaring “the qualifications for voter gered species, and a spectacular beach eligibility in the political status plebi- beloved by area residents as well as scite to be in violation of the 14th and tourists (CounterPunch, 4 Sept 2015). 15th Amendments to the US Constitu- The building of the firing range or tion, the Voting Rights Act and the US military installations on Litekyan Organic Act of Guam” (kuam, 5 Nov would further restrict public access 2915). and threaten the survival of artifacts, The law in question provides for a animal species, and rare native plants self-determination plebiscite in which in the area, including the hayun lågu those who qualify as “native inhabit- (Serianthes nelsonii), an endangered ants” are eligible to participate and species with only one adult tree choose between three future statuses known living on Guam (pdn, 14 Nov for Guam: integration with the United 2016). States, free association with the United Local concerns over the poten- States, or independence. Native inhab- tial impact of Trump’s leadership of itants are defined not by race, but by political reviews • micronesia 139 the time of the granting of US citizen- wood’s ruling, had a chilling effect on ship and limited self-government on efforts underway to educate the Guam Guam, and, as the judge herself noted community as to their political status in her ruling, the designation does options. There was a great deal of therefore include persons of various confusion, especially among indig- races or ethnicities besides indigenous enous Chamorros, as it appeared that Chamorro. The designation applies to the US government was denying their all who received their US citizenship existence and their rights, including by virtue of the Organic Act for Guam their right to restorative justice. in 1950, as well as their descendants Guam’s political leaders were quick (Office of the Attorney General of to respond to the threat posed by Guam 2017). the Davis decision. Senator Therese Despite these factors—a time-based ­Terlaje authored a resolution in the (rather than race-based) definition for Guam Legislature calling on the native inhabitants and the fact that island’s attorney general to appeal the the plebiscite itself was nonbinding, Davis decision, protect the Chamorro enacted no law, elected no official, Land Trust, and defend the right of and was simply meant to provide a Guam’s native inhabitants to deter- statement from the affected persons mine their destiny without overt or through which the Government of undue interference by the adminis- Guam might negotiate with the US tering power. The 17 March 2017 government—Judge Gatewood ruled public hearing on this bill lasted six in favor of Davis (pdn, 8 March hours and was attended by more than 2017). Gatewood stated that the law a hundred community members, all was unconstitutional on the grounds expressing frustration over the Davis of racial discrimination because the decision and supporting an appeal. vast majority of native inhabitants The resolution passed soon after (gdp, were Chamorro. She found the intent 18 March 2017). and the effect of the law to be racially This hearing was followed by discriminatory. weeks of protests, demonstrations, Also in March, the US Department and forums, culminating in a large of Justice, in connection to a com- rally held on 7 April 2017 that was plaint also filed by Davis, threatened attended by more than eight hundred the Government of Guam with a members of the community. The rally lawsuit over the Chamorro Land Trust was organized by a grassroots col- (gdp, 9 March 2017). First created lective under the theme “Respect the in the 1970s, this trust provides land CHamoru People” (see below regard- leases to landless indigenous Cha­ ing the significance of this spelling). morro people in hopes of righting a It was a multicultural event meant to historical injustice whereby thousands provide a space where people of all of people had their lands extralegally ethnic backgrounds on Guam could seized by the US military following come together to show their support World War II (gdp, 9 March 2017). for the Chamorro people and their This threat from the US Department continuing quest for decolonization of Justice, along with Judge Gate- (kuam, 7 April 2017). 140 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018)

On that same day, Guam Attorney nonagricultural workers) at unprec- General Elizabeth Barrett-Anderson, edented rates. The rate of rejection with the support of Governor Calvo, was so high that more than a dozen announced that she would appeal the businesses filed a lawsuit against Gatewood decision on the plebiscite Homeland Security, claiming unfair and defend the Chamorro Land Trust treatment and unfair policies. Gov- against the US Department of Justice ernor Calvo called the denial of visas challenge (pdn, 7 April 2017). “economic sabotage and warfare” Tension in the relationship between against the people of Guam (pdn, the Government of Guam and the US 6 April 2017). government is long-standing because For this reason, in April 2017, Guam is treated as a possession rather Governor Calvo, who had long been than an equal partner or ally of the a supporter of the US military buildup United States. Guam is not allowed on Guam, publicly withdrew his sup- the basic political right to determine port. He argued that it was unten- its destiny or modify agreements such able for the island’s economy to have as the Compacts of Free Association foreign workers provided for military that neighboring countries have with buildup–related projects while applica- the United States and US military tions for civilian projects to hire the buildups that have profound impacts same type of workers were rejected. on its community (The Stream, Although it is unclear what his verbal- 12 April 2017). ized withdrawal of support would One frequently problematic stick- translate to in terms of policy or nego- ing point in federal-territorial rela- tiation, it nonetheless underscored the tions is immigration control. Despite difficulties of Guam’s territorial posi- its distance from the United States tion in terms of basic planning and and its proximity to Asia, Guam is governance (pdn, 6 April 2017). considered a US port of entry and its While US Homeland Security was borders are controlled