Ballot numbers drawn for the 2015 election

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Marshall Islands

Friday, November 28, 2014 • Volume 45, Number 48

Yacht hits the reef

The yacht Ocean Echo grounded on the reef at Enemakij Island. A yacht ran aground near Majuro’s pass in the early morning hours before sunrise Monday and is considered a total loss. The Ocean Echo, which reportedly was waiting for daylight to enter the pass, hit the reef at Enemakij Island, which is near the pass at Kalalen. The vessel’s autopilot is said to have failed and the captain, who was manning the yacht singlehandedly, apparently fell asleep.

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The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014 Majuro

The captain alerted local officials to the grounding, and Lomor and local yachts responded to the emergency to provide assistance. However, it became quickly apparent that the yacht was seriously damaged and could not be safely refloated off the reef. The same day of the grounding, the Canadian captain turned the vessel over to local landowners and gave items from the vessel to local residents and others who helped him that morning.

Enemakij owner Liene Rantak issued a public announcement Wednesday on V7AB advising everyone to stay away from the yacht. “I’ve also lodged a formal complaint with the national and local police for investigation and retrieval of items that were taken off the boat without knowledge and authorization from my family,” Yolanda LodgeNed, who is an assistant attorney general, told the Journal.

Ballot numbers drawn for the 2015 election The big event of the week was the so-called kubwe in kijidrik (drawing of lots) for candidates’ ballot numbers for the November 2015 national election. Hundreds of people filled the ICC Tuesday for the event run by the RMI Electoral Administration. The official list of candidates for council, mayor and senator for next year’s election was expected to be released by Electoral later this week. Candidates for the different offices for each atoll or island — or their representatives — trooped up to the table where Chief Electoral Officer Robson Almen and Electoral staff were sitting to pick a number from a container on the table. The drawing is to position the candidates’ names on the ballots that will be printed at a later date.

Mail held at airport Outbound mail to the United States was not allowed to leave Majuro late last week when a scanner used to check packages broke down. The problem was resolved Monday when United Airlines fixed its scanner. But the issue of who is responsible for scanning mail — the RMI government or the airline — in light of the security screening rule being a regulation imposed by the RMI Directorate of Civil Aviation remains

Businesses concerned by situation an outstanding question. A United official confirmed that all packages went out Monday and as of Wednesday this week, there was no mail backlogged in Majuro. The DCA’s policy requiring x-ray scanning of all mail over one-pound went into effect in December 2012 as a response to

an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit of the RMI, which identified mail security issues. “ICAO audit on February 2012 listed RMI with significant security concern (SSeC) regarding mail flying out without proper security measures,” DCA Inspector Alice John told the Journal

this week. “The DCA worked together with US Embassy, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Post Office to resolve the issue.” This resulted in TSA giving a directive to United to screen mail, by using explosive trace detection (ETD) equipment, in June 2012. The Marshall Islands DCA direc-

tive followed in December of the same year. DCA then submitted proof to show that security measures were implemented so ICAO would clear RMI from the SSeC audit finding. But then in August this year, TSA told United that it did not need to continue screening mail. But, said John, United must still comply with the RMI DCA regulations. Continued page 2

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Legal Services to reopen Ebeye office The Micronesian Legal Services Corp (MLSC) will reopen its office in Ebeye next month. The Ebeye office was closed since last year. Now leased documents have been finalized and MLSC is gearing up to bring the Ebeye office back into operation. According to MLSC supervising attorney William Fife, III, the office is expected to be open for service to the public starting on December 8. The office is located next to the Ebeye courthouse and will be open during normal work hours Monday to Friday. It will be staffed by MLSC Ebeye Office’s Roseann Muller, who was sworn-in to the RMI Bar as a trial assistant last week. Fife, who is based in Majuro, will be available to work with clients either through video teleconferencing or in person during Ebeye court sessions. “Our motto is ‘Strengthening Communities through Advocacy,’ and we do this in three ways,” Fife said. “Direct legal services, collaboration, and community outreach and education. Our legal services are for those who are financially eligible, meaning low- to no-income individuals or groups. We seek to collaborate with and provide community outreach and education to those that cannot afford legal representation.” This is to provide equal access to justice for all sectors of the population, he said.

Trial assistant Roseann Muller, above left and inset right, was sworn in to the RMI Bar as a trial assistant last week. She will work at the reopened Ebeye MLSC office.

The poorest of the poor Marshall Islanders have the highest level of people living below the poverty line in the United States, according to a newly issued report on Pacific islanders living in the US. “A Community of Contrasts: Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the US 2014” provides detailed information on various Pacific islanders living in the US and its jurisdictions. The report compares the status of different groups of Pacific islanders in six categories. Marshallese in the US scored lowest in average income when compared to Tongans, Palauans, Samoans, Gua-

manians or Chamorros, Native Hawaiians, and Fijians. The average annual per capita income for Marshallese was $7,097, according to the report. This compares to Tongans who were next at $11,892 and Fijians who were at the top with $21,621. In the “poverty rate” listing, Marshallese were at the top with 49 percent. Tongans were next at 19 percent, followed by Palauans (18 percent) and Samoans (16 percent). Seventy three percent of Marshallese were in the low-income bracket, with Tongans next at 47 percent. Chuukese had the lowest percent-

age of home owners at nine percent. Marshallese were next at 10 percent. Palauans were in the middle at 27 percent owning homes. Marshallese had the biggest household size at an average of 5.7 people per house. Next came Chuukese at 5.5. Others listed included Pohnpeians (4.5), Yapese (3.5) and Palauans (3.3) Overall, Fijians came out the best in four of the six categories: top in per capita income, lowest percentage of people in poverty, fewest people at low-income levels, and most (55 percent) people owning homes.

MBA course gets thumbs up from association Senior staff and alumni of the University of the South Pacific (USP) gathered at the Laucala Campus on November 17 to celebrate the accreditation of USP’s Master of Business Administration program by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). Head of USP’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) Professor Raghuvar Pathak said the university was delighted that AMBA President Sir Paul Judge (pictured) had come from London to join in the celebration of USP’s AMBA accreditation. “I met Sir Paul at the International AMBA conference in April this year and took the opportunity of inviting him to our GSB. I am so pleased he has honored us by his visit to our Laucala campus,” he said. “As many of you now know, Association of MBAs delivers a world class accreditation service focusing on the quality assurance of postgraduate management programs at the top-tier business schools around the world.” He said AMBA accreditation will help GSB to further improve its international visibility and to position it to a global business school. “AMBA gives you a worldwide reach,” said Sir Paul. “We now have 222 business schools accredited in over 70 countries and like many things, the density of business schools in Asia Pacific has increased. “Twenty years ago there were no accredited business schools in Asia-Pacific. Now out of the 222, over 40 of them are from this region and the fact that you are one of those is really important,” he added.

Mail sent out after United fixes scanning gear From page 1 Majuro Postmaster Aaron Lang said the PO is “working with the DCA to try to sort this out.” Because, as was discussed at this week’s Chamber of Commerce meeting, if United’s scanning equipment breaks down, mail will be held up again. Lang said the US Postal Service and TSA have no issue about mail from the RMI as the accepted practice by both US agencies is that the RMI Postal Service Authority provides a “chain of custody” letter to verify that no one other than authorized postal staff handled the mail before it was put on the plane. At the Chamber meeting at Sandy’s Restaurant Wednesday, RMI Postal Authority board member James McLean said United has “kindly provided the scanner.” He pointed out that the issue of responsibility for a mail scanner is something that has been under debate for a year. “The Post Office cannot do it financially,” he said of the cost to buy, maintain and purchase spare parts for the equipment.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

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Ingram says no to Huang The High Court rejected an attempt by a Marshallese citizen to change his name, saying a name change would help him cover up his criminal convictions. Huang Peishu’s petition to the High Court for a name change from Huang Peishu to Huang Aubrey was rejected by Chief Justice Carl Ingram earlier this month. Huang said he has used Aubrey since arriving in the Marshall Islands and he had found it easier for non-Chinese speakers to use this name rather than his Chinese first name. Ingram said, however, that Huang’s petition did not follow the requirements of name-change petitions. He did not include his birth certificate number, no address of his parents was listed, he did not provide a verified list of criminal convictions, and did not sign the petition. “More important, the requested change of name would aid in covering up Mr. Huang’s criminal convictions, which convictions are, among

other things, an impediment to Mr. Huang’s travel to the United States,” said Ingram in his order. “The court records show Mr. Huang has been charged with criminal offenses in four cases and has been convicted of felonies in two cases. Under the change of name rules, aiding the covering up of criminal convictions is a prohibited purpose and result.” Ingram also commented that the petitioner, who was represented by local attorney Witten Philippo, did not establish that “Aubrey” is easier to remember than “Peishu.” In a 2010 case that originally charged him with attempted murder, Huang was found guilty of assault and battery with dangerous weapon and served eight months of a 27-month jail sentence. In a 2013 criminal case, he was originally charged with sexual assault in the first degree, and was found guilty of sexual assault in the fourth degree and sentenced to one year in jail. His one-year jail term ended on October 18.

Bonus Farewell to Risen for Ebeye sports Thanks to a grant from the Embassy of Taiwan, Ebeye tennis and basketball players can now enjoy playing in the cool breeze of nighttime. A $20,000 grant was recently provided to the Kwajalein Atoll Local Government for installation of solar lights at several courts on Ebeye. The first of those were installed recently at the tennis and basketball courts near NTA and the local government offices as part of a partnership between KALGov and KAJUR, Ebeye’s power company. Basketball courts near the national police station and the north end dump are expected to be lit up soon. Meantime, solar street lights for installation around Ebeye Island arrived on Ebeye earlier this month and are ready to be installed by KAJUR. Taiwan funded provision of the new solar streetlights for both Ebeye and Majuro.

Aur Mayor Risen Hansen, pictured speaking at an Aur Atoll liberation day event in 2009, died earlier this month. Funeral services were held for the long-term mayor at Uliga Protestant Church earlier this week. His remains were scheduled to depart Wednesday night to his home atoll for burial. Photo: Karen Earnshaw.

Stanney Leon (left) and Jefereay Malolo were on the dock for a snapshot in front of the 240-foot super yacht Dragonfly while it was being fueled by Mobil last week Friday. The luxury vessel was getting 18,000 gallons of fuel, which compares to our local vessels like Aemman, which fills up with about 5,000. Dragonfly departed Majuro for a visit to Ailinglaplap. Photo: Isaac Marty.

