Subscriptions to the Journal Online are $57 a year using PayPal. Click on the Subscribe button to purchase a subscription using your credit card. See page 17 The 1 Friday, April 3, 2015 • Volume 46, Number 14 Rosalie: Court abused power In an appeal to the RMI Supreme Court, Assistant Attorney General Rosalie Konou accused the High Court Chief Justice of “abusing” his discretion in a citizenship case, while opposing attorney Witten Philippo called Konou’s presentation “unprofessional.” Konou appealed Chief Justice Carl Ingram’s ruling rejecting her motion for a stay on giving Laureanso Sampang his citizenship while an appeal of the ruling in Sampang’s favor is pending with the Supreme Court. Konou contends that Sampang’s citizenship should be put on hold until the Supreme Court makes its ruling on the appeal. She said she provided a written brief to support getting the “stay” and Philippo provided none, “yet the denial order of the court favors (Sampang).” She claims the Supreme Court should maintain the status quo pending its ruling on the citizenship issue because Sampang will not suffer from not getting his citizenship immediately, while the RMI will be subject to damage if it has to issue a passport to him. “The court abused its discretion in its denial order against (the RMI’s) stay motion,” she said. But in an opposing brief, Philippo said Konou doesn’t give any reasons or reference any facts to support the government’s position that a “stay of judgment is necessary or reasonable,” and urged the court to deny the appeal. Addressing Konou’s point that he did not submit a brief, while she did but the court ruled in favor of Philippo’s client, Philippo said: “These allegations are unsubstantiated, not supported by reference to any evidence, and unprofessional.” Philippo told the Supreme Court that Konou did not offer any new reasons to support her appeal of the High Court decision, and added that the High Court’s findings are “reasonable and sound.” Rosalie: ‘I should have won twice.’ Story page 2. Marshall Islands ISSN: 0892 2096 Olai is Palau envoy to EU $1 on The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, April 3, 2015 Majuro Happy 70th Mike! Kwajalein Iroij and Senator Mike Kabua celebrated his 70th birthday last weekend with a big bash at Kwajalein. Dressed for the occasion, hundreds of residents joined in the party. See story on p21. Photo: Hilary Hosia. RMI: Greenpeace criticism is unfair The environment group Greenpeace has stepped up pressure on the RMI government to take action to revoke licensing of oilrigs drilling for oil in the Arctic that are presently flying RMI flags. During the past few days, Greenpeace’s vessel Esperanza has been following the Shell oil drilling rig Transocean Polar Pioneer that has been voyaging through RMI waters on its way to Alaska in preparation for drilling in the Arctic this summer. “Greenpeace is shining a light on the corporate villains who are greedily perpetuating climate change and ignoring the devas- Increased pressure to drop rigs from registry tating consequences,” said the organization. “Science tells us we cannot afford to burn fossil fuels already in our reach and if we want to stay below two degrees warming, Artic oil is off limits,” said Australian Zoe Lennox who is on the Esperanza. But Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Tony deBrum says the Greenpeace attack is unfair and de-registration won’t help. He told Radio Australia it’s primarily the responsibility of the shipping industry to regulate itself, and Marshall Islands is pressing the International Maritime Organization to respond more effectively to climate change. “We believe strongly that the Marshall Islands should distance itself from the oil industry, partic- ularly in the Arctic, and that such an action would strengthen your case in climate negotiations,” said Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter in a letter last week to RMI President Chris Loeak. He provided an eightpage briefing paper titled, “The Marshall Islands and Big Oil: Climate change and oil spills.” It focuses on oilrigs that are flagged by the RMI’s ship registry, the third largest in the world. Ritter recognized the RMI government for being “admirably outspoken” on climate issues at a global level. But, he added, “We Continued page 2 Talk to us at journal@ntamar.net • Subscribe to the Journal Online at www.marshallislandsjournal.com 2 Friday, April 3, 2015 — The Marshall Islands Journal AG lodges appeal against Jack’s candidacy The Attorney General’s office on Thursday lodged an appeal of the High Court’s ruling in favor of Jack Niedenthal’s constitutional right to stand for Nitijela election. The appeal, filed by Assistant Attorney General Rosalie Konou, presents two questions for consideration by the RMI Supreme Court. The questions: • “Did the High Court err in allowing a restrictive interpretation of Article II Section 14(2) of the RMI Constitution, particularly the word ‘regulations,’ by not considering the ultimate function of regulating the election process