by US Customs unwilling to work with Governor and Immigration under the Depart- Calvo on immigration, there was ment of Homeland Security. Over another issue where they did find the past ­seventy years, this situation common ground—his deportation of has resulted in the indigenous Cha­ certain criminals from the Philippines morro people becoming a minority and the Federated States of Micronesia in their home island, where they (FSM; see also FSM political review, now only comprise 37.1 percent of this issue). The governor stated that the population (cia World Factbook the Compact of Free Association 2017). More recently, the lack of local between the US and FSM includes control over immigration has led to ­criteria that allow him to send regional labor shortages, in particular in the migrants back to their respective construction industry (pdn, 11 Sept nations (pdn, 2 Aug 2016). Attorney 2016). US Homeland Security controls General Barrett-Anderson cautioned the flow of foreign workers to Guam the governor against such actions, and, in 2016, began to reject applica- saying they could be challenged on tions for h-2b visas (for temporary grounds of racial bias (pdn, 2 Aug political reviews • micronesia 141

2016). The governor claimed that the matter, but President Christian was Guam Organic Act of 1950 gave him unavailable for comment to the news power to deport criminals; the attor- media (pdn, 4 Sept 2016). Mr Chris- ney general disagreed but stated that tian made a brief reference to the issue it did give him the ability to pardon at a recent regional forum but declined and commute sentences on condition to be interviewed on the subject when of leaving the country and not return- approached by Guam news media ing (pdn, 2 Aug 2016). Guam law (gdp, 5 May 2017). currently calls for the deportation of a In September 2016, Robert Ruecho, compact immigrant who is convicted the FSM consul general to Guam, of a felony or crime of moral turpi- announced that by executive order his tude, sentenced to one or more years office would no longer comply with for any crime, or is a repeat offender the Calvo administration by provid- found guilty of driving under the influ- ing information on FSM nationals. ence of alcohol (gdp, 23 Oct 2016). In response, Calvo declared Ruecho The situation exposes the politi- “persona non grata” and threatened cal differences between the FSM and to extend this designation to any Guam, with the former being an other foreign officials who challenged autonomous state and the latter being his authority or refused to cooperate a US territory. The issue is typically with his government in determining framed by Calvo’s opponents as a dip- whether a convicted criminal was an lomatic one between the FSM and the FSM national (gdp, 23 Oct 2016). United States, with Guam having little Palau President Tommy Remenge- to no formal authority or control over sau Jr, on the other hand, reached out its own borders. However, it also dem- to Calvo to seek assistance in arrang- onstrates the enduring social, cultural, ing for a Palauan prisoner to serve his and economic ties between the two remaining time on his home island Micronesian countries on their own (gdp, 23 Oct 2016). Governor Calvo’s terms: while lower-level politicians office also received letters from FSM from the FSM repeatedly clashed with convicts requesting commutation of Governor Calvo over his views on their sentences on condition of leaving the deportation of their citizens, FSM Guam (gdp, 29 Oct 2016). President Peter Christian has refrained In April 2017, the number of from making any public statement on non-US citizens assigned to removal the matter. or deportation reached twenty-eight Wesley Simina, Speaker of the when two FSM citizens, a child sex Nineteenth Congress in the FSM, offender and a convicted vehicle thief, wrote to President Christian to protest were transferred to US custody (gdp, that the matter should be one for the 24 April 2017). Calvo has continued US government to resolve without the to request US Homeland Security intervention of “Hagåtña,” the capital assistance with the deportation of of Guam (pdn, 4 Sept 2016). Chuuk criminal immigrants from Guam Senate President Mark Mailo also ­(Kaselehlie Press, 16 Sept 2016). urged the FSM president to approach A two-year saga in court over the the United States directly on the death of Bert Piolo, a Guam police 142 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018) officer, ended in 2017. Fellow offi- (pdn, 31 Dec 2016). The Concerned cer Mark Torre Jr was present at the Catholics of Guam, who had protested time of his death and appeared to be in front of the cathedral in Guam’s implicated by Piolo himself during a capital for fifty-four straight weeks 911 call in which Piolo stated, “He demanding Apuron’s removal, ended shot me.” The jury found Torre not their protests in July 2017. They had guilty of murder and manslaughter but achieved their goal of ousting Apuron guilty of negligent homicide and other from his seat of power in Guam, while charges. In June, Torre was sentenced still awaiting the Vatican’s final judg- to eight years in prison (pdn, 21 June ment (pdn, 9 July 2017). 2017). The University of Guam was The past year also saw the fall of shaken by sex scandals in 2016 and one of the most enduring public icons 2017 as well, as Michael Blair Ehlert, of Guam life, Anthony Apuron, who a longtime tenured professor, faced a had served as archbishop of Guam second-degree felony charge of sexual since 1986. Archbishop Apuron was assault against a student, as well confronted by several scandals and as multiple other charges based on controversies in recent years, start- testimonies from his former students ing with his support for a foreign sect accusing him of rape and other forms known as the Neocatechumenal Way, of sexual misconduct. He was con- which put him at odds with main- victed on one count of third-degree stream Guam Catholics (Crux, 21 criminal sexual conduct and another March 2017). Apuron clashed with count of attempted third-degree many over his demotion of several criminal sexual assault against two priests who were critical of this sect. of his university students (pdn, 31 He also faced allegations of financial July 2017). Ehlert had been placed on misconduct that appeared to benefit