El Niño increases chance of storms Global forecasts indicate the onset of an abnormal warming of surface ocean waters, known as the El Niño effect. The resulting changes in climate, which will see both increased and decreased rainfall depending on the exact location, will threaten agriculture, freshwater resources, reef ecosystems, fisheries, public health, and infrastructure, says the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The advisory for Pacific island countries, issued jointly by the ESCAP and the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES) explains that El Niño will be as-

sociated with irregular rainfall in the Pacific region. In the Marshall Islands, El Niño conditions cause extended dry periods. A reduced rainfall could impact subsistence agriculture the most, causing a loss of cash income and reducing people’s ability to support themselves. Meanwhile, the likelihood of cyclones and severe storms for the Marshall Islands is predicted to increase by 30 percent. “Even a weak El Niño event could put Pacific island countries at high risk,” said Shamika Sirimanne, Director of ESCAP’s Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division.

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Tony meets with Pacific leaders A meeting bringing together ministers of Korea and 14 Pacific island countries kicked off Monday at Hotel Shilla in central Seoul, providing an opportunity to step up regional partnerships and enhance cooperation in areas such as climate and maritime affairs. Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Tony deBrum is attending the meeting, following his visit last week to Fiji to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama. In opening remarks, S. Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se referred to the meeting, which convened for the first time since 2011, as an “excellent opportunity to broaden our diplomatic horizons.” While the Pacific island nations have traditionally forged ties with countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China, Yun added, “We are trying to bridge the wider Asia-Pacific region, not only in our part of the world, Northeast Asia, but also in the rest of the Pacific.” The second Korea-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was themed “Building Inclusive and Enduring Pacific Partnership for CoProsperity.”

Minister meets India PM Modi Minister Tony deBrum met with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi (pictured above) in Fiji last week. In a statement, deBrum extended greetings and appreciation from President Christopher Loeak and the people of the RMI to Prime Minister Modi for the opportunity and to Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama for facilitating this event for the Pacific. Modi visited Fiji following the G20 summit held in Australia a few days before. DeBrum said the RMI was “fortunate to have India’s support during our trusteeship period in our political history.” He said he looked forward to working with India to enhance relations and cooperate on areas of mutual interest, including climate change. Modi announced during the Fiji visit that India is changing its visa policy to provide visas on arrival for Pacific islanders traveling to India. He also announced a $1 million fund for the Pacific.

Ebeye hits 99 percent level The latest report from the Ministry of Health shows that while immunization levels for children are high on Ebeye, outer islands and Majuro completion rate is low. Ebeye reports that 99 percent of its 19-35 month old children are fully immunized for five different vaccines, some of which require multiple shots spaced over a period of time. In contrast, Majuro’s “fully immunized” rate is 52 percent and the outer islands are listed as 30 percent, which gives the RMI as a whole a 54 percent completion rate for 19-35 month old children. The data was included in the Ministry of Health’s fourth quarter 2014 (July-September) report released this week.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014 Eni Faleomavaega pictured in Majuro in April, 2008, when he was here to take testimony from nuclear survivors.

Photo: Giff Johnson

Faleomavaega praised by US politicians The US House Committee on Foreign Affairs last week unanimously passed a resolution last week that was introduced by outgoing Ranking Member Eni Faleomavaega calling for a peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Both Republicans and Democrats joined together to pay tribute to Faleomavaega for his outstanding service during the markup discussions for the resolution. Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel expressed their love for him, referring to Faleomavaega as a “Member’s Member.” Faleomavaega, they said, called for the US to strengthen relations with the Asia Pacific long before others ever did. Faleomavaega, a Democrat, lost his bid

for reelection from American Samoa earlier this month. He has represented American Samoa in the US Congress for 25 years. Republican Members, including former Foreign Affairs Chairman Ileana RosLehtinen, Chairman Chris Smith of the Subcommittee on Africa, and Chairman Dana Rohrabacher of the Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia also openly expressed their appreciation and admiration for Faleomavaega, sharing personal anecdotes of their work together, and noting that he will be deeply missed. Chairman RosLehtinen also made reference to Faleomavaega’s photo with Elvis dating back to the time Faleomavaega was a student at LDS Church College in Hawaii (now known as BYU-Hawaii).

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

The RMI Riddle No. 532: Sponsored by CopyMasters ACROSS 3. Mr. Canoe. 8. Bit of a minute. 9. Chief Justice. 10. German philosopher Friedrich Engels wrote: “An ----- of action is worth a ton of theory.” 11. Voyage. 12. Cries. 13. Look! Plant in water. 15. Clever. 17. Noodles. 20. Green fruit. 21. Provide with tools. 22. Desires. 23. Jack’s job at Bikini. 24. Bit of an act. 26. Black wood. 28. Removed the outer edge. 31. Wahoo or tuna. 33. Instrument. 34. SP spot. 35. Outdoor meal. 36. Gold’s girlfriend. 37. Hurry. DOWN 1. Tony or Orlando. 2. Clean TV show? 3. Love. 4. James Cook’s name for Hawaii. (8,7) 5. Relative.

New wheels for waste guys The Majuro Atoll Waste Company has a new truck thanks to US Compact funding. Pictured from left are MAWC men Lewon Lauror, Richard Kious, Marton Johnny and Teliphen Neamon. 6. Breakfast treats. 7. Risk. 13. Fastens papers together. 14. Died from submersion. 15. Stairs. 16. Entertain. 18. Orange-green fruit. 19. Evil. 25. Medical facility. 27. SP city. 29. Boat opening. 30. Rub out. 32. Arm’s end. 33. Toy.

Answers to Riddle No. 531

Note: (abb.) = abbreviation (3,4) = indicates the number of letters in words.

Rhea nan opiij eo an WCPFC?

Ilo kwelok eo week eo lok an minister ro an Parties to the Nauru Agreement eo (PNA) ilo Tuvalu, ear jab juon menin bulon ke drouluul in ear rie im jutak ilikin Feleti Teo, bwe en bok jerbal in director nan Western im Central Pacific Fisheries Commission eo (WCPFC). Teo ej jen Tuvalu, im ej ri Pacific eo drein ebed etan ibwiljin lalem ri jibadrek ro jet, im elap an emman pepa in jerbal kab imenene eo an ilo kar bok eddo in drouluul ko an belaak kein bareinwot. Nan bar kile elaptata nan Marshall Islands, PNA minister ro raar bareinwot jutak im rie Rhea Moss-Christian bwe en chairperson eo an WCPFC. Elane ej etal jekjek in jen ro uwaan WCPFC – eo im ekoba 17 lal ko jen ijokein, kab 15 lal ko jen likin im rej ri eonod – MossChristian emaron in erom ri Majol eo kein

kajuon nan jijjot ilo jea eo an drouluul jab in elap an aurok ikijien kojebwebweiki drouluul in eonod ko ibelakin jikin kein ilo Pacific in. Moss ej jokwe ilo Pohnpei im ear juon ri kabiloklok ikijien jerbal in eonod nan Federated States of Micronesia Congress eo jen kar March in year in, im ej bareinwot jea eo nan Technical im Compliance Committee eo an WCPFC eo. Mokta jen an kar jerbal ippen FSM Congress eo, kora in ear jerbal enwot Chief of Compliance ilo FSM National Oceanic Resource Management Authority eo – ak jenba fisheries department eo an FSM – iumin emen year ko. Mokta lok wot kora in ear jerbal ilo Majuro ilo Ministry of Foreign Affairs kab Ministry of R&D. Kora in ej nejin Satako Ysawa jen Ailuk im Dave Moss, juon kar Peace Corps Volunteer ilo RMI in.

ISAAC MARTY

jen Australia, im kab Theresa Koroivulaono (kora jen New Zealand). Dr. Nabobo-Baba ear tokeak tok ijin Monday eo lok. Ear kwelok im ione ri jerbal im ri kaki, kab board eo an college in. CMI Student Body Association (SBA) President eo Sana Anien ear ba bwe SBA ear bar kwelok ippen Nabobo-Baba im loe bwe kora in ekonan ejaake im komman bwe en wor katak ko nan kora. “Menin enaaj jiban bwe kora ro ren wonmanlok wot,” Anien ear ba. Nabobo-Baba ear ba bwe jibarbar eo an ej nan jiban bwe CMI en kajibadrek emman tata. CMI ej melele in emman tata eo an RMI, kora in ear ba. nan ro ilo CMI Friday eo lok. Chandra ear tokeak tok Majuro Monday eo lak. Elkin Chandra enaaj Koroivulaono, eo im rej kotmene bwe enaaj tokeak tok ilo December 1 raan.

Ro rej kotobare jea in president nan CMI College eo an Marshall Islands (CMI) ej kotmene an naaj kwalok won eo enaaj CMI President ilo naaj allon in lal, elkin an CMI board eo naaj kommane karok eo an elkin an bwebwenato ippen ri jibadrek ro jilu ilon tata nan jerbal in. CMI President eo kio Carl Hacker en kar jemlok an jerbal allon in botaap ear aetok lok kitien nan year in lal bwe en emman an wor oktak jen juon president nan bar juon president. Hacker ear bok eddo im kokmanmanelok likjab ko kin jaan, kalonlok woran ro rej kadriwojlok, im kokmanmanlok bwe en kadu lok kitien an ri jikuul ro bed ilo development mokta jen aer drelone credit course ko. CMI Director nan Human Resources Bob Willson ear kabine bwe laajrak in ri jibadrek ro rej Dr. Unaisi Nabobo-Baba (kora jen Fiji) Subhas Chandra (emman

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Energy consultant Jun Hagihara, left, speaks to the meeting. Right, Luis Kakefuku takes the microphone as audience members including Senators Ruben Zackhras, Dennis Momotaro and David Kramer listen. Photos: Hilary Hosia.

R&D hosts seminar on renewable energy Renewable energy is a rising topic for the RMI and a seminar on this issue is planned for the Marshall Islands Resort’s Melele Room on November 18 at 9:30am. The seminar hosted by the Ministry of Resources and Development (R&D), Economic Development Division, Marshalls Energy Company (MEC), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will be open for all renewable energy interested people, confirmed JICA Resident Representative Hideki Tomobe. Through these agencies, the RMI government has been making efforts to achieve target goals in its National Energy Policy and Energy Action

Plan that was established in September 2009. The National Energy Plan goals include more efficient fuel use, 100 percent electrification of households in urban areas and 95 percent in remote islands and atolls by 2015 (93 percent of households on Majuro completed as of 2009), and the supply of 20 percent of all energy from renewables. Tomobe said the RMI government requested Japan’s cooperation in December 2011. Japan was asked to assist in developing a legal system for introducing renewable energy, developing an evaluation method, planning and de-

sign of hybrid systems in remote islands, and minimizing power losses with improved management. Also an establishment of methods is aimed to improve the existing operation of the Marshalls Energy Company diesel generators that produce power for Majuro. JICA and Japan-based Okinawa Enetech company agreed and are working closely with MEC and R&D to implement a project to support technology development for an energy supply system in the RMI. Enetech conducted surveys and technical instruction in Majuro early this year. The project is aimed at addressing the National Energy Policy.

Marshallese witnesses tragic crash A Marshall Islander was on his way to visit his parents at Rancho Cordova in Sacramento, California when he witnessed the death of a high school student who was struck by a train. “She was trying to crossover (the tracks) when she got hit,” the Marshallese, who was 10 meters on the opposite lane of the incident, told a Journal reporter on the popular social

media Facebook. The reporter saw the photo post on Facebook and immediately contacted the Marshallese, who was able to provide real time information as to what happened. Here is his story: “It’s 4:29pm Thursday here (12pm Friday Marshallese time). The police stopped all vehicles. Medical teams are handling the body as we speak.

There are news reporters next to me setting up their gears. The girl’s friends are on the site crying. From hearing the reporter, the girl is a high school African American teenager from Cordova high. The train is being washed up and traffic is piling up. I was approached by a police officer and was advised to lower my phone because I kept on taking photos.”

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

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Hemina Nysta with the Red Cross’ first birthday cake. Photo: Hilary Hosia.

Sixteen days to help end gender violence Red Cross kemem Marshall Islands Red Cross Society celebrated its first kemem (birthday) at Marshall Islands Resort’s poolside Wednesday as the Journal went to press, marking the first year anniversary for the society. “We will be inviting donors and members of the community to join MIRCS members in the celebration,” MIRCS President Dr. Alex Pinano told the Journal a week before the occasion. Although MIRCS hosted a

celebratory feast this week, the organization was saddened with the departure of its first administrator Hemina Nysta, who recently left her post to follow husband US Army retired and former US Embassy military liaison officer Frederick Nysta to Seattle, Washington for medical reasons. “We will miss Hemina,” said Pinano. “She did fantastic work and was very productive. We wish the best for her and Frederick.”

Coop School’s Victoria Jamodre wowed the crowd with a song at the WUTMI event. Photos: Hilary Hosia.

Women United Together Marshall Islands (WUTMI) kicked off its 16 Days of Activism against gender violence at the College of Marshall Islands Tuesday, amidst a last minute cancellation of a scheduled walkathon from Delap Park to end at the Staff Sergeant Solomon Sam Memorial Court. Acting Internal Affairs Secretary Molly Helkena introduced a break down of events for the next two weeks that range from 5:30am walkathons at Laura, Rita and Ejit on November 29 to domestic violence and sex trafficking awareness programs — all of which build up to a grand finale coinciding with the Jambo Arts exhibition in December 12. WUTMI Vice President Borja Milne shared the origin behind the 16 Days of Activism: 16 Days of Activism commemorates the movement set by the three Mirabal Sisters from Dominican Republic that were assassinated for being political activists in 1961. The White Ribbon Day that is observed internationally in memory of the 16 women murdered by a single man in Montreal, Canada.

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

AROUND TOWN Happy birthday Weilun Spotted shopping at K&K Island Pride Supermarket earlier this week was the fastest chef in Majuro Aliang Deng of Aliang’s Restaurant and son Weilun Ethan Deng. Weilun celebrated his kemem at the popular Uliga restaurant earlier in the month. Photo: Hilary Hosia

‘Take a look at this: Gas under $3 a gallon. Unemployment under 6 percent, whoever thought? Stock market breaking records every day. No wonder the guy is so unpopular.’ —David Letterman on President Barack Obama

Stardom for Wisdom

Five regular RMI Riddlers proved themselves worthy of Stardom for Wisdom this week by turning in perfect puzzles. Congratulations go to Herman LeeEnos, Becky Lathrop, Dyna R., Diane Myazoe, and Helber Namna. To join the competition, turn to page eight and fill in the crossword and fax it (625-3636), email it ([email protected]), or bring it (ocean road behind Formosa in Uliga) to the Journal by Tuesday at 5pm. Good luck!

UES, DES, Coop and Woja Elementary battle it out in Delap.

Elementary tournament a tough battle of the littlies Although it’s too early to tell which elementary school will dominate in this year’s elementary basketball tournament, latest showdowns indicate three potential champions: Rita Elementary School, Majuro Cooperative School and underdogs Uliga Elementary School. RES, by statistics, is overall the top team in the league, bringing a questionable tie between Coop and UES. Coop demonstrates obvious team discipline, something most teams lack at such a young age. UES, on the other hand, continues to awe the crowd with their close-

game end results. Makes one wonder: How can a school withlittle-to-no sports facility size up to bigger schools? Words can only say so much. Elementary basketball tournament update from Friday, last week. Uliga Elementary School defeated Delap Elementary School following a very intense game. The teams tied with nine points on the scoreboard the first half of the game. Each game is two- fifteen minute halves. Both teams threw and received equal punches during the second half to come to

another tie at 22-22, forcing the game to overtime. UES finally toppled the bigger school DES by one point 28-27 following the fiveminute overtime. Rairok Elementary School (RRES) took a gamble with the much swifter and taller players of Rita Elementary School. Although RRES demonstrated great dribbling skills, RES easily dominated by a large margin, closing the game with a twenty point margin, 42-22. Stop by the Delap mini court around 4pm to witness future ballers battle each other.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

AROUND TOWN

All the news that may or may not be fit to print...

Drawing lots at ICC There was hot action at the ICC with potential candidates and their agents focused on kubwen kijdrik results (drawing lots) for the 2015 election. Above three candidates for Jaluit: Fred deBrum, Ricky Alik and Rien Morris. At right: Electoral staff call out the draw for candidates. Photos: Hilary Hosia.

US Embassy is looking for a few great ideas Got an interesting project for the community? Good idea, but need a little “seed” money to make it grow? Then you may want to keep reading. Marshall Ferrin, who is the local representative of the recently established Pacific American Climate Fund, said this week that the US Embassy is looking for interesting projects to fund. The “Ambassador’s Fund” doesn’t give out large amounts of money but funds projects that “make a difference” to the community up to about $10,000, he said. So if you got something in mind, put words to paper, and “kebak” the US Embassy ilo iien eo emokaj tata.

Ready for holiday joy? Get ready for the holiday spirit. The Majuro Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Athletic Club are co-sponsoring this year’s Christmas parade, which is scheduled for Saturday December 13. The Chamber has organized to purchase candy in bulk from off-island, and Asia Pacific Airlines is flying the goodies in next week. The Chamber is asking local businesses and anyone interested to donate funds or candy to make the parade a success. Last year, a big turnout of 20 floats sparked Christmas excitement and the Chamber is hoping for a similar good turnout from local businesses and government agencies to sponsor floats. Anyone wanting to contribute funds for the parade should contact Salome Andrike, and to donate candy, please drop at the United downtown office.

Traffic was held up a bit but the skillful maneuvering of Majuro Stevedoring & Terminal drivers in navigating this trailer home into a tight space provided some entertainment for spectators stuck in traffic. Photo: Suzanne Chutaro

Round 87 and still counting A request from the RMI government to the US military to check the ECC gym received a favorable reply from the Pacific Command at the Joint Committee Meeting held in Honolulu recently. This is the latest development in the long, ongoing saga — now threeand-a-half-year-worth — of the former national gym in Majuro. Chief Secretary Casten Nemra (who is on leave because he’s a candidate) and who was part of the RMI delegation to the JCM, said the US side indicated that an engineering unit may visit Majuro early next year to look over the condition of ECC.

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Previous assessments conducted by the Japanese government have already been provided for the US military’s advance information. The request and response was through a humanitarian assistance provision in the Compact of Free Association, he said. While the RMI government’s aim is for a complete renovation of ECC, from what we hear, this is likely to be beyond the resources and mandate of a military engineering unit. Nemra said the recommendations from the US engineers will go to the US government for its review and possible action. Don’t hold your breath…

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Opinion pageS

Send letters to PO Box 14, Majuro, MH 96960 or email [email protected]

Why are over 2,000 children not in school? The establishment of the new RMI Board of Education is a welcome development. The board is an important feature of the country’s new Education Act, adopted by Nitijela in 2013. As the new board gets itself organized and into operation, we hope it will turn its attention to the findings of the Marshall Islands School Attendance and Truancy Situation Analysis that was produced last year by a 10-member task force headed by co-chairpersons Secretary of Education Gary Ueno and then-Single State Agency Director Julia Alfred. This report found that over 2,000 school age young people aged 5-18 are not enrolled in school. It also identified many other impediments to improving educational achievement in the RMI. These findings and the report’s recommendations deserve review and action by the Board of Education. We look forward to the progress of the board as it moves into the challenging responsibility of overseeing education in the Marshall Islands.

The case for Pacific regionalism SENATOR BRETT MASON

A few months ago I stood on a beach in Tarawa, Kiribati. It has a population density up to twice that of Sydney or New York, but only a fraction of their infrastructure and economic opportunities. As I watched the villagers cast their nets in the lagoon to eke out a subsistence living, it struck me that one really needs to come to a place like Kiribati to understand the sheer range of challenges facing regional cooperation across the Pacific, but also the absolute necessity for such cooperation if Pacific island states are to have a brighter future in the 21st century. Sparse population, vast distances and limited resources make closer regional cooperation a necessity rather than a luxury for the Pacific. It is difficult to imagine Pacific island states thriving in isolation. Australia was a founding member of key regional organizations like the Pacific Islands forum (PIF), the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP). Foreign Minister Julie

Senator Brett Mason Bishop made it clear that we will continue to play an active role in the region; it is after all our home, and the Pacific island states are among our closest neighbors. But we should not — and, indeed, will not — drive the regional agenda or try to impose any particular vision on the region. We will, however, continue to encourage and assist where we are needed and wanted because we know from our own experience that cooperation and collaboration works, and we know it can deliver more for the people of the Pacific as it has for other parts of the world. The University of the South Pacific (USP) is perhaps the best example of practical regionalism in action. USP is jointly owned by the governments of 12 Pacific countries and it maintains a presence in all of them. It shows what Pacific countries can do together, and something they would not have been able to do with nearly as much success if pursued separately.

The Marshall Islands Journal

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received after deadline are subject to late charges. Letters to the editor may be edited or cut. Please mail your letters to the above address, fax them to (692) 625-3136, or email them to [email protected]. The Marshall Islands Journal is a dual language, once a week publication of the Micronitor News & Printing Company. It has been the newspaper of record for the Marshall Islands since 1970. Subscription Rates are $87.00 per year for the print edition sent U.S. first class mail to U.S. domestic mail zones ($50.00/6 months) and $227.00 per year for international airmail. The digital (pdf) version sent by email is $52.00 per year. Please make checks payable to: MARSHALL ISLANDS JOURNAL, P.O. Box 14, Majuro, Marshall Islands MH 96960.

The FFA is another much-touted example of successful collective action. Tuna, after all, is a migratory species that doesn’t respect national boundaries. Management and conservation can only work as collective efforts. There are many other areas where the countries of the Pacific could benefit from the economies of scale and resource pooling that only closer regionalism can create. Procurement, transport, telecommunications, customs, standardization of commercial laws and institutions are areas which could benefit from collective attention by island states. There is a widespread perception that regional cooperation in the Pacific has, to some extent, stalled in recent years at the same time as an ever growing range of challenges faces the region. At the PIF Leaders’ Forum held in Palau in July, leaders agreed on a new Framework for Pacific Regionalism to replace the 2005 Pacific Plan, the original master strategy for driving regionalism. The new Framework commits PIF members to advance beyond regional cooperation towards deeper forms of regional integration. It also creates mechanisms to enable leaders to better prioritize issues. Arguably, it is better to focus on a small number of truly regional challenges and address them effectively than risk getting bogged down in an attempt to fix everything at once. Whatever top priorities Pacific leaders choose to focus on, it makes eminent sense to seek regional responses to regional issues. The Pacific faces many of the same development challenges as other parts of the world, but they are uniquely compounded and complicated by the human and natural geography of the region. By and large, the island states, particularly Pacific micro-states, are simply too small and too remote to succeed on their own. With some economic estimates indicating that by 2015 the Pacific will constitute the slowest-growing region of the world, there is a clear and urgent need for a new approach and as Pacific leaders themselves acknowledge, in our increasingly integrated and interconnected world, the status quo is no longer an option. The writer is a senator in the Australian Parliament. These are the main points from Senator Mason’s recent speech, “The case for Pacific Island regionalism.”

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

Opinion pageS

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Send letters to PO Box 14, Majuro, MH 96960 or email [email protected]

Climate $$ rules questioned I am writing in response to a Letter to the Editor from Mr. Bruce Kijiner, Director of OEPPC, in the Journal of November 21, “The EU grant’s real story.” The letter is a response to an article in the November 14 issue titled “EU funds diverted…,” which the OEPPC Director claims to be misleading. First, I wish to thank and convey my sincere appreciation to Mr. Kijiner, who in his capacity as the Director of OEPPC delivered a passionate, emotionally charged and well articulated letter. His letter provided a rare opportunity to highlight a critical issue of lack of coordination within the government by high-level government agencies such as OEPPC. It is true that R&D energy was the only representative from the RMI to attend the inception workshop under the EU GIZACSE program. The program is designed for two areas: Climate Change and Sustainable Energy. Two invitations were sent out to RMI: To OEPPC, the national focal point for Climate Change, and to R&D, which is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the National Energy Policy. The workshop was held on May 29 and 30. It is not known why OEPPC did not attend the workshop. It is also correct that the EU GIZ ACSE Program reviews concept notes submitted from countries based on competitive scoring. However, the program calls for countries to select projects on Adaptation to Climate Change and/or Sustainable Energy. It also mandates countries to follow their own internal procedures to submit and approve concept notes before submission. As protocol, R&D Energy has always sought approval from Cabinet members on national energy projects, thus the perception for this program was no different. The following is a simple chronological order of the events that followed. • June 12: Email is sent from R&D energy to OEPPC director and Minister In Assistance, including R&D Minister and Minister of Health for advice or support in an Energy Efficiency Project for Ministry of Health. All three Ministers responded and agreed to show support except the Director of OEPPC. OEPPC reports to the Minister in Assistance. Hence, Minister’s advice for direction was included in communication. • June 29: In following government protocol and as dictated by the program guide, R&D energy sought Cabinet approval through a joint Cabinet Paper by the Ministry of Resources & Development, Ministry of Health, and the Minister In Assistance for review and consideration. • July 18: Deadline for submitting concept notes to GIZ. Four concept notes were submitted by OEPPC, the RMI national focal point. Only R&D energy concept proposal went through internal protocol and Cabinet for approval. • July 25: A Cabinet Minute (CM) pertaining to the joint Cabinet Paper is made available. CM calls for action to Minister

‘His (Bruce Kijiner) letter provided a rare opportunity to highlight a critical issue of lack of coordination within the government by high-level government agencies such as OEPPC.’ — Angeline Heine of R&D, Minister of Health and Minister In Assistance. It cannot be said, as alluded by the OEPPC Director, that the RMI National Focal Point was not consulted as his Minister is reflected in CM. Furthermore, as intended by R&D Energy, CM also provides leverage to direct GIZ to utilize funds for national interest rather than national priority areas dictated by GIZ through a scoring method. • July 29: Meeting is held by the Minister In Assistance with Ministry of Finance, R&D and OEPPC where Cabinet Minute was made known to OEPPC Director. OEPPC was given direction to submit CM. OEPPC transmits government document to EU rather than GIZ, administer of the program. Cabinet Minute approves R&D as the lead agency and to initiate energy efficiency under the program. In following directions of the Cabinet Minute, the three other Concept Notes, two of which were produced by OEPPC, should have been rescinded. OEPPC, however, did not relay any such information to GIZ, administrator of the program but instead transmitted Cabinet Minute to EU. It was of great confusion to R&D Energy as to why OEPPC did not include it in any communication to GIZ after CM was provided. It was also surprising to learn that all concept notes were not rescinded and CM was not followed nor recognized by OEPPC. Early October, R&D contacts GIZ and was provided a copy of a letter by RMI President to EU Ambassador. • October 13: Without notice or informing R&D, OEPPC directed GIZ to replace R&D staff with its own representative in the ACSE first Steering Committee Meeting in Suva. The staff member also hand delivered a letter from the President to the EU Ambassador. The letter reports that the total amount under the ACSE program is insufficient to meet the energy goals and objectives of the Ministry of Health. Furthermore, the RMI will utilize the upcoming EDF11 package for sustainable energy. This information advised by OEPPC to the President are inaccurate. The total package for RMI under the

ACSE program is 650,000 Euros close to US$900,000. The MOH Energy Audit reports that a total of $700,000 is sufficient to complete energy efficiency measures. Additionally, under the EDF11 package RMI proposed to the EU that the funding be utilized through the energy sector for budget support not sustainable energy as pointed out. The incident with the EU GIZ ACSE

program points out a reoccurring issue with the OEPPC as the national coordinator for all areas related to climate change. Many times in the past, issues arise due to OEPPC ‘s failure to coordinate at the national level. However, with the Director’s letter to the editor he has provided an avenue to bring this issue to the forefront. The issue pertaining to the ACSE Program is clearly due to lack of coordination, respect, and recognition of other Ministries and government protocols. This is proven through the President’s Letter to EU Ambassador in which R&D, as the focal point for energy, was not consulted for proper information nor was the ministry informed of changes in direction for program. This is again illustrated through the CM in which OEPPC did not follow directions pursuant of the EU GIZ ACSE program as it submitted other concept notes — concept notes for which OEPPC failed to go through internal procedures for approval from Cabinet members. Yes, it is a fact that donors have their procedures but the nation has its own internal procedures and protocols. Above all, these must be recognized and followed. When protocols and procedures are not followed, drama is created. God bless RMI! Angeline C. Heine, Public Servant

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

We used to make tons of money during our partnership. I got so close to the Madam that at multiple occasions, I got to know the Chinese girls. I got close to them. They are so pretty. They all live on the same room. Their boss, on the other hand, lives in a larger room. She has a special bed that feels like you’re lying on water. The bed vibrates too. Other than getting regular clients — Chinese on island, fishermen and local men, sometimes we go on my cousin’s boat to the big ships.

The Journal interviewed a Marshallese woman who used to be involved in the sex trade locally. She spoke on condition of anonymity. Here is her story: My friend, their boss, communicates with the boat captain before she tells me she needs the boat. We go during daytime. We’d cruise around the boat a couple of times before making a complete stop at the side where the land is not visible to us. The boss calls the captain and something gets lowered down (a rig to pull up the boat). The girls are

picked up using this method to board the boat. The Marshallese observer on board sometimes call me names and we exchange jokes and pass little flirts. Our boat has a covering that conceals the girls during daylight. Plus, they are wearing mumus so they look like Marshallese girls from afar. Once the girls are done with their

business, they get lowered down and before we go, we are offered several huge fish, which my cousin (boat driver) takes home, and of course, with some cash. My boss only sleeps with the boat captains. She is worth a lot. Those were the days. I had so much money. At times, I tried getting my Marshallese friends to join in on the fun, telling them they’ll earn wads of money, but the operation was shut down and my friend was deported before any Marshallese girls joined.

SEX IN THE CITY

What qualifies as trafficking in persons or ordinary prostitution? And perhaps more importantly, is it happening in the Marshall Islands? For the second question, there appear to be locations in various parts of downtown Majuro where sex with Asian or Marshallese women can be obtained for money. Inquiries by Journal reporters have produced the following information: • There is one location in Uliga where people across the street witnessed Asian men repeatedly entering and leaving a plywood apartment structure with multiple doors closely spaced, possibly indicating small rooms. At first the people watching thought it was people using toilets, the Journal was told. But curiosity caused the observers to continue watching and later, after the men left, they saw Marshallese girls come out of the apartment block. Simply an apartment complex for workers of a local business or a makeshift brothel? • In one location in Delap, men can have sex with Chinese and local girls in exchange for money. The Journal was told the entrance to the location is through a local store where there is a small door buried behind merchandise. A person would have to duck down to enter. Going through the door connects to a larger area with many rooms. The local girls there are said to be from the Ajeltake and Laura area. • In another location in Delap, a “karaoke room” serves as the place where customers can meet women to arrange for sex, which can reportedly be had for $20. A sign on entrance door to bar says, “No Marshallese male allowed in bar.” According to the bartender, who speaks fluent Marshallese and Chinese, Marshallese males are not allowed because they tend to fight and make trouble. The sex trade in this location

involves both Chinese and Marshallese women. According to a veteran sex worker, a “short time” costs the customer $50. But the women get $100 if they sleep with fishermen. • Two other locations in Delap are said to be used for the sex trade involving Marshallese young women. The operating procedure as explained to the Journal is for the male or female “fixer” to approach potential customers at various bars in Majuro to make the “sell” and match a customer to one of the local girls. At one of the locations, a room cost $20 per night and a girl another $20. A local taxi driver not working for any of the people reportedly running the sex trade said he’s happy to help the people involved because “the girls are good customers and they always pay on time when they rent the car from me.” This taxi driver told us that he has a friend who gets called when fishermen arrive on the docks, so the taxi chauffers them to and from a Delap location. Even early teenage students seem to be aware of opportunities related to sexual favors, as seen firsthand during daylight hours last month in Uliga: Four uniformed high school age students were seen arranging a “date” during school hours. A reporter observed one of the girls taking out her cell phone and calling a customer to meet her and her friends at a nearby location. “Hurry up it’s me and my friends,” she said. After the call, the girls were seen walking toward a location in Uliga. A few minutes later, a Chinese man, apparently the recipient of the girl’s phone call, approached in his car the facility where the girls were. But he did not stop because there were other people around the entrance.

Eastern Gateway Hotel

Undercover Nauruans visit Delap ‘hooker bar’ Two non-Marshallese visitors went to the former Eastern Gateway Hotel “to find out if there was any prostitution going on at the (hotel),” according to an affidavit filed earlier this year in an ongoing civil lawsuit involving the hotel. The two men said they did this at the request of their relaInvestigators James Keppa (left) and Jamaica Adeang (right) tive, who is the head of the Nawith Eigugu Majuro Manager Vyko Adeang. uru company, Eigigu Holdings Corporation, which is in dispute with various people over leases on the hotel in Delap. time to check out the first-time customers. They said With the assistance of a fishing boat observer fa- they identified themselves as from Tuvalu and Kirimiliar with Majuro, James Keppa and Jamaica Ad- bati. They sat down, bought cigarettes and beers for eang said they called a taxi driver who took them to themselves and several of the girls in the room. After a section of the former hotel, where he asked a Mar- they had been socializing for a few minutes with the shallese young woman “if there were any Chinese girls, three Asian men came in and stood looking at them for about a minute before leaving, the affidavit girls available for us.” According to the affidavit of the two Nauru men, said. Then they discussed arrangements for hiring lowhich was notarized at the High Court on May 26 this year, the Marshallese woman went to another cal girls for sex, selected the ones they wanted, and room to talk to someone, and then came out and took were informed of what time they had to be out of the them to another room, which turned out to be a bar rooms by the next morning. As to cost, the affidavit and lounge with one Chinese woman and “about said they were told the charge was “sixty dollars per seven Marshallese, or who looked like Marshallese, night for the girls and the room, but it is up to us to young girls maybe in their late teens to early 20s,” help the girl if the girl ‘helps’ us.” They said they would return later in the evening the affidavit said. There was karaoke singing going on in an adjacent with their cousin to get together with the girls. They then left the facility, returned to the local hotel they room, they said. The five-page statement describes the men asking were staying in and reported on what had transpired if there were women available for “sexual favors” to the Director of Eigigu “with no intention of returnwhile the operators of the bar and lounge took their ing to that bar,” the affidavit said.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

radio

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Guam magazine praises Michelle Guam Business Magazine this week recognized Michelle Kramer in its “40 under Forty” list of prominent young people in the Guam private sector. Guam Business Editor Jackie Hanson commented in her introduction to this year’s under-40 group: “The diverse group contains individuals in Guam and the Marianas who have joined the family business, others who are climbing the corporate ladder, and those who are busy developing a business of their own.” Michelle, 34, is the managing director of Pacific International (Guam) Inc. and is decked out in a Marshallese handcrafted necklace, earrings and wut (head lei) in her photo in Guam Business. A graduate of the College of the Marshall Islands and Hawaii Pacific University, her “claim to fame,” according to Guam Business: “Kramer has effectively grown her family’s Marshall Islands–based wholesale and shipping business in Guam and also manages the company’s Guam and NMI real estate holdings including Nimitz Towers, Apusento Apartments and Saipan Laolao Bay. She was accepted into the first Marianas Pacific Century Fellowship program, based on a prestigious leadership and public service initiative started by President Lyndon B. Johnson. She completed the first generation of the Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan last November. She remains committed to the Marshallese community and is a registered court interpreter for Marshallese/English translations for the Court of Guam.”

PII Guam’s Managing Director Michelle Kramer.

Mobil cuts fuel prices Mobil Oil Micronesia reduced gas and diesel prices last week by 15 cents per gallon. The reduction in price goes to the Majuro service stations in the downtown area of Majuro who are serviced by Mobil. The price cut is Mobil’s first this year and follows a drop in world market prices for oil. Gas prices at the pump have been $5.60 per gallon at the downtown stations through 2014, while diesel has been $5.65 per gallon.

‘The diverse group contains individuals in Guam and the Marianas who have joined the family business, others who are climbing the corporate ladder, and those who are busy developing a business of their own.’

Japan’s Honda to test solar cars in Majuro Japan automobile company Honda plans to provide three electric vehicles and solar-powered charger stations to Majuro, as part of a pilot project, by early next year. The team recently visited the RMI to conduct a feasibility study through a site survey on Majuro and met with officials from relevant government ministries and agencies to discuss the official launch of the pilot project. Electric vehicles offer environmental benefits that support government efforts toward cleaner and more environmentally friendly energy sources.

President Loeak and members of Cabinet pictured with the Japanese team that was accompanied by Japan Ambassador Anzai at the Cabinet Conference room. Photo: Hilary Hosia.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Heine closes deal on new AMI Dornier T&C Minister Thomas Heine on Saturday in Kathmandu, Nepal signed off on a purchase agreement and accepted a Dornier 228-212 aircraft from Tara Airlines on behalf of the RMI government and Air Marshall Islands. John Roberts of the British company Airflite helped both AMI and Tara Airlines close the deal, which is valued at $2.1 million. Witnessing the signing ceremony was AMI’s Quality Assurance Director Dan Fitzpatrick and a Tara Airlines’ officials. The Nepal Dornier is five years newer than the one currently operated

Ships help up by lack of funds Scheduled ship visits to the outer islands were cancelled last month because Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation was waiting for its first quarter subsidy from the Ministry of Finance. Shipping was unable to fuel and stock the vessels so trips to the outer islands were halted for the whole month of October. As of last week Tuesday, Shipping confirmed that a $101,000 was provided by Finance for a one-month operation. The money was to help Shipping get back on its feet. The funding was able to get vessels Aemman, MV Majuro, and Ribuk Ae to do trips to the outer islands. Shipping is expecting to carry out a new schedule that aims to visit every atoll or island before Christmas. Charter trips are also being made available. Vessels operating under Shipping including the three mentioned and MV Landrik and MV Kwajalein to service the outer islands.

by AMI, which was manufactured in 1992, said AMI General Manager Jefferson Barton. “Being from Nepal, which is about 5,000 feet above sea level, and away from a salty environment like the RMI, our Minister and his team were struck to notice ‘a literally rust- and corrosion-free’ aircraft,” Barton said. With the incoming Dornier, “we expect the air service between Majuro and all the outer islands to improve significantly as there will be two Dorniers servicing the country together as compared to the current situation whereby we have only one and when-

ever the aircraft is down, it causes a great disruption to the service and hence, great inconveniences to AMI’s customers,” Barton said. The plane is scheduled to depart Kathmandu on December 3 to fly over to Manila where it will undergo painting to put on AMI’s colors, which is expected to take up to four weeks. “We are hopeful that all the other necessary requirements prior to being ferried to RMI after the paint shop will be smooth among the cooperating entities that are tasked to carry out such important functions as mandated by our laws,” Barton said.

Mobil employees delivered the first batch of fuel using their new truck to Robert’s gas station in Uliga last week.

Mobil now more mobile Mobil’s newly arrived fuel delivery truck went into use this past week with its first delivery to Robert Pinho’s gas station in Uliga. Mobil had a team of trainers on island to work with the local Mobil staff on procedures for using the delivery truck. Last week, Mobil announced a 15 cents per gal-

lon price reduction to local stations that it supplies, and the stations have followed by dropping their prices. Ace’s One Stop and Robert’s stations in Uliga dropped to $5.45 per gallon for gas earlier this week, down from the $5.60 price that has been in place for over a year. Photo: Darren Lanki.

RMI at the bottom in business ranking Among Pacific island nations, the Marshall Islands ranks next-to-the-worst in “ease of doing business,” according to the World Bank. Annually, the World Bank issues its global ranking of 189 nations in its Doing Business report. The new report, Doing Business 2015, shows the RMI is 139th out of 189 nations reviewed, with only the Federated States of Micronesia worse (at 145). The RMI’s ranking is worse in 2015 compared to 2014, dropping by three points from 136 to 139. In the 10 criteria for review, only the “Enforcing Contracts” improved from 2014 to 2015, a nod to the internationally

recognized Marshall Islands court system. “Registering Property,” another of the criteria in the ranking, remained dead last two years in a row at 189. Ease of paying taxes, getting credit, getting electricity and starting a business all received a worse rating compared to 2014. However, “dealing with construction permits” received the best rating at 10, although this too declined from nine the previous year Other Pacific countries reviewed and their rankings: Kiribati 134, Papua New Guinea 133, Palau 113, Solomon Islands 87, Fiji 81, Vanuatu 76, Tonga 69, and Samoa 67.

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computer repairs

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Hard work pays off for Fred J. Pedro, EMON-FM

Ysawa ladder

I am delighted to share the story of and introduce Valeria Ysawa, a dedicated professional, highly intelligent, hard-working, admirable and wonderful Marshallese woman who has successfully established herself in the United States. She has risen to the top management of Union Hardware, a century old family-owned business that specializes in selling decorative and authentic plumbing and hardware supplies for kitchen and bath in the Washington, DC Metro area. Valeria, or simply Beia by family and close friends, is the daughter of Smith and Leline Ysawa, and grew up on Majuro Atoll. Her earliest memories were of playing with her sisters and friends at Tiete and Lomaka villages in the Jenrok area (between RRE Complex and Marshall Islands High School). “I had a lot of fun in the early developmental days,” she told me earlier this summer over breakfast at Valeria Ysawa the Tide Table during a recent visit to see her parents and family. “Looking back,” she reminisced, “I can honestly say that growing up with my three sisters — Hemline, Naiomi and Carrol — was as challenging as it was frustrating at times. Like typical siblings, I had my share of catfights over dolls, toys, books and space, and for whatever else little silly things and reasons that children fight over.” She attended elementary at Seventh Day School at Delap. “It is just amazing how time flies by so quickly,” she says. “It feels like only invoices. Accounting became a newfound yesterday that I cried and refused to let go interest.” “But one thing for sure,” she said. “I of my mother’s dress when she dropped me off at school on that first day. And be- wouldn’t make it at Lahainaluna High fore long, wow, my parents were hugging without the encouragement of Kirt and Minna Pinho and family and especially me on graduation from the 8th grade.” Valeria went on to graduate from La- their son Robert Pinho, who was two years hainaluna High School, a boarding school ahead in school and looked after me like a on Maui, Hawaii. “I am forever grateful to true brother.” After graduating from high school, Valemy parents for the burdens and sacrifices — financial and emotional — they went ria was granted the Monbusho Scholarship to study business administration at the Nathrough to support me at Maui,” she says. Valeria found boarding school life not kano School of Business in Tokyo, Japan. easy. She learned to juggle between chores She says having to learn a new language and schoolwork. Constantly thinking was tough, but definitely worth it. Upon of the sacrifices her parents were going completion, she landed a job as an acthrough on her behalf became a driving counting clerk in Hotel Sunroute on Guam, force and inspiration to finish. Moving to where she worked for two years. She moved back to Majuro in the early a new land was exciting but scary as well. Meeting new people, making new friends 2000s to be near her family and worked as and blending into a new environment and a business service representative at Bank culture was not easy, but a rewarding ex- of Hawaii, for two years. Those two years were a pivotal point perience, she noted. “In the summers, I returned home. During one of the summers, in her life as, “it was at this time of my my dad took me one Saturday to help post life that I met Lorina Pedro and boy, talk

‘I wouldn’t make it at Lahainaluna High without the encouragement of Kirt and Minna Pinho and family and especially their son Robert Pinho, who was two years ahead in school and looked after me like a true brother.’ – Valeria Ysawa

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

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Valeria in US mainland

moves up the in DC bureau about different personalities. With Lorina, I learned the meaning of a true and loyal friendship. And it was her support, no nonsense directness, and encouragement that added valuable experience and continued progress in my life.” But the buck did not stop there because it was also during this time that she flourished professionally. “Former BOH manager Craig was a great mentor, and he has become like a brother to me over the years.” When BOH closed its branch in Majuro, she headed to the United States in pursuit of opportunities. It was challenging to find a job, but giving up was never an option. Valeria’s persistence reaped rewards — her first job in the Mainland was at Union Hardware as an accounting staff. “I was thrilled but scared and nervous at the same time,” she said. After a year of being an accounting clerk, she was promoted to Controller, Operations Manager, Human Resources and Administration Manager. In a rapidly globalized world it was no easy task, but she welcomed and took on the new challenges that encompassed more than crunching numbers. For the better part of a decade, she was also involved with marketing, promotions, training and implementing new ways to enhance both job and client services. It was not all business though. Her sense of humor is shown in one of her interview questions when she asks if the interviewee knows how to use the adding machine or if she/he knows who lives in a pineapple under the sea. In addition to that, she was also involved when the company recently took a turn towards a more hands-on approach in community activities such as car shows, local parades, and festivals. For instance, while other companies showcase their wares in the usual way in these art festivals, Union Hardware brings an edge to its displays by emulating famous artwork with their ‘out of season’ hardware. Visit the showroom and your artistic side will appreciate depictions of Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Maryland’s state bird, and a butterfly — all made of door knobs, hooks, etc. In fact, they won the ‘Showroom of the Year’ award in 2013. On a lighter note, they entered a motorized toilet bowl in a car show and won second place against a Bentley. The quirky sense of humor and unique displays is a testament of the fun, innovation and relaxed environment of Valeria’s workplace. Valeria’s flexibility and dedication did not go unnoticed for in early 2014, she became Managing Director, one of a trio of executives who manage and run Union

Key to success is ‘giving it our all’ As we move towards the year 2023, when Compact grant assistance terminates, more and more Marshallese families are leaving the Marshall Islands in search of a better life, jobs and educational opportunities in Hawaii and the US mainland. Already there are 30,000 or so Marshallese living in America. Most seem to be coping well with the challenges associated with starting a new way of life in their new home. The lure of easy jobs, access to better schools for their children and numerous social service programs provided by some states to their citizens and lawful residents are an attractive magnet for

Hardware (www.unionhardware.com). “From where I stand today, I’ve come to realize that it’s not only education and the experience, but also being passionate about what you believe in, what you do and how you go about doing it, and of course having the right attitude has a great impact.” Under their management, the company’s new direction is to separate themselves from commodity products with a focus on designer products. Hence, the mission statement is to create cherished spaces for the cultivated individual. They will host the first Designers for Designer event sometime in November to celebrate 100 years of service and kick off their new theme. “We are planning to go exclusive — very exclusive,” she said excitedly with a sparkle in her eyes. With the guest list including manufacturers from Germany, France, Italy and local designers and architects, Valeria and her colleagues hope to create their own niche in the market place by dealing exclusively with unique specialized products that will set them apart from their competitors while giving them firm control as the sole curator. Like each of us, Valeria had her fair share of ups and downs, laughs and cries, progress and setbacks, happiness and sadness. She is convinced that like Hispanics, Asians and other groups of people that have moved to America, Marshallese also can achieve their dreams and be successful if they set their minds to it. Undoubtedly one of the contributing factors to Valeria’s success is the discipline, perseverance, “resolute and untiring bukarar DNA spirit” she got from her grandparents Jerry and Tarmoj Lakabung. She lives in Maryland, single and available but not looking, at least for the time being.

many islanders. A considerable number of Marshallese too have enlisted and are serving honorably and advancing professionally in the US armed forces. Likewise, a number of Marshallese have, through perseverance, hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, established themselves successfully and have risen to supervisory and management positions in numerous companies, in the land of opportunities, where individual dreams are achieved through hard and honest sweat. It is hoped that the Marshall Islands Journal will devote space to start a new section designed to shining the light

on our offshore families and friends in America. By sharing the stories and experiences of Marshallese families, relatives and friends who are doing well in America, whether working for the private sector, the federal, state and local governments, the armed forces etc., I am hopeful their struggles and success could serve as inspiration and lesson to Marshallese struggling to make it in America and more so to those on the home-front aspiring to relocate. Whatever our personal goal or pursuit may be — education, jobs, business and or military career — success is ours only if we give it our very best and give it our all.

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Radewagen ewin nan US Congress Amata Coleman Radewagen (pija eo itu anmoon) raar maron in kelete wiik eo lok bwe en Delegate eo ekaal an Amercian Samoa lok nan US Congress eo, ilo an kar maron bok tup eo ion Congressman Eni Faleomavaega im ear etto an jijet ion jea jab in. Ijelokin an oktak bwe ej kora eo kein kajuon jen American Samoa nan jede ilo etaer ilo US Congress eo, kora in ej bareinwot ri Majol eo kein kajuon raar kelete bwe en erom uwaan Congress eo. Radewagen, juon Republican, ej kora eo nejin Peter im Nora Coleman. Jemen ear juon district administrator ilo Aelon Kein iumin elon year ko, im tokelik ear High Commissioner nan Trust Territory. Kora in

ej juon ri Majol ekkar nan juon kakien ear elle jen Nitijela ilo 1965, eo im ear lelok citizenship nan Peter im Nora Coleman, im nan aijri ro nejierro bareinwot. Et in ej kakaruru in etan jibun: Amataupulevasegaotupu. Ej bareinwot ejja etan wot late President eo elkin an kar family in tokeak tok ilo Aelon Kein ilo tore eo Amata Coleman ear lotak im raar etonak ke et in. Bonbon ko rejjanin kabine nan iakwoj eo ikijien Delegate ro ej kwalok bwe kora in ear bok tup eo kin 4,306 vote (42 bojan) ilo ien ek kalel eo an wiik eo lok, ilo an Faleomavaega kar maron in tobare wot 3,157 ak 30.8 bojjan in woran vote ko. Radewagen enaaj bok kallimur in jerbal ilo naaj January.

Etale eo ikijien kejerbal jarom ilo MOH • 68 bojjan in muri in jarom eo an MOH elap wot an jerbal nan kollaik wonen air conditioning ko, kein jerbal ko rellap, im nan kabbol lighting ko bareinwot im rekij rualitok bojjan, im kein komman dren bwil ko rekij jiljilimjuon bojjan. • Jen October 2010 nan September 2011, MOH ear kollaik MEC $1,474,953. • Muri ko an “hospital eo mokta” rekiij 55 bojjan in jonan an ministry eo kejerbal jarom; “hospital eo ekaal” 41 bojjan. • $624,366 emaron in kejebaroke ilo kajojo year elane jekjek ko rejani

nan kejerbal jarom ilo jimwe im jejjet enaaj loori, ekoba bwe en jeniji aolep air condition ko kio im kolake ko emman lok aer kejerbal jarom. • Ilo an naaj jinoe bunten ko rejane bwe en loori ilo jiljino jikin ko, innem Minstry of Health emaron in kadrikdrik lok an muri in jarom kin 45 bojjan. • “Naan ne bwe ebidodo kejebarok juon tala jen jerbal im lo juon tala, innem ej melele in bwe MOH ej aikuij in lukkun komman kejebarok ko rellap im rej jeje (iloan ripoot in), enwot ke kejebarok kein reban komman jerammon wot nan hospi-

tal eo, ak renaaj bareinwot komman jerammon nan belaak ko ilo aer naaj kadrikdrik lok komman mejatoto ko retonon ilo aer naaj kadrikdrik lok aer kejerbal jarom,” ripoot in kin kilen kejerbal jarom ear ba. “Project ko rejan kaki ekadrik in drik jonan tore eo jej aikuij in kollaiki wonaer, kin menin relukkun in emman im rej jet project ko rejjet kinke rej maron jiban kadrikdrik lok jonan wonen ko kollaiki iloan juon year. Ilo jerbal in bejnej, kain project rot kein im ekadu jonan tore in kollaiki wonaer elaplok aer kanel tok ro rej letok jaan jen likin.”

268 wheelchair ko letok jen LDS emoj ear jino jerbal ISAAC MARTY Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints (LDS) iumin LDS Charities, ear maron letok 268 wheelchair ko lok nan Ministry of Health ilo raan ko lok. Wheelchair kein ekoba ko ekka kejerbali, kab ko reoktak lok jidrik ak rej ba roughrider type ko, im ippen men kein ear itok spare part ko, walker ko, crutches ko kab cane ak jokkon ko. Men kein raar litok nan jiban ri naninmij ro ilo Majuro im kab Ebeye. Ekkar nan kemlet eo an World Health Organization eo (WHO) bwe aolep drouluul ko rej lelok wheelchair ko, ren bareinwot komman kaminene ikijien bobrae im kejebarok, kin menin LDS Charities volunteer ro physical therapist Mark Anderson kab Andy Schnebly, ekoba kora eo ippen Schnebly Roylene, eo im ej bareinwot juon retired nurse, raar kommane juon kaminene jilu raan jonan aetok-

kan, nan MOH Technician ro ikijien ‘ewi wawein’ kejerbale, kokaale kab komman etale ko aikuiji nan chair kein kab nan ri naninmij ro rej kejerbali. Kumi in ear bareinwot etal nan Ebeye im kommane ejja ien kaminene in wot. Kin menin ear wor 13 armij ro raar bok kaminene ko ilo jikin kein jimor. “Kajojo ri naninmij rej aikuij etale bwe en etal nan er chair eo ejimwe im ekkar nan er, im bwe eban kemtak er ak komman aban,” Andy ear ba. “Elane chair eo renaaj bineepe im etale wot ilo kajojo allon, im emman kejerbale, innem emaron bed iumin lalem year ak lonlok. “Kaminene eo ear kanuij in jiban. Mokta ke ear bar itok wheelchair ko kimij kajju lilok nan ri naninmij ro,” MOH Technician Bob Solomon ear ba. “Elukkun aurok nan lale elane rinaninmij eo ekkar nan chair eo, kinke elon wot ien rej bok wheelchair eo

im etal. Ilo juon ien, kimar loe bwe juon ri naninmij ear lon kinej ilo neen im kilin, kinke chair eo ear kanuij in drik nane botaap ear wonmanlok wot im kejerbale mekarta ear wor jorrean ewalok nan enbwinnin.” MOH Rehabilitation Department technician ro, kab ri jerbal ro kio renaaj komman etale aolep ien nan ri naninmij ro kab chair ko. Missionary for Perpetual Education, Self Reliance, im kab Humanitarian Aid Elder John Johnson ear kabine bwe elane ewor menin aikuij ikijien juon kein emakitkit einwot juon wheelchair, innem armij eo ej aikuij in kur lok Rehabilitation Department eo im lale elane remaron komman ien ak appointment bwe ren etale elane ej aikuiji juon wheelchair ak jab. Ikijien wheelchair ko raar litok ilo 2010 eo, ear bar itok ejja woran in wot jen imon jar eo, ijoke ear jab koba spare parts kab kaminene jab in ie.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

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PreZ DaY reCyCle rAce Local elementary schools celebrated this year’s President’s Day in interesting ways, including with a race of boats built out of recycled materials. Uliga Elementary canoe racers Franky Job and Joseiah George were ready to go when we stopped by Delap Park last week. Photo: Hilary Hosia.

StudEnts picK up tiPs at caReer fAir The International Conference Center was the venue for a recent career fair. The event was a one-stop shop for many of Marshall Islands businesses, bringing high school and college students from all over Majuro together for a closer peak at what employment opportunities are available. Students in red, blue and yellow and blue uniforms joined students without uniforms, indicating college level, rotated around different booths, each booth representing a different entity. In each booth, students conversed and exchanged inquiries with representatives from each entity. A particularly fun booth (Marshall Islands Visitors Authority) caught the attention of students because for every clever question brought up a lollypop candy is offered as reward. Both Bank of Marshalls Islands and Bank of Guam lured in curious students, as did the three Embassies of US, Japan and ROC, Taiwan. College of Marshall Islands students and staff helped coordinated the traffic flow, making the career fair a successful one.

HoW to bE a good role moDel 101 College of the Marshall Islands Sociology 140 section two class produced projects to encourage parents and guardians to be good role models to their kids, through skits, brochures, and media outlets last week. According to (pictured from left) Floyd Chong Gum, Jakio Lanwe, James Chutaro, Richard Phillip, and Robert Ejli, “do you want your child’s future to be as a drunk or a successful employee?” Photo: Isaac Marty.

CMI instructor Kathy Jetnil Kijiner (above) talks to students about their employment options at the career fair held at the International Conference Center in Delap, while (below) Laura High School students sign in. Photos: Hilary Hosia.

for your safety and ours, please don’t drink & drive.

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Tony praises US, China leaders Following a bilateral meeting in Beijing between US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 11 and ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane this week, Foreign Minister Tony deBrum issued the following statement: “The US-China announcement is a watershed moment in the fight against climate change. Having the world’s two biggest emitters step forward together is a critical building block in constructing the 2015 agreement. “Most significantly, the US and China have indicated that their post-2020 efforts must put us on a pathway to a low-carbon global economy, and to limit warming to

Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama chats with Minister Tony deBrum.

Medical issues in Hawaii In an editorial about the access of islanders to state-provided health care coverage, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser warned that any money savings the state hopes to gain could be lost if FAS citizens are dissuaded because of high costs to seek early medical care and treatment. The editorial said, in part: “It is essential that outreach to the (FAS) population during this (120-day transition) period be consistent and dogged, through all possible channels, including government agencies, nonprofits and other affiliated groups. “The coming changes will affect the healthiest members of this population. Noncitizen children and pregnant women and aged, blind and disabled individuals will continue to receive medical coverage at their current levels, uninterrupted, according to Department of Human Services. It is important to preserve aid for these most-vulnerable groups.

“Community advocates fear that affected migrants’ out-of-pocket medicalinsurance costs will rise substantially after the transition period. If this added expense results in patients failing to seek preventative or early treatment and instead suffering full-blown health crises that require emergency intervention, any savings to the state will be lost. State officials must track medical costs in this new environment to determine the best long-term solution. “While the high court clarified that the state is not obligated to provide health coverage for noncitizens, it is just as clear that public health will suffer if a large segment of Hawaii’s population falls through the cracks. Careful changes for the Compact of Free Association’s healthy members might indeed be due — but

fair, cost-efficient coverage must remain the goal.” The Honolulu Star-Advertiser editorial also said the cause of the funding problem Hawaii faces has yet to be addressed. “The high court decision, of course, did nothing to resolve the root problem, which is that the federal government has failed to pay the bills it generated by opening up unfettered US residency to Pacific migrants under the Compact of Free Association, in exchange for exclusive military rights. “It was utterly predictable that most of the people who left their home islands would end up in Hawaii, which is the closest US state and has close cultural ties. Some migrants arrive needing health care, which their advocates consider a consequence of the nuclear tests the United States conducted in the Marshall Islands. (The) Compact of Free Association is a federal agreement; its attendant obligations should not be left to the states.”

below 2 degrees Celsius. The proposed targets are significant, but we are not yet on track. The next 12 months are a chance to further bend the curve towards limiting annual global emissions to 40GT by 2025, as required by the latest science. “The announcement sets the stage for all other major emitters to quickly follow suit. The G20 is the perfect opportunity for the world’s biggest economies to recommit to having their proposed targets on the table by March 2015, at the very latest. I look forward to discussing this personally with both Chinese President Xi and Indian Prime Minister Modi during their respective visits to the Pacific following the G20.”

CMI President to be named within a month ISAAC MARTY College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) is expecting to name a new CMI President next month after the CMI board makes its decision following interviews with the top three candidates for the post. Current CMI President Carl Hacker (pictured) was to have ended his contract this month, but was extended into next year to allow for a smooth transition to a new president. Hacker has overseen fixing financial deficits, improving graduation rates, and shortening the time that students are in development before qualifying for credit course. CMI Director of Human Resources Bob Willson confirmed that the shortlisted candidates are Dr. Unaisi Nabobo-Baba (female, from Fiji), Subhas Chandra (male, Australia), and Theresa Koroivulaono (female, New Zealand). Dr. Nabobo-Baba was the first to arrive on island last week Monday. She went through a series of meetings and discussions with college staff, faculty, and board. CMI Student Body Association (SBA) President Sana Anien said SBA met with Nabobo-Baba and found that she wants to establish and include women studies. “This will help our women improve a lot,” said Anien. Nabobo-Baba stated that her goal is to help CMI strive toward excellence. CMI excellence means RMI excellence, she said. She also aims at advancing students from developmental level to college credit level. She believes that improving the outcome of students graduating with their associates in a timely manner would gain the school possible opportunities to get bachelor degree courses, she shared with CMI club representatives last Friday. Chandra arrived Majuro Monday and was expected to go through the same series of meetings with CMI students, staff and administration. Following Chandra is Koroivulaono who is expected in by December 1.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

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WWII remains now at peace Left: The excavation group at Santo Island on Kwajalein earlier this year. Below left: Chief Justice Carl Ingram and Camilla Ingram at the service in Majuro. Below right: Yuichi Yamaguchi pays his respect to the un-named fallen Japanese soldiers from WWII at last Saturday’s Peace Park ceremony.

HILARY HOSIA As much as Japanese words are embedded in Marshallese language — iakiu (baseball), jambo (cruise), amimono (handicraft) ametama (candy) and tenki (light) to name a few — so too is the memory of the many fallen Japanese soldiers that met their end in Marshall Islands during World Word II. They were remembered by a large crowd Saturday evening at the Japan-built memorial Peace Park. A recent finding of unearthed Japanese remains at Santo Island in Kwajalein earlier this year and a cremation service at the memorial site in Peace Park might be the reason this year’s turnout doubled in comparison to last year’s crowd. As observed in Japan, honored guests were given floral gifts that they placed at the memorial shrine as a sign of respect. Marshall Islands top dignitaries, including US Ambassador Tom Armbruster, Australia Royal

Navy Commander Christopher Brough, RMI Liaison to Kwajalein USAG-KA Lanny Kabua, Chief Justice Carl Ingram, members of Japan/Marshallese commu-

nity, the President’s Office, Foreign and Internal Affairs officials joined Japan Embassy and visiting Japanese honored guests during the memorial.

Japan Ambassador Kazuhiko Anzai commended the collaborative work done by IA’s Historic Preservation Office with Japanese officials, which great-

ly assisted the mission at Santo Island in Kwajalein. HPO’s Chief Archeologist Micheal Terlep led the RMI team. Public Works Minister

Hiroshi Yamamura conveyed condolences on behalf of President Christopher Loeak. “The RMI shall do all in its power to assist this important part of restoring Japan’s history, so that the eternal souls of the soldiers can be at peace,” he said. Reliable sources estimate Japanese soldiers stationed in RMI at around 8,000, but to date only a few hundred are recorded to have been found and put to solemn rest.

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

2 Joes meet in a bar... Journal 11/26/1974 P3 Joe Murphy, Editor of

the Pacific Daily News visited Majuro this past week to find out if the rumors were true that indeed there was another newspaper man in the area by the same name. Instinctively following his journalistic intuition, he headed to the first bar on the way into the district center of the Marshalls and laid in wait. It wasn’t long before a yellow Volkswagen pulled up to the bar driven by an emaciated looking bearded white man in the company of a crotchety old Quapaw halfbreed. As the coral dust settled in the afternoon heat, the bearded driver called out in a raspy, irritated voice, “What the hell are you doing on my turf?” Murphy looked startled at the sour-faced driver. “Tickjle your toes with a shamrock,” he said as he wiped the froth of Schlitz from his moustache. “Faith and Begorrah,” came the reply. The conversation then became garbled in a rush of typically Irish drinking as the two editors performed an ancient Celtic rite.

P4

Peeking through the palms by Dick Tullis

a state of mind. Words, both written and spoken, are always subject to manipulation and misinterpretation. Some heavy-handed dictators have proved the feasibility of living comfortably under the theoretical constraint of a democratic constitution…

Journal 12/1/189 P5 Confusion (photo

What we were saying way back when Micronesia is shopping for a constitution. We really don’t know why they need one. But since somebody does, and a lot of money is going to be squandered expense accounting politicians to discuss the matter, let’s talk about constitutions. And that is dangerous water! Because in modern societies, the word “constitution” has become such a sacred cow that no one feels comfortable mentioning it. This is particularly true in America where the national folklore evolves from the American Constitution and around the legendary lives of those totally wholesome, God-inspired, ultraintelligent heroic patriots who

were the Founding Fathers of the Republic. The result of this has been that Americans developed a rather strange, but nonetheless powerful fetish about their constitution. The extraordinary zeal employed by the Americans in exporting the cultural advantages of their constitution has created a highly motivated and at times disagreeably aggressive society. For theirs has been a frenzied, frantic and formidable 200-year crusade to yoke all nations with a government tailored to the American image. And they have done right well at it, too!

Because of heavy American agitation about it, nearly all nations, big, middle-size, and picayunish came up with some kind of a constitution. Even the Marxists, in order to compete, climbed on the bandwagon. This includes the Soviet Union, which has a constitution that reads even better than a French menu. It was written by, of all people, Josef Stalin, who must have really tripped on perverse mirth as trainloads of his “constitutionally protected” Soviet citizens chugged out of Moscow station — Gulag bound. Which all goes to show that constitutional law is in reality only

caption) Confusion is very apparent in Majuro resident Noel Bigler’s expression as he ponders whether to look in the direction fellow Majuran Jim Abernathy is pointing toward or the one Jim is looking at. Some claim, also, that this is just another example of Noel’s refusal to follow directions, a fault which nearly 20 years ago resulted in Noel’s arrival in Majuro from California after starting off to visit New York.

Journal 11/28/1997 P3 NTA, MEC earn a prof-

it in 1996 Only two of 10 statutory agencies and other programs funded by the government earned a net profit in 1996. The Deloitte audit showed that MEC earned $303,687 and NTA $857,286.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

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ka-meniñ kio, jerata tokelik LEFT. Bully: Jab ba jaab ñe ibba juon men! Victim: Ekwe ak jab mane eo! right. Victim (roñoul iio tokelik): Ah! Kwoj ke ememij e io?! Bully (scared): Mol ke kwe ne ke?

ejjab endrein Mama eo ej kobatata: Niñniñ etal im ikkure! Niñniñ eo: Warrar! Etto wõt ao kar kattar am baat e tok meja, iar baj iakwe wõt bwin jikka jen tore eo iar bed iloan lojem. Eluukun enno lok jen milik.

the right choice Candidate (School drop out): If I am elected, I promise I’ll never drink again!

Person outside: Brother, can you give me some food? Person inside: There’s no food! It’s all gone!

Bwebwe in rijikuul Rijikuul: Ah! Drol tok bwe ñain kobatat e eok! Jikka: Jab! Ij ko jen kwe! Kelemonlak jen eo an jikka eo: Ij abede eok!

Planet Earth (thinking): Ewor tarin ruatimjuon–billion armij rej jokwe ilo ña im ijjab jela jete rinana –– menin ekamijak eo.

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Eighth annual jaki-ed auction Eighty percent of the entries in the upcoming eighth annual exhibition and silent auction of jaki-ed (clothing mats) are from Ailinglaplap Atoll, which is where a six-month fine weaving apprenticeship was held a few years ago. Five days before the November 28 deadline for receiving jaki-ed, staff at the University of the South Pacific, which helps coordinate the exhibition each year, had received 45 mats. And, as has happened every year, the quality is higher than in the past, according to organizers. “They are smaller than normal overall,” said USP’s Director Dr. Irene Taafaki as she went through the pieces in the university’s library. “Maria (Fowler) and I encourage them to think smaller, but with more quality. I definitely see that in the mats this year and Maria is delighted with the quality. “There are some that will really pop out because of the fineness of the weave. The weavers have obviously learned from the previous auctions what is being looked for (by buyers).” The jaki-ed exhibition is usually held to coincide with Manit (Culture) Day in September, but as some officials were off-island at that time, it was decided to hold it in early December. “The exhibition and auction will be on Thursday, December 4, at the Melele Room at Marshall Islands Resort,” Taafaki said, adding “I think this could be an advantage for sales with Christmas so close.” Hawaii’s Bishop Museum is sending two historic jaki-ed from its extensive collection. They will be brought by Hawaiian fiber artist and the museum’s Cultural Resource Specialist Marques Marzan. “Marques will be speaking to school children who are being invited to visit in the afternoon,” Taafaki said. Marzan has been involved in the Marshallese revival of the art of fine weaving as he has attended earlier auctions in RMI and a 2013 program in Tahiti titled Weaving As a Common Pacific Language, which brought together Marshallese, Hawaiian, and French Polynesian weavers. As well as participation by the Bishop Museum and USP, the other partners in the 2014 exhibition are the Marshall Islands Visitors Authority, the Marshall Islands Resort, and the Marshall Islands Handicraft Association. A new major partner this year will be United Airlines, joining the Bank of the Marshall Islands and the

‘There are some that will really pop out because of the fineness of the weave.’

USP Director Dr. Irene Taafaki and expert weaver Susan Jieta review the jakied entries. Inset, Maria Fowler.

— Dr. Irene Taafaki Trust Company of the Marshall Islands, which have been steadfast supporters since the beginning. Next Thursday’s program will start in the afternoon with school visits and be followed by a public viewing between 3pm and 5pm. “The evening event will start at 7pm, with an entry fee of $10, which includes a range of appetizers. We just did a tasting and it’s going to be delicious,” Taafaki laughed. Another key element is that there will be a starting bid of $20 on each mat. “We’re hoping people will come and bid generously and support the weavers.” By the look and feel of this year’s offerings, this won’t be difficult to achieve.

Income boost for women “We’ve been thinking a lot of about unemployment in recent days, especially for Marshallese women,” USP Director Dr. Irene Taafaki said as she was studying the many mats sent in for the eighth annual exhibition and silent auction being held on December 4. “These mats will bring some income to women who usually have few options to bring income into their families.” Taafaki was referring to the re-

cent release of a draft analysis by the Asian Development Bank on the findings in the 2011 RMI national census. “What it revealed was that there are a high number of women on Majuro and the outer islands that have no income. I believe in Majuro the figure was 70 percent of women are unemployed. “The sale of these jaki-ed will certainly have some sort of impact on their lives.”

Graduates’ mats on show Of the 21 weavers taking part in the eighth annual exhibition and silent auction of jaki-ed, six are former apprentices in the Jaki-ed Revival Program. They are Dores Langidrik, Elisana Emos, Lirok Menwe, and Litak Paul from Airok, Ailinglaplap; Zibora Lang from Mejit; and Moji Kelen from Jabor, Jaluit, and Majuro. The other exhibitors are:

• Daisy Riklon, Dolly Jack, Emja Juej, Helsay Libokmeto, Joninean Katjang, and Kalora Judej from Jabwon Ailinglaplap • Glory Tomar, Justina Jieta, Kenye Langidrik, Lynn Katjang, Rostina Isa, and Salome Rena from Airok, Ailinglaplap • Neko Bokin from Ujae • Virginia Bulles and Susan Jieta from Mejit.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

Rock Crushers Muller vs Do It Best Muller.

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Veterans’ triple treats Veterans 3-on-3 basketball is headed for a championship showdown this weekend. On Tuesday night, Rock Crushers defeated Do It Best in a close and hard-fought playoff game battle to remain undefeated at 12-0. In the double elimination format for the three teams that made it through the 10team playoff schedule, Wednesday night’s game between Do It Best and OTEC will decide which team faces Rock Crushers in

Friday’s final. Do It Best defeated OTEC 11-10 Monday night on a last second shooting foul free throw by Rantly Kattil. On Tuesday, before a large and loud crowd at the Lojkar court, Rock Crushers beat Do It Best 25-21. The Veterans 3-on-3 Say No to NCDs Basketball Tournament is supported by the Ministry of Health and Kumit, PII, Taiwan Embassy, Riwut Corner, and the School Enrichment Program.

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Glen: ‘Tuna Commission must act now’ PNA nations are enforcing conservation requirements for fishing inside their 200-mile zones, said Marshall Islands fisheries Director Glen Joseph (pictured). “Where is the high seas action by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission?” he asked on the eve of next week’s fisheries’ summit in Samoa. Joseph said for the past five years, PNA has lobbied the WCPFC to step up conservations regulations for high seas fishing without success. “The PNA conservation measure supports our (sustainability) interests,” said Joseph. “It should be taken by the WCPFC.” But Joseph is frustrated by what he says is not happening to regulate high seas fishing. “The Tuna Commission needs to change its way of doing business and how it treats small island developing states,” Joseph said. The WCPFC annual meeting is from December 1-5.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, November 28, 2014

Dar,Tia Urok winners Teams DAR and Tia are the big winners from last weekend’s President’s Day Urok Club-sponsored bottom fishing tournament — and Bokan Kibed and Bukarar II didn’t do too badly themselves. DAR captained by Kony with fishermen Juda and Michael, and Tia captained Jajju with fisherman Jason were one and two in total pounds at 103.7 and 91.1 pounds, respectively, while Tia had the highest average pounds of 45.6 pounds.

Meantime, Bokan Kibed captained by Whitney with crew Drebel and Jimba, caught the biggest fish, a 17.5lb jawe. Bukarar II captained by Bilton with fishing partner Hone caught a 14.5lb jilo for second place. Prize money of $416.67 was awarded in the three categories, with the winner getting $250 and second place $166.67. Twenty-two boats competed, with 13 weighing in their catch.

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Friday, November 28, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal Send your hysterical, gripping, or insightful Are You Awares? to [email protected] THAT more and more people are becoming vegetarians, so we thought it timely to give you some history on the subject? THAT in 570BC Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras wrote: “The earth, prodigal of its wealth, supplies you with gentle sustenance, and offers you food without killing or shedding blood”? THAT in 1847 the word vegetarian was coined at the inaugural meeting of what was to become the Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom? THAT in 1897 soy-bean milk gets its first mention in a USDA publicadairy allowed) society was tion? THAT in 1918 President formed in England? THAT in 1972 Galaxy Woodrow Wilson called for Foods introduced the first meatless Tuesdays and an low-fat, cholesterol-free, overall reduction in meat and lactose-free cheese alconsumption to help conternative? serve resources during World THAT in 1979 John LenWar I? non and Yoko Ono subTHAT in 1944 the first scribed for three years to vegan (meaning no eggs or

THAT in 1995 Lisa Simpson became a vegetarian during the seventh season of The Simpsons (she swore off meat after spending time with a lamb at a petting zoo)? THAT in 1990 wife of ex-Beatle Paul, Linda McCartney, published a vegetarian cookbook? THAT in 2008 Majuro’s Wellness Center vegetarian restaurant opened? THAT in 2009 the US Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics revised its position on the health benefits of vegetarianism, giving it the thumbs up? the magazine Vegetarian THAT in 2009 the app Times? HappyCow was released, THAT in 1986 the non- allowing users to access its profit organization Farm worldwide database of vegSanctuary was founded in friendly restaurants? Watkins Glen, New York, THAT in 2013 New to rescue farm animals from York’s Elementary school PS cruel conditions and raise 244 became the first public awareness of the ill effects school to create an exclusiveof factory farming? ly vegetarian cafeteria menu?

ARE YOU AWARE?