and therefore failed to construe Sections 145 (5) & (6) of the Elections & Referenda Act as containing a Rosalie: ‘I should have won case twice’ “I should have won the case twice,” said Assistant Attorney General Rosalie Konou (pictured) this week. She says she received an unfair ruling from the High Court, based on the fact that at the initially scheduled hearing in the Laureanso Sampang citizenship case, Sampang’s attorney Witten Philippo didn’t show up, and at the second hearing, he didn’t file a brief to argue any issues in the case, which was the AG’s attempt to put Chief Justice Carl Ingram’s ruling in favor of Sampang on hold pending an appeal to the Supreme Court. “I should have won when he didn’t show up and there shouldn’t have been a second hearing,” she said. The AG’s office objected to the granting of citizenship to Sampang, claiming that he violated Immigration requirements and did not properly meet residency requirements for citizenship. “It’s like two runners in a race scheduled for 7am,” she said. “Only one shows up, the other loses.” She said the government is attempting to define “residency” for the purposes of citizenship, and has established an R1 visa through which aliens can apply to meet the residency requirements of the Constitution, which lists three years as one of the requirements to meet for citizenship by registration. The government position, she said, is that years spent here on an employment contract should not be credited as meeting “residency” requirements for the purposes of citizenship. She said the government’s point is that aliens need to apply for an R1 visa to get on a citizenship track. “The Cabinet has approved a method for acquiring residency, but the court is saying, ‘no, the Cabinet can’t.’” She said there are lots of citizenship cases using only employment years to meet the Constitution’s residency requirement. But, she said, “the Cabinet is saying employment years don’t count.” This is “a compelling interest of the government and the court should carefully scrutinize this,” she said. Konou said the Chief Justice “will get mad at me (for questioning the ruling), but it was him and me only in the courtroom. I should have won.” regulatory function?” • “Did the High Court err when it determined the issue of ‘jowi’ as an additional qualification of candidates beyond the intent of the Constitution, by concluding that, it is not the Nitijela, who should decide who should qualify to stand for a Nitijela seat within constitutional frame- work, commands or authority and within any realized national compelling interest?” High Court Judge Dinsmore Tuttle ruled that the Constitution does not make a distinction between natural born and naturalized citizens, and Niedenthal met all Constitutional requirements to be a candidate for Nitijela. Taiwan donates buses to Ebeye Kwajalein schools on Ebeye are to receive two school buses donated by Taichung City Government in Taiwan. RMI Ambassador to Taiwan Phillip Kabua and Mrs. Kabua were at the recent donation ceremony with officials from Taichung City Government in Taiwan. Five die in Greenpeace requests Chuuk Cat to RMI government 3 typhoon From page 1 A category three typhoon ripped through Chuuk state in the FSM over the weekend, reportedly killing five people and causing widespread damage. Typhoon Maysak is reported to be building in strength as it heads on a track for Yap, where it was expected to hit at mid-week. FSM President Manny Mori said Monday a ship with relief supplies was getting ready to depart Pohnpei for Chuuk. are deeply concerned that the Marshall Islands risks being associated with oil companies like Shell and Statoil that continue to profit from climate change and threaten not only the Arctic — home to unique wildlife, endangered species — but global communities like our own.” Greenpeace asked the RMI to: • Revoke registration of the Transocean Polar Pioneer and Transocean Spitsbergen from the RMI ship registry. • Publicly announce RMI disapproval of Shell, Transocean and Statoil oil drilling plans in the Arctic and reaffirm your global commitment to combating climate change. • Review the RMI’s flag state responsibilities and applicable laws and regulations in relation to different risk levels associated with vessels on the RMI registry. For updates on the voyage of the oilrig Polar Pioneer through the Pacific: https://www.savethearctic.org/en/live/ The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, April 3, 2015 Top FSM official faces theft, tampering charges FSM Secretary of Transportation, Communication & Infrastructure Francis Itimai was charged Friday in Pohnpei with seven criminal counts that say he manipulated FSM government and Micronesian Shipping Commission funds for personal benefit. The FSM Attorney General’s office charged Itimai with conflict of interest, falsification, tampering with a witness, theft, attempted theft, criminal mischief and unauthorized possession or removal of property. These violations are said to have occurred in 2013 when Itimai was both FSM Secretