$1 on The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011Majuro 1 Saane is The Marshall Islands

batting 9 ISSN: 0892 2096 for 9

Ministry of Internal Affairs officials and National Police got together Tuesday to burn the ballots from the 2007 election in Alwal.

From left to right, Captain Remen Bakol, Fritzad Jack Reiher, Sweetland Note, Baron Abraham, Nobert deBrum, and officer Moses Lautej. Photo: Isaac Marty. Tony blasts ‘lack of action’ on fraud GIFF JOHNSON Kwajalein Senator Tony deBrum said this week that RMI Cabinet lead- Brenson, John, Jack say Campaign 2011: ers have allowed the investigations into government fraud and theft to virtually collapse for lack of staff in the AG’s deBrum is misleading Kwaj-Majuro split office and few police investigators. In With one month left to the November 21 vote, cam- an attack on government leadership, Reading the article in last week’s investigation of the fraud. paign activities are hitting high gear. deBrum said this problem has occurred Journal that the Acting AG Tubosoye But Justice Minister Wase said This year’s campaign, up to recently, has appeared despite the government’s leaders say- Brown is the only attorney in the AG’s Brown, who was recently named Act- to be less party oriented than any election since before ing everything was under control. office and there is only one national po- ing AG, is the official who has been 1999 — with various party groupings that were central But three Cabinet Ministers — Bren- lice investigator currently on the fraud leading the fraud cases from the begin- in earlier elections having been abandoned for the 2011 son Wase, Jack Ading and John Silk probe prompted deBrum to level criti- ning and is continuing forward with vote. It’s looked like an every man and woman for — got together Wednesday to respond cism at the government. He also said the investigations and prosecutions. themselves election. to deBrum’s allegations, saying the at recent Public Accounts Committee “The investigation is ongoing,” said In the last few days, however, a new group calling RMI-led investigations are continuing hearings the committee members had Finance Minister Ading who made the itself KEA — Kien Eo Am (Your Government) — has and plans are in motion to bolster the specifically asked whether the RMI additional point that High Court trials Continued page 2 Attorney General’s office. has the people to conduct a thorough Continued page 2 Talk to us at [email protected] • Subscribe to the Journal Online at www.marshallislandsjournal.com 2 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Fraud fracas: Tony deBrum, Brenson Wase, John Silk, Jack Ading. Jack: Investigation is moving forward

From page 1 are scheduled for January, February and March in various prosecutions. Brown also told the Journal last week Campaign fever that he is pursuing investigations and opening new investigations. Wase said earlier this year, he, Ading From page 1 to mark Jaluit Liberation Day. and Silk had met with US officials and coalesced and is comprised of a An interesting feature of elec- arrived at an agreement that the RMI number of Cabinet ministers and tion developments is that there is would lead the investigation, with then senators associated with the current no unanimity among iroij who are AG Frederick Canavor, Jr. as the point administration of President Jurelang the key players both up front and of contact with the US government, Zedkaia. Kwajalein is the center of a behind the scenes in the current while Chief Prosecutor Brown was in brewing opposition group that is sup- election campaign. Forces aligned charge of the prosecutions. “We agreed porting candidates in both Ralik and with Kwajalein iroij are pushing to on how to address the fraud issue with Ratak chains seeking to gain a major- get a majority of “their” candidates the US,” Wase said. “Fred Canavor had ity to oust the current government elected so that they can form a gov- experience in Guam and the FSM so when Nitijela convenes in January. ernment in January, while the KEA we put our confidence in the AG.” The An example of the Kwajalein sup- party, which is aligned with Zedkaia, US offered assistance as needed, and in port was the small fleet of boats that are working to maintain and increase fact both the Interior Department and motored down to Jaluit last weekend their majority. the Government Accountability Office have sent officials to RMI in recent AG post as soon as he completes his request for help.” months, Wase said. PhD requirements, which is expected Now, deBrum said, the Acting At- But deBrum emphasized the fact that to be in the next several weeks. “We torney General has stated he has no President Jurelang Zedkaia, Wase and hope to have him in before the elec- legal staff and only one investigator to Ading had claimed earlier this year that tion,” Wase said. pursue these important investigations the RMI government had the staff to Ading said one of the two police into theft from the RMI government. properly investigate the theft from the investigators — Parker Wilson — is “Now the US government can fairly government. But with the current situ- off-island on a short-term training, and say that the RMI is not pursuing the in- ation in the Attorney General’s office will be back shortly. vestigations and can hold up funding,” this has now been proved to be false, Meanwhile, the lawyer shortage at deBrum said. “It’s a totally intolerable and has created a “totally intolerable” the AG office is because two are on situation.” situation for the Marshall Islands, leave for the election, one resigned, Silk said he also objected to de- deBrum said. and one was given leave at an inap- Brum’s resolution, saying it was the Wase and Silk said they have dis- propriate time, Wase said. Nitijela as a whole that decided against cussed the options of bringing in DeBrum said he had introduced a the resolution, not one person. All three attorneys from Foreign Affairs and resolution in Nitijela early this year ministers said they objected to the Resources and Development to bol- to invite US investigators to assist resolution because it was “misleading” ster the AG’s office over the next few RMI. But this resolution, which was in that it claimed the RMI had rejected weeks for both the fraud work and the deferred by the Nitijela, was “fought a US offer of investigative assistance. election. by the President, Brenson and Jack,” Ading said at the time the US had not Wase said the government is work- deBrum said. offered any assistance so there was ing quickly to address AG office needs. “They said the RMI didn’t need nothing to reject. He also said former RMI AG Philimon anyone to help in the investigation in He stated that a meeting with US Manoni has been asked to return to the spite of the Attorney General’s loud officials in Hawaii early this year on the matter led to cooperation and the okay from the RMI for the US to send $2.6m check for RMI investigators as needed. “Subsequent to that meeting, Interior sent in inves- The Parties to the Nauru Agree- sold to Solomon Islands and other PNA tigators including from the GAO office ment (PNA) office will hand over a members. from Hawaii,” Ading said. $2.6 million check to the Marshall This follows on a $1 million sale of Silk said the investigation and Islands Marine Resources Authority fishing days to Papua New Guinea last prosecutions have been conducted in on Thursday this week for fishing days month. More fisheries stories: P18. a transparent manner. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 3 US cut will hit public health A United States-funded health program that was called “trans- formative for the (Pacific) region” Island bank holds first Majuro meet is expected to be eliminated this year, following a US House of Representatives plan to cut the pro- Pacific Island Development Bank board held its gram contained in the US FY2012 first meeting in Majuro on Wednesday this week, budget plan. delivering on a promise a month after the RMI The US Congress’ plan to elimi- government joined with an initial investment of nate funding for the Area Health $250,000. Officials said the RMI membership Education Center (AHEC) program brings all US-affiliated islands into the Guam- has sparked concern not only from based bank, increasing opportunities for College of the Marshall Islands accessing capital. Bank President Aren Palik said Interim President Carl Hacker but they are waiting for the RMI to issue a special also from officials in other US- certificate so that it can begin lending in the affiliated islands. next few weeks. “We’re excited to begin in the Dr. Greg Dever, who directs the Marshall Islands,” said Palik. Board members Palau AHEC that is based at Palau in Majuro this week, sitting from left: Diego Community College, said elimi- Benavente (CNMI), Ilai Abraham (Kosrae), Rosa nating AHEC will hurt a range of Weilbacher (manager administration). Back: public health and nursing degree Aren Palik (President), John Masiwemai (Yap), programs in the region. Thomas Pablo (Pohnpei), Secilil Eldebechel “This will adversely impact on (Palau). Lou Leon Guerrero, Bank of Guam the development of the associate President, is Guam’s representative but wasn’t of sciences degree in public health able to make the Majuro meeting. at Palau Community College, the college’s local nursing program and retard any development at the College of Micronesia in Pohnpei, as communicable diseases such as Dever of the public health training not improve chances for retaining College of the Marshall Islands as well as nursing programs at the TB and leprosy at least in part be- work launched through the program the program. in the associate of science degree University of Guam and Guam cause of a shortage of trained public at local colleges. “I just returned from DC and it is in public health program,” Dever Community College.” These US- health workers. The AHEC funding Dr. Kelley Withy, the Executive very frustrating,” he said this week. said. “It will also definitely lead affiliated islands have struggled focuses largely on developing high Director of the Hawaii-Pacific Ba- “They (Congressional officials) to adverse cuts in the now-accred- with developing preventive health school and college-based training sin AHEC who is based at the John don’t seem to realize that if they ited associate of science degree programs to address an epidemic program for nurses and public A. Burns School of Medicine at the cut a program like this, they can’t in public health program and new of lifestyle-related diseases such as health workers. “AHECs have been University of Hawaii, said a visit just start it back up when money accredited nursing program at the diabetes and hypertension, as well transformative in the region,” said to Washington, DC last week did becomes available.” T&C still reviewing boating rules Nearly 20 years after a Domestic Water Crafts many sections of the 1992 law, none have been trip to Majuro, Williams responded, “we do radio Act was passed by Nitijela, the government prepared or approved by Cabinet through succes- net conference twice a month to remind people has not written and promulgated regulations to sive government administrations. of safety measures and regulations. We also enforce the law. According to Ministry of Transportation and take questions.” Williams added: “People need The law government safety and related issues Communications staff Smith Williams, a set of to prepare themselves before going out to sea.” EPA, CMI for boats and ships operating in the RMI was regulations was provided to the Ministry by the Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Phil adopted by Nitijela in 1992, and came into law Secretariat of the Pacific Community in 2003. Philippo confirmed that the ministry is still in help fix on September 30 that year. “The ministry is still in the process of review- the review stage. Although the law requires that “The Minister” ing the new regulations carefully, which would “We’re still reviewing the generic water craft of Transportation and Communications “prepare take some time,” said Williams. act to see if we can amend the act with new rules Kili water for the approval of the Cabinet any and all regu- Asked about the tragic incident last year in and regulations. And we’re trying to have this CMI Land Grant’s water lations necessary and proper to implement” the Arno, when four people drowned during a boat ready for the upcoming Nitijela,” said Philippo. quality agent Jina David (pictured above) joined RMI EPA representatives from $35.5m went Please don’t Kili Island to test about 100 water catchments ear- drink & drive lier this month. Sixty-seven showed contamination. to RMI wages When treated with Clorox, the retested tanks showed The RMI government of $12.5 million. Contracts they were safe. “I strongly spent $35.5 million on sala- cost the RMI government recommended the Kili/Bi- ries in fiscal year 2010, ac- $5.6 million, while utility kini/Ejit Local Govern- cording to the Deloitte audit costs were $5.2 million in ment encourage the two 2010. RMIEPA representatives for provided to the Nitijela. Kili Island to continue with This amounts to 34 per- Some other RMI gov- the testing and treating of cent of the FY2010 national ernment spending items the catchments, and report government spending of included (note, the amounts their work to RMI EPA and $104.2 million. are rounded to the nearest CMI Land Grant, and also The two other largest hundred thousand): the KBE Government to items in the RMI govern- • Medical supplies, $4.5 provide Clorox so they can ment spending in 2010 million continue with treating of the were “grants and subsidies” • Travel $3.3 million contaminated catchments,” that amounted to almost • Loan repayments, $2.4 said David and Land Grant $18.3 million, and “capital” million Dean Biuma Samson. spending for infrastructure • Allowances, $800,000. Please keep our island clean. Do not litter! 4 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal Yokwe to new Turkish envoy The new Ambassador to RMI for the Republic of Turkey Oguz Özge presented his diplomatic credentials on Wednesday to President Jurelang Zedkaia, while members of the Cabinet joined in the ceremony. Photo: Bruce Kijiner. Ataji says Electoral misled him Kwajalein Nitijela candidate Ataji Balos, who has been removed Balos taken off ballot Postal absentee from the ballot for the November election, ballot count ✓ said he was misled by per advice from AG electoral officials. In an October 12 let- Kwajalein Atoll candidate Ataji his nomination papers did not have The Electoral Administration reports that it has already received 280 postal absentee ballots through ter to Chief Electoral Balos has been taken off the ballot, his power of attorney notarized. the Post Office for the November 21 national election. Officer Joseph Jorlang, according to the Electoral office. • His agent put his signature in As of Tuesday, Electoral officials had mailed out Balos said on instruc- Kwajalein The reasons provided include: the wrong place, which is the wit- • Ataji Balos was not the one ness’ section. 2,044 ballots to registered voters living off-island. tions and approval by Nitijela who signed his nomination peti- “This information was given Patrick Bing, Ebeye’s candidate tion papers. from the Attorney General’s of- Electoral officer, “I Ataji Balos. Wotje and Mejit • His agent who helped him on fice,” said Amram. gave power of attorney to Edward Jeadrik to complaints removed sign my nomination petition procedure “I needed to fol- Following the submission of also sent my paper work to form on my behalf.” low for Edward to sign my the form I called and talked you Mr. Joseph Jorlang for Recent complaints filed against a number of can- He said he was in constant nomination paper on my with Patrick again and he you to review them. Both didates running for Mayor for Wotje Atoll and Jabat communication with Bing behalf and I did every in ac- said that everything was in of you told me everything Island have been rejected by the Attorney General’s on what was the proper cordance to his instructions. order and he said it was. I was okay.” Balos, who was office. Meanwhile another complaint that was filed against a candidate running for the Alap seat in Mejit a long-time Kwajalein sena- was also rejected by the Electoral office. tor until he lost a reelection According to Wise Amram, the Mejit candidate was bid in 2003, said he believed disputed by the atoll’s Leroij and Iroij who stated that the two election officials the candidate had no right to run for the seat because “because both of you have he has an older brother. “The petition papers showed done this job for years, you the ‘older brother’ being included,” said Amram. have experience and you know the rules.” He said it was clear that they both More trainings as recognized he did every- thing correctly because they named him as a candidate election date nears when the announcements The Electoral office is gearing up for the upcoming were released to the public vote next month and have acquired staff from govern- “Why did it take so long ment departments to be members of the team working for me to learn that I wasn’t in the election. “We’ve also hired people who worked a viable candidate because in the previous election,” said electoral official Wise of my paperwork?” Balos Amram. Another workshop for all the people who said. “I filed on July 27 will be working in the election has been scheduled and by October 9, I started for November 1-2. The previous workshop took place to hear rumors that my pa- early this month. On the other hand, Ministry of Inter- perwork was questionable. nal Affairs gave out letters to news media outlets last Mr. Jesse Riketa filed his week requesting names of representatives who will be complaint on August 25 reporting on the election. “The purpose of this is to then finally on October 10, streamline the release of outgoing election information I received a letter from your results,” said Acting Secretary Wallace Peter. The media office.” He told Jorlang he group will be recognized with an identification badge is awaiting “further instruc- processed by the ministry, said Peter. tions from your office.” The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 5

