MALGov proposal for airline ticket tax1 The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

fore MALGov’s Ways and Means Committee chaired by Aenkan Councilwoman Betty Imaikta. A public hearing is scheduled for August 29 at 10:30 at MALGov City Hall. Draft ordinance 04-2014 would establish the local government’s first tax on airline tickets and

Ebeye’s Simpson to star in movie

tours sold on Majuro Atoll. The four percent gross sales tax “shall apply to the gross sale price of all tickets or tours sold by local airline ticket offices, travel agency offices, or tour operator offices located on Majuro whether or not those airline tickets or tours are for travel from the Marshall

The

Islands to some foreign destination or for travel originating totally outside of the RMI to the Marshall Islands…so long as the purchase originates from within Majuro.” Draft ordinance 05-2014 would increase tax on gas purchases from the current five cents to

seven cents per gallon. The ordinance notes that Kwajalein Atoll Local Government maintains a 10-cent per gallon tax. While this level of tax would be “too much of a burden on the general population on Majuro, the Council believes that a slight increase in the Continued page 2

Marshall Islands

$1 on Majuro ISSN: 0892 2096

Majuro Atoll Local Government is proposing to raise tax on gasoline and to institute a new four percent tax on all airline tickets and tour sales. The tax increases are detailed in draft ordinances 04-2014 to amend the 1992 General Revenue Tax and 05-2014 to amend the General Revenue Tax that are be-

Page 7

Ring puts out a call for Cinderella V7AB local radio broadcaster William Ring has a way of brightening people’s lives. Take, for example, his lost and found announcement Mon-

day morning: “Alright if you left half of a slipper in a taxi, we have it in our studio,” William said. “The slipper looks exactly like that one Cinderella left.”

Driver and passengers burst out laughing, except the photographer — he got off at the studio and took a quick snapshot of the slipper. Photo: Hilary Hosia

Tuna stock shock

The shocking news from this week’s fisheries meeting in Majuro: bigeye tuna stocks have dropped to just 16 percent of their original population because of over-fishing. Yellowfin tuna is on the way to a similar fate, with under 40 percent of its “biomass” left as record-setting volumes of tuna continue to be hauled out of the Pacific waters. Pacific fisheries managers, tuna industry officials and scientists have been meeting in Majuro since last week for the 10th Western and Central Pacific Fisheries

Leaders angry at Asian fleets: P2

Commission’s (WCPFC’s) Scientific Committee session where they have received “the most complete stock assessment to date,” according to fisheries scientist John Hampton of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). But serious gaps in the data raise uncertainty about the status of tuna stocks. Could bigeye and yellowfin— both staple fish for

global sashimi markets — be in worse shape than scientists report? The lack of tuna catch data from longliners operated on the high seas by Japan, S. Korea, Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China has become a big problem, with island fisheries leaders complaining loudly and forcefully that these nations need to follow the lead of the United States in

providing this information. Scientists and fisheries managers generally agree that to be healthy and to support the fishing industry for the long-term, tuna stocks need to be around 50 percent of their original population. Today, bigeye is far below this, in danger of being fished to extinction, and yellowfin is moving into the danger zone. Skipjack remains relatively healthy at about

50 percent, but Hampton and Marshalls fisheries director Glen Joseph warn that none of these stocks can stay healthy with the current heavy levels of fishing. Joseph adds that while the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) have implemented many conservation measures to reduce the stress on tuna stocks, distant water fishing nations — particularly those whose fishing is focused on the high seas — are not doing their part. Greenpeace New Zealand repContinued page 2

Talk to us at [email protected] • Subscribe to the Journal Online at www.marshallislandsjournal.com

2

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Stardom 4 Wisdom Perfect RMI Riddles were this week received from Herman Lee-Enos, Larry of SV Tribute, Helber Namna, Diane Myazoe, and Dante Dela Vega, so their names will go into the August hat for a pizza from Flame Tree. To join the competition, fill in the puzzle on page 8 and fax it (625-3136), email it ([email protected]), or bring it (back road, Uliga) to the Journal by 5pm Tuesday. Good luck! Footnote: Apologies from the Head Riddle to Dante, who sent in a perfect puzzle last week, but was denied his Stardom for Wisdom acknowledgement in the Journal.

‘All sales to need records’ From page 1 gasoline tax is justified.” The ordinance provides that “the wholesaler shall be responsible for the collection of the gasoline fuel tax from the retailers or buyers at the time of sale.” Gas sold to the RMI government and MALGov, and for use in the outer islands is exempt from MALGov’s gas tax. A third tax initiative aims to help MALGov get a handle on businesses that are operating on a cash basis in the capital. Draft ordinance 06-2014 would require all businesses to maintain records of sales and other business activities. The legislation will strengthen MALGov’s Finance Department’s ability to audit local businesses and to level the playing field so that all companies doing business are paying taxes equitably.

US hailed as being a compliant fishing nation Western Pacific fisheries managers expressed anger Tuesday that four Asian nations have refused to provide tuna catch data critical for scientists studying the long-term viability of stocks that in 2012 produced a record-setting catch valued at $7 billion. Island fisheries officials are meeting with industry representatives and scientists who are presenting stock assessment reports to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission’s (WCPFC’s) Scientific Committee in a meeting that wraps up this week in the Majuro. Japan, S. Korean, Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China — all members of the WCPFC — have not provided operational catch data that scientists and fisheries managers in the region say is crucial to producing accurate stock assessments. Scientists told this week’s meeting that bigeye, a tuna prized in the Asian sashimi markets, is overfished with only 16 percent of its original population size left, while yellowfin tuna is under 40 percent of its original biomass. “One of the obligations that all members signed up to when they joined the WCPFC was to provide full catch and effort data on the operations of their fishing vessels in the convention area,” Tiga Galo, a Tokelau Island fisheries department official who is chairing the Forum Fisheries Agency’s Science Working Group, said Tuesday in Majuro. “Yet, here we are 10 years down the track, and there are still four Asian (members) that are hiding behind the temporary deferment that allowed them time to amend their domestic regulations — laws that might techni-

Longliner rules need updating From page 1

Tiga Galo, FFA Science Working Group Chair.

cally prevent them from supplying this operational data.” She said the United States has already amended its domestic legislation in order to provide the catch data required. “We need to narrow the uncertainty (in stock assessments),” said Marshall Islands fisheries director Glen Joseph. Joseph and Galo said the lack of data from the four Asian nations is a major problem. “This creates an uncertainty about our own resources that affects food security, sustainable development, and our survival,” Joseph said. We’d like to have a commission-wide picture of stocks, but we only have half the picture and are guessing about the other half.” Operational catch data is crucial for improving the accuracy and re-

resentative Karli Thomas, in Majuro for the meetings, said that conservation action needs to be two-pronged: • Use of fish aggregation devices (FADs) should be eliminated because their use is resulting in heavy and unsustainable catches of tuna. • The longline fishing industry, which is largely based on high seas fishing, needs to be reformed, with the requirement that longliners off-load tuna in port and not on the high seas. liability of fisheries stock assessments, Galo said. Fisheries scientist John Hampton of the New Caledonia-based Secretariat of the Pacific Community, which coordinates stock assessments for the WCPFC, said the lack of this data, mostly from longline fishing vessels that fish on the high seas, is a gap in the research. “This is the most complete stock assessment to date,” he said of the report being delivered in Majuro this week. “But it could be better if we are provided with longline catch data.” “By refusing to provide operational data, these nations are forcing us to cut their fishing effort in order to minimize the risk of over-

fishing,” said Galo. She made it clear that the main problem is on the high seas. “Pacific island countries supply operational data to the Commission on all the tuna fishing vessels that they license to fish in their national waters, whether foreign or local,” she said. “But Pacific island nations cannot collect data for Asian vessels operating on the high seas if they are not licensed to fish in Pacific island EEZs and not obliged to provide ‘port-to-port’ data. This is a particular problem with longliners. Many only fish on the high seas and are not responsible to any Forum Fisheries Agency members — only to the Commission and their flag state.” Greenpeace New Zealand representative Karli Thomas, who is attending the meeting in Majuro, said the longline industry needs to be reformed. “Closing high seas pockets to fishing by longliners and banning high seas transshipment of fish (as has been done with purse seiners) will make a huge difference),” she said. Joseph said a big push will be made at the annual meeting of the WCPFC in December to resolve the problem of lack of tuna catch data. “We have a problem with longline fishing on the high seas and their obligation to provide data,” he said. “We are going to get this data in 2015.” Galo said the Asian countries should follow the lead of the United States, “which used to have domestic legal impediments, but is now in full compliance with their data obligations to WCPFC. “Quite frankly, we think these other countries are just making excuses.”

Fishing meeting a financial bonus

Majuro had the enjoyable experience of not being able to provide hotel accommodations for all the visitors present in the capital during the first week in August. While we are not over flush with rooms, when you add the potential you come up with a solid number that ain’t shabby. Starting off with 150 scientists and fisheries managers on island for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission’s 10th Scientific Committee Meeting dramatically increased the IQ estimation of the local population. Add in the hosting of many teachers from the outer islands along with the numerous church delegations and summering visitors coming to the capital to celebrate kemems or participate in large family reunions, you combine into a so-called tourist presence easily surpassing 1,000 souls. And don’t forget the many fishermen on the ships in the lagoon. Majuro was in full bloom this summer, a fact that should give us all a good reason for happiness.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

3

Participants in the ITU workshop.

ITU aims for better net access A workshop on National Broadband Policy was conducted for various ministries and other relevant stakeholders earlier this month. Chief Secretary Casten Nemra opened the workshop on behalf of the government and welcomed officials from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to the RMI. Participants were from the Ministry of Education, Health, CMI, Nitijela, and the Marshall Islands Telecommunication Authority (MINTA). ITU officials stressed the importance of access to Internet broadband. Secretary of T&C Phil Philippo talked on RMI’s broadband aspirations. NTA General Manager Tommy Kijiner, Jr. was also a featured speaker. During the public consultation, ITU and T&C were able to visit and discuss strategies with MINTA, the Ministries of Education and Health, and College of the Marshall Islands on what will be their part in formulating a broadband roadmap for the RMI. Most importantly, ITU was able to provide briefings for the President, Cabinet and the Nitijela. The in-country visit provided insights on how to develop a National Broadband Policy for RMI and offered a clearer direction on where government wants to target the RMI’s fiber optic capability, said Philippo. He noted that the submarine fiber optic cable arrived in the Marshalls in 2009. ITU objectives, through a Broadband Commission for Digital Development, are to make broadband universal, affordable, connectable at home, with the result that people can get online. ITU is promoting these goals even to the remote islands of the Pacific and is committed to connecting people and protecting and supporting everyone’s fundamental right to communicate, said Philippo. ITU and T&C agreed that RMI will undertake efforts to move forward with the next step for the RMI National Broadband Policy. “The visit complements the National ICT (information communication technology) policy and covers the need to roll out the roadmap for RMI’s broadband, which spans all other sectors of society including education, health, and agriculture,” he said.