administrative leave pending the out- the Neocatechumenal Way ­(Bevacqua come of the trial (pdn, 28 July 2017), 2017, 109). His flock’s misgivings and the university announced that gave rise to a community group it would terminate his employment known as the Concerned Catholics following his felony conviction (pdn, of Guam, which sought to unite 3 Aug 2017). In response to public- ­Catholics against Apuron (kuam, ity surrounding the Ehlert case, the 22 Aug 2016). University of Guam updated its sexual In 2016, the scandal grew to new misconduct policy in 2016 to ban all heights as a number of men came “amorous relations” between profes- forward to accuse Apuron and other sors and undergraduate students (gdp, priests of sexually molesting them 18 Feb 2016). while they were young boys. In Tourist arrivals represented a May 2016, Apuron was temporarily bright spot in Guam’s economic news. replaced and withdrew from public After setting a record for most tour- life. In November of that year, he was ist arrivals during a year in 2015, the formally succeeded by Archbishop island surpassed that record in 2016. Michael Byrnes. At present, Apuron is The Guam Visitors Bureau recorded facing a canonical trial in the Vatican 1,535,410 visitors in 2016, a 9 percent political reviews • micronesia 143 increase from 2015. Although Guam the first Chamorro to be drafted into saw a slight decrease in visitors from the National Football League by Japan—normally its primary tourist the Indiana Colts. While receiving market—significant growth occurred national attention, Banner consistently in Guam’s second-largest market, expressed pride in his Chamorro roots South Korea, which, for the first time, and proudly displayed the Guam grew to more than half a million flag when he was drafted and in his travelers (kuam, 30 Dec 2016). This publicity images (Guam Sports Net- growth continued into the first and work, 27 April 2017). In July 2017, second quarters of 2017, as tourist he returned to Guam and provided arrivals through June also set several training camps for local youth (pdn, monthly arrival records (pdn, 12 July 29 June 2017). Avid fans regularly 2017). mobbed Banner to take selfies (pho- Chamorro culture enjoyed the tos of themselves) with this newest spotlight in 2016, in particular when ­Chamorro star on the world stage. Guam hosted the Twelfth Festival of The 2015 corruption scandal Pacific Arts. This trend has contin- involving fifa (Féderation Internatio- ued, first with the partial opening of nale du Football Association)—where the long-awaited Guam Museum and US prosecutors indicted and convicted second with the reestablishment of more than forty executives—also the Chamorro Language Commission. affected Guam’s local sports in April The Guam Museum was originally 2017. Guam businessman George Lai slated to open years previously, but had been the president of the Guam construction and administrative delays Football Association since 2001. He plagued the project. In November was accused of accepting close to a 2016, the Guam Museum officially million dollars in bribes from individu- opened its doors to the public; how- als who wanted his help in influencing ever, the permanent exhibit for the the leadership of the Asian Football museum remains unfinished and only Confederation and fifa itself. Lai has temporary exhibits are currently on pled guilty to wire fraud and banking display (see Bennett 2017). crime and resigned his post; he is cur- The Chamorro Language Commis- rently cooperating with US authorities sion, first established in 1964, lapsed in exchange for leniency (pdn, 27 July nearly twenty years ago following 2017). controversial debates over Chamorro The past year saw the funerals of orthography. Particularly controversial several prominent members of the was the spelling of the word “Cha­ Guam community. Magdalena S N morro” itself, with the alternative of Bayani, known as “Tan Deda,” had “CHamoru” preferred by some. The received the designation of Master of commission met again officially in Chamorro Culture for her life’s work May 2017, chaired by longtime activ- as a techa or Catholic prayer leader. ist and former Senator Hope Alvarez She passed away on 30 December Cristobal (gdp, 9 May 2017). 2016 at the age of 101. Frank Blas Chamorro sports history was made Sr, a longtime politician and former in 2017 when Zach Banner became lieutenant governor of Guam, passed 144 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018) away on 1 August 2016 at the age Crux, Catholic News Agency. Crux of 75. Alfred Curie Ysrael, a million- ­Catholic Media Inc. https://cruxnow.com aire real estate developer, business- gdp, Guam Daily Post. Tamuning, Guam. man, owner of several tourist hotels http://www.postguam.com on island, and brother-in-law of the Guam Sports Network. ­Honorable Madeleine Z Bordallo, http://www.guamsportsnetwork.com received a state funeral on Guam when he passed away on 10 March Kaselehlie Press. Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. http://www.kpress.info 2017 at the age of 86. Looking to the future, Guam kuam, kuam.com: Guam’s News Net- ­continues in an atmosphere of ­ work. Dededo. http://www.kuam.com/ political anxiety, especially as inter- Los Angeles Times. national relations across the Asia- http://www.latimes.com Pacific region may shift under the Marianas Variety. Monday–Friday Trump administration. In 2016, ­newspaper, Guam edition. Harmon, China ­developed new missiles dubbed Guam: Younis Art Studio Inc. “Guam Killers,” capable of striking http://www.mvariety.com/ Guam (Washington Post, 11 May Office of the Attorney General of Guam. 2016). Throughout 2017, North 2017. ag on the Plebiscite Case and the Korea conducted well-publicized doj’s Letter to Chamorro Land Trust. missile tests, which, while unlikely Press release, 21 March. http://www to cause much ­damage directly to .guamag.org/press%20releases/2017/ the continental United States, are AG%20on%20Plebiscite%20& capable of wrecking much havoc on %20CLTC%20Letter%2003.2017.pdf the Korean peninsula and surrounding [accessed 13 Sept 2017] gdp areas ( , 9 June 2017). pdn, Pacific Daily News. Hagåtña, Guam. michael lujan bevacqua and http://www.guampdn.com elizabeth ua ceallaigh bowman Pacific Islands Report. East-West ­Center online news. Honolulu. http://www .pireport.org References The Stream. Al Jazeera English online Bennett, Jesi Lujan. 2017. Review of news. Washington, dc. http://stream Guam Museum/Guam and Chamorro .aljazeera.com ­Education Facility. The Contemporary Washington Post. Daily newspaper. Pacific 29 (1): 195–197. ­Washington, dc. http://www Bevacqua, Michael Lujan. 2017. .washingtonpost.com ­Micronesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016: Guam. The Contemporary Pacific 29 (1): 104–111. Marshall Islands cia World Factbook. 2017. For the Republic of the Marshall http://www.ciaworldfactbook.us Islands (RMI), the period under CounterPunch. Online news. Petolia, review saw the passing of several ­California. http://www.counterpunch.org ­distinguished community mem- political reviews • micronesia 145 bers. Most notable were the deaths proponent of education and a sup- of two customary leaders from the porter of the national women’s group Rālik (western) islands. Iroojḷapḷap Women United Together Marshall (Paramount Chief) Anjua Loeak Islands (mij, 27 Jan 2017). died in early September 2016 and The Marshall Islands lost another was laid to rest at Aelōñḷapḷap Atoll leader and teacher in January 2017 later that month. Loeak was the with the passing of Captain Korent senior landowner for the domains of Joel, one the country’s last surviving Iroojḷapḷap Litokwa and Iroojḷapḷap ri-meto (traditional navigators). Cap- Loeak, which include approximately tain Korent had been instrumental in one-third of Kuwajleen (Kwajalein) the recent movement to revive tradi- Atoll and twelve wāto (land parcels) tional Marshallese meto (navigation). on ­Kuwajleen Island (pir, 1 June He worked with the nonprofit organi- 2000). ­Kuwajleen Atoll is the site of zation Waan Aelōñ in Ṃajeḷ (Canoes the ­Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile of the Marshall Islands) and Dr Joseph Defense Test Site, where the US Army Genz of the University of Hawai‘i at develops, tests, and tracks intercon- Hilo to document, preserve, and pass tinental ballistic missiles and missile on traditional navigational knowl- interceptors. In 2001, former Presi- edge. In his youth on Roñḷap Atoll, dent Kessai Note named Loeak to the Captain Korent learned a system of Compact Advisory Committee to help wave piloting in which navigators guide the Compact Negotiation Com- detect how islands disrupt the flow of mission in talks with the United States ocean swells and currents. In 2006, he on the renewed Compact of Free used the system to earn the status of Association, which went into effect ri-meto by sailing between Kuwajleen in 2003. Loeak was also a member and Ujae atolls. In 2010, Captain of the Kwajalein Negotiating Com- Korent helped guide a canoe led by mittee, which represented Kuwajleen Waan Aelōñ in Ṃajeḷ Director Alson landowner interests in the negotia- Kelen on a successful voyage between tions (pir, 31 Dec 2001). Following Mājro and Aur atolls using only the an eight-year standoff with the United wave patterns to guide them, and in States, Loeak joined Iroojḷapḷap Imata 2015 he prepared Kelen on land for a Kabua and Iroojḷapḷap and then successful repeat voyage from Mājro President Jurelang Zedkaia in sign- to Aur (mij, 12 Jan 2017). ing an agreement that extended US Several prominent political and use of the Kuwajleen test site through community leaders also passed away 2066 (pir, 12 May 2011). In Janu- during this period. Among them was ary 2017, the Rālik islands also lost former Senator Rellong Lemari, who customary leader Lerooj (Chieftess) represented Lae Atoll in the Nitijeḷā Seagull Kabua James, younger sister (Parliament) for nineteen years until of Iroojḷapḷap Imata Kabua. Lerooj his retirement in 2011 (mij, 3 March Seagull resided on Ebjā (Ebeye) Island 2017). Former Mile Atoll Senator and in Honolulu and was known Tadashi Lometo, who was elected the for upholding Marshallese culture first mayor of Mile in 1982 and served and traditions. She was also a strong in the Nitijeḷā from 1996 to 2008 (mij, 146 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018)

26 Aug 2016), also died during this the outer islands, and health services. period. Lometo served as a member of Priority reform areas include fiscal the Public Accounts Committee, which management, social security, infra- investigated the sale of RMI passports structure planning and development, to citizens of the People’s Republic of management of cultural and historical China and other nations in the 1980s resources, nuclear accountability and and 1990s (pir, 12 Jan 1998), and justice, and amending the RMI Consti- as minister of health and minister-in- tution. Between August and December assistance to former President Kessai 2016, the Nitijeḷā passed nineteen Note in the early 2000s. Other deaths pieces of legislation that address include Clyde Heine, a cofounder these issues, and President Heine has and longtime general manager of the introduced several initiatives since Majuro (Mājro) Stevedore & Terminal January 2017 to help push her agenda Company and brother of President forward. The Constitutional Conven- Hilda Heine; Morean Ellen Kabua, tion also got underway in April 2017 wife of Council of Irooj (Council of and remains in session at the time of Chiefs) member Jimata Kabua; Salome this writing. Lanwi, who served as chief nurse at In terms of legislative action, the the Mājro hospital for several decades; Nitijeḷā enacted several laws focused and Deaconess Krojel Jabnil Wase. on environmental and community The period under review has been health and wellness. The Styrofoam productive for the RMI government. and Plastic Products Prohibition Act In what has been called “one of the 2016 bans disposable Styrofoam, most significant legislative sessions ­plastic bags, and plastic cups and for the Nitijeḷā since it was estab- plates, and establishes a ten-cent bev- lished in 1979,” the governing body erage container fee, an environmental enacted several important, and in fund, and a recycling program (RMI some cases controversial, laws that Nitijeḷā 2016g). The Import Duties will have lasting impacts on commu- (Funding Supplement Amendment) nities in the Marshall Islands and in Act 2016 addresses skyrocketing rates the diaspora (mij, 7 Oct 2016). The of type 2 diabetes and other health legislation was largely in response concerns by increasing import taxes to the plan introduced­ by President on alcohol and tobacco products and Heine in August 2016 and subse- instituting a new import tax on sweet- quently adopted by the cabinet as ened and sugar-added beverages (RMI “Agenda 2020: A Framework for Nitijeḷā 2016d). The Minimum Wage Progress” (RMI Office of the President (Amendment) Act 2016 raises the min- 2016). The plan identifies ten national imum wage to us$2.50 per hour and challenges and ten priority govern- an additional fifty cents per hour per ment reforms to be adopted over the year until it reaches $4.00 per hour next three years. Challenges include (RMI Nitijeḷā 2016e). The minimum economic growth and employment, wage in Marshall Islands had been education, climate change and disas- stagnant at $2.00 per hour since 1999 ter risk mitigation, water and food (mij, 19 Aug 2016). These three laws security, quality of life on Ebjā and and amendments have the potential to political reviews • micronesia 147 improve the quality of life of Marshall to eighteen years. The amendment Islanders across the country. to the Births, Deaths and Marriage In addition to legislation focused on Registration Act brings the Marshall enhancing the physical and environ- Islands into compliance with the mental health of Marshallese com- United Nations Convention on the munities, several laws were enacted to Rights of the Child (crc), which the protect children and families. Among RMI ratified in 1993. It also bridges these was the Adoptions (Amendment) the “disparity between the minimum Act 2016, which strengthens over- legal age for the marriage of boys and sight of international adoptions and that of girls as recommended by the protects “the best interests of children crc” (RMI Nitijeḷā 2016b, 8). and prevent[s] the abduction, sale, and The Nitijeḷā passed two acts during trafficking of children” (RMI Nitijeḷā this period that have been the subject 2016a, 11). The amendment was a of intense discussion across the Mar- response to renewed concerns about shallese community. The Social Secu- unethical adoption practices involving rity (Amendment) Act 2016 prompted Marshallese children in the Marshall months of confusion, debate, and Islands, in Hawai‘i, and on the US pushback by employers, commu- continent. The concern also prompted nity leaders, and the general public. amendment sponsor and Minister of The amendment aimed to reform Internal Affairs Amenta Matthew to the Marshall Islands Social Security request help from the Hawai‘i Family Administration (missa) and stabilize Court to ensure that any adoptions the RMI retirement fund by “remov- of Marshallese children in Hawai‘i ing loopholes, increasing contributions comply with RMI law. Over the past and decreasing benefits” (RMI Nitijeḷā several years, Hawai‘i hospitals have 2016f, 11). The original amendment seen an increasing number of women included an increase in the required from the Marshall Islands seeking to employer/employee tax contribu- surrender their babies for adoption tion from 7 percent to 8 percent, the immediately after giving birth. Accord- elimination of the $5,000 per month ing to hospital staff, some women cap on taxable income, a 5 percent appear to have been coached with reduction in monthly payments for answers to questions that will help beneficiaries receiving between $200 circumvent RMI and State of Hawai‘i and $1,000 per month, a $1,000 adoption regulations (Perez 2017). A maximum monthly benefit limit, and similar trend occurred in Hawai‘i in a prohibition on the payment of social the 1990s and early 2000s but was security benefits to any person who is largely curtailed through restrictions still employed. The reform was needed imposed by the RMI Adoptions Act to address missa’s $7 million annual of 2002. The new amendment aims shortfall and the likelihood that the to toughen those restrictions. Another fund will go bankrupt by 2023 (pir, law passed during this period will 2 May 2016). On its passage, the protect Marshallese girls and young amendment prompted an outpour- women by raising the minimum legal ing of dissent from business owners, age for marriage of girls from sixteen community leaders, and retirees, 148 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018) who broadly opposed changes to the those citizens who pay taxes and are retirement system that they consid- residents of the country to choose ered harmful to retirees, low-income their national and local representa- individuals, and small business owners tives and to improve the efficiency, (mij, 30 Sept 2016). President Heine cost, and accuracy of the voting responded by announcing in her state process. Following its approval by a of the nation address in January 2017 slim vote in the Nitijeḷā (13 to 12), that implementation of the amended the amendment sparked dissent on the law would be delayed and that the part of off-island Marshall Islanders cabinet would propose modifications and others who used social media to (Heine 2017). The revised amend- voice their disapproval. Opposition ment addresses many of the concerns was so intense that it prompted the expressed by increasing caps on Council of Irooj to submit a letter of monthly benefits and quarterly ­taxable concern to the Nitijeḷā. In October income; shifting to a graduated cut 2016, ­council members met with in benefits based on the amount of Speaker of the Nitijeḷā Kenneth Kedi monthly benefits received, with no and other government representatives one who receives less than $400 per to request that the Nitijeḷā draft a month being subjected to a cut; and new amendment allowing off-island authorizing tax exemptions on various Marshall Islanders to continue to vote forms of income, including per diems, in elections. Despite this rare move housing allowances, and others. To by the Council of Irooj to become offset some of the financial impacts directly involved in political matters— of these changes, the revised amend- although the RMI Constitution grants ment includes a graduated increase the twelve-member body the authority in the retirement age from sixty to to do so—Speaker Kedi stated that the sixty-five by 2025 and eliminates council’s expression of concern had early and deferred retirement (mij, not followed “the Constitutionally 10 March 2017). The new version of prescribed format” and signed the bill the amended law went into effect in into law (mij, 28 Oct 2016). Moving March 2017 (RMI Nitijeḷā 2016f). forward, Marshall Islanders living In late September 2016, the Nitijeḷā outside the country will no longer cast passed another controversial law absentee ballots by mail as they have “eliminating the postal voting system done since the adoption of the Elec- for persons residing outside of the tion and Referenda Act of 1980. With Republic” (RMI Nitijeḷā 2016c, 5). In an estimated 30 percent of Marshall elections since that time, only eligible Islanders living abroad, the change voters who currently live in the Mar- will likely have a dramatic impact on shall Islands can vote. Postal absentee the outcomes of future elections. ballots will be made available only to In addition to legislative actions eligible voters who are temporarily taken during the 2016 session of the out of the country on Election Day Nitijeḷā, the republic’s fourth Consti- or who are unable to vote in person tutional Convention (Con-Con) was due to illness or disability. The aims convened in April 2017 to consider of the amendment are to allow only more than twenty proposed amend- political reviews • micronesia 149 ments to the RMI Constitution. Fol- percent on Mājro and other atolls (mij, lowing article XII, section 4—which 3 March 2017). Following months outlines the rules for amending the of preparation, the Constitutional constitution by constitutional conven- Convention got underway on 13 April tion and referendum—the path to the 2017 with an opening ceremony at Con-Con began in September 2015 the International Convention Center with the Nitijeḷā’s adoption of the on Mājro. The first order of busi- Constitutional Convention Act 2015 ness was the election of convention (RMI Nitijeḷā 2015), thereby setting officers. Senator and former President forth the proposals to be considered Kessai Note of Jebat was elected as amendments. In August 2016, the president, beating out Senator and RMI Electoral Administration issued former President Christopher Loeak a timetable for activities leading up of Aelōñḷapḷap by just one vote (22 to the convention special election on to 21). Senator and former President 21 February 2017. These included Casten Nemra prevailed over former a month of voter education events, Senator Phillip Muller for the vice nominations for convention repre- presidency (25 to 18), and Yolanda sentatives, the official announcement Lodge-Ned won the uncontested of candidates, preparation of ballots, ­secretarial seat with forty-one votes and elections personnel training. By (mij, 21 April 2017). Delegates met December 2016, 143 candidates had on 17 April 2017 for the convention’s registered to run for forty-five conven- first business session, at which time tion seats. Among the candidates were discussion and debate on the consti- twenty-four irooj, including several tutional amendments put forth by the senators, contending for twelve irooj Nitijeḷā began. seats, and a host of senators and Perhaps the highest-profile and members of the general population most controversial of the constitu- vying for island delegate seats. Sena- tional amendments up for consid- tors Michael Kabua of Kuwajleen, eration is Proposal 4, which would Christopher Loeak of Aelōñḷapḷap, amend RMI Constitution article V, Wilbur Heine of Mile, and Bruce section 3 to allow for the direct elec- Bilimon of Ṃaḷoeḷap ran for irooj tion of the president by the people seats, leaving their island delegate rather than by the Nitijeḷā. Under the seats open to other candidates (mij, RMI’s current system, the Nitijeḷā 23 Dec 2016). Senator Kessai Note of elects the president from among Jebat, First Gentleman Tommy Kijiner current senators (RMI Constitution Jr of Likiep, and Senator David Kabua 1979). The proposed amendment aims of Wōtto ran unopposed for delegate to give more voice to the electorate by seats (mij, 3 Feb 2017). Following the granting voters the right to elect their Election and Referenda (Amendment) own president and to create politi- (1) Act of 2016, Marshall Islanders cal stability in the republic, which living overseas were not eligible to has experienced numerous votes of cast absentee postal ballots. Despite no confidence by the Nitijeḷā against a range of publicity and educational sitting presidents over the past several efforts, voter turnout was as low as 20 years. If approved, the amendment 150 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018) would dramatically alter election response to the controversy that arose procedures, the functioning of the during the 2015 election cycle, when Nitijeḷā, and, potentially, the outcomes naturalized citizen Jack Niedenthal of future elections. Proposal 5 seeks ran for a seat in the Nitijeḷā for Mājro to further amend article V by creat- Atoll. In late 2014, the RMI Electoral ing a position of vice president, who Administration barred Niedenthal would also be elected directly by the from running on the grounds that he people. Both proposals include the did not have a Marshallese parent or provision that the president and vice a traditional jowi (matriclan), and the president be natural-born citizens of attorney general upheld the decision. the ­Marshall Islands. Niedenthal brought the matter to the Several other proposed amendments RMI High Court, which ruled that seek to remedy perceived inequities the RMI Constitution authorizes any and issues of concern in the execution qualified voter over the age of twenty- and outcomes of national-level elec- one to run for office (RMI High Court tions. Proposal 9 would amend article 2015). Although the ruling cleared IV, section 1 to reserve 6 of the 33 the path for Niedenthal to stand for current Nitijeḷā seats for women, with election, he lost by a significant mar- 2 seats from Mājro Atoll and 1 each gin (mij, 27 Nov 2015). If approved, from Kuwajleen, Aelōñḷapḷap, and Proposal 19 would disqualify Nie- Jālwōj atolls to be contested exclu- denthal and others in similar circum- sively by women. The current Nitijeḷā stances from standing for election in has three woman senators—the most the future. to sit on the Nitijeḷā at any one time Several proposed amendments since the nation’s first election in seek to address issues related to RMI 1979—including President Hilda citizenship and land rights and tenure. Heine of Aur, Senator Daisy Alik- Proposal 22 would amend article Momotaro of Jālwōj, and Senator XI, section 2(b), which entitles any Amenta Matthew of Utrōk. Previ- eligible foreign national who has been ous woman senators include Evelyn a resident of the RMI for at least three Konou of Jālwōj and Abacca Anjain- years and is the parent of a child who Maddison of Roñḷap. The goal of the is an RMI citizen to apply for RMI amendment is to increase the repre- citizenship. The change would make it sentation of women in the Nitijeḷā. more difficult for foreign nationals to Proposal 19 would further reform the obtain RMI citizenship by increasing electoral process by altering eligibil- the residency requirement from three ity requirements for Nitijeḷā candi- to ten years. Proposal 1 would further dates. The amendment would revise amend the same article and section article IV, section 4 to require that any by requiring that any person applying Nitijeḷā candidate have land rights for citizenship based on parentage of by birth and be a natural-born RMI a Marshallese child also be married citizen. The goal of the amendment to the Marshallese parent of the child is to require that Nitijeḷā candidates who is the basis of the claim. Regard- be Marshallese not just by citizenship ing land rights and tenure, Proposal 8 but also by descent. The proposal is a would amend article X to restrict the political reviews • micronesia 151 sale and ownership of land to RMI the customary law or any traditional citizens and the RMI government. practice” (RMI Constitution 1979). Currently, article X, section 1[2] of While the proposal appears on its face the constitution stipulates only that to be about elections, it in fact repre- a person cannot lawfully alienate sents an assertion of RMI jurisdiction any piece of land by sale, mortgage, over Ānen-kio Atoll. The United States lease, license or otherwise without the has claimed Ānen-kio since 1898— approval of the iroojḷapḷap (para- the same year it occupied Hawai‘i mount chief), irooj-iddik (child of a and took possession of Guam and chief) where applicable, aḷap (lineage the Philippines following the Span- head), and the senior ri-jerbal (senior ish American War—and has operated worker/commoner) of the land in several US military installations on the question, “who shall be deemed to atoll since 1941. The Marshall Islands represent all persons having an inter- maintains that Ānen-kio lies within est in that land” (RMI Constitution its borders, and Marshallese tradition 1979). The proposed amendment identifies the atoll as an ancient ḷārooj would eliminate the possibility of (mij, 26 Aug 2016)—a mostly unin- making such a transfer to a for- habited island or atoll reserved for eign national, nation, corporation, food gathering, usually for a chief and or other entity. Proposal 20 would his immediate family. In April 2016, further amend article X to include a the RMI government submitted “450 new ­section providing for traditional pages of geographical coordinates, dispute resolution in land tenure cases. treaty agreements and 25 charts that As the RMI Constitution includes no together officially declare the baselines such provision, people have relied on and the outer limits of all maritime the RMI courts to address and resolve zones under the national jurisdiction land disputes, leading to a spiraling of the Marshall Islands—and included occurrence of litigation. If approved, in this declaration is Wake Island” the amendment would shift the (Johnson 2016). Amending article supervision of land disputes from the IV, section 2(1) of the RMI Consti- court system to a customary body and tution to include Ānen-kio as part process. of the RMI electoral district would Proposal 21 would amend article strengthen this claim. IV, section 2(1) of the constitution to Although the Constitutional Con- include Ānen-kio Atoll (Wake Island) vention is still in session at the time of as part of the RMI electoral district this writing and the outcome of these that currently includes Jemọ Island and other proposals is not yet known, and Ṇadikdik, Ādkup, Tōkā, Pikaar, President Heine, the Nitijeḷā, and Bokaak, Roñdik, and Aelōñin Ae local institutions and agencies took atolls, which are all presently unin- additional steps during this period habited. Article IV, section 2(1) of the to advance President Heine’s Agenda RMI Constitution states that each of 2020 and, in turn, improve the health these atolls and islands is “included in and well-being of Marshallese com- the electoral district with which it is munities. For example, several projects most closely associated, pursuant to were undertaken to improve quality 152 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018) of life on Ebjā Island. In March 2017, underway, and the Ministry of Health the Kwajalein Atoll Development and the Republic of China (Taiwan) Authority, which oversees social, agreed to allow Marshall Islands economic, and cultural development patients with orthopedic conditions, projects on the atoll, approved fund- cancer, and heart-related illnesses ing for various development projects to be referred to Shuang Ho Hospi- on Ebjā. These included the replace- tal in Taiwan for treatment (mij, 21 ment of power plant generators, April 2017). In December 2016, the reconstruction of basketball and tennis Marshall Islands Red Cross Soci- courts, disaster relief funds for dam- ety (mircs) received an infusion of age incurred by Typhoon Nangka in funds from the Nitijeḷā for disaster July 2015, and funding for housing preparedness efforts and administra- construction (mij, 31 March 2017). By tive functions. Following this boost June 2017, several construction proj- to its budget, the ­fledgling society ects were underway or near comple- took several of the steps required tion, including a refurbished dock, to become a member of the Inter- a new classroom building for Ebeye national Federation of the Red (Ebjā) Public Elementary School, wells Cross. These include hiring its first for the power plant’s forthcoming secretary-general in April 2017, who reverse osmosis system, and a new quickly launched volunteer recruit- boat ramp (mij, 16 June 2017). Also ment efforts across the country. At during this period, Kuwajleen Atoll its first General Assembly in June leaders and RMI government officials 2017, the mircs elected a board of engaged in talks with the US Army governors and announced that it had about the ­possibility of enhancing recruited more than 340 volunteers, benefits for Marshallese workers on all of whom will receive training in Kuwajleen (mij, 21 Oct 2016), and the first aid and conduct drought surveys, US Army has invited the RMI private disaster preparation, and relief work sector to bid for technical services and around the islands. Also in April other contracts on Kuwajleen for the 2017, the Marshall Islands Marine first time in the United States’ seven- Resources Authority hosted the first decade history on the atoll (mij, 24 National Oceans Symposium, bring- Feb 2016). In an effort to improve ing together hundreds of elected and educational outcomes in Kuwajleen community leaders, teachers, students, Atoll schools, teachers and educa- and nongovernmental organizations tion leaders gathered­ on Ebjā in April to discuss climate change, ocean 2017 for the first-ever Kwajalein Atoll conservation, and sustainability. In ­Education Summit. June 2017, RMI leaders brought Key developments in the areas of these issues to the international UN nuclear justice, health services, disaster Ocean Conference in New York City. preparedness, and the ­environment In the area of nuclear accountability, also pushed the president’s agenda President Heine announced legisla- ­forward during this period. Construc- tion that would establish a Nuclear tion of the first phase of Mājro’s Commission to develop a strategy new hospital and surgical ward got for achieving nuclear justice for political reviews • micronesia 153

­Marshall Islanders. She also convened References the “Nuclear Legacy Conference: Charting a Journey Toward Justice” Heine, Hilda C. 2017. State of the Nation Address, 2 Jan. https://www.dropbox to commemorate the seventy-first .com/s/b6i6lg3dk1lkep2/President%27s anniversary of the 1 March 1954 %202017%20Nitijela%20Opening Castle Bravo thermonuclear test on %20%28English%29%20TK.pdf?dl=0 Pikinni (Bikini) Atoll and to chart a [accessed 31 July 2017] course for the future of nuclear justice. Johnson, Giff. . Marshall Islands The conference featured a keynote 2016 Pushes Claim for Wake Island. ­Marianas address by Climate Change Ambas- Business Journal, 16 May. https:// sador Tony deBrum and brought mbjguam.com/2016/05/16/marshall together nuclear survivors, experts, -islands-pushes-claim-for-wake-island/ and “media representatives to inform [accessed 3 Aug 2017] and create awareness among the mij, Marshall Islands Journal. Mājro. people of the Marshall Islands, the Weekly. United States, and the world at large, and to develop a detailed strategy for Perez, Rob. 2017. Marshallese action and engagement both with the Adoptions Raise Some Suspicions. United States and with the interna- Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 5 July. http:// tional community”­ (RMI Office of the www.staradvertiser.com/2017/07/05/ hawaii-news/marshallese-adoptions-raise President 2017). -some-suspicions/ [accessed 1 Aug 2017] Despite the tremendous strides taken by President Heine, the Nitijeḷā, pir, Pacific Islands Report. Honolulu. and many others to improve the lives Daily Internet news. http://www.pireport of Marshall Islanders during this .org/ period, many challenges remain. RMI Constitution. 1979. Available on the These include high rates of poverty, Republic of the Marshall Islands Nitijeḷā domestic abuse, out-migration, and (Parliament) website: http://rmiparliament epidemic disease. If President Heine’s .org/cms/constitution.html [accessed 1 Aug Agenda 2020, the 2016 legislative 2017] agenda, and the amendments up for RMI High Court. 2015. Civil Action consideration by the Constitutional 2014-263: Niedenthal v Chief Electoral Convention are any indication, the Officer. Summary Judgment, 25 Feb. Marshall Islands will continue to chart http://rmicourts.org/wp-content/uploads/ the course and make headway toward Niedenthal-v-CEO-CA-2014-263.pdf a more ­positive, healthy, and secure [accessed 8 Aug 2017] future for its citizens in the years to RMI Nitijeḷā. 2015. Constitutional Con- come. vention Act 2015. http://rmiparliament .org/cms/images/LEGISLATION/ The author thanks Joseph Genz, PRINCIPAL/2015/2015-0046/ Terry Hazzard, Tamera Heine, and ConstitutionalConventionAct2015_1.pdf James Plasman for comments on [accessed 8 Aug 2017] ­sections of this review. ———. 2016a. Adoptions (Amendment) Act . https://rmiparliament.org/cms/ monica c labriola 2016 images/LEGISLATION/BILLS/2016/2016 154 the contemporary pacific • 30:1 (2018)

-0035/AdoptionsAmendmentAct2016.pdf ———. 2016f. Social Security (Amend- [accessed 27 July 2017] ment) Act 2016. https://rmiparliament.org/ cms/images/LEGISLATION/BILLS/2016/ ———. 2016b. Births, Deaths and Mar- 2016-0047/SocialSecurityAmendment riage Registration (Amendment) Act 2016. Act .pdf [accessed Sept ] https://rmiparliament.org/cms/images/ 2016 7 2017 LEGISLATION/BILLS/2016/2016-0026/ ———. 2016g. Styrofoam and Plastic BirthsDeathsandMarriageRegistration Products Prohibition Act 2016. https:// AmendmentAct2016.pdf [accessed rmiparliament.org/cms/images/ 27 July 2017] LEGISLATION/BILLS/2016/2016-0028/ StyrofoamandPlasticProductsProhibition ———. 2016c. Election and Referenda Act2016.pdf [accessed 27 July 2017] (Amendment)(1) Act 2016. https://rmiparliament.org/cms/images/ RMI Office of the President. 2016. LEGISLATION/BILLS/20/2016-06/ Agenda 2020. https://docs.wixstatic.com/ ElectionandReferendaAmendment1Act ugd/23908d_4b72280d42e64c80a34d25 2016.pdf [accessed 27 July 2017] fa17860866.pdf [accessed 31 July 2017] ———. 2016d. Import Duties (Funding ———. Marshall Islands Nuclear Legacy Supplement Amendment) Act 2016. Conference: “Charting a Journey Toward https://rmiparliament.org/cms/images/ Justice.” 2017. Kikid Kwōjkwō, 24 Feb, 2. LEGISLATION/BILLS/2016/2016-0032/ https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/23908d ImportDutiesFundingSupplement _0a9c8d3e7def471a930a6b278fedd734 AmendmentAct2016.pdf [accessed .pdf [accessed 6 Sept 2017] 27 July 2017] ———. 2016e. Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2016. https:// rmiparliament.org/cms/images/ LEGISLATION/BILLS/20/2016-16/ MinimumWageAmendmentAct2016.pdf [accessed 27 July 2017]