Three cheers for Juren Ae graduates The women’s group Juren Ae concluded program. According to Foreign Minister erations, said Silk. “Our skills have not its handicraft skills training at the Interna- John Silk, who spoke on behalf of RMI disappeared, we need to share them and tional Conference Center last Thursday in President Jurelang Zedkaia, “the skills that pass them on.” said Silk. graduating 21 young women participants. these students learned are skills from our “These girls can advance to learning Speakers at the event heaped appre- own country.” how to make ‘jaki-ed’ (mats) which is the ciation on donors, the RMI government This is part of our culture and was passed highest level of weaving mats,” said Althea and other individuals that supported the down from our ancestors through the gen- Bing (right). 6 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal CMI prepares 19 interns College of the Marshall Islands Youth in Health, and Women United students are already preparing for an Together Marshall Islands. They got internship program for the Fall (Au- together for an orientation session. gust) Semester. Pictured are some of The internship program will see the 19 interns who will be placed at students spending two hours a day CMI, the Environmental Protection at the work place, keeping journals Authority, Marshalls Energy Com- and learning about possible careers. pany, Ministry of Finance, Ministry CMI’s aim is to “enhance our stu- of Public Works, National Telecom- dents’ educational experience as they munications Authority, Youth to prepare for life after graduation.” LRA: We’ll fix audit issues Auditors listed four “findings” cash. “Cash is purchases was sibility that board directives are (problems) in their FY2008 audit being received over $15,000 not properly disclosed or recorded. of the Land Registration Author- without cash audit news update and included This was also a problem left un- ity, three of which were said to be receipts issued,” he said. “We the accounting records were con- spending ranging from a low of fixed from 2007. “material weaknesses” (serious recommend that cash receipts be structed manually by a consultant $168 for repairs and maintenance “The policy and procedure for problems). issued for all cash received.” using the Excel program rather to a high of $2,000 for computer maintaining the minutes of the Three of the four problems He also pointed out that LRA than utilizing the existing account- training and software. “Lack of meetings of board is to scan the found had been pointed out in was not backing up its computer- ing system that LRA previously adherence to established (RMI) minutes into PDF forms and also previous year audits and not cor- based records. “We noted that the paid $2,000 for another consultant procurement standards was re- filed them in an audit folder for the rected. accounting system was updated to maintain.” ported as a finding in audits of the fiscal year to be audit,” said LRA In addition, while most agen- and changed after the financial He urged LRA to set up a policy Authority for 2005 through 2007,” management. cies were on their FY2010 audits, statements were provided for au- to routinely back up accounting the audit said. The audit shows that in 2007, LRA was two years behind as the dit,” Patrick said. data. “We will follow the RMI’s LRA had total operating revenue FY2008 was included in the RMI “However, updated financial The audit also pointed out that procurement code and the recom- of $48,237 and this declined to Auditor General’s 2011 report to statements were provided for the more than half (22) of 39 purchas- mendation by the Auditor,” said $33,548 in 2008. It had expenses Nitijela last month. changes made as all accounting es that were checked did not have the LRA management in response. of $34,224 in 2008, overspending In a March 24, 2011 letter to data in the accounting system were required documents to show that The audit also pointed out that its 2008 revenue slightly but be- LRA Registrar Helkena Anni, Au- inadvertently deleted. No back RMI law for purchasing supplies board minutes were not available cause it had carryover money from ditor General Junior Patrick raised ups were available to assist timely and equipment were followed. for two of the four quarters in previous years, it ended 2008 with questions about LRA’s handling of recovery of accounting data, thus The amount of the 22 problem 2008, and this presented the pos- net assets of $87,105. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 7 Kejjo to revive WWII-era claims? Mili Senator Kejjo Bien is working with lish a RMI Historical Claims Commission to international lawyer Jonathan Levy in an gather all colonial era, wartime, trusteeship effort to revive decades old claims for and nuclear claims together, document them property damage, environmental destruction and release a recommendation to the govern- and loss of life. ment for their final resolution.” In a press release, they said that up to Levy and Bien said this would combine now diplomatic issues involving the US all claims into a single package for the RMI and Japan, the United Nations’ professed to address in a unified and orderly manner. immunity from its neglect during the trustee- “The entire process should take no longer Mili Senator ship era, and the lack of interest by the US than a year and will result in a quantifiable Kejjo Bien is Congress have blocked resolution of World ‘super claim’ that can be more easily dealt attempting to War II-era claims. with by the RMI government and fairly ap- revive World “Now a solution is being formulated,” portioned for the benefit of all the affected War II-era said Levy. Instead of abandoning these citizens,” Levy said. Bien expects other claims. claims that are in some cases more than 60 government members will see the logic of years old, “a plan is being floated to estab- the process and to support it. Agencies focus on Laura lens A third seminar on the conserva- Institute for Rural Engineering in Japan reported the output of a recent JICA tion and management of the Laura (NIRE), Embassy of Japan, and the Ja- training course in Okinawa. freshwater lens to share information pan International Cooperation Agency Secretary of R&D Tommy Kijiner, Jr. from a Japanese-supported study with (JICA) took part. said “As we can recognize the impor- the concerned organizations was held Japan officials reported the counter- tance of conservation and management on October 14 at the Marshall Islands measure against the saltwater intrusion of the freshwater lens, we would like Resort’s Melele Room. About 30 and initial model simulation, NIRE to share the information on the present people from Resources and Develop- officials showed the cross sectional situation of the freshwater lens.” ment, EPA, the Water Task Force, view and storage volume of the fresh- As the final year comes for the project Majuro Atoll Local Government, CMI, water lens based on an electromagnetic focusing on water resource use in atolls, the Secretariat of the Pacific Geoscience survey, and the water quality analysis. the manual for the conservation and Program, Freshwater Lens Committee, Ministry of R&D officials talked about management of the freshwater lens will Majuro Water and Sewer Company, water saving agricultural methods. Af- be submitted to R&D by Japan officials Majuro Atoll Waste Company, National ter a question and answer session, EPA in March, 2012. 8 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal

The RMI Riddle No. 370: Sponsored by CopyMasters First Lady to ACROSS 3. Night clicker. do series of 8. Bird country. 9. Grain and stone meet in village. 10. Whistled and trickled. island visits 11. Fry, sleep, or freeze. 12. Clap for drink! First Lady Hannah Zedkaia was aiming 13. Shellfish. to leave Majuro this week on a trip to four 15. Hot craze. outer atolls to donate goods provided by 17. Abode. Americans and also to inaugurate new 20. Post HS? call centers. o 21. 0 . The visit is to the islands of Woja, Ail- 22. Physicist G.C. Lichtenberg inglaplap, Namu Namu, and Likiep and wrote in the 1700s: “I have Wotje’s main islands. remarked very clearly that I am Once she completes this one-week trip, often of one opinion when I am she plans later in the month to visit Arno ----- down and of another when I am standing up . . .” and Mili. 23. Judicial inquiry. This is part of her program of getting 24. Weapon. donations of children’s clothing from the 26. Used to play in an accurate US and delivering it to needy families. fashion. The call centers are being established 28. Not as big. 7. Carnivorous mammals. Answers to Riddle No. 369 by NTA. 31. Hitch, moon, or way. 13. Alternative children in the 33. Veggie found on toe? garden? First Lady Hannah Zedkaia, who is 34. Posterior parts. 14. Hut. headed to the outer islands this week. 35. Entertaining Japanese woman. 15. Money. 36. Use. 16. Sixth sign. 37. Lawful. 18. Village. DOWN 19. 11111111. 1. Muller, McCarthy, or Dujmovic. 25. Beasts of 11 Across. 2. Hop along, Jack! 27. Fuentes or Domnick. 3. Nomad. 29. Electropositive element. 4. EDIFICE. (7,8) 30. Artist’s accessory. Note: (abb.) = abbreviation Landowners’ 5. Logical arrangement. 32. MBC target. (3,4) = indicates the number 6. Tricky business. 33. Duplicate. of letters in words. Need a pen to do the puzzle? Buy your stationery needs at: anxiety over late payment

The first Kwajalein land rental payment of the new fiscal year was four days late, causing concern within the landowner How Kwaj community. The more than $6.5 million payment was expected on Monday, but was not issued rents work by Ministry of Finance until late afternoon Friday after it was received from the US government. The delays were on the US Kwajalein landowner payments are government side. made on a quarterly basis. The concern led Kwajalein senators to ask The first quarter payment covers the RMI government to seek release of the October through December. delayed rental payment, but Friday’s release The first quarter payment also in- solved the problem. cludes the entire inflation adjustment US Ambassador Martha Campbell said amount for the fiscal year, one reason the first payment of the new fiscal year “was that this payment issued last Friday is slightly delayed because of US Congres- the largest of the year. sional budget approval requirements for By request of the landowners, the the new fiscal year and the setting up and quarterly payments are paid out on a implementation of a new financial manage- 30 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, and ment system within the Department of the 20 percent basis, according to the US Interior. DOI successfully got the first quar- Embassy. ter Kwajalein landowner payment released The first quarter payment for FY2012 only a few days late, in spite of the fact was $6,510,000, which is comprised of that the first business day of the new fiscal 30 percent ($4,500,000) of the $15 mil- year was October 3 and October 10 was a lion rental base and the FY2012 infla- US holiday.” tion adjustment amount of $2,010,000. The October payment is traditionally the The second quarter payment in Janu- largest of the four rental payments that the ary will again be 30 percent of $15 mil- landowners received each year. Because the lion or $4,500,000. The third and fourth land use agreement was signed in May, the quarter payments in April and July, quarterly payments now include the entire respectively, will be 20 percent of $15 amount of land rental agreed to in the Com- million or $3,000,000 each. pact of Free Association. The total payment for FY2012 will The approximately 90 landowners will be $17,010,000, according to the US receive more than $17 million in rental in Embassy. fiscal year 2012. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 9 Corruption is bad?

The Marshall Islands Nitijela, before Silk to execute and transmit appropriate it recessed, agreed that corruption is a documents to the UN Secretary General. bad thing and ratified the United Nations “Throughout the world, there is a grow- Convention Against Corruption. ing concern and awareness of the need “The diversion of scarce resources to combat corruption,” said the Nitijela through corruption affects the govern- resolution. ment’s ability to provide basic health and The UN Convention Against Corrup- education services to iuts citizens and to tion came into force in 2005. In the Pa- encourage sustainable economic, social cific, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Palau and political development,” said Resolu- have already ratified it, along with 145 tion 88 that directs Foreign Minister John other nations of the world. They don’t MISSA beat The Marshall Islands Social Security Administra- tion’s 2010 annual audit is another example of an A+ performance in accountability. The Deloitte audit said MISSA had “no instances of non-compliance or other matters” that need to be reported. In terms of “internal control” over finances, MISSA has no problems. “We did not identify any deficiencies in internal control over financial report- ing that we consider to be material weaknesses,” the audit said. Deloitte also said there were “no unresolved find- ings from prior year audits of MISSA.” Since the early 2000s, MISSA management has produced spotless audits, the only RMI government program with this impressive record of account- ability. “According to our records, MISSA has been MISSA Administrator given A+ grades (no findings) since FY2002 audit Saane Aho. reports,” said Bryan Edejer, MISSA’s Tax Compli- ance Manager. “In other words, MISSA has earned straight A+ for nine consecutive years.” Retirement fund shrinking by the day The fiscal year 2010 MISSA audit con- the Administration’s latest actuarial report firms the increasingly precarious long-term which gave the Administration’s life ex- outlook for the retirement fund. pectancy of just a little more than 10 years The audit shows that in 2009 and 2010, if no reforms are enforced in the present tax revenue was lower than in 2008 while social security system,” MISSA said in the benefit payouts continued to increase. FY2010 audit report. In 2008, the $13.5 million in tax revenue Looking at its main sources of tax rev- was more than enough to cover the $12.5 enue, MISSA commented in the report: “The million in retiree benefits. But that is the last Marshall Islands government continue to be year the MISSA has had a positive balance. the main revenue driver in the past several In 2009, tax revenue declined to $12.6 years together with the Majuro Atoll Local million while benefit payments rose to $13.6 Government, which has paid $3.4 million million, forcing MISSA to begin withdraw- since January 2008. The Kwajalein Atoll ing funds from its investments to cover the Local Government also signified its inten- payments. Last year, tax revenue rebounded tion to lessen its debts to MISSA when it slightly to $13.1 million, but beneficiary agreed to assign to the Administration 60 payments continued to rise, topping $14.5 percent of the 40 percent on the three percent million — again forcing withdrawal of Immovable Property Tax in Kwajalein. The funds from investments to meet required top 20 employers remained consistent in payments. their quarterly remittances and with the ag- During the 2008 to 2010 period, MISSA gressive legal assistance being provided by management cut its annual administrative MISSA’s legal counsel, delinquency cases costs from $1 million to $885,000. will continue to be filed against delinquent “These cash shortfalls are evident in employers.” 10 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal AROUND TOWN

Candidates need a ‘hook’ to form for passers by to check out. and Bila Jacklick. This one isn’t catch the attention of voters. So, for Another “first” that we noted Mon- too big and it’s not too small. But it example, Uliga Council candidate day evening while driving by the is the first campaign sign to come Calvert Muller recently put up what Momotaro area is a new campaign with its own electricity and light appears to still be the biggest bill- sign that went up for candidates bulb, so even at 3am Jaluit voters board out there advertising his plat- Alvin Jacklick, Marilyn Kabua cannot miss it.

Hello?...Hello??...X@&!!*#@! — Frequently heard words around town as NTA’s So it goes... cell phone service declined in recent weeks. Some wives of candidates were unhappy this week with the Attorney General’s office. “Oh yeah?” we asked. Why would the ladies be thinking about No such thing the AG’s office? Well, the AG issued an opinion that even though a candidate doesn’t live on the outer island for which they are as a free ride running for mayor or council, it’s still We had a ride the other day with an opinionated taxi driver. okay for them to run. He had an interesting observation to make as we were rid- Turns out the wives, who are in Ma- ing from town to Batkan. He got to talking about the different juro, miss their husbands who are out rates taxis charge for students and adults, which led him to shaking hands, delivering bags of rice talking about one of the public schools that charges students and construction materials, and gener- 25 cents each to ride on the government bus. ally carrying on with voters on remote He said parents want to know why a public school is charg- outer islands. ing students to ride on a government bus. “I know the Ministry “I wish the AG had ruled my husband of Education gets a big budget,” he commented, and one couldn’t run since he doesn’t live out passenger responded, “yeah, I read in the paper that this there permanently,” said one wife who year’s budget is over 20 million dollars.” had recently dropped her husband at “See?” the driver said. “Why do the students have to pay the dock to catch a ship to the outer for the ride,” he said. “Shouldn’t the government provide both islands for campaigning. “Then I could the bus and the fuel?” call him up and tell him to get back here These comments segued to his observation that next and get back to work.” month’s elections “will see voters make changes.”

Brawl boys

The back road in Uliga has gone through weeks of late. The kids are throwing rocks and also getting of late afternoon “kobata.” In contrast to earlier into hand-to-hand combat with “swords” made out of years when mostly the boys yelled at each other heavy cardboard cut from boxes and sometimes more and postured without doing much actual fighting, lethal weapons. It also is a gender-specific activity: we the gang-related activity has become more intense haven’t seen any girls involved. Photo: Isaac Marty. Smart casual? You know, we get invitations now and emanit. This week, USP Majuro Cam- then, and they usually tell you how the pus broke new ground in the matter of host wants you to dress. suitable dress for island occasions. To wit, some VIP type gatherings will In a notice for the Australia Pacific say “island formal” or even go so far Technical College graduation (happen- as to direct the invitee to wear “Nitijela ing November 8 at MIR Melele Room), formal” (meaning, for guys, necktie or the section entitled “dress” says: “smart safari shirt). casual.” Sometimes they say “island informal,” We’ll have to show up just to see which we take to mean what you’d show how people responded to this new up in on your way to get on a boat to En- directive. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 11 AROUND TOWN Get ready, get set, GO!

Next MBYC event: Learn to Sail Day on October 30.

The four finalists in the MBYC beer can race. Left, winner Mentil Laik is presented with a T-shirt by Quartermaster Eugene Dujmovic.

Mentil wins MBYC race Proving his skill in watersports, Waan in each heat and the last one across the Aelon in Majel’s (WAM) master canoe line being eliminated. After an hour or so builder Mentil Laik, took first place in of racing, it was down to four finalists: the recent Mieco Beach Yacht Club ‘Beer Mentil, Cary Evarts, Zoey Meyers, and Can Race.’ WAM trainee Jeffery Rison. The afternoon event, held near the Following two more eliminations, the ‘big tree’ at the Marshall Islands Resort, final race was between Mentil and Cary. started when a couple of WAM guys “On your marks! Get set! Go!” came began testing the little boats. Trainees the cry from an official. The little boats Turner Langibelik and Henty Juano fluttered and began their voyage, with quickly discovered, much to the amuse- Mentil’s boat soon taking the lead and ment of the growing crowd, that some — ta-da — taking out the winning spot of the miniature vessels were likely to for the day. sail off to Enemanet unless one of the Yacht club Quartermaster Eugene guys was at the finish line to catch them Dujmovic presented Mentil with a club in the act. T-shirt and then it was time for food Shortly after four, the races began in and beverages and tall stories of the earnest, with three captain’s competing day’s racing.

114÷2=57Back in June an old salt, going by the name of John Davis and sailing on his good ship Radiance II, had problems with a sail as he voyaged north from Majuro to Alaska. After seeking permission through the daily Yokwe Net (single sideband 6.236 at 7:45am), he went into Utrik Atoll, where he was given wonderful help and friend- John with two Utrik children. ship by the locals. With the help of Tom Vance of the yacht Van- essa, who was installing some smart shalls’ freight department at the airport. energy on Utrik at the time, John fixed The weeks slid by. No coffee for the his sail and set off on his long voyage. Utrikans. Then, just this past week we To thank the people of Utrik, the Mieco got word that the coffee had arrived! Beach Yacht Club purchased a case of Yippee! 114 coffee (a favorite, apparently, on that Only half of the case, mind you. But northern isle) and delivered it to Air Mar- still, some 114 is better than none. 12 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Opinion page Send letters to PO Box 14, Majuro, MH 96960 or email [email protected] Gary Ueno: ‘Trends from 2009 to 2011 showed some improvements’

Test scores show MOE progress

In the Octo- At left is the eighth grade 2009-2011 ber 14 issue of comparison chart that Ministry of Education the Marshall Is- officials would not release to the Journal last lands Journal, week saying the 14 percent jump in 2011 was you stated on the not a credible result because of problems with test administration. front page that students’ MISAT scores were worse in 2011 than 2010. This is true but this is just the only Secretary of The Marshall Islands Journal part of the picture. Education Phone: (692) 625-8143/6 • Fax: (692) 625-3136 • email: [email protected] • www.marshallislandsjournal.com The Ministry of Education Gary Ueno. provided you with tables Editor...... Giff Johnson letters to the editor, but retains the right to publish them or not. Letters may and graphs showing student Production/Advertising...... Brett Schellhase be edited or cut. Please mail your letters to the above address, fax them to results from 2009, 2010 and also showed improvement. Production/Web Management...... Benjie Digno, Jr. (692) 625-3136, or email them to [email protected]. 2011. These graphs show So overall, the trends from Advertising Manager...... Suzanne Chutaro The Marshall Islands Journal is a dual language, once a week publica- that between 2009 and 2011, 2009 to 2011 showed some tion of the Micronitor News & Printing Company. It is the newspaper of Advertising Assistant...... Darren Lanki student results improve in improvements and some Reporter/Photographer...... Isaac Marty record for the Marshall Islands. Subscription Rates are $87.00 per year third grade English reading, declines in student scores. Friend of All Fireflies...... Karen Earnshaw for U.S. first class mail. ($50.00/6 months) and $227.00 per year inter- national airmail. The digital (pdf) version rates for the Journal Online are Marshallese reading, math, We regret that the graphs Basic Advertising Rates are for display ads, camera ready copy: $5.85 per $52.00 per year. Please make checks payable to: MARSHALL ISLANDS and dropped two percent- and table we provide were column inch (c.i.) up to 1/4 page - $120.00; $5.20/c.i. for ads 1/4 page up JOURNAL, P.O. Box 14, Majuro, Marshall Islands MH 96960. age points in science. In the not printed for the public to to 1/2 page - $200.00; $4.65/c.i. for ads 1/2 page up to 3/4 page - $290.00; NOTICE: In compliance with Public Law, copies of the Mar- sixth grade, results dropped make its own interpretation. $4.25/c.i. for ads 3/4 page up to full page - $355. All material must be received shall Islands Journal are provided free of charge to the Alele Corpora- slightly in English reading, Instead, a single point of by 12:00 noon Monday for that Friday’s paper. (5:00 pm Friday for full page tion, manager of the National Archives of the Marshall Islands. For Marshallese reading and sci- view was published. All ads received after deadline are subject to information regarding photocopy reprints etc. of back copies please ads). ence, but improved in math. Gary Ueno late charges. THE MARSHALL ISLANDS JOURNAL accepts all contact Alele Corporation, Box 629, Majuro, MH 96960. Results for eighth grade Secretary of Education The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 13 ‘Candidates Not running Candidates who have withdrawn • Jeiar Juano, Council, Woja, from the November 2011 election Ailinglaplap since early September include the • Peter Anjain, Council, following: Rongelap • Ruman Jerbal, Nitijela, Arno • Kesta Kilma, Mayor, Namu. allowed to live • Harris Joel, Council, Utrik This information was provided anywhere’ • Kanej Katuon, Council, Utrik by the Electoral Office. Local government constitutions that re- quire candidates to live on the islands they are running from are illegal, the Acting At- torney General said in a legal opinion issued on Monday. The opinion by Acting AG Tubosoye Brown was issued to Chief Electoral Officer Joseph Jorlang in response to a series of chal- lenges various incumbent local government mayors or council representatives have filed with Electoral regarding candidates in next month’s election. Brown pointed out that several local gov- ernment constitutions require that people Electoral Officer must reside on the islands to be eligible to run Joseph Jorlang. in an election. These provisions, said Brown, “are unconstitutional, unlawful, invalid and void.” He said these provisions “infringe on the constitu- Advisor suggests tionally guaranteed right of citizens to participate in the electoral process as voters or constitution review candidates for office.” Brown said these local con- A local government advisor is recommending that a stitutional residency require- legislative review of all local government constitutions ments are illegal because they be conducted to resolve conflicts and inconsistencies violate the RMI Constitution, with the RMI Constitution and national government the Elections and Referenda laws. Act and the Local Govern- Commenting on this week’s legal opinion by the ment Act. Attorney General’s office, Lowell Alik pointed out While the Local Govern- the need for a “major legislative review of all the Lo- ment Act empowers local cal government constitutions” with the useful goal of governments to write their developing unified constitutions. Alik, who works at own constitutions and pass EPA, is an advisor to Wotje Mayor Ninwoj Lakjohn. ordinances, it specifically “Since most local governments have a their own requires than these be “not constitutions, and some have been practicing them inconsistent” with the RMI for many years, does the AG’s Office have any plans Constitution and national in the future to work with Ministry of Internal Affairs government laws. and the 24 local governments to review their constitu- “When the provisions of tions?” he asked. local government laws fail to He notes that all local constitutions went through a pass this test of consistency, review and approval process by the national govern- such provides — like the ment before they were actually implemented. residency provisions in their He recommends a local legislative review to avoid constitutions — are unlaw- these kinds of issues in the future, noting that the con- ful, invalid and void,” Brown stitutions “all have their own uniqueness.” said in his three-page legal opinion. The RMI election law qualifies a person to Brown criticized local government con- run for office in a local government jurisdic- stitutions for attempting to “de-emphasize tion if they are a registered voter. “If a person the supremacy of land rights over physical qualifies as a voter within a local government residency in the Republic.” area, and has been registered as such, that He points out that even a quick reading of person is eligible to contest an election within the Constitution reveals that the writers of the that local government area,” Brown said. “In Constitution did not attach great importance other words, a candidate’s qualification to to the issue of “residency.” However, “land contest election in a local government area is rights is accorded such a high pedestal that it solely dependent on whether he possesses the even defines whether you are a (biological) qualification to be a registered voter there and citizen or not,” he said. ahs actually been registered there to vote.” Land rights cannot be replaced in impor- Citing the Local Government Act, Brown tance by residency, he said. said it requires a person have either residence “Candidates who have land rights at such or land rights to vote or run. “The law does local government and are registered voters not require that the person should possess are eligible to contest elections whether or both residency and land rights — any one not they are resident in the local government of the two is sufficient,” he said. areas,” he concluded. 14 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal Dispute over Eru Alvin: ‘BOMI payments Patrick Korok and Netwa Korok suit political’ Iosia have filed suit against Charles deBrum and Secretary of Finance Al- Bank of Marshall Islands in mid-March, but thereafter signatures. This is when fred Alfred, Jr. saying a Kwajalein dri has filed suit against ALRO did not make monthly pay- Marshall Islands Service jerbal (commoner) payment should Associates and Speaker Al- ments, the bank’s suit says, Corporation was managing not be going to deBrum. vin Jacklick in what the acknowledging that the large ALRO under contract. The dispute centers on Eru Island Speaker calls a “politically payment did reduce the bal- “Because of my close in Kwajalein Atoll, and involves US motivated” case. ance and interest payments. relationship with people land rental payments of $63,679.35 Bank attorney David Strauss said the bank sent working at the bank, I de- in 2011. Patrick said the dri jerbal Strauss filed the case against ALRO a letter on Septem- cided not to file suit,” he title should be with him, but after Ebeye-based fuel company ber 21 proposing a means said. What the bank did to the death of his older sister Namiko, ALRO Associates, Jacklick, of solving the problem but ALRO three years ago is Charles, who is Namiko’s son, Johnny D. Lemari and Ben there was no reply. significantly worse than the claimed the title. J. Jacklick that says the Jacklick, however, said current loan default situ- Patrick and Netwa said they at- ALRO’s Chief Executive Officer company and its guarantors that he and his attorney Ger- ation. “ALRO and I have tempted unsuccessfully to resolve Alvin Jacklick, who is also owe $446,906.30 in a delin- ald Zackios had asked the violated a contract, not a the problem. They pointed out that Speaker of the Nitijela. quent loan. Jacklick is CEO bank to wait until the Nitijela law,” he said. “But the bank in 2009, Iroij Anjua Loeak confirmed of ALRO. session concluded at the end violated a law.” Patrick as the correct person for According to a Febru- of September “so we could Jacklick said he makes senior dri jerbal title on Eru Island. ary 2011 loan agreement, talk. But the bank decided to good on his debts. “I have ALRO and its three guar- file before we could talk and signed an agreement guar- antors agreed to repay a address how to proceed.” anteeing that I will pay,” $637,474.10 loan with Jacklick said in December Jacklick said. “My record of monthly payments of 2008, he had been urged to paying bad loans at BOMI $14,798 starting from March sue the bank after it with- is the best in the country. 31, the suit says. drew over $400,000 from I’ve paid over $100,000 ALRO made a $200,000 ALRO’s jet fuel account in people’s bad loans, so payment (equal to more than without his knowledge from there was no reason to file 13 of the monthly payments) an account that required two the suit.” But, he added, “with the election around the corner, I believe this is suit is po- Not enough staff litically motivated.” Jacklick said there are many people The lack of people power in the AG’s office is showing who want to destroy or take- in a drop off of criminal cases filed in the High Court. over the company, but he Through mid-October, 45 cases had been filed. But won’t let that happen. none were filed in October up to the 18th and only three Jacklick said that he is new cases were filed in September. working with a BOMI board From January to August, the AG’s office averaged member to draft a plan to nearly six new cases filed per month. clear the loan that will be put to the board soon. Mary sues AG, MOF, Nack family Mary Chen filed suit against the Attorney Canton Hotel in Majuro for many months General, Ministry of Finance, Jaybol Anni increasing what he owed to $29,751, the Nack and the beneficiaries of the estate of suit said. In 2008, she asked him to clear Zedkaia Nack for what she claims is a large his debts with her so she could pay for his unpaid debt. mother’s medical treatment costs of $25,000 The suit, filed October 7 by attorney in China. But she ended up lending him Gordon Benjamin, is attempting to col- more money, she said. lect money paid to a Kwajalein landowner In 2009, she said she engaged attorney family. Rosalie Konou to collect the debt. Nack The suit is asking the High Court to pre- told her Konou collected the October 2009 vent the distribution of quarterly payments quarterly payment of $43,000, but Chen said to Nack’s family. she again didn’t receive any money from In her suit, Chen said that prior to his Nack, Konou or BOMI. death in 2010, Zedkaia Nack gave her power She then turned to attorney and former of attorney to receive his January and April Vice Speaker Alik Alik to represent her, 2007 quarterly Kwajalein payments to pay and Alik got $5,000 from Konou for Chen, for her advancing money for him to travel the suit says. and stay in China for a nine month period Prior to Nack’s death in late 2010, he in 2006. But Chen said despite these agree- rented a room at Canton on credit and on ments, she didn’t get a penny from these his death, he owed $42,857. 2007 payments that instead were released Chen wants Finance to put the quarterly by Finance to Bank of Marshall Islands. payment, which now goes to Nack’s heir Although Nack made a payment to reduce Jaybol Anni Nack, into escrow until the his debt in 2007, he then stayed at Chen’s debt is repaid. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 15 Can Brown approve himself? A government contract for cur- Jefferson Barton signed. Under rent Acting Attorney General “employee,” Brown’s signature ap- RMI Chief Tubosoye Brown appears to have pears. This same signature also ap- Prosecutor Brown been signed by Brown both as the pears under the section, “Republic was hired into his “employee” and as the RMI gov- of the Marshall Islands, Approved current post in ernment’s AG office representative as to form” and over the title “At- late 2010 with a approving the contract. torney General” with the word The contract, provided anony- “Acting” handwritten in front of contract that he mously to the Journal this week, the typed “Attorney General.” The signed as employee was signed in late September last RMI contract hired Brown from and also approving year by various RMI officials. August 1, 2010 to July 30, 2012. the contract as to PSC Chairman Cent Langidrik form as the Acting and the two Commissioners, Ray- The signature section of Attorney General. nard Gideon and Lomes McKay, Tubosoye Brown’s contract. Justice Minister Brenson Wase, and then-Secretary of Finance Rita festival full of fun and solutions In recent memory, the RMI has Bank (ADB) in partnership with inhabitants and 23 wetos (land par- presentations from morning until According to a letter from the experienced destructive storm the Ministry of Finance and in cels) of the Djarrit district. Future late afternoon on waste, water, Majuro Mayor’s Office inviting surges, extended droughts, and collaboration with the Marshall festivals are also being planned aquaculture, agriculture, health, NGOs and government agencies record breaking tides that warn us Islands Conservation Society for Uliga, Delap, Rairok, Ajeltake, natural resource management, and to set up a booth and share infor- of the adverse impact the upward (MICS) has been working with the Laura, and Aeto districts. climate change. mation at the October 22 Festival, trend of global greenhouse gas Majuro Atoll Local Government to Activities this Saturday will in- One of the presentations will “Djarrit has a wealth of coral emissions will have on our island prepare a “Reimaanlok” (forward clude a “banner parade” in which highlight a climate change vul- reefs and other ecosystems, with economy, society, and environ- looking) community-based ap- schools, churches, and members nerability and adaptation design a variety of basic local foods, a ment. proach to climate adaptation. of the Djarrit community will methodology that the ADB piloted rich culture and a youthful popula- In response, a project of the Of- The launching of this initiative compete for “best banner” starting these past nine months in Djarrit, tion. Altogether, these conditions fice of Environmental Policy and will happen at the Rita Community at 7am, a three-mile “Race Around and which that could be used for may contribute to face climate Planning Coordination (OEPPC) Festival on October 22. The event Rita at 8:30am, an official opening other urban communities in the challenges and as such deserve funded by the Asian Development will target the approximately 7,000 Ceremony at 10am, and awareness Marshall Islands. protection.” 16 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal

The Rock Islands rock! Korean Air adds to 30 Palau flights a week Korean Airlines is set start regular flights Air to operate direct flight services between to Palau by December of this year. Korea and Palau by the end of this year. Oceania TV in a report last weekend said Korean Air currently provides charter KAL Director of International Air Transport flights to Palau twice a week. Division Wan Jung Kim told Palau Trans- Palau currently receives thirty flights per portation Minister Ngiraingas that the S. week from all airlines bringing in thousands Korean government has designated Korean of visitors. Islanders to be affected in cuts Hawaii state legislators last week held a public hearing into issues relating to medical coverage and other services for people from the freely associ- ated states. “I can understand that the state is trying to save $15 million dollars from the Department of Human Ser- vices budget annually through this new plan,” said Rep. John Mizuno (pictured) in com- ments prepared in advance of the forum. “Therefore we are looking to work with adminis- tration on all viable solutions to ensure life-saving dialysis and chemotherapy treatments Saipan has bigger while reasonably addressing costs cuts.” Hawaii officials point out dialysis center that if Marshallese and Micro- nesian patients are unable to A bigger hemodialysis center opened in Saipan at the receive care through their cur- main hospital last week, but CNMI government officials rent health providers they will hope that the island will see fewer kidney patients in ultimately end up flooding the coming years. emergency rooms at the hospi- A ribbon cutting affair, with US Department of the tals — and costs will skyrocket. Interior Assistant Secretary Tony Babauta on hand, Even then, capacity issues at was held at the Dr. Jose T. Villagomez Center of Public the hospitals may prevent them Health and Dialysis, reported the Marianas Variety. from receiving the life-saving The 11,000-square-foot facility has 27 dialysis stations care they need to survive. including two isolation stations with similar equipment. The average cost for dialysis The old facility, which was shut down last month, only patients is approximately $350 had 19 including one isolation station — and had to be per treatment. However, di- run on a 24-hour basis to meet the growing demand for alysis inpatients who enter dialysis. Last month, a Medicare team inspected the the healthcare system via the dialysis center in Saipan and gave its stamp of approval. emergency room will cost ap- The RMI Ministry of Health is considering opening proximately $10,000 for their a dialysis center at Majuro Hospital with three dialysis average stay of 12 days in units donated by the Republic of China. hospital. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 17

The “Jab Kinnak Lok Eo” dance group (above) was a crowd pleaser. Meanwhile (below), the guest of honor, baby Leimonita Liboken Hanerg and mama Lehua Milne are ‘birthdayed’ by Ajma Muller as Bubu Leroij Neimad Loeak looks on. At least a thousand people turned out Party tiMe (bottom), while many youth dance groups entertained the aT Bubu crowd. Photos: Giff Johnson. NeiMaD’s The event of the month hap- member boys dance team, “Jab pened Saturday out at Leroij Nei- Kinaak Lok Eo,” generally stole mad Loeak’s place in Rairok, with the show with its remix dance. But the celebration of her granddaugh- there were plenty of other active ter’s first birthday. The family real- and enjoyable dance groups who ly spruced up their area, including showed up. More than a thousand building a big concrete slab that people enjoyed the feast put on by served as a perfect dance floor the family. Leroij Neimad’s older for the many groups that stopped brother, Iroij Anjua Loeak, head- by to dazzle the crowd with their lined a cast of VIPs who joined performances. It turns out that in in. The birthday girl, Leimonita addition to being the around town Liboken Hanerg, wasn’t able to Q&A reporter, Selvenious Marvin make it to end of the event, which has some dancing talents. His six- wrapped up around 3am.

Sudoku

Last week’s answer 18 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal Fish = funds for the Marshall Islands Koo’s deal set Crew of 201 in to earn RMI the fish hold. New fines $1m in 2011 to protect The Marshall Islands is now earning revenue from a joint venture fishing operation with Koo’s Fishing Company. observers In 2010, the joint venture partnership that is managed The Nitijela’s recently passed fisheries by Marshall Islands Fishing Company netted the Marshall law increases fines against fishing compa- Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) nearly nies that abuse RMI observers, provides $800,000, and is expected to generate nearly a million dol- language to help RMI fish exports meet lars for 2011, said MIMRA Director Glen Joseph Friday. European Union market requirements, The 2010 Deloitte audit confirms that net earnings for and expands the enforcement authority MIMRA in 2010 were $794,427. of fisheries officials. “One joint venture vessel is worth license fees of about 25 The new law steps up fines against vessels,” Joseph said in emphasizing the benefit of the joint fishing vessels that obstruct observers to a venture with Koo’s. The Marshall Islands Fishing Company maximum of $250,000. Fisheries officials operates vessel RMI 201. “It proves we don’t need a lot of say interference against Marshall Islands vessels to generate a lot of revenue. Marine Resources Authority observers, “Revenue from the Koo’s joint venture, license fees and who are assigned to every purse seiner, days traded are all revenue streams that support MIMRA operations and go to the (RMI government’s) General “are becoming prevalent.” Fund,” he said. Fisheries revenue is listed as contributing Rush to buy days In an effort to meet EU regulations $2.5 million to the FY2012 national budget. against illegal and unreported fishing, the MIMRA invested $2.9 million in the joint venture in new law requires MIMRA to implement Fishing companies are scram- Manager Eugene Muller. 2005, giving it a 49 percent share in the RMI 201. By agree- a system requiring a “catch certificate” bling to buy fishing days as the He said his company is buying ment, MIMRA did not actually put up the money, but the that must go with all seafood that is “wild number set for 2011 is nearly ex- days from various PNA members investment was supported as a loan at three percent interest caught.” hausted — more than two months so that its vessels can continue from Koo’s that was paid off through revenues generated This is to fight illegal fishing and also before the end of the year. fishing. Both Koo’s and the Mar- from fishing. to comply with EU regulations for fish With the Parties to the Nauru shall Islands Fishing Company Marshall Islands Fishing Company is looking to add exported to Europe. Agreement (PNA) setting a firm that runs the Koo’s-MIMRA joint two more fishing vessels to the joint venture, said Joseph. The new law outlines wide-ranging limit on days at the start of 2011 venture Marshalls 201 fishing boat MIMRA is looking to expand the joint venture to include powers of MIMRA enforcement officers — and apparently holding firm on are domestic and come under a more than RMI, he said. to inspect processing plants, boats, and the “hard limit” — the competition so-called “FSM Arrangement” that “Nauru and Kiribati have expressed interest in the joint other fish facilities. But, demonstrating for fishing days is high. allows about 40 purse seiners with venture arrangement,” he said. “It’s something we’d like that fisheries officials have been reading Vessels that qualify as “domes- local ties in PNA member nations to see happen — to engage broader cooperation (among decisions rendered by the High Court tic” fishing boats have certain to fish throughout the PNA region. islands) in developing domestic fisheries.” regarding illegal searches, the law spells advantages over the distant water “Like other domestic vessels, The Forum Fisheries Agency has been enlisted to provide out that if there is adequate time to obtain fishing fleet, but even they are we can continue fishing, but at a advice on how a three or four party joint venture company a warrant, fisheries officers must obtain a struggling to keep their boats in higher price,” he added. could be set up, and Joseph is hopeful that by the end of the court-approved warrant first before enter- the water for the last two months “Everyone is trying to buy year, progress on getting additional partners into the joint ing any premises for a search. of the year. days.” venture operation will be made. “The amendment is to give effect to the “It’s a challenge, but we’re try- He said the company recently Joseph said the benefit to Koo’s of expanding its joint (High Court) judgment and to have sec- ing our best to survive through bought days from the Solomon venture operation is that it gives the Taiwan-based company tion 504 (of the new law) consistent with it,” said Koo’s Fishing Company Islands and Nauru. security and access to the fishery through its domestic links. the Constitution,” the bill summary said. PPF set to reopen soon The Pan Pacific Foods tuna factory in Majuro The plant employs about 400 Marshallese. was not very productive,” he said. FADs are has been closed for nearly a month for lack of PPF has three purse seiners that supply fish, used by purse seiners to attract schools of fish. fish. But the manager is hopeful that it will though one is currently in dry-dock for repairs. In relation to the new vessel day scheme that reopen in the next two weeks. As part of measures to reduce catch of tuna in is limiting the number of days that vessels can PPF Manager Don Xu (left) told the Journal the region, the Parties to the Nauru Agreement fish in the PNA nations’ waters, Xu said he that during the recently ended three-month ban (PNA) instituted an annual three-month ban on expects the PPF-affiliated purse seiners to be on use of fish aggregation devices (FADs), the the use of FADs from July to September. PNA okay through the end of 2011. three purse seiners that supply the Majuro fac- officials have indicated they are considering “Now we’re looking at buying fishing days tory did not do well. increasing the period to four or more months in for 2012,” he said, adding it is important for the However, “fishing is now picking up and we 2012. Xu said this was the first time that a lack Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority expect our boats to arrive in two weeks so we of tuna supply had led to closure of the factory to “make sure we have days for our boats — can resume production.” in Majuro. “During the FAD closure fishing MIMRA is working on this.” The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 1 9 20 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal communications today Not homesick: Have Facebook and Skype She now goes by the name of Lan May Yui, which translates as ‘blue plum bracelet,’ Luv ya but for her friends and family in the Marshall all! Please send some Islands she’s still their Meyo Langrine. Meyo, who arrived in Taiwan at the end of Coco tuna! Meyo August for college, tells us that she is now “comfortable” pronouncing the Mandarin the ache of homesickness. version of the alphabet. “Being in regular communication with my “I’m struggling with the writing, but friends and family back home makes being listening and speaking it (the language) is here very easy,” she said. “I’m very excited easier now,” she reports. about this experience, about seeing all these Traveling to Taiwan for her college educa- new things. The only thing I really miss is Photo by Suzanne tion is Meyo’s first trip out of the Marshall eating canned tuna.” Chutaro reporting live Islands but new technology and social media So there you have it mom, dad and fellow from the streets of Taipei. platforms such as Facebook and Skype are friends of Ms. Lan May Yui — get those helping her and fellow students overcome cans of Coco tuna packed and sent. CMI’s Tim Owens Excels in Microsoft College of the Marshall Islands instructor Tim Owens recently earned the highly regarded Micro- soft Office Specialist, Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Microsoft Office Word 2007 certifications. He is instructor in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Technology in the business department of the college. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is the cre- dential required by academia and business, recog- nized globally as the premier credential chosen by iCan take your iPhoto individuals seeking to validate their knowledge, skills and abilities relating to the Microsoft Office Nowadays, it’s pretty common to see Loeak’s place, several people used their systems. people whip out their iPads or tablets at communication tablets to take pictures of Microsoft certifications (based on globally rec- parties and other activities and start “snap- the birthday people. The photos went from ognized standards) demonstrate computing skills ping” away. tablet to Facebook in a matter of hours. and help advance career prospects in a competitive Last Saturday, out at Leroij Neimad Photo: Giff Johnson. job market. In addition, Owens has been approved to be a Mi- crosoft Certified Instructor. This is an international community that spans more than 150 countries and regions and includes classroom and e-learning instructors, learning consultants, authors, confer- ence presenters, and user group leaders. Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) are the premier technical and instructional experts on Microsoft technologies, CMI’s Tim Owens. and are the only individuals authorized to deliver training for Microsoft Certification. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 2 1 RMI ship in collision A freighter registered in the Marshall Islands was forced late last week to anchor in a Chinese port in Shandong Province under suspicion of colliding with a Chi- nese fishing boat. Four fishermen died and four more were injured in the collision, reported Global Times on its website. “Evidence we collected enabled us to make an initial conclusion that the freighter named Achillies is responsible for the accident,” Hao Guangliang, the press offi- cer at the Yantai Maritime Safety Administration, told the Global Times. The 225-meter-long (740- Women weave a foot) Achillies, heading to Austra- lia, was called back after traveling 90 kilometers from the scene. Tang Wenlong, a survivor on new future the fishing boat, said the giant The air was full of expectation as 10 young women ship ran into the fishing boat on arrived at the University of the South Pacific’s Marshall the night of October 9. Islands Campus on Monday to begin a six-month pro- gram as weavers’ apprentices. Professional instructors Patsy Hermon, Susan Kieta, Tanker and Ashken Binat quickly organized the girls to begin pounding the ‘mañ’ (prepared pandanus leaf) with a ‘dekein hijacked nin’ (wooden mallet). Within hours, after ripping the A Marshall Islands-flagged fuel mañ into thin strips, a number of tanker was hijacked off the coast them were starting to weave Above, apprentice Mona of Nigeria on October 8, but last jaki-ed, the traditional clothing Tatak pounds her mañ. Friday, the 20 Eastern European mats that have been made in the Above left, Banitha Jesse crew members were released along Marshalls for centuries. does the same. Left, expert with the vessel. The apprentices are being weaver Patsy Hermon The French news agency AFP provided with lunch and taxi (second from left) works reported this latest hijacking “amid fares so they can take part in with apprentices Robinee mounting concern at West African this wonderful program that will Trinidad, Satako Kiotak pirate attacks.” ensure that RMI’s skills live on and Aroklynn Anitok No details were immediately as well as provide the women at USP weavers’ house. available on the release of the crew with a way to the future. Photos: Karen Earnshaw or the tanker Cape Bird, including whether a ransom was paid or if the ship’s fuel cargo was stolen, AFP reported. None of the crew were injured in the hijacking of the tanker that was reportedly carrying Army fires long-timer 30,000 tons of fuel. The coast of Nigeria, Africa’s A Marshallese who has worked at Kwa- in 1986. A letter written for AAFES Area USAKA officials monitor the entry and exit largest oil producer, has long been jalein for 30 years was told he’d be fired by Manager Michael Whisler to Attari on Sep- times of workers. a dangerous place to sail, and the the Army and Air Force Exchange Service tember 15 said he was being terminated for Attari explained that he often attends to risk has spread in recent months to last month after officials charged that over a three specific incidents that he described as problems or issues at the Laundromat before the coast of the small neighboring 10-day period his timesheets did not match constituting “dishonesty.” going through the checkpoint, since if he went nation of Benin, said AFP. the hours indicated at the dock for his exit or Whisler claims that Attari admitted he gave through the checkpoint first, then he’d have to Benin’s coast has seen at least entry from Kwajalein. Marshallese employees credit for time worked go back out through the same checkpoint to 20 incidents this year compared to Joe Attari, a vending foreman who has even if they arrived late. In three instances, get to the Laundromat. He said on one of the none in 2010, and the surge in such worked for various contractors at Kwajalein from June 27 to July 7 this year, Whisler said days that the AAFES officials cited, he had attacks has raised alarm in the ship- continuously since 1981, has objected to Attari: to fix a broken washing machine before he ping industry. A large percentage of the attempt to fire him saying that he was • entered Kwajalein at 8:27am but his time entered the checkpoint, and “every day before vessels registered in the Marshall subjected to a threatening interrogation by sheet said he started at 7:30am. departing for Ebeye, I check the Laundromat Islands are fuel tankers — the ves- two AAFES officials who after he would • on two occasions, exited Kwajalein at to ensure cleanliness and to (see) standard is sels being targeted off the coast of answer a question would repeatedly accuse 4:28pm and 4:30pm on different days but maintained. north Africa for hijacking. AFP reports that the theft of him of lying about his handling of workers his time sheets showed he worked through “If not clean, I clean it myself, the reason the fuel tankers’ cargo tends to be he supervised. He said the two officials had 4:30pm. for scanning through Kwaj entry point slightly relatively sophisticated, with tank- a “guilty until prove innocent” attitude while Attari said that he absolutely did not admit early, but I am still working at the Laundro- ers often being directed to another interrogating him. to improperly crediting workers with time, mat. Then once complete, I depart for Ebeye.” pirate-controlled ship, where the Attari is one of a dwindling number of and did not do this. Whisler’s letter said that he intended to fuel is transferred and then taken “grandfathered” workers who are paid high Part of Attari’s job is to supervise the fire him for cause within seven days of Attari elsewhere for sale. wages because they were working at Kwa- Laundromat that is located outside of the receiving the letter on September 21. His ap- jalein prior to the start of the first Compact Kwajalein dock entry/exit checkpoint, where peal is pending. 22 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal Election fever hits RMI Journal 10/24/1972 For the Iroij seats in the up- P22 Budget business coming election, the following The Kwajalein Atoll Develop- P1 Election fever raging candidates are up for election: ment Authority spent the last again District one: Menassa Benjamin. few days meeting in Majuro to Local and Territory wide elec- District two: Rilong Tarkein and approve budget and priorities for tions are drawing to a head Joba Kabua. District three: Mai- planned Ebeye projects. High throughout the Trust Territory tol Watak and Neimata Naka- priorities are construction of new and the Marshalls District is not mura. District four: Albert Loeak. blocks of flush toilets, repair of without its share of interest and Journal 10/24/1986 the dock, new recreation facili- excitement. In the Congress ties and getting the power plant of Micronesia delegation from P1 IT’S OVER! It’s official: ‘on line’ by Christmas. Meeting the Marshalls, all office holders the Compact of Free Associa- were KADA administrative of- except Senate President Amata tion is now governing relations ficer Jeban Riklon, Mayor Alvin Kabua are up for re-election between the Marshall Islands Jacklick, executive committee on November 7. Congressman and the United States. There Chairman Justin deBrum, archi- Ataji Balos and Charles Dom- Anien and Tipne J. Philippo. were handshakes all around Tuesday to formally announce. tect Carlton Hawpe and board nick (from the 7th and 4th COM Running for seats in Nitijela and a few bottles of champagne In a televised speech, President member Fountain Inok. Earlier election districts, respectively) district one: Nathan Tartios, popped at the Cabinet October Amata Kabua hailed the end in the week, Jacklick handed are running unopposed. In Rev. Kanki Amlej, Carl Jelkan, 21 in celebration of the event of the nearly 40-year Trustee- over a KADA check for $3,000 the 6th COM election district, Alfred Capelle, Lucky Lokboj, which (RMI) leaders have antici- ship: “As of today, the Marshall to RMI national government Bilimon Amram is competing Larry Edwards, Manessse Emil pated for a week but waited until Islands is no longer part of the Ministry of Education official Lee against incumbent Ekpap Silk. and Isao Kisino. Nitijela district Trust Territory. The Marshall Melon for school renovations Another battle will be waged two: Artaji Andrew, Jesa Botla, Islands is no longer a Trustee- on Ebeye. between incumbent Rep. Henry Ruth Harris, Ajidrik Bien and ship of the United Nations. The Samuel and newly announced Toke Sawej. Nitijela district Marshall Islands has been rec- Journal 10/21/1994 candidate John R. Heine. Heine three: Juda Akarik, Sam Lanwi, ognized as a sovereign and self- P1 Nuclear Claims Fund had originally planned to enter Lee Silk, Elloma Jorkan (whose governing nation.” It has taken amazingly healthy the congressional race against running forced his son Edinal to 17 long years of negotiations, Nuclear claimants will re- Domnick but for some reason drop out), Ongra Hanerc, Alner and three years of waiting for ceive their largest checks in changed his mind and instead Leniae, Junior Nashion, Zakius the US to take action following three years when the Nuclear elected to seek the seat held by Jacklick, Lepty Leviticus, Albator Marshallese plebiscite approval Claims Tribunal begins making Samuel. In the senate race, Wil- Jamore, Rhine Brain and Morris in 1983 to gain implementation its annual compensation pay- fred Kendall, a former member Jally. Nitijela district four: Jally of the 15-year Compact. The ments Thursday in Majuro. The of the now defunct political party Bolkeim, Mike Kabua, Atjang celebrations were tempered Tribunal is paying 10 percent called “Young Bloods” is running Paul, Berson Joseph, Hermios somewhat by the revelation that of its award this year, a three against incumbent Isaac Lanwi. Kibin, Atlan Anien and Tipne Compact funds would not be percent jump over last year. A The local district elections are Philippo. Nitijela District seven: made retroactive to last year, as total of almost $3 million will be dominated by the race between Eddie Balance Lanidrik, Jeton promised by Ambassador Fred paid out to 718 people during incumbent congressmen Atlan Anjain and Jimmy Akeang. Zeder in early October. the next week. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 2 3 Burokram in komanman jerbal in kapeel Rumij ñan jikin jerbal. Kadõk im ilok ñan jikin jerbal. Kiki ilo jikin jerbal. Ire ibben rijerbal ro jet, im muri. Weween kein ijin ilõñ rej jet iaan weween ko rej lajarak wõt iumin “juon eo ej aikuij life skills ko ilo jikin jerbal” im rej jet ko rellap ilo jikin jerbal ko ilo Majuro. Kiõ ewõr juõn doulul jidikdik in rijerbal ro ilo Waan Aelõn in Majel (WAM) Program eo renaj jerbali weween kein ilo program eo ar na etan Em- ployer Assistance Program (EAP). Cece Kilma, juõn iaan counselor ro ilo WAM im ededelok an bõk katak iki- jieen jerbal in, enaj jino jer- bal ibben public ilo program in. Kio ej bojak in jino jerbal ibben jilu local companies ko ilo an kõmmane elõñ lelkan jiljino week courses ko. “Ka- jojo week inaj ilok ñan kajojo iaan company kein im kõm- mane jerbal in counseling ko ibben rijerbal ro aer,” ekkar ñan Kilma. “Renaj jet group ko redrik im kõmnaj kõnono kõn weween aer kõjerbal jeen ko aer, abañ ko ikijieen den in kadõk, im ko ikijieen aer rimuj ñan jikin jerbal. Cece Kilma jen WAM. Vocational Program Manager eo an WAM, Ken Taggart, ar jino jerbal ko imaan ilo an kar kabbok company ko rej itok limoier ilo program in. Program in eo ej itok jibañ ko ñane jen Substance Abuse Ronjake Prevention and Treatment program (SAPT) eo iumin US-funded Single State Agency eo. “Kajojo iaan company kein eokkoktak abañ Komaroñ roñjake melele kein an Cece ko rejelet rijerbal ro aer,” ekkar ñan Taggart. Kilma kajojo week ilo radio station eo an “Bõtap companies kein rej kwalok ke renaj WUTMI (FM105.2). aolep kõllã wõnen awa ko an rijerbal ro aer Ekkar ñan Kilma “program eo an elañe ak jabdewõt iien ko Kilma enaj jerbal ej juõn awa aetokan ilo aolep raan in ibber ilo awa in jerbal ko. Thursday 3pm.” Kajojo week kõmij Ilo an kwalok juõn iaan abañ ko rijerbal kwalok melele ko ikijieen life skill ilo ro rej jelmae, Kilma ej ba ke: “Elañe jenaj Majel in, koba al in kamõnõnõ ko, im kadõk jejamin mejinmour, weween in ej ko eierlokwõt. juõn problem. Jerbal in enaj bõk iien, im ejamin lõñ oktak iumin juõn wõt boñ bõtap kar kadiwõjlok jen CMI ilo kar May eo, ij tõmak bwe imaroñ jibañ kõmman oktak ar bar bõk juõn jiljino week course ejja ilo ilo mour ko aer.” CMI ikijien rãpeltan counseling, elikin ear Kilma ej bareinwõt jerbal ibben trainees bar bõk juõn jilu week certificate IV course ro kio im rej bed ilo jiljino allõñ Vocational ikijieen training im assessment. Jibañ ñane im Life Skill training eo ilo WAM. Iar in- kar course in ar itok jen Australian Pacific terviewed ibben kajojo trainees rein ke rar Technical College eo. jino ilo kar August eo im naj bar kõmmane “Ña iar baj kõnan wõt bwe in juõn bar juõn allen ilo likwõn lok program in counselor, laptata ke ijelã ke nañin aolepen im naj bar juõn ilo jõmlokin lok. Ekkar counselor ro ilo Majel in rej kõrã. Ikõnan ñan Kilma, “ke program in ar ijino, kõm ar jibañ rimanded ro ikijien abañ ko aer; kajeoñ jab jelã ia eo kõm bed ie ikijieen life skill kadiklok problem ko ikijieen den in kadõk; an trainees rain. Kõn men in kõm ar lelok abañ ko ikijieen an rimanded ro neji ak reja- juõn form bwe ren kanne ñan wõt lale ia in ñin bojak; bareinwõt eo ikijieen an rimanded rebed ie. iar kõmelelek er ke aolep melele ro anemkwõje mour ko aer.” Kilma ej ba. ko kõmij kõnono kaki rej ikõtaam wõttõm Meñe wûn in kõnono kein rej ko me Kilma mõj. Retõnkwadik.” ej jerbali ibben trainees ro ilo WAM, elañe Bwe Kilma en kar maroñ kabûjer jerbal enaj itok ñan EAP eo, enaj likkun bõk an in, ear kõmmane juõn ruo iiõ course ilo iien ilo mõjno eo ikijieen life skills ko im College eo an Marshall Islands. Elikin an rekõmman abañ ko ilo jikin jerbal. 24 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal RMI agencies lost $20M in ’10 A majority of state owned en- terprises and other agencies of the RMI government lost a combined $20.2 million in 2010, according PO is only small entity to make $ to the recently issued Deloitte audit of the RMI government for Marshall Islands Postal Service Authority the budgets of these 10 entities of the RMI • Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation, FY2010. stands alone among the 10 RMI government government, four managed positive balances, $9,895. After RMI government subsi- “non-major component units” as the only one while six still lost money. The following agencies had positive net dies, US federal and other grants to turn a profit based on its own revenue and The audit shows that the following lost income after grants and subsidies were fac- were received, the entities came expenses in 2010, said the recent Deloitte money: tored in: out with a $5 million surplus. audit of the RMI government for FY2010. • Marshall Islands Resort, $707,382 • Tobolar, $569,042 The audit showed that CMI, The PO netted a positive balance in 2010 of • AMI, $675,149 • Majuro Water and Sewer Company, MEC, NTA and the RMI Ports Au- $23,648. All nine others in the list had losses • Kwajalein Atoll Joint Utilities Resources $191,499 thority all had operating losses be- ranging from a low of $372,080 (MIVA) to a (KAJUR), $303,135 • RMI EPA, $45,669. fore receiving subsidies or grants. high of nearly $1.6 million (AMI). • Majuro Atoll Waste Company, $129,960 • Marshall Islands Postal Service Author- These losses amounted to: CMI After grants and subsidies were added to • MIVA, $55,724 ity, $26,971. $11.1 million, MEC $218,721, NTA $92,611 and Ports $1.9 mil- lion. After grants and subsidies were factored in all of these had positive balances, ranging from $56,196 (NTA) to $3.6 million (Ports). According to the audit, the RMI injected subsidies of $12.6 million into these so-called “component units” of government as well as “non-major component units.” Nearly half of this subsidy — about $6 million — went to the non-major component units, including Tobolar, Air Marshall Islands, KAJUR, Majuro Water and Sewer Company and others. The RMI capital building: According to the latest US, Taiwan and other grants accounted for $5 million Deloitte audit, the RMI provided subsidies of $12.6 going to component units, with CMI getting the most of million into “component units” of the government the grants at about $4.4 million. that lost large amounts of money in FY2010. Overall, the non-major component units lost $8 million before subsidies and grants, and even after these injections of money still lost $1 million, the audit said. Regional focus on renewable energy shows alternatives A “Project DIREKT”-supported renewable energy workshop held recently in the Marshall Islands was USP Majuro can save hailed as a success by participants from Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the RMI. big by conserving power The three-day workshop last month, organized jointly by Secretariat of A recently completed energy audit percent of its lights with energy the Pacific Community (SPC) North of the USP RMI Campus shows how saving LED lights, installed six REP, USP Marshall Islands Campus energy use could be reduced by 30 high-efficiency, low-energy air and Project DIREKT was held at the percent from its current value of conditioners and will install enough 73,000 kilowatt hours a year, bring- solar panels to meet 25 percent of its International Conference Center. ing about savings of $10,500. current energy requirements. The vast distances and the relative The audit also proposed energy Taken together, these actions are isolation of small island countries monitoring to further reduce the expected to substantially reduce such as Palau, FSM and RMI from electricity bill. Recently, USP Mar- energy costs as recommended in each other and the rest of the Pa- shall Islands Campus replaced 50 the audit. cific makes regular communication to these island states difficult. The workshop provided a rare energy to technical considerations of tional arrangements. A panel of energy opportunity for people working in renewable energy systems, from the specialists, academics, politicians and renewable energy in the North Pacific socio-economics of renewable energy representatives of the private sector region to get together and share a to policy frameworks, and to energy addressed questions from participants common learning experience. efficiency and conservation. relating to the development of the Minister for Resources and Devel- The event featured both practical energy sector in the Marshall Islands opment Mattlan Zackhras reminded and classroom type sessions, includ- and similar small island development the participants that energy remains an ing a display of a range of energy sav- states. Prevent issue of fundamental concern not just ing devices and appliances that were One local business in RMI is thriv- for the Marshall Islands but for the both affordable and readily-available, ing in selling energy efficient house- rest of the world and everyone should and a model demonstration of the hold electrical equipment with energy violence work together in putting into action working principles of a solar sys- star rating and minimum energy per- best practices for a “carbon-less” tem. Participants also got to hear the formance standards (MEPS). The re- future such as renewable energy and RMI plan for electrification of 1,500 cent legislation passed by the Nitijela against energy efficiency technologies while households with solar systems and on the exemption of duty on electrical addressing climate change issues. also covering the sustainability issues household appliances with energy star The scope of the workshop ranged pertaining to this activity in terms of rating and MEPS have contributed to women from basic awareness of renewable tariff, management and other institu- this success. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 2 5

okmãnãn in mejatoto...jenej etal nan ia? USA: You see! Son, you should try your very best!

Protect our islands BEFORE. RMI: Our boat is sinking. China: Throw him overboard because he’s left column. Trash Bin (thinking): Ahh... Kijen bwidej wot. too heavy. AFTER. Foreigners: Use him, then lose him. Right column. Trash Bin: You crazy! I don’t want plastic bottles.

Rijikuul: Jeiu, you’re not going to be a thief you’re whole life. Go to school Kajoor in jããn becuse education is the life. Rikoot: Jeiu, whatever! My motto is “Life is all Man 1: Why are you killing trees? Man 2: Why not, I am the boss. about stealing.” Man 3: That guy is only the boss of his chainsaw. 26 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal Ripoot in bonbon an MWSC Jorrean ikijien drelon in jaan ilo Majuro Water im kab Sewer Company eo nan fiscal year 2010, ekar Bonbon eo an LRA komman bwe en rumwij an kollaik eowoj ko an Kien Ri bonbon ro rekar kelaajrake “men ko ekoba ko an MISSA iloan jet reloi” ak (jorrean ko) ilo jerbal in bonbon ien ilo iio eo, ekkar nan an eo an FY2008 nae Land Registration ripoot in bonbon eo kwalok. Authority eo, eo im jilu iaan jorrean kein, Bonbon eo an Deloitte, rekar ba bwe rej “menin mojno ko” ak ekoba ilo ripoot eo an RMI (jorrean ellap). Auditor General eo, lok Jilu iaan jorrean ko emen rekar loi, nan Nitijela ilo kar allon eo raar kwalok bwe ilo bonbon ko an iio ko lok, ej kwalok bwe MWSC moktalok, rekar jab komman kajimwe ear wor wot ruo “men raar MWSC General ilowaer. Im kakobaba, ilo an enanin loi” (jorrean) im bwe ekar Manager Hirobo aolepen ra ko woj tobare bonbon ko an ejjelok an “menin mojno” Obeketang. FY2010, ra eo an LRA ekar rumwij ruo (jorrean ellap), ilo financial iio, einwot ke FY2008 ej kab drelon accounting system eo an. iloan ripoot eo an 2011 an RMI Auditor LRA Ruo iaan men ko reloi rej General lok nan ippen Nitijela ilo kar Registrar ikijien an rumwij aer kol- kollaiki lok Finance, im jet an rumwij an drelon jaan.” allon eo lok. Helkena laiki eowoj ko an ri jerbal ro iaan eowoj ko nan 2005 im Ekar kakobaba bwe ej jer- Ilo juon leta ear komman ilo March Anni. lok nan Ministry of Finance, kab 2006, rej kar ejerwawa bale wot an kajjeon kollaiki 24, 2011, lok nan LRA Registrar eo, ekoba ko nan retirement wot im janin kolla. Bonbon muri im likjab ko an. Helkena Anni, Auditor General Junior im kab health fund eo nan eo ear ba bwe jorrean in Jet kolla nan MISSA rekar Patrick, ekar komman kajjitok ko ikijien MISSA. rekar bar kwaloke ilo bon- bed ikotaan 16 nan 79 raan kilen an LRA eo jobjob jaan. “Jaan rej ware, ekoba ien kaminene ikijien kilen Ripoot in ekar loe bwe bon ko jen 2005 maantak rumwij, ilo raan in kolla nan boke ilo aer jab komman cash receipt kejerbale bareinwot. “Aer jab loor kakien juon iaan kotaan ko im nan 2009. 2009 im kab 2010, bonbon ko,” lein ear ba. “Kimij rejan bwe ren in wia mweiuk ko an (RMI), rekar ripoote ekitbuuj emen wiik ko iloan, MWSC ear ba bwe kolla eo ekar ba. “Karok im jekjek komman cash receipt ko nan aolep cash bwe ej juon iaan kar jorrean ko an ejja ekar rumwij emen raan, nan ko rerumwij “rej itok jen ko emoj karoki kio, ej bwe ko rej boki jen armij.” ra in wot jen 2005 eo maantak nan 2007 ren lukkun in komman im Lein ear bareinwot kwalok bwe LRA eo,” bonbon in ear ba. lorlorjake, bwe clerk eo an ejjab komman jortoklik in ak back up “Kim naaj loore wot kakien in wia payroll en kadreloni im kab record ko nan record ko aer ilo computer mweiuk ko an RMI, im rejan ko barein- kollaiki eowoj ko an MISSA ko. “Kimar loe bwe accounting system wot jen ippen ri bonbon,” LRA Manage- ilo tore ko rekkar,” MWSC eo aer, ear kokkaal im oktak elkin an kar ment ear ba ilo naan in uwaak eo an. ear ba ilo uwaak eo an nan etal financial statement ko nan bonbon,” Bonbon eo ekar bareinwot kwalok bwe bonbon in. Patrick ear ba. “Ijoke, financial statement minut in kwelok ko an board eo rejako Bonbon eo ej kabine bwe ko rekar update ak kokkaali, einwot ke nan ruo iaan kuwata ko an 2008, im MWSC ekar jerbal ilo an melele ko iloan book ko ilo accounting menin ej kwalok bwe jabdrewot karok luuj jaan ilo 2009 im kab system eo rekar bod im juloki jen iloan ko komman jen board eo remaron jab 2010. Ilo 2009, company in system eo. Innem ekar ejjelok back up loori, kinke ewalok ke rejjab kejebaroki ekar luuji jonan in $383,464. rekar maron loi ilo tore in bonbon, in- minit in kwelok ko ippaer nan jerbal ko Innem jonan in ekar drik- nem record ko rekar aikuij in bar jinoe aer. Jorrean in ekar bareinwot walok im lok jidrik nan $349,896 jen jinoin, ilo aer kar kejerbale juon raar jab kajimweiki jen kar 2007 maantak ilo 2010. Ekar loe jiban consultant im ilo aer kar kejerbale Ex- nan rainin. ko jen Kien eo an RMI kin cel program eo, ijelokin aer kejerbale “ Karok eo im jekjek eo bwe ren keje- $346,928 im kab $318,099 accounting system eo aer im LRA ekar baroki wot minit in kwelok ko an board nan 2009 im kab 2010. kollaik $2000 tala nane im juon bar con- eo, ej bwe rej aikuij in scani minit ko nan Bonbon eo ekar barein- sultant en kar aikuij lorlorjake jen ien nan PDF form, innem karoki ippen dron iloan wot ba: ien.” Lein ekar rejan LRA bwe en ejaak juon folder im keboji nan fiscal year eo • Juon muri laplap remuri jet kain karok ko bwe ren komman ien aer im ej iten bonbon,” LRA management lok nan MWSC, jen ippen etale lowan book ko aer jen ien nan ien. eo ekar ba. customer ro an. Bonbon eo Bonbon eo ekar kwalok bwe elon lok Bonbon eo ej kwalok bwe ilo 2007, ear ba bwe ewor jonan in 1.6 jen jimettan in ak (22) iaan wia ko 39 LRA ekar ripoote jonan drelon eo kin million, ikijien jonan muri uwaer, im rekar etali, ear ejjelok pepa in $48,237 im jonan in ekar driklok nan nan er, im jonan in emaron kamol ko ikijieer nan kwalok ke rej loore $33,548 ilo 2008 eo. Jonan jaan ko ekar bin an bar loe, innem ri kakien eo an RMI ikijien wia mweiuk ko. kejerbali raar kin $34,224 ilo 2008, in- bonbon ro rekar rejan bwe Jonan drettan eo im ekitbuuj jerbal in wia nem komman bwe en elle lok jidrik aer “en ejaak juon management ko 22 uwaer, ekar bed ilon in $15,000 im kejerbal jaan, jen jonan kar bajot eo aer system nan kokmanmanelok edrelon jonan kein jino jen edriktata $168 nan 2008, botaap kinke ekar wor aer bwe jerbal in aini muri ko aer.” nan jerbal in kokkaal im kejebarok, nan jen iio ko lok imaan, innem ej alikkar • Bwe mene ewor an jonan in ilon tata kin $2000, nan wiaiki ke ekar kejemloke 2008 eo kin jonan in MWSC karok bwe ren tum- im kollaik wonen juon computer soft- $87,105 jonan bwe eo ippen. tum customer ro aer im rejjab kolla, elane muri ko rebed ilon in $150 im relle lok jen 60 raan jonan rum- wij, “karok in rejjab kanuij in lorlorjake an jerbal, ein- wot ke jet iaan customer ro aer…rej wonmanlok wot im etal dren nan er mene rejjab kolla im loor karok jab in,” bonbon eo ear ba. “Wawein in rekar bar kenono kake ilo leta ko lok nan ippen manija ro, ilo bonbon ko raar kom- man ilo iio ko 2007 maantak nan 2009 eo.” The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 2 7 Ronnie sails into first! KAREN EARNSHAW President’s Cup were: Marshalls Billfish Club Tournament • XXXX, skippered by Ben Reimers, Director Rudy Aliven doesn’t waste tagged and released a marlin for 250 words: An opening line on his report points on last weekend’s Budweiser-sponsored • Libwinni, skippered by Mack Ca- Reef Runner tournament stated: “Where pelle, brought in a 226-pound Pacific have the fishes gone to?” blue marlin That said, there were at least a few • Celinda, skippered by Bwiji Aliven, beasts of the deep to weigh in at the weighed in a 40-pound yellowfin tuna. Marshall Islands Resort’s dock on Sat- Patumahoe, skippered by Kyle urday afternoon. Seven boats registered Aliven, didn’t get points, but they had in the competition, which was held in food for the dinner table in the shape calm waters under sunny skies. of two no-qualifying wahoo, while “Congratulations to Captain Ronnie True Blue, captained by Todd Newman and Team Kirtake on their win!” wrote reported a yellow grouper and a good- Aliven, with the champion fisherman sized red snapper. bringing home two sailfish (52 pounds The club’s next event will be a Big- and 63 pounds = 115 pounds). gest Qualifying Billfish Team Marah, captained by Wally tournament (with a minimum qualify- Milne, came second with two barracuda ing weight of 200 pounds) on November (25 pounds and 37 pounds = 62 pounds). 12, with the weigh-in to be held at the Earning points towards the ongoing RRE Shoreline dock. Above, Team Kirtake shows off their two qualifying Bwiji’s boat is EPIRB-safe sailfish and a tasty, The Royal Australian Navy’s Lieutenant sportsmanship, Bwiji Aliven. With the but unqualifying, Commander George McKenzie was on the EPIRB on board, if his boat Celinda has wahoo. Pictured are Marshall Islands Resort dock to present a an emergency, its location will easily be Cary Evarts, Will high quality EPIRB (Emergency Position known by the US Coast Guard, who will Lathrop, Cap’n Indicating Radio Beacon) to this year’s immediately pass this information on to lo- Ronnie Reimers winner of the Atjang Paul trophy for good cal authorities, including Sea Patrol. and Cu Hui. Right, Atjang Paul trophy winner Bwiji Aliven is presented with an EPIRB by Lieutenant Commander George McKenzie. Above right, Team Marah’s crew Edgar Leban and Alson Kelen. Tennis results Ten teams competed in last weekend’s Deloitte-sponsored Chicken Run tennis tournament at Long Islnad Hotel. Colin Allen picked up his fifth win by teaming with George Hitchfield, who is a first time winner of the quarter legs. They defeated Wilbur Allen and Telbwij Jajo. Francis Heine and Josh Fuder took third place. 28 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal Canadian college offers scholarship

One lucky Marshallese student could • A student of any high school in the RMI receive a full scholarship to the Lester B. in second or third year (sophomore/junior) Pearson United World College in Vancou- at the time of application ver Island, Canada. • No more than 19 years of age when In 2011-12, a selection committee in the enrolling at UWC (September 2012) Marshall Islands will select one student for • GPA for the last transcript no less than a 100 percent scholarship. 3.0. The scholarship covers tuition, accom- Tamara Greenstone, the Director of modation, food, books, and in special Continuing and Community Education at circumstances may cover the cost of the the University of the South Pacific Majuro airfare to and from Canada. campus, is handling applications for the To be eligible, applicants must be: Canadian scholarship and can provide • A citizen of the Marshall Islands with details on application requirements and permanent residency here deadlines.

Sports gear for Likiep Atoll The first donation from the Guam-based Ayuda Foundation arrived in the form of sporting equipment earlier this month, with textbooks and supplies to follow. Nitijela candidate Chris deBrum is organizing delivery of the first donation to Likiep later this week. DeBrum said he aims to get the next donation to Likiep Elementary later this month. Triple B Guam donated space for the cargo, while other Guam based groups that helped were Pacific Islands Movers, Xerox and JFK.

Materials for Maloelap Atoll Maloelap Mayor Hemely Benjamin supervised the loading of a shipment of equipment and supplies for homes on Maloelap Atoll. The shipment of building materials, toilets and other items was loaded on the Captain Peter at Delap Dock on Friday. Photo: Darren Lanki. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 2 9

Tastes While the Journal’s reporter was heading back to great, base after taking pictures of the burning of the 2007 more ballots at Alwal, he was halted due to a mouth-watery smell of something filling tasty. Upon further investigation he discovered a mid- sized deliciously looking pork filled with veggies being roasted by MISSA ej #1 Shem Horiuchi, Gary Zackious, Mullahusayan Silk and Frank Horiuchi. The Journal confirmed that it ilo bonbon eo was a ‘great’ taste. Bonbon eo an Photo: Isaac Marty 2010 nan Marshall Islands Social Secu- Ripoot eo ekwalok rity Administration eo ej kwalok kin bar juon waan jonak kin jorrean ilo fund eo jonan emman ak A+ Nan fiscal year 2010, bon- “Jabwe kein rej kamole ilo jonan jerbal ko bon ko an MISSA rej kabine actuarial ripoot eo ekaal tata aer rej kommani jen an kauwatata lok wot jekjek an Administrator eo, eo im ej raan nan raan. in jonan retirement fund eo, kwalok bwe jonan naaj toin ien Bonbon eo an ilo kalimjeke lok iloan iio kein mour eo an Administration eo Deloitte ear ba bwe maanlok. ejamin aetoklok jen 10 jima iio MISSA ekar “ejjelok Bonbon eo ej kwalok bwe ko jen kio, elane enaaj ejjelok ien en rejjab loor ilo 2009 im kab 2010 eo, jonan oktak en rej lorlorjaki im kom- kakien, ak jekjek ewoj ko drelon rekar driklok mani lok nan social security ko jet” im menin ej jen kar 2008 eo, nae an jonan system ne kio,” MISSA ear ba aikuij in walok ilo kolla ko jab bojrak aer lonlok ilo FY2010 audit ripoot eo an. ripoot ko. wot. Lale lok ijoke, ej lap an Ikijien “jonan ke- Ilo 2008, jonan eowoj eo ebbok jaan jene, MISSA ear jebarok ilowa” im ej- drelon ear kin $13.5 million, kwalok ilo ripoot eo bwe: elet jaan ko, MISSA ekar laplok jidrik im bwe nan “Kien eo an RMI ej wonman- ejjelok an jorrean. na wonen $12.5 million eo lok wot im jikin eo ej make “Kimar jab maron kollaiki nan wonen retiree ro. wot laptata ijo kunan, nan loe jabdrewot kain Botaap ej kar iio eo eliktata in lelok jaan iloan iio ko woj rej im MISSA ear wor an bwe ie. jemlok lok, koba ippen Majuro jabwe en ewalok iki- Ilo 2009, jonan eowoj ekar Atoll Local Government eo, jien jonan kejebarok driklok nan $12.6 million, eo im ekar kollaiki jonan in ilowa, ko im kim nae an wonen kolla ko kar $3.4 million jen kar January maron watoki menin kelonlokwot nan $13.6 mil- 2008 eo maantak. Kwajalein mojno ko,” bonbon lion, innem jekjek in ekar Atoll Local Government eo in ear ba. jujen wot kibel MISSA bwe ekar bareinwot kwalok kin Deloitte ear bare- en jino an kar omom jaan, jen konan eo an, nan kadrikdrik inwot ba bwe ekar iloan jaan ko an ilikin, nan an lok jonan muri ko an lok nan bar “ejjelok jorrean na wonen jonan kolla kein ej ippen MISSA, ilo ien eo ekar en rejanin kajimwe, kommani. Iio eo lok, eowoj ko erra nan jaini 60 bojjan jen 40 jen kar bonbon ko rekar kelonlok jidrik nan $13.1 bojjan in eowoj eo, kin jilu bo- imaan lok ikijien million, botaap wonen kolla ko jjan nan Immovable Property MISSA.” rekar bar wonmanlok wot im Tax ilo Kwajalein. Ruo iaan Jen kar jino in lok kelonlok, im tobare ilontata ej jikin jerbal ko rellap tata rekar 2000 jima ko maan- $14.5 million – bar juon alen, bareinwot emman aer kolla tak, management eo jekjek in ekomman bwe ren wot jonan eowoj ko aer kajojo an MISSA elak kar bar omom jaan jen iloan jaan ilo aolep kuwata otemjej, koba baj kok kwalok wot ko ilikin nan na wonen kolla ippen an kajur jonan jerbal in bonbon ko rerreo, ko rej aikuij kommani. kamuriri ko aer im loear eo aer im ej ra eo dreo an Iloan 2008 im 2010, man- ej kommani, im bwe muri ko agement eo an MISSA rekar rej ejerwawa wot renaaj won- Kien eo an RMI im kadrikdrik lok jonan wonen manlok wot im kadrelon imaan ekanuij in emman ko rej kejerbali jen $1 million jikin ekajet nae jikin jerbal ko lokan jerbal ko an nan $885,000 wot. im rej muri wot ippaer.” maantak rainin. 30 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal Tide Chart

Date Time Ft. 20 3:01 am...... 1.1 Thursday 9:02...... 2.4 2:38 pm...... 1.4 9:44...... 3.2

21 5:05 am...... 1.1 25 2:34 am...... 4.5 Friday 11:31 ...... 2.6 Tuesday 6:44 ...... -0.6 5:08 pm...... 1.4 12:31 pm...... 5.0 11:42 ...... 3.4 7:04...... -0.6

22 6:31 am...... 0.7 26 3:16 am...... 4.7 Saturday 12:52 pm ...... 3.1 Wednesday 9:21 ...... -0.8 6:42...... 1.0 3:38 pm...... 5.4 9:53...... -0.9

23 12:57 am...... 3.8 27 3:56 am...... 4.7 Sunday 7:24 ...... 0.2 Thursday 9:57...... -0.9 1:40 pm...... 3.8 4:15 pm...... 5.6 7:41 ...... 0.4 10:34...... -1.0

24 1:49 am...... 4.2 28 4:36 am...... 4.6 Monday 8:05 ...... -0.2 Friday 10:33 ...... -0.8 2:21 pm...... 4.4 4:53 pm...... 5.5 8:28...... -0.2 11:15 ...... -0.9

Jibañ kabõjrak riab, jerbal in koot, im kejerbal maron ilo jab jimwe im jejjet ilo Kien eo ad – HOTLINE 625-1155 – The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­ Friday, October 21, 2011 31 National trust fund USP ekadriklok an review set for Nov 29 The next US-RMI quarterly review the annual progress meeting to review the RMI report on the fund, which jolok $ nan jarom government’s national trust has seen significant ups and fund is tentatively scheduled downs this year with the vola- Juon kar jerbal in etale ikijien jarom ak Raan ko kio, USP Marshall Islands Cam- for November 29. tile US stock market produc- energy ilo USP RMI Campus, ej kwalok bwe pus eo ekar kejerbal enanin 50 bojjan in RMI officials expect to ing erratic results. jonan aer kejerbal jarom emaron in driklok toma ko an kain toma ko rej LED, innem kin 30 bojjan, jen jonan aurok ne kio, kin kolake jiljino air condition ko im rej drik 73,000 kilowatt awa juon iio, elane enaaj aer kejerbal jarom, im kolake jet solar panel kejerbal jarom ilo jet bar wawein, im ne ko nan kajjeon kotobrake 25 bojjan in jonan enaaj eindrein, renaaj maron in kejebaroke jarom ko rej aikuiji ilo kajojo raan otemjej. jonan in $10,500 ilo juon iio. Innem koba in aolepen men kein aolep, Etale eo ear bareinwot elmakwot bwe rej kotmene bwe renaaj kanuij in kadrik- ren etale wot jonan jarom eo ej jerbal nan driklok jonan jaan eo rej kollaiki ikijien kajjeon kadrikdrik lon jonan jaan rej kollaiki wonen jarom, ekkar nan jerbal in etale eo ikijien wonen jarom. raar kommane. 32 Friday, October 21, 2011 — The Marshall Islands Journal

THAT 10 years ago we had Steve Jobs, small patch of grass with a pair of scissory Bob Hope and Johnny Cash ... now we have THAT Martha (“See,” she said, “no fuel!”)? Stewart’s no jobs, no hope and no cash? THAT the entire population of the US daughter Alexis THAT Bank of America’s stock dropped is swarming with support for dark-horse has just released 3.5 percent after it recently announced candidate Herman Cain, a businessman a book titled it would begin charging customers $5 a running for the presidency on a campaign Whateverland: month for debit card use? platform of 27: “Nine, Nine, Nine,” says Learning to Live THAT there is apparently a major uptick Herman as he espouses a tax simplifica- Here, which in people reading so-called ‘hard copy’ tion agenda? includes the newspapers among sophisticated (read, THAT the service offered in Majuro statement ‘I grew college educated) news junkies who claim restaurants is so often world class ... such up with a glue digitalized forms of news lack soul and are Martha gun pointed at my as in the case of Tide Table’s Dolly, a creation of Satan? Stewart head’? who called one of the Journal’s staffers THAT one ener- to tell her she’d left getic college pro- her sunglasses behind fessor is capable of and would she like to bollixing up a capital ARE YOU AWARE? come and get them? improvement project to the ing major cosmetic surgery may remember the famous THAT next time you wave, point where dozens of out- at its international airport in Ebeye Voice, which sold for a the publisher has asked that you of-work construction workers preparation for up to 20,000 nickel and entertained beyond use all your fingers? have so much time they read visitors during November’s any normal reader’s sense of THAT an analysis of indi- voraciously, get educated, and APEX meeting? decency? vidual’s running for political then replace the energetic pro- THAT Majuro’s new news- THAT on the way to work posts this coming General fessor’s complaints with ideas paper, The Island Voice is not Wednesday, this scribe passed Election is so dominated by and action that develop the exactly the first time RMI has two lovely sights in Uliga: 1. women, both as candiates and economy and help pay salaries had a such-named publication A healthy urban garden sprout- electors, that some of the male of energetic professors? for back in the TT days, some ing all sorts of vegetables and contenders are literally “shak- THAT Honolulu is undergo- old flatulence generators here herbs; 2. A likatu trimming a ing in their zories”?