Kostka wins Pacific award for Challenge The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and Conservation International (CI) presented the annual Pacific Oceanscape Leadership Award to Willy Kostka (pictured) of the Micronesia Conservation Trust at the Pacific Oceanscape Leaders Reception last week in Palau. CI-New Zealand’s Sue Taei said the selection of Kostka was largely due to his work to create and finance the Micronesia Challenge, a major conservation initiative in the north Pacific. “Willy Kostka’s inspiring work to help sustainably finance the national protected area networks in Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia has

changed the way we approach protected areas on islands and coastal seas in Micronesia, and inspired similar challenges in other parts of the world, including the Caribbean,” she said. “Although the Micronesia Challenge is in many respects about ‘the money’ — funding for protected areas — Willy never made this its prime focus. Instead, he made it about ‘Pacific-way’ welcoming all to support this huge effort. Micronesia leads the world today in national protected area networks and their sustainable financing, in no small part due to Willy Kostka of the Micronesian Conservation Trust.” Kostka is from Pohnpei.

The question of the week In replying this week to an article referencing VAT by Mayor Mudge Samuel, Finance Secretary Alfred Alfred, Jr. wrote: “We have a severe problem with tax compliance and our tax base continues to shrink. The proposed consumption tax provides the solutions need-

ed to resolve these.” Question: Can the Ministry of Finance provide an example showing how adoption of a consumption tax will improve tax compliance and solve the problem of a shrinking tax base? Secretary Alfred comments, P23.

Rock sad to leave Jaluit A veritable firestorm of controversy developed in the social media sector of communication this past week as the literati of Jaluit took to expression of their disdain at having their community featured as a sole-source rock stocking enterprise. What triggered the blast of bombast was the photo, on the front page of the Journal, of a rather large rock that was stuffed into a bag of copra that was intended to add weight to the bag and, by extension, result in more money for the producer. Kunar Bungitak expressed the sentiment that

Jaluit people should stop buying the newspaper because the paper tells lies in saying Jaluit alone stuffs rocks. All in all, we found ourselves overwhelmed by the plethora of comments posted to vilify and electrify. And to the elocution suggesting the Journal unfairly singled out Jaluit for denigration, we assure there was no intent to such unsavory an undertaking. The rock speaks for itself. It asked if it would be possible to have EPA return it to Jaluit. “I love Jaluit and miss it terribly.”

First Lady speaks at peace summit

First Lady Lieom Anono Loeak participated as guest of honor and keynote speaker at the World Summit on “Peace, Security, and Human Development” that was held August 9-13 in Seoul, Korea. The World Summit was organized and sponsored by the Universal Peace Federation, an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Delegates from 70 nations attended the summit, including women leaders, parliamentarians, and current and former heads of state and government. The First Lady delivered her statement on August 10. She was accompanied by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Foreign Service Officer Rina Keju, and Protocol Consultant Neijon Edwards.

4

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Sudden outbreak of suicides hits Majuro An apparent jurisdictional question has developed between national and local police over the issue of following up and investigating an apparent suicide of a 55-year-old Korean resident of Majuro identified as Mr. Kim. According to hospital officials, Kim’s body was delivered to the hospital Saturday after the apparent suicide. He is said to have lived in the Jable area of Rairok with his wife Maria. Local police indicated to the Journal they were aware of the incident, and had responded after being notified of the death over the weekend. But when they arrived, the body had already been taken to the hospital by family members. Local police said they were not positioned to further investigate or provide details because suicides fall under the jurisdiction of national police — who told the Journal Wednesday they were unaware of the reported suicide.

Need to halt tragic trend SELINA LEEM

Aluka Rakin

“It seems like it doesn’t stop,” Aluka Rakin, director of Youth to Youth in Health/Jodrikdrik nan Jodrikdrik ilo Ejmour, says when asked about the recent suicide occurences. “It is something we need to look at seriously. It doesn’t stop, especially on the youth level.” The two young boys who committed suicide recently sparked concern from community members as such a tragedy they never would have predicted. Rakin is finding a way to bring youth into YTYIH to make them feel important.

“We will talk to them, asking them what they are thinking or trying to say, we will make them feel like they belong because most youth do not feel like they belong. They are isolated and frustrated because no one is looking their way or looking after them.” Rakin advises family members to talk and observe each other in order to be on the same page. “A youth’s speech is a give-away of what’s going on in that child’s mind. It gives off signs of whether they are depressed or happy or a bit of both. Listen carefully to them and observe them.”

High school student dies Patrick Lang, an upcoming senior at Northern Islands High School in Wotje, died Saturday around midnight by committing suicide in Ajeltake. The 19-year old was rushed from Ajeltake on a police vehicle and was transferred onto the

Laura ambulance before arriving at Majuro hospital late Saturday/early Sunday. A nurse from the Laura dispensary confirmed that the boy had what appeared to be marks from a noose on his throat.

Sad death Hollywood icon Robin Williams’ (pictured) sudden death this week sent shockwaves across the globe, touching fans worldwide. The 63-year-old was found dead in his California home Tuesday. Journal staff on their favorite Robin Williams’ movies: “My favorite of Robin was Ms. Doubtfire. The movie had a great message.” —Brett Schellhase. “Flubber. It’s entertaining and nice.” — Joelee Anni. “I liked him in his serious role in Patch Adams.” —Darren Lanki. “The TV show Mork and Mindy. It was insane.” —Karen Earnshaw. “He was great as Peter Pan in Hook.” —Isaac Marty. “Best wake up call: Good Morning Vietnam!” —Hilary Hosia. “I liked him in all his movies — always entertaining. He will be missed.” —Suzanne Chutaro.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

5

6 Reactions continue in N-case against nine nations Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Tony deBrum

RMI awarded prestigious international peace prize

The International Peace Bureau announced last week it will award its annual Sean MacBride Peace Prize for 2014 to the people and government of the Marshall Islands for courageously taking the nine nuclear weapons-possessing countries to the International Court of Justice to enforce compliance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty and international customary law. RMI argues that the nuclear weapons-possessing countries have breached their obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) by continuing to modernize their arsenals and by failing to pursue negotiations in good faith on nuclear disarmament. Nowhere are the costs of a militarized Pacific better illustrated than in the Marshall Islands, said the organization. “The country is burdened with some of the highest cancer rates in the region following the 12 years of US nuclear tests,” the International Peace Bureau said. “Yet it is admirable that the Marshall Islanders in fact seek no compensation for themselves, but rather are determined to end the nuclear weapons threat for all humanity.” The world still has approximately 17,000 nuclear weapons, the majority in the USA and Russia. Presently there are nine nuclear weapon states, 28 nuclear alliance states, 115 nuclear weapons-free zone states plus 40 non-nuclear weapons states. The International Peace Bureau said it hopes to help draw attention to the aim of the various court cases on this issue by awarding the Sean MacBride Peace Prize to the Marshall Islands. The prize ceremony will take place in Vienna in early December at the time of the international conference on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, and in the presence of RMI Minister of Foreign Affairs Tony deBrum and other dignitaries. Since its inception in 1992, many eminent peace promoters have received the Sean MacBride Prize, although it is not accompanied by any financial remuneration.

Response rules The Marshall Islands has until next Thursday, August 21, to file a response to the US government’s motion to dismiss the RMI lawsuit in US federal court. The lawsuit seeks a judgment finding the US is in violation of nuclear disarmament provisions of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The US Justice Department must then respond by September 8. The lawsuit will then go for its first hearing before a federal district court judge on September 12 in San Francisco.

India refuses to attend ICJ talks in The Hague Who is McBride? Sean MacBride (right) was an Irish government minister, a prominent international politician and a former Chief of Staff of the IRA in the 1930s. Rising from a domestic Irish political career, he founded or participated in many international organizations of the 20th century, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe and Amnesty International, according to Wikipedia, the internet-based information page. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1974, the Lenin Peace Prize for 1975–1976 and the UNESCO Silver Medal for Service in 1980.

The International Court of Justice has set deadlines for the RMI, England, Pakistan and India to file legal papers in the RMI’s legal challenges against these three nuclear nations. The Marshall Islands instituted proceedings against the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan alleging breaches of obligations relating to the cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date. India refused to participate in an ICJ-scheduled meeting with Marshall Islands representatives Foreign Minister Tony deBrum and Phon van den Biesen on June 11. Five days prior to the meeting, the Indian ambassador to The Netherlands wrote the court that, “India . . . considers that the International Court of Justice does not have jurisdiction in the alleged dispute.” The day before the scheduled meeting, the ambassador told the ICJ that, “India regrets to inform (the Court) that it will not be able to participate in the proposed meeting” to be held by the President with the representatives of the Parties. Despite the refusal of India to attend, the ICJ president met with the RMI representatives. The ICJ said it needed to resolve the jurisdiction issue before proceeding to the merits of the matter. It set December 16 as the deadline for the RMI to file pleadings on jurisdiction of the court to hear the RMI complaint against India, and gave India until June 16, 2015 to respond. Pakistan also contends the ICJ has no jurisdiction and should dismiss the RMI claim, but officials from the Islamic Republic met with RMI and ICJ representatives on July 9. Pakistan official Moazzam Ahmad Khan, told the court that, “Pakistan is of the considered opinion that the ICJ lacks jurisdiction . . . and considers the (RMI) Application inadmissible.” He asked the court to dismiss the RMI’s application. To address the jurisdiction issue, the court gave the RMI until January 12 next year to file its legal brief, and Pakistan has until July 17, 2015 to reply. England, according to information available on the ICJ website, did not lodge an immediate objection to the jurisdiction of the court. RMI and UK officials met with ICJ representatives in June and agreed that the RMI would present its case to the court by March 16 next year and the UK will have until December 16, 2015 to respond.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

7

Ebeye’s Korok to star in film After a year of searching for a Marshallese man to play the lead in a new film about the Marshall Islands called Fall Out, writer/director Vilsoni Hereniko has chosen Simpson Korok, a resident of Ebeye. Simpson will play Rujen Keju, a 45-year-old man who works at the missile base on Kwajalein who eventually becomes a leader in “Operation Homecoming,” an actual event that took place in 1982. Fall Out is based on the awardwinning novel ‘Melal’ by Robert Barclay. The novel, and the film, is set on Ebeye, Kwajalein, and Tar Woj, as well as the surrounding ocean. Simpson was born on Ebeye and has lived there since birth. His father is from Enamat in Kwajalein and his mother is from Utrik Atoll. He has a 16-year-old daughter, a son who is 15, and twins who are nine. Simpson’s grandfather had 13 children, including his father. All of them were relocated from Enemat to Ebeye in the late 1960s because of missile testing. Simpson said his family, along with others in the mid-corridor islands, relocated to Ebeye because the

Fall Out to be made on Kwaj Ebeye’s Simpson Korok, who has been chosen to play Rujen Keju in the film Fall Out.

‘From a very young age, Simpson has dreamed of becoming an actor.’ American Navy promised them free housing, electricity, clothing and food, as well as possible employment on Kwajalein. In 1982, the year the movie Fall Out takes place, Simpson said that he and his brothers, sister and their children returned to Enemat to occupy the island from June to August to protest missile testing which had forced them to relocate to Ebeye. He loved be-

ing back in Enemat with its lush vegetation of pandanus, breadfruit, and lots of coconut trees as well as white sandy beaches and a sea teeming with fish. He said he really liked being on Enemat because he could fish everyday as well as plant food crops. Besides, his great grandfather was a landowner of Enemat. Simpson and his brothers left Enemat in August of 1982 to re-

turn to school in Majuro but the rest of family remained until October of the same year. They returned to Ebeye after successful negotiations between the Kwajalein landowners, the Marshall Islands government, and the American military that ended the sail-in protest. Simpson is now a security guard at Ebeye Public Elementary School. Prior to this he worked on Kwajalein managing a vending machine for 11 years. From a very young age, Simpson has been fascinated by movies and has always dreamed of becoming an actor. His favorite movie stars are Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, and Clint Eastwood. His favorite movie is Air Force One. Simpson first heard about Fall Out from his supervisor, Deo Keju, who asked Simpson and his co-workers if anyone was interested in auditioning for a movie that will be set on Ebeye. Simpson had no hesitation in saying “yes.” Deo took a video of Simpson reading a few pages from the

screenplay and sent it to Honolulu. The director’s interest in Simpson’s performance from this video led to another audition via the Internet, with Simpson in Ebeye and Vilsoni in Honolulu, but the poor reception made it impossible to tell whether or not Simpson could portray the lead character in Fall Out convincingly. Vilsoni decided to audition Simpson in person and flew to Ebeye in early August, where he spent a week auditioning and spending time with Simpson. By the end of the week, Vilsoni said he knew that Simpson could play the protagonist in Fall Out convincingly and offered Simpson the role of Rujen Keju, making Simpson’s dream of one day becoming an actor closer to being realized. Fall Out is being developed with the support of the Motion Picture Association Asia Pacific Screen Academy Film Fund. Vilsoni said he hopes to go into production in July next year, with plans to film on location in Kwajalein Atoll. For more information, http://fall-out-the-movie. com as well as the movie’s Facebook page, falloutmovie1.

8

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

The RMI Riddle No. 517: Sponsored by CopyMasters ACROSS 1. Woven bags. 5. Laura worker. 10. Ascended. 11. Diplomatic mission. 12. Fisheries folk. (abb.) 14. Lab to make changes in on Aur? 15. Guy. 17. Nuclear affected atoll. 19. English playwright Oscar Wilde wrote: “Children ----by loving their parents. After a time they judge them. Rarely, if ever, do they forgive them.” 21. Auto. 22. Veggie. 23. Vast expanse of wet stuff. 24. Kwaj spot. 25. Fishing accessory. 26. Patrol boat. 28. Fractions of a face. 30. Construction chap. 31. Fuel vessels. 33. Missile. 34. Set in order. DOWN 2. Our airline. (abb.) 3. Imata or Mike. 4. Restaurant. (4,5) 6. MOH auto. 7. Stream of light on wide fish? 8. Swindle.

President Chris Loeak and International Police (Interpol) Secretary General Ronald Nobel.

9. Thyme or rosemary. 13. Legendary sea creature. 15. Island knife. 16. MOH worker. 17. Class, deck, or atmosphere. 18. Expertise. 20. Power maker. 27. Extra. 28. SP spot. 29. Nut’s exterior. 30. Flame Tree or Jakaro. 32. Breakfast treat.

Answers to Riddle No. 516 A T D A E X H P I A T T R I T N A P H S O C T T I O U T S C C H

O L A A U N A C H P U R B O O P T L I O A N

L S D E I C E S T L E E A K S P R S B R A V O U M I S T O O L A U S P I T A N E T R M E C T S H E

G R E E O Q P T T U C E H A A I N T E R C E L M S R A T E T S S P P C T U R E H R A O O P E R O L S L P E D

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

RMI joins the Interpol ‘team’ International Police (Interpol) Secretary General Ronald Nobel and RMI President Christopher Loeak signed an agreement Monday that will ease the movement of Interpol officers in and out of the Marshall Islands to carry out law enforcement work. With the agreement in place, RMI will now recognize and accept Interpol’s travel documents — allowing holders visa-free entrance upon arrival in the RMI. Nobel, who was in Majuro for the first time, noted that since his arrival he’s been greeted warmly and hospitably by the people of the Marshall Islands and while he was delighted by the hospitality he cautions that our welcoming island atmosphere can make RMI an easy target for criminal activity. President Loeak told Nobel “the RMI is a small country that lacks sophistication in terms of criminal investigation and equipment.” With the agreement now in place Loeak said he’s encouraged by the potential of further information exchange and work with the Interpol to address criminal activity that occurs on the island. “We look forward to exchange and work with Interpol,” said Loeak. According to Nobel, this strengthened relationship between the RMI and Interpol can lead to future training opportunities, including the possibility of sending RMI officers for training at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy and RMI hosting a maritime anti-pirating workshop.

During Monday’s signing, Foreign Minister Tony deBrum acknowledged that RMI’s ports are known to be “porous.” But, he said, RMI is a willing partner when it comes to addressing international criminal activity. “We are willing and have the capacity to perform with adequate means,” said deBrum acknowledging RMI’s partnership with the US, Australia, New Zealand and the Sasakwa Foundation when it comes to maritime surveillance. “We are a reliable partner and you can call on us when in need.” Monday’s signing adds the RMI to 73 countries worldwide that accept Interpol’s travel documents. RMI joined Interpol in 1990 — when President Loeak was then the Minister of Justice. Interpol provides RMI assistance with information and technical support on international crime across borders giving officials’ access to Interpol’s data base and verification of travel documents in the event a passport is stolen or forged.

Since March of 2013, the Pohnpei-based Migrant Resource Center has been providing orientation classes with islanders migrating to the US. According to Kaselehlie Press, a main focus of information provided is of an anti-human trafficking nature. The presented course in the subject spans two and a half days. More than 250 individuals have taken the orientation program

and some of the participants are reported to have written back to the migrant office to praise their training and to express appreciation. Obviously, the RMI itself has many individuals facing relocation out of the island to the US whether for school, work, or as family assistance workers. Perhaps we should entertain such an orientation program here.

‘We are willing and have the capacity to perform with adequate means. We are a reliable partner and you can call on us when in need.’

Human trafficking class

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

‘Veto, yes; Veto no!’

All-time record at CMI?

College of Marshall Islands is expecting as many as 374 new students, the largest new enrollment in the history of CMI, according to college officials. The new development is proof more students are being accepted into college. The college expects its total enrollment, combining continuing students with the new enrollees, to go over 1,000. The figure is subject to change because a few last minute students turned in applications during the orientation Wednesday morning. “They came in during orientation time and begged to be in,” Dean of Student Services Rachel Salomon said. “We allowed them to go through the orientation and if we have space we’ll let them in. If not, they’ll be on the waiting list for next semester.”

MISSA bill to slash $$ benefits If you are a current recipient of Social Security benefits and you are not ready for a substantial financial ‘Ouch!”, you better do something, for MISSA has pending legislation coming up for consideration by Nitijela which will represent a loss of more than one-fifth of your monthly check. For example, if you now receive $500 monthly, your new checks will be made out for $390. That’s a $110 cut in your monthly income. But a cut in benefits is not the only anticipated impact on program participants: the age a worker qualifies to receive benefits is taking a substantial jump too. According to Bill Joseph, deputy administrator for MISSA, the new qualifying age for retirement will go from 60 years old to 65, and the amount of tax taken out from your income will shoot up from the current 14 percent to 18 percent. Additional requirements for qualification in the system includes the way so-called customary adoptions are registered. Such new adoptions will have to be filed with official documentary supporting proof of relationship, not simply verbal assertion as is the case at present. Nitijela looks to reconvene this month with opening of the session set for August 18. The legislators have the option to modify items in the designated bill (Bill No. 43), so do realize that there may be differences between what is submitted and what is finally passed. MISSSA maintains that the difficult adjustments in both benefits and deductions are necessary to provide for the financial sustainability of the system. As one MISSA official commented, “It’s better to have something rather than nothing.”

9

Above, CMI’s student body leaders and student ambassadors helped new students during the orientation Wednesday morning at Sergeant Solomon Sam memorial basketball facility. Left, survivor of the bridge accident Almira Bourne (right) was one of the new students.

An undeniable fracas played out in the FSM during this just completed July, an indication of a substantial gap between the Office of the President and the FSM Congress. What transpired is rather simple to present: Congress passed a slew of legislation to fund a wide ranging number of so-called “social projects.” Involved in the equation was $5.1 million, an amount significantly reduced to a relatively modest $260,000 when, according to Kaselehlie Press, President Mori vetoed a majority of the items funded by the $5.1 million. The president allowed the $260,000 to fund expenses of the just completed Micronesia Games only. He described the vetoed projects as poorly though out and hastily put together with little hope for sustainability. The president explained that while funding requests from the Executive Branch are scrutinized, congressional projects are routinely passed with very little study. Despite President Mori’s veto, the congress organized a session to consider his veto and they vetoed his veto. The $5.1 million is still alive and kicking.

10

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

AROUND TOWN

IT was a great lunch!

A local NTA user was so impressed with a Sunday afternoon service visit from the IT department to fix his internet modem that he (well, actually, his wife) gave the NTA guy a plate of food for a late lunch. The happiness about the visit was communicated to NTA boss Tommy Kijiner via email, since the customer was now back in action, cyber-ly speaking. “If I knew you were serving lunch, I would have stopped by,” quipped Tommy. “Well, it was only baked chicken, rice and carrots,” said the customer in a modest tone, “but the rice was mixed brown and white (it’s our way of getting people to enjoy brown rice), so at least your IT guy got some fiber in his lunch!” Tommy was ecstatic. “Fiber optic for lunch! What better lunch for a telecom employee?”

During a break in proceedings at the big fisheries meeting, PNA’s chief executive officer Dr. Transform Aqorau and MIMRA’s Berry Muller enjoy a cartoon on P12 of the Journal about fishing days and FADs. Photo: Hilary Hosia.

Receptionist drops a bomb on Lajimma That old man Lajimma was back bothering the newspaper this week. His instrument of annoyance was the telephone and, as he explained, he was worried the government had lost its mind: “What’s this I hear about taking the US and those other nuclear countries to court and we don’t want money out of it?” “Yes, Mr. Lajimma. No money whatsoever. Just the good feeling one gets when one does something proud and honest for the benefit of mankind.” Lajimma was told this in a su-

percilious tone. We train our receptionists well. The old man then demanded to know what’s proud and honest about destroying nuclear weapons. “Can you tell me that?” he said. “It means we have values that transcend money, that’s what.” she said. Then she added, “I have to admit I’m somewhat confused by the strategy, like, does this mean we’re dropping the Changed Circumstances Petition?” “What’s that?” said Lajimma.

“It means that the money we agreed to accept for nuclear damage is too little. “After we agreed to the amount, we found out the US hid a bunch of facts showing damage was much more than we thought. So the US should pay more.” “Yeah? What did the Americans say?” “They said they saw our point and asked us to tell them how much more we wanted.” “Really?” said Lajimma. “Just kidding,” came the reply.

‘Almost finished’

“We are halfway there!” Ebeye’s Steve Anitak (left) and Moneam Anjain wish to inform their families and friends at Ebeye that they are doing their best to complete their Jitok Kapeel program. The duo was spotted at College of Marshall Islands this week. Photo: Hilary Hosia

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

Mother’s mobile moment

AROUND TOWN Uliga’s Ted Stepp and frequent Majuro visitor and Assumption volunteer Ann Hannan pause by the Lions Gate in Old Jerusalem, Israel, to peruse the Journal on August 10. They have avoided violent areas in the current PalestinianIsraeli conflict and pray for peace in the region. Around Israel, much of life goes on as usual, though tensions are evident.

Email from mother to son: “What happens if you drop an iPhone in the toilet? Mine is working but kind of slow. Oh, and it wasn’t that gross.” Son immediately rings his mother: Mom, turn your phone off and put it in a box of uncooked rice, it will help get the moisture out of the phone. Mom: Well, I can’t do that right now. Son: Why? Mom: Because I’m on the road, I’m on the way to T-Mobile. Son: What? What are you going to tell them? Mom: I’m going to tell them that I dropped the phone in the toilet and that I want another one. Son: Couldn’t you just wait until I get there? Mom: Why? Son: Because I really want to film that conversation. Click.

Injin in meme waini Factoid of the Week: You wanna hear something to think about? Try this: a kokonut farmer from Jaluit last week was reported to the Journal for sticking an 11 lb. rock in a kobra bag (‘copra’ bags contain only copra; Kobra bags contain a blend of rock and co-

A catchy phrase that gained fame a few years ago as the motto of Kwajalein Iroij Imata Kabua is now back in the news, but with a new twist unrelated to Kwajalein. The saying — “If not us, who? If not now, when?” — has resurfaced in conjunction with the RMI lawsuits against the

pra). Imagine. For an 11 lb. rock, at .23 cents per pound, the Kobra farmer gets $2.53. He also gets a chance to wreck a million dollar copra crushing machine. Question: Hanging? Stoning? Set adrift with no sail or paddle? What do you say?

US government and eight other nuclear nations and was reported by Newsweek earlier this month. Asked why the RMI has filed these suits now, attorney for the RMI, Laurie Ashton, asked — just as Imata used to — “If not us, who? If not now, when?”

Pohnpei’s weed eater In the time after the Micronesian Games in Pohnpei, while they were getting ready to return to Majuro, a group of RMI athletes got together and made an expedition to a local site called “Bridal Falls”, the site, was where, few years ago, tragedy struck: there Palauans in Pohnpei then for micro Games also went on a trip to Bridal Falls. Unfortunately, a flash flood developed and flushed three of the Palauans away, they drowned. The RMI visitors were aware of this incident and kept it foremost in their minds. Little did they know that they too, like the Palauans, were fated to have a unique experience at the Falls. According to one of the RMI team members who was part of the party traveling to the Falls, they paid $1 each to visit the

attraction. However, after the group had begun swimming in the falls area, one of the group was approached by the Pohnpeian woman who was escorting them in the capacity of unofficial tour guide. She warned that there was a possibility of

flash flood due to the fact that they encountered a rainsquall while they were on their way to the falls. The RMI coaches were told and they decided to leave because of the possible danger. It was at this time, the elderly landowner who collected the money from the visitors came and knelt down. She was wearing Pohnpei-style clothing and was chanting, presumably in Pohnpeian. Then suddenly she reached out and grabbed some green leaves and began chewing them, spitting the leaves out after chewing. The Pohnpeian escort than told the visitors it would be best to leave. They all boarded their trucks and were off, taking with them vivid memories of the strange Pohnpeian lady and her beautiful waterfall. The incident was part of the experiences the RMI visitors enjoyed while participating in the Micro Games in Pohnpei.

11

12

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Opinion pageS

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

Import tax vs VAT: Who wins?

Is it realistic to expect that implementation of a Marshall Islands Consumption Tax is desirable or, even on a basic level, doable? As Nitijela gears up to conduct this August’s session, five pieces of legislation relative to the introduction and implementation of the so called ‘reform tax’ are in line for consideration: Bill No. 1, addressing the mechanics of MITC, No. 12, adjusting the import duty rate to zero, No. 13, setting out administrative provisions for the MICT and MIET (Marshall Islands Excise Tax) and No. 15, to set out the mechanics of MIET. The tax reform office is apparently quite confident that its measured approach (breaking the introduction and development of necessary legislation into two phases, the first phase which is being considered now) will provide a more palatable block of reform and provide a foundation for subsequent steps. This limiting of material for consideration is understood to recognize the complexity of the overall conversion to a tax system that requires extensive explanation. The so-called tax reform efforts have been substantial, albeit of questionable effectiveness, as different segments of the communities affected identify points of what they feel are undesirable aspects of a VAT: local governments balk at giving over their constitutional right to collect and appropriate taxes, businessmen claim they fail to see how a VAT will in any way improve control of smuggling, a worry that is felt strongest by businesses which conduct their affairs honestly. In addressing the concern about smuggling, tax reform supporters say, for example, issuance of a stamp which must be affixed to packages of cigarettes will ensure compliance. However, this neglects the obvious fact that counterfeit stamps will suddenly come into fashion, or that the tax will be almost impossible to comply with or enforce simply because cigarettes here are often sold by the piece, and attaching a stamp, whether by rubber stamp or by gluing on a printed paper emblem on each ‘piece’, would be of such extraordinary complication that the use of stamps, if legislated, would beg for repeal. The whole question of adopting a reform tax such as VAT is obviously difficult to address: No one denies that our current system is rife with problems. There is general consensus that corruption abounds at present. Does this mean VAT is not subject to corruption? No system of taxation can survive a lack of willingness on the part of authorities to enforce the law, and this applies both to our import system of taxation and the proposed VAT. An earlier attempt to implement a net profit tax proved to be a disaster for the government. The net profit tax had to be abandoned. Does the proposed VAT have the ease of collecting of a simple import tax at our border? Currently, consumers have the tax passed on to them at the discretion of the importer. No reporting or inconvenient record keeping is entailed, and the government, ideally, gets its full share of tax as long as it enforces collection. It is difficult to see how a more complex cascading system could be desirable. The bottom line is the final argument; import tax wins hands down.

Tobolar correction

On the cover photo story of last week’s August 8 edition, it stated the vessel that picked up the copra bag from Jaluit with the 11-pound rock was the Tobolar. This is incorrect. The vessel was the MV Aemmon.

Tong calls for one regional voice A most unique group has recently been formed, a group of such description it would be hard to imagine any further enlargement or membership. It is the recent grouping of socalled small atoll nations, engendered in the efforts of Kiribati President Anote Tong’s conviction that if the already demonstrable effects of climate change are not

halted or in some degree reversed, then atoll nations may very well sink into oblivion in the not too distant future. President Tong has formed this exclusive cadre of four nations: Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Maldives and Tuvalu. All four of these atoll nations, he claims, are in danger of what is happening now. He wants the group to speak with

one voice, to join together, so that the world, which for the most part has no real awareness of the plight of the atoll nations, can come to a realization that without immediate measures the catastrophe that has been predicted will draw closer and become a footnote of history. The challenge is not whether to act or not. The challenge, he says, is to begin acting now.

Where to drink and smoke One of the more problematic activities we have the honor of witnessing around town is the remarkable so-called Kumit Coalition’s campaign to control public consumption of alcohol and to ‘bobrae’ smoking in designated areas. Their efforts with regard to both aspects of communal activism are commendable to a point, but a troubling question remains focused on the issue of legal rights of troubling question remains focused on the issue of legal rights of individuals to follow their own path to perdition, despite glaringly huge

amounts of common sense pointing to the inadvisability of pursuing a career in either drunkenness or lung cancer. Both activities are legal and both activities are major sources of revenue for the government. A main feature of Kumit’s remarkable campaign technique is the positioning of roadside signs which identify the beginning and the end of various wetos. The signs alert the public that the landowners of the weto prohibit the use of alcohol on the weto, a reasonable restriction that invites approval. The temptation to

criticize work aimed to deter public drunkenness should be avoided: while it may be lucrative for government coffers, abhorrent behavior such as stumbling, loud calling, and fighting are not activities peace seeking residents should be legally bound to accept. Which brings us to the recommendation that police be alert to the need to aggressively monitor locations where drinking is posted as not acceptable. While individuals may have the right to drink or not, and to smoke or not, others have a say where these activities are acceptable.

The Marshall Islands Journal

Phone: (692) 625-8143/6 • Fax: (692) 625-3136 • email: [email protected] • www.marshallislandsjournal.com Editor.......................................................... Giff Johnson Production/Advertising.........................Brett Schellhase Advertising Manager.......................... Suzanne Chutaro Advertising Assistant................................ Darren Lanki Assistant Production Specialist....................Joelee Anni Reporter/Photographer.................................Isaac Marty Reporter/Photographer............................... Hilary Hosia Wordsmith............................................ Karen Earnshaw Basic Advertising Rates are for display ads, camera ready copy: $5.85 per column inch. All material must be received by 12:00 noon Monday for that Friday’s paper. (5:00 pm Friday the week prior to publication for full page ads). All ads

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 Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

Opinion pageS Batkan’s waste mountain.

Waste problem not as bad as you think The perplexing problem of what to do with Majuro’s considerable waste may have a practical solution, a solution that on surface appears irresponsible but taken in view of the reality of the situation, may not be too far off an ideal solution of the question of what to do with Majuro’s waste. The solution may well be entitled “The New York Waste Disposal Solution.” New York, a city of eight-million, developed a waste disposal problem in the late 1920’s. Their solution to the problem was to remove obviously deleterious harmful waste manually, and then load the remaining bulk waste on barges which, when filled, were towed out into the Atlantic and dumped overboard. Years passed and barges dumped. Years became decades and no harmful effects were noted even though

the amount of the ‘waste’ was apparently overwhelming, much larger than Majuro could ever hope to produce. The point here is that we ought to examine openly and honestly the option of ocean disposal of our waste, both for the positive and negative outcomes. Presorted manually, the dumped waste may prove to be effective fish aggregating sites, and may even be a source of enriching the ocean areas wherein the dumping takes place. A bold suggestion this ocean dumping? You bet. But remember, the ocean is enormous and our available waste is squat small. We are insignificant in terms of the big picture. (Note: The Journal invites comments from readers on this topic.)

Copra may well be the industry of the future This is a non-secret plan published here in the Journal as a way of obtaining support from real time Marshallese wishing to both maintain and expand copra as an important segment of economic development and to ensure that shenanigans such as we observed recently from Jaluit, i.e., the insertion of heavy rocks in copra bags to increase weight of payment, be thwarted. The solution to rid the industry of the theft by deception is to simply avoid making copra in the outer islands. Tobolar will pay for unhusked nuts at a fixed rate per nut and arrange for shipping from outer islands to Majuro where the nuts will be completely processed in factory-like conditions. This suggestion will not only increase production of copra but will also provide material (such as coconut shells) for charcoal, for quality rope, and for local cooking. At the same time, shipping of unhusked nuts does away with the need for copra bags (where the rock problem thrives) and for time-consuming drying. Outer islanders will have additional time to cut down unproductive trees while

planting new stock. In as short time as ten years (the Compact funding ends in 9) trees planted now should be bearing. Since 1870, the Marshall Islands have benefited from the copra industry, an industry that has literally nourished and enriched these islands. Let’s prove we are thankful for this fact and take steps necessary to ensure that copra remains a mainstay of our survival.

13

14

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

The mental health department at Majuro Hospital has recently been given a much-needed facelift, as these before and after shots show. Right, visitors relax on the newly-refurbished porch.

Lack of facilities a problem ISAAC MARTY

The health and well being of people with mental health issues is now a focus for Ministry of Health and the Marshall Islands Police Department (MIPD). Both parties met at the University of the South Pacific center recently and agreed to protect and serve mentally ill and the community at large. There’s positive and negative impact about having mental patients in or out of institutions, according to Mental Health Counselor Adri Hicking. He explained patients will only be admitted to Majuro hospital if necessary. But the main problem is there’s no unit to house the patients. MIPD Captain Vincent Tani said when dealing with people with mental issues the police bring them into the station and keep them for up to 24 hours. Health assistants are then called in to treat the individual and to take over care management. “Mental patients also have rights. But if they are a danger to themselves or the community the police will have to step in,” said Tani. When asked about how to determine if a person is mentally ill in regards to criminal cases, he said a

doctor would come in to conduct an evaluation and confirm the health condition. “Psychological disorder doesn’t care who you are. You may be a doctor, lawyer, or whatever, you can also get it,” said Hicking. Different patient have different situations, said Hicking. Some can respond and interact more than others. Some may not want to take their medication because they don’t like it or they don’t know what to do. In such a case, the family will have to make a decision. “A patient can not be forced to take pills. We have to protect and respect them. They have

to benefit from our services. We want them to get better and into living normal lives and maybe they can serve the community,” said Hicking. MOH Human Services Coordinator Freddy Langrine said the RMI Public Health Act has a very broad definition in regards to mental illness. He said some time ago police would not answer complaints about mental patients. “We don’t have the power to restrain. So that’s why we need the police support,” said Langrine. “The goal is to bring back patients to good health status and especially to get them back into the community so they can regain normal lives.” Langrine confirmed that about six patients have graduated with recognition from the program with local doctors confirming that they are now independent and can take care of themselves “well”. Some are now being employed in different organizations. The causes for mental instability include being born with it or developing it during lifetime. Langrine and Hicking both confirmed that substance abuse is a contributing factor. They said more patients nowadays are being brought to Majuro from the outer islands for treatment.

Facelift for key MOH department Mental Health Services is taking a new step to assist its clients. A new porch was built in front of the mental health office (located behind Majuro hospital) as shelter and safe environment for clients and visitors. The new porch was blessed last Friday. Funding for the project was part of US federal grants provided to the health programs. Health Secretary Julia Alfred stated that it was sad to see clients out in the open trying to find a comfort to rest from rain or shine. “These clients are people, and they are just as important as anybody else,” she said. We’re providing a community to the clients, said US health official Donna Hillman. Hillman was on island for one week to review program activities and to help Ministry of Health officials integrate substance abuse and mental health services. She said the work was a success and she praised local staff for their hard work and progress. She told the Journal, Alfred is keen on adapting programs to the Marshallese culture so they can be more accessible. Hillman flew out Friday and will be coming back periodically. Mental Health Counselor Adri Hicking confirmed there are 54 active mental health cases, with 120 on standby to see Dr. James Yaingeluo for diagnosis, and 50 graduates who were deemed “well”. Mental Health is aiming to improve the quality of its services. This includes another outreach to inmates at Majuro jail. Henry Otu’afi, who’s working with inmates, said he has 15 clients and progress is slow.

The new porch at the clinic.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

Private sector to steer trade The desires and concerns of the private sector of the Marshall Islands will form the foundation of RMI’s trade negotiations is the promise the Ministry of Resources and Development Trade Office made at last week’s Chamber of Commerce meeting. Trade Chief Iva ReimerRoberto and R&D Trade Advisor Radika Kumar briefed the chamber on ongoing trade negotiations particularly the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER). The Australia/New Zealand sponsored PACER has raised concern by local businesses for its “one-size-fits-all” approach in dealing with the Forum member countries. On recapping recent overseas trade meetings members of the Chamber have attended, Pacific International, Inc., Chief Executive Officer Jerry Kramer said point blank regarding PACER that: “we are not ready for it.” Kramer said if the RMI were to agree to PACER, the RMI itself would be required to revise its tax, labor and foreign investment business laws. There are also issues under the Compact of Free Association with the United States, which RMI would need to reconcile with the US under the most favored nation clause before it could agree to trade terms with third-party nations. In terms of foreign business investment

Trade Chief Iva Reimers-Roberto.

opportunities under PACER, Kramer suggests the RMI adopt a ‘positive list’ approach. That is, the RMI provide a list of sectors, such as manufacturing, which it invites foreign businesses to invest in. Kumar told the Chamber the “positive list” suggestion is along the same lines the RMI Trade Office is in agreement with. The PACER agreement focuses on the sectors of labor, infrastructure, tourism and telecommunications. Reimers-Roberto agreed that while some of the terms in the negotiations such as labor mobility into Australia and New Zealand for seasonal work are not a current interest for the Marshall Island because the RMI is currently at an advantage with access to the US labor market, she cautioned that consideration of this privilege past 2023 be taken into account.

MIMRA boss happy with new technology The Marshall Islands and Papua New Guinea have joined to try out a new electronic fisheries catch data system for its on-board observers to use. Fisheries officials say it is a “state-of-the-art electronic catch documentation system” known as “eCDS.” The eCDS engages the use of near real-time data input through the use of Android tablets and satellite transmitters and is expected to revolutionize the quality, integrity, reliability, and timeliness of critical fisheries information, according to fisheries officials. The World Wildlife Fund contributed funding to purchase the equipment that is being rolled out for PNG and RMI fisheries observers. Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) Director Glen Joseph (pictured above) heralded the new initiative. “The technology will give us tools to

enhance management of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Vessel Day Scheme and be transformative in helping us achieve sustainability in our tuna fisheries,” Joseph said. By using a tablet system that incorporates clear data entry standards and forms, there is no longer a need for additional personnel to decipher and re-enter data from handwritten paper observer log sheets that have often resulted in misinterpretation and errors. It also eliminates the potential of information being lost or damaged by storing the information both locally on the tablet as well as remotely through satellite transmission, unlike paper forms, which must pass through several hands by mail before reaching their final destination. There are currently discussions being held with other Pacific island nations to expand the initiative and use of the new technology.

15

16

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

17

18

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

ROC donates set of key equipment to the hospital Republic of China (Taiwan) Ambassador Winston Wen-yi Chen donated eight boxes of medical equipment, medicine and medical supplies to Majuro hospital last month. Dr. Kennar Briand, Chief of Medical Staff, Acting Hospital Administrator Ayako Yamaguchi-Eliou, Pictured from left: Taiwan Ambassador members of the ROC MoWinston Chen, Dr. Chien-wen Chen, Dr. bile Medical Mission and Kennar Briand, and Dr. Chih-hung Lai. colleagues from the RMI Ministry of Health, Majuro hospital, staff of the ROC Taiwan Health Center and ROC Embassy outside downtown Majuro in the future, inattended. Among the donated items, there cluding the outer islands. The total value of was a portable ultrasound machine that the donation was approximately $35,000. Ambassador Chen encouraged the RMI can be used for anesthesiology, cardiology, OB/GYN, radiology and critical care. This and ROC to work together more closely in equipment enables Majuro medical profes- areas such as medicine, capacity building sionals to provide more services to areas and others at the grassroots level.

Kakien in kemo eonod bako ko

Kakien eo kin kemo eonod bako an RMI in, rej kio kejerbale einwot juon lemlem in eiki kakien ko jet kake an belaak in lalin, jen juon kumi in kejebarok an belaak in lalin bareinwot. Juon jerbal in bobrae manman bako ilo Caribbean “Marshall Islands ej kan rej kommane im eiki bedbed ion ejja kain makitkit juon jikin eo im rebeltan eo im jibarbar ko raar komman jen drouluul im kien ko ie ej juon waanjonak ikijien an Pacific Islands kein. kejebarok bako ko,” AngeBritish Virgin Islands ear maron kean bwe malo lo Villagomez ear ba, juon ri kapeel ikijien bako, im ko an ej juon jikin eo emo eonod bako ie, aolep kain ej jerbal ippen Pew Founbako, nan jiban kejebarok bwe ri eonod ro im kio eidation eo ilo Washington, etlok woraer ibelakin lalin, en bojrak aer eonod bako DC, eo im ear bed Majuro ijokan jikieer. ilo ien kwelok ko an AsJikin ak Caribbean territory eo ej “kwalok bwe ene sociation of Pacific Islands jiddrik kein ewor ijo rellap kunaer nan menin mour ko Legislatures ear ba. ilo belaak in lalin,” Pew Charitable Trust shark pro“Kimij kejerbale (Kakgram official eo, Angelo Villagomez, ear ba. Lein ear ien eo an RMI) nan kenono kanuij makitkit im jerbal ippen RMI, Palau, FSM, im kin kejebarok im kemo jikin ko jet ilo belaak kein ikijien makitkit in bobrae eonod bako ibelakin lalin.” im kejebarok bako ko. Villagomez ear ba bwe Pa“Emoj am jinoe juon jerbal in kelewetak ilo belau, RMI im aolepen state laak kan an Caribbean, im ej loore ejja kain jerbal im ko Federated States of Mijekjek ko NGO ko ijin kab kien ko an Micronesia raar cronesia rej kawepene kakkommane,” lein ear ba. ien in kemo eonod bako, im “Ejja einwot kar jekjek ko im Micronesia Challenge kio menin ej juon kakien eo ear maron kommane im kelewetake jikin ko jet eo ebin im kijnene ilo tuion kaki ilo belaak in lalin, innem kio jerbal eo kin bako turear in Pacific in ikijien ko, ej maron keketak lal jiddrik ko jet bwe ren bareinbobrae eonod uul in bako wot komman oktak ippaer.” ko. Kakien ko jet rej kio lemnak kaki ilo FSM Congress en, im remaron in kawepeni ilo jem- ien in – einwot ke FSM state ko, Palau, im lok in lok year in, lein ear ba. Elane renaaj RMI – wawein eo in ej bwe port control ej elle, innem enaaj laplok wot an mo eonod kilen naaj kojebwebweik menin. Bar juon bako ilo FSM, im enaaj laplok wot nan alen lelok kile elap nan Marshall Islands: kemo eonod im manman bako iloan 200 “Marshall Islands ej juon waan jonak emmile eo aer. Villagomez ear ba bwe kakien man kin lorlorjake kakien ko an port: Rej ko raar rumwij ikijien an wor abonono jen kemlet bwe waan eonod ko ren em maan waan eonod ko waer make, ijoke ej kot- wot ilo port eo, innem rej etale wa ko ilo mene bwe enaaj maron wor mejlan iloan port eo, im ewor observer ro bareinwot ion jilu year in aer lelok bwe ren loore. aolepen purse seiner ko, im kakien ko relAk ilo ien in, tore eo wot enaaj elle kak- lap jonan bakkin ko ie nae ro rej rubi.

Caribbean ejino bobrae eonod bako

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

19

US: Jolok abonono an RMI GIFF JOHNSON

Kien eo an US ear kajjitok lok ippen juon federal court ilo San Francisco bwe en jolok Marshall Islands nuclear non-proliferation lawsuit eo, kinke RMI ear likjab in kwalok elane ealikkar an “wor jorean nane” komman jen US, eo im enaaj ekkar bwe juon US court ilo America en wor an maron in ronjake im komman jemlok ikijien bareinwot. Kien eo an US ear kelaajrak emen melele ko rellap ilo kajjitok eo an lok nan US federal district court eo bwe en jolok Marshall Islands lawsuit eo, im ear drelon ilo jemlok in April eo. Ekkar nan Justice Department eo, elaptata jen US attorney ro emen im raar bok eddo in kommane case in, raar ba bwe wawein kein ekoba: • Kajjitok eo an RMI nan Court bwe en kean bwe United States “ej wonmanlok wot im rube im jab loor eddo ko an” iumin Article VI, in Non-Proliferation Treaty eo (NPT) ekoba karok eo bwe United States en kur im jino kommane kwelok ko ikijien kaietetlok kein tarinae ko rej kejerbal nuclear ilo aolep mwenan “ejjab maron in wonlontak bedbed ion melele in ikijien political question doctrine eo.” • Article VI in NPT eo, juon eon ikijien komman kwelok ikotaan lal ko jen dron, ejjab maron make jarjar lontak im jerbal, kin menin ejjab maron jerbal einwot juon wawein nan watok bwe juon abnono en maron wonlontak, eo im enaaj kemelim an komman abnono imaan juon federal court. • Jikin ekajet eo ejjab jimwe im jejjet • Statute of limitations, laches ak jemlok kitien ekkar nan kakien, ak ebojrak kitien jen an kar wonlontak, ekoba itok limo ko an public rebed imaan im aurok lok jen kajjitok in an ri abonono eo. Ilo abonono eo an Kien eo an RMI, ej ba bwe United States erube eddo ko an iumin nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty eo, ilo an likjab in kommane ien kwelok ko

‘Kien eo an US ej antoon bwe ilo tore in jebed ie ilo abonono in, bwe US ejjanin rube jabdrewot iaan kallimur ko an iumin NonProliferation Treaty in.’ — Attorney Laurie Ashton jen Keller Rohrback, eo im ej jede ilo etan RMI ilo abonono in imaan court ear ba.

Minister of Foreign Affair Tony deBrum.

US ej ba ejjanin rubrub an kallimur nan Majol rejokkin wot juon ikijien kaietetlok kein tarinae ko rej kejerbal nuclear. RMI ekonan bwe US court eo en kabine melele jab in, ekoba karok bwe kien eo an US en jino kommane ien kwelok kein ikijien kaietetlok kein tarinae ko kejerbale nuclear, iloan wot juon year elkin naaj komman jemlok eo ilo abonono jab in. Botaap kien eo an US ej ba bwe “kajjitok in nan na mejlan ejjab juon eo court emaron, ak ej aikuij in kommane. Elane ri abonono ej tomak bwe United States emoj an rube menin eddo ko an iloan kon in, innem ej aikuij in bukwot

uwaak eo ilo an kejerbal bujen jemjera ko ikotaan juon lal nan juon lal, ijelokin an kajjeon lelontak juon abonono imaan federal court in.” Attorney in US ro im rej jede ilo etan RMI raar kwalok aer inebata kin naan in iakwelel ko an kien eo an US kin menin. “Kien eo an US ej antoon bwe ilo tore in jebed ie ilo abonono in, bwe US ejjanin rube jabdrewot iaan kallimur ko an iumin NonProliferation Treaty in,” attorney Laurie Ashton jen Keller Rohrback, eo im ej jede ilo etan RMI ilo abonono in imaan court ear ba. “Botaap mekarta, Kien eo an US ej iakwelel bwe ejjelok wawein na mejlan emaron komman jen jikin ekajet ikijien rubrub in kon kein – emaron kinke rubrub kein rejjab komman jorrean, ak bolen kinke rubrub in kon kein rej lelontak wot menin abonono ko ikotaan kien nan kien, ak bolen kinke Marshall Islands ej baj to ej kab jede tok imaan jikin ekajet kin rubrub in kon kein, mekarta eindrein, rubrub in kon kein rej aikuij in wonlontak. “Iakwelel kein im rekainebataik koj, ilo lukkun mool rej kabin lok wot bedbed in aolep kon ko ikotaan lal nan lal, eo im US ej juon iaan bade ro iloan kon kein, im kajjitok bwe jikin ekajet en juloki,” ejjab juon men emman. Melele ko an US rej jimor kenono kin an jab maron komman wawein in, ekoba ta wawein ko ilo

Unhappy with gov't service The Journal received a call Monday afternoon complaining about the service, or lack thereof, at the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Registrar’s Office. According to caller Vivian Chong Gum she and other citizens waited all afternoon outside the IA office in frustration. She said she arrived at 1pm and long after 3pm the office remained locked. Over the course of the three hours, as she waited before calling the Journal with her complaint, Chong Gum said she counted up to 50 people who arrived in search of copies of their records only to leave in frustration. “I went to the main IA office to complain and still we are out here waiting,” she told

the Journal. “There are a lot of people here from outer islands trying to sort out their documents before they leave. The IA staff were here and after they left for lunch we didn’t see them again.”

kakien rej bobrae an jabdrewot US court maron ronjake lawsuit in ej wonlontak jen RMI. “United States ejjab lal eo dreo im ewor an kein tarinae ko rej kejerbal nuclear, jabdrewot lal ko jet im ewor aer kein tarinae rot kein renaaj erra nan bok kunaer ilo ien kwelok ko an nuclear, kojjab jab baj ba wot elane kain kwelok rot kein enaaj komman bwe en bojrak komman nuclear, ak kaietetlok nuclear ko.” US ej ba bwe RMI ekonan bwe en komman juon jemlok eo im enaaj komman bwe en “lale ta bunten ne ko ej aikuij in naaj kommane ikijien kajjitok eo elap im ej walok iumin kon in ak treaty jab in.” Ilo ear kwalok jemlok ko an US court ko, US ear ba, “Court eo ejjelok an maron etale kain abonono rot in im komman jemlok kake. “Eban jimwe im jejjet bwe juon United States District Court en kwalok ta an lemnak kin ta eo juon iaan ra ko an Kien en kommane, ak aikuij kommane,” ekkar nan iakwelel ko lok imaan. Justice Department eo ear ba bwe “ebin nan lemnak elane ear bar wor case en edrik lok jonan aurok in nan an jikin ekajet eo maron komman mejlan, ijelokin eo ebed imaan kio.” Ilo aolepen iakwelel ko, US ear kwalok kin elon jemlok lok imaan im rej rie im erra kin melele ko an, elaptata ikijien melele eo rej ba “political doctrine” eo im ej bobrae an jikin ekajet ko maron

kejerbal maron ko aer ne ej itok nan abonono ko rejelet jemjera ko ikotaan lal nan lal. “Ekanuij in allikar bwe jikin ekajet ejjab maron kommane juon karok im jemlok bwe United States en loore, ikijien kon ko iloan juon kon ippen bar juon lal,” uwaak eo ear ba. Ej bareinwot ba bwe Compact of Free Association eo make ej kemo an wonlontak abonono jab in an RMI, kinke “ejorrean” jen an US komman makitkit in kaietetlok. Nan ba bwe United States ej “un eo bwe en wor jorrean ewalok nane, ejjelok bedbed in, kin men eo emool bwe United States emoj an jino kommane eddo ko an, enwot an kemlet ilo Amended Compact of Free Association eo, ‘bwe en kotorake RMI im armij ro ie, jen jabdrewot jorrean in ankamjur im lanbelekimkimi ‘ejja ilo nememe eo wot United States ej kotorake armij ro an,’” US ear ba. Melele ko an US rej ba bwe RMI ear erra ilo NPT treaty eo ilo 1995, im ear jab abonono nae US iloan year ko jiljino imaantata elkin im ekka an etal ilo wawein rot in. Botaap elane tore in komman abonono ejjab bobrae an maron wonlontak abonono in an RMI, innem juon jemlok eo im enaaj rie lok RMI “enaaj oktak jen itok limo ko an public, einwot ke enaaj maron komman kabanban ippen Executive Branch eo, ilo mwenan ko rejelet bujen jemjera ikotaan lal nan lal, im kab jarin in tarinae, eo im kenono ko ikijien bunten ne ko rejimwe im rekkar ikijien kaietetlok kein tarinae kein rej wonmanlok wot im komman,” US ear ba. Mool ilo ien kwelok in lal, ikijien NPT eo, emoj karoke nan 2015 ilo United Nations eo ilo New York, im einwot ilo aolep ien, jibarbar im kotobar ko iumin Article VI renaaj unin kenono ko ibwiljin elon lal ko ilo kon in.” RMI ej aikuij in kadrelon juon an uwaak nae melele kein an US ilo naaj jemlok in allon in, mokta jen an komman ien ronjake jab in imaan juon US judge.

20

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Fresh treats for everyone Since its opening day on December 6, 2012, the Majuro local food market next to the Marshall Islands Resort has made it possible for commuters and tourists to enjoy fresh fruits and local dishes. Thank you MALGov, ROC and, of course, the ever determined likatus of Laura. Photo: Selina Leem

Game ko renaj komman ilo Yap Etke Pohnpei, Palau, im kab CNMI emoj dre aer host Micro Game ko ruo katten – ak Marshall Islands ejjanin maron host nan ien ikkure kein juon shall Islands ejjanin host, katten? Kinke kien ko an ekoba bwe ilo Majuro ijokein rej kejemoj elap ‘Ilo juon lal ejjelok jikin ikkure ko, ak jaan nan komman jikin ikeo im elon ejjab wor itok limo jen kure ko, innem wawein in kien nan kejemoj jaan nan ej komman bwe ren maron kain aban im kalek imon ikkure ko. host nan ao, basketball/ naninmij ko Ilo juon lal eo im elon volleyball, track im field, kain aban im naninmij ko softball im baseball barerej walok jen rej walok jen tonal, enin inwot. tonal, enin ej melele eo elap in bwe Ilo ien Micronesian kien eo iolap en kejemoj Game ko rej kab jemlok ej melele eo ak lelok jaan nan kalek im lok, RMI ear luuj nan Yap elap in bwe kajutak imon ikkure ko: ilo elon wawein ko jen Marshall Islands ear kean kien eo iolap juon wot. Volleyball team kin juon idrin ikijien ejeo an Yap ear kanuij in bin en kejemoj mour itok wot jen naninim raar maron kaluji kora ak lelok jaan mij in tonal. Kin menin ro ilo Team RMI, ekoba elane jenaaj kejemoj jaan bwe Yap ear maron in anjo nan kalek im nan ekkal imon ikkure kajjitok eo an ion eo an kajutak imon ko enaaj juon wawein eo RMI ikijien host nan Micro emman nan rejan armij Game ko ilo naaj 2018. ikkure ko.’ bwe ren kokmanmanelok Mekarta ear wor an ejmour ko aer ilo aer naaj Marshall Islands National kortokjen iaal ko rebellok Olympic Committee eo im bidodo lok aer maron bok kunaer – im (NOC) kajjitok ilo raan in Sunday eo, ilo ien kwelok eo an Micro Games Council eo wawein in enaaj bareinwot jiban komman bwe Aelon Kein en eliktata maron in bok ilo Pohnpei, Yap ear etal weppen eo nane eddo ak host nan ien ikkure kein kenono bwe en bok eddo in im kommane ien ikkaki. kure ko an 2018. Menin ej ejja wawein eo Botaap elane kien eo iolap ejjab in ear bar walok jino jen 2002 eo maantak: kejemoj ak kabbok tok jaan nan kalek Jonoul ruo year ko remotlok, Pohnpei ear im kajutak imon ikkure ko jen kio im kommane Game ko, im ejja kar RMI im Yap raar bar jiae nan bok eddo in host nan wonmanlok mae 2018, innem NOC eo 2006 eo. Yap raar kelete ilo 2002 eo kinke ad enaaj bar bed ilo ejja jekjek in ilo ien ikkure ko renaaj komman ilo Yap, elane ear wor kadede an jikin ikkure. enaaj jakelok kajjitok nan bok eddo in Enanin ke wor jikin ikkure ak imon kommane ikkure ko an 2022. RMI ej ikkure ko Marshall Islands emoj dre an aikuij in kwalok nan aolepen belaak kein kaleki jen kar tore in im NOC ear koman Micronesia bwe ebojak in bok eddo im man kajjitok nan host Micro Game ko an host nan ien ikkure kein, im iaal eo ej nan 2006 eo? Etke ebin an NOC eo kajjeon in jino wawein in im ejaak im kejemoj jaan komman bwe lal ko jet ren jiban – mene nan ekkal imon ikkure ko bareinwot. aolep rekanuij in jela bwe ej baj to, Mar-

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

21

From left Bank of Marshall Islands President Patrick Chen, Lobaster Labaun, Second Labuan, Stacy James, Arina James, Sr. Lumine Beckmann and Kakom Paul. Photo Hilary Hosia.

Bank of MI awards new scholarships Public school students from Majuro and Jaluit were awarded Bank of Marshall Islands scholarships to attend private schools recently. Lopazter Labaun and Stacy James of Majuro were awarded a full-year’s tuition to attend Seventh Day Adventist School. Meanwhile on Jaluit Elementary School Students Danny Jerus and Scott Isaac will now be attend St. Joseph Elementary School. On hand to receive on behalf of Danny and Scott was Sr. Lumine Beckmann. BOMI has issued out nine scholarships for low-income students for the coming school year — five of which went to Ebeye students who will attend Queen of Peace Elementary. Students awarded the BOMI scholarship will have to maintain good grades and submit their report card to BOMI through the school year. Along with tuition, the scholarship also covers reasonable school fees such testing and transfer fees and school uniforms.

ISAAC MARTY A four-week training in the US Virgin Islands has gotten two College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) students all fired up about the potential for agriculture development for the Marshall Islands. CMI students Roger Muller and Malia Nii, who recently returned from the training paid for through the US Department of Agriculture’s Caribbean and Pacifi c Islands (CariPac) Land Grant programs, presented on the potential of agriculture development for Majuro and in particular hydroponics. CariPac is a consortium formed of all Land Grant institutions in insular areas. It looks at how to provide food and agriCMI students culture education. Roger Muller “The population is ever and Malia Nii. increasing but [the food] resources we have currently are not enough,” said Muller, adding that there are a number of ways to develop agriculture in Majuro. One of the leading development methods Muller recommends is hydroponics. He said it is used worldwide keen on running a bigger project and he favors hydroponics be- and taking it to a whole new level. cause crops “grow faster and it This possibility of a brighter and uses less space” as opposed to greener Majuro may well be in growing in the ground. sight with funding from CMI and Muller and Nii have been run- other donors to back their project. ning a small hydroponics project Their objective now is to begin at CMI and so far it has proved growing food crops such as cabeffective. bages, tomatoes, cucumbers, letWith their enhanced knowledge tuce, and sweet potatoes, which and skills in agriculture, the pair is they’ve brought cuttings of.

Muller is a business major at CMI and Nii is in Liberal Arts. Despite the different fields, they both want to include agriculture to their pursuit for higher education. Their interest began following another trip they took last year to Saipan for agriculture training, which sparked their initial interest in this field.

Sudoku

'The population is ever increasing but [the food] resources we have currently are not enough.' – Roger Muller

22

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

What we were saying way back when

Alumni call off potluck Journal 8/15/1975 P1 Micronesia garners two

silver medals in SPG Games Saipan — The fifth South Pacific Games, which started on Guam August 1, have ended. The ten-day games, marred by mud and rain, were completed Sunday (Aug 10), and the athletes representing fourteen islands nations and territories have started to return home. At the end of the games, Micronesia — participating for the first time — earned only two medals, both silver, thereby finishing second to the last. Nauru got the least number of medals in the games, with only on bronze medal. The two Micronesian silver medals came from Augustine Augon of Saipan and the Micronesian softball team.

P1 “Absolutely not true” - Jack

The reasons behind a decision last week on the part of the Constitutional Convention Marshalls delegate Hemos Jack not to participate in the convention were given this week to the Independent in Majuro by former delegate Jack himself. “My main reason for not attending is that my Iroij (traditional chiefs) are not represented in the convention and I would be ashamed to attend and speak on Marshallese affairs without them being represented,” said Jack. He added that he actually did not resign from the convention but said that he could not attend for “Marshallese reasons.”

P3 Special Announcement

Norman Mathew, General Manager, is please to announce that Majuro’s favorite chef Eofilo De Jesus, will now be preparing his famous dishes, including curried chicken, steak, and sashimi at the new remodeled Whitney Bros Restaurant located in Ajidrik center. Plan to stop in soon.

Journal 8/15/1986 P1 More then ever before

The Marshalls population boom is really showing up in the record num-

ber of elementary students trying to get into a limited number of available spaces in high schools. While the number of students taking the high school entrance exam increased dramatically from 810 in 1985 to more than 900 this year, there is no change in the nuber of students who will be accepted into public high schools.

P3 Photo Caption: New Post

Andrew Bilimon has just been appointed to take over a vacant Public Service Commission post. He moves from the Planning office, where he had worked for more than one year.

P10

RRE Ace Hardware Advertisement Building material. Cement blocks: 4” … .75¢; 6”… .95¢; 8” … $1.25

Journal 8/15/1997 P1 Airport ultimatum

Majuro – Airport landowners rejected the government’s counter lease offer this week, putting future operations of Majuro international airport in question. Landowner spokesperson Marie Maddison told the Journal Wednesday this week that the landowner who owns the property where the Mobil station and airport terminal are located cannot agree to the conditions that the government placed on its offer, and will communicate their rejection of the proposal to the Cabinet in a letter later this week…

P5 Around Town

To all Coop School Alumni who are waiting to hear more about August 16th Potluck party; forget it! It ain’t gonna happen. — The 1997 failed proposed potluck party coordinating committee, Katty, Brenda and Deborah.

P6 Coming along

The PII McConnell Dowell fresh water line project is approaching town.: last we saw ‘em, they were already past Rairok elementary having completed installation of the 14-inch Rita pipe from the airport genesis.

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

Alfred: Tax will solve compliance Mayor Mudge Samuel’s Op-ed in the August 1 issue of the Journal misses the “bigger picture” on RMI’s tax reform program by a long shot. As claimed by Mayor Samuel, I had gone on record saying that enacting a VAT system will allow the Marshall Islands to satisfy compliance with free trade agreements (emphasis on plural form). While this is absolutely true, I had never said and I totally disagree that PACER should serve as the main driver of the tax reform program for RMI as implied in the Mayor’s editorial. As designed, the tax reform program is driven by internal needs and aspirations for a fairer and more buoyant tax system. It is not driven by external requirements as suggested by Mayor Samuel. A quick look at the TRAM report will attest to this. I’ve seen from the ongoing debate over the tax reform program that not a single person participating in this debate disagrees that there’s a real need for RMI to address the structural loopholes in the current tax system that are fueling tax evasion, smuggling, and other tax evils. No one participating in this debate will disagree that the current tax system does not provide a level playing field for businesses, especially for honest businesses who pay their fair share of taxes. It is also clear from academic and technical literature that tax systems similar to our current one — having multiple consumer tax systems coexisting alongside each other and levying varying rates — create distortions and imperfections in the market. The proposed reform program not only provides corrective measures for these but it also provides relief from potential hardship. So it baffles me that the Mayor would not appreciate the real benefit that the reform program can bring to Majuro. Citing Jerry Kramer’s response in the July 25 edition of the Journal, Mayor Samuel claims that RMI will lose 30 percent of the revenue it currently collects if the Consumption Tax was to be implemented and RMI becomes party to the PACER Agreement. There definitely is a need to validate the accuracy of what everyone is saying here. To start off, Mayor Mudge Samuel is misquoting Jerry Kramer. Kramer had simply referenced a misleading paragraph from a webpage by AFTIN (Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network). AFTIN’s website misrepresented a study done by IMF on trade liberalization and trade tax revenue. So between all those misquoting, misleading, and misrepresenting, suddenly appears a projection that we will lose 30 percent of currently collected revenue under the Consumption Tax. The logic and math behind this doesn’t add up. We have done our own projections and can show that under the tax reform program RMI stands to gain additional revenue of .04 percent (about $1.8 million) of what it’s collecting under the current system, purely improvement in compliance and broadening of the base. That 30 percent loss in revenue referenced by Mayor Samuel is simply incorrect, resulting from misinterpreting technical reports and misquoting technical sources. We have a severe problem with tax compliance and our tax base continues to shrink. The proposed Consumption Tax provides the solutions needed to resolve these. If there are any serious issues with the reform program, let’s discuss them seriously and openly instead of spending valuable time on issues that are secondary to the reform program. The plethora of misquotations and misrepresentations over the past three weeks is a clear testament of the tax opponents misfiring with their reasoning against the tax reform. May the good lord protect RMI from tax evaders, keeping their advice away from our political leaders and development partners. Alfred Alfred, Jr., Secretary of Finance

23

Farewell fire sale? Owners of CelphoGrafix are currently contesting a deportation order in the High Court. While the store is locked as a consequence of RMI Immigration’s removal notice, that hasn’t stopped use of the front of the store for sales of goods.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Photo: Hilary Hosia.

Ewor jiban SELINA LEEM

“Enwot ne menin eban bojrak,” Aluka Rakin, director eo an Youth to Youth in Health/Jodrikdrik nan Jodrikdrik ilo Ejmour, ear ba, ikijien jorrean ko rej walok jen kilaba ak lukluk buru. “Ej juon wawein eo im jej aikuij in lukkun lale. Ejjab bojrak an walok, elaptata ippen jodrikdrik ro.” Ruo iaan likao ro im raar make bok mour ko aer raan ko lok, raar kanuij in komman inebata ippen jukjuk in bed, einwot ke kain jorrean rot in rejjab maron jela enaaj walok naat. Rakin ej kio bukwot kilen nan komman bwe jodrikdrik ro ilo YTYIH ren make enjake ke ewor tokjaer. “Kimij kenono nan er, kajjitok ippaer ta ne kwoj lemnake, ak kajjeon ba, kimij komman bwe ren enjake ke rej mottam kinke elon wot iaan jodrikdrik ro rej enjake ippaer make ke rej make lok iaer. Innem kin lemnak rot in, rej inebata kinke ejjelok en ej kea kake er im lale er.” Rakin ej rejan ro ilo baamle ko bwe ren kenono im kile dron kinke aolep men ren bed wot ilo juon wot mwenan. “Naan ko an juon jodrikdrik rej kwalok kin ta kalmenlokijen ko an. Rej kokalle elane rej inebata ak monono ak men kein jimor. Ronjake er im kalimjek im kile er bareinwot.”

24

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

Sea level victims granted NZ residency High tide flooding at Tuvalu.

In an historic development, this week, a Tuvaluan family living in New Zealand has been granted residency status in that country due to a claim that climate change has affected them due to unprecedented sea level rise in their home islands. According to Radio Australia, this is the first recorded case of climate change being accepted as part of the deliberation on reaching an im-

migration decision. In speaking with Aucklandbased immigration attorney, Carol Curtis, the lack of adequate drinking water availability in Tuvalu and its possible effect on the young children in the applying family was taken into consideration in granting the residency application. The fact that the family had extensive additional family connections in New Zealand was also contributive to the granting of residency status.

Please don’t drink & drive!

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

25

ri-majol ro rej jerbal elle jen joñan awa... who do we blame? LEFT COLUMN. Marshallese cashier: Who can help me with my problem? I work hard and get nothing. RighT COLUMN. Foreigner: You’re Marshallese... I’m a foreinger...therefore you get less pay. Sun: Smells like rotten fish in Majuro.

Habits / Rimajol ro ilo amerika LEFT. Father (Disciplining his son): Now you’ll know never to do it again. Son: Waaahhh! RIGHT. American Police: Bojrak! Bak liklak jen ajiri ne! Father: Oh my! It’s different here from the Marshall Islands. Son: Yeah! Ñai iakwe America!

Son: Mom, I’m hungry. Mother (drunk): I want more. I should sell my daughter so that I can get more money and go to bingo.

Customer: Taxi! Taxi on the left: Jab mokaj... me first... oops... jolok bõd! Taxi on the right: Warrar, jerammon rainin! Police Officer: There wouldn’t have been an accident if it weren’t for your selfishness. Talk is cheap, I gotta ticket you.

Strong women Left (At Shoreline). Guy at the right: Bring another four! Guy at the left: Kwe le mõmmaan! Right. Wife: Why did you lie sand say you won’t go drinking? Guy in the middle: What? Is this the result of Bill 93? Guy at the left: Oh man, I guess we’re no longer strong men.

an ajeded measles ilo fsm Doctor: Itok itok... metak, tõbrak. Baj juon! Patient (thinking): Ta, nitõl ro ne?

26

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal

The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, August 15, 2014

27

28

Friday, August 15, 2014 — The Marshall Islands Journal Send your hysterical and insightful Are You Awares? to [email protected] THAT Jaluit representative and Cabinet Minister Rien Morris was extremely interested in last week’s front page of the Journal, which featured a Tobolar employee holding a large rock (from Jaluit) capable of ruining the copra plant’s equipment? THAT sea otters hold hands when they sleep to keep from drifting apart? THAT blind people smile even though they’ve never seen anyone else smile? Photo: Isaac Marty THAT grocery stores use four checkouts unless they’re really busy ... then they use one? THAT the voices of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse got married in real life? THAT Sweden has a rab- like algebra... for example, have bit show jumping competition you ever looked at your X and called Kaninhoppning? wondered Y? THAT Google, the periodic THAT last week another table, the structure of our DNA, World’s Oldest Man died and we and “Yesterday” by the Beatles think this is beginning to look are all ideas that were conceived suspicious? in dreams? THAT it may now be time to THAT a Wisconsin forklift stop be focussing on Goldilocks operator for a Miller beer distrib- and more on why Mama and utor was fired when a picture was Papa bear don’t sleep in the same published in a newspaper show- bed any more? ing him drinking a Bud Light? THAT it’s pretty useless askTHAT ears of corn always ing for directions from a starfish? have an even number of rows of THAT if you want to freak out kernels? your neighbors, name your wifi THAT you can tell the sex of ‘FBI Surveillance Van’? a horse by its teeth as most males THAT it’s pretty interesthave 40 while females have 36? ing how all the ‘intelligent life THAT the number 4 is the finding instruments’ are pointed only number that has the same away from earth? number of letters in its name as THAT of all the martial arts, its meaning? karaoke inflicts the most pain? THAT kids these days don’t THAT gambling addiction hoknow how good they have it ... tlines would do so much better if Back in the day we had to shrink every fifth caller was a winner? and wear out our own damn LeTHAT anything unrelated to vis? elephants is irrelephant? THAT if you can see exactly THAT it’s a humbling mosix years into the future chances ment when you realize your dog are you have 2020 vision? or cat has actually trained you to THAT don’t worry about do something? someone carrying a torch for THAT you know it’s going you, but do be concerned if she to be a bad day if your horohas a gas can in her other hand? scope starts with ‘are you sitting THAT relationships are a lot down’?

ARE YOU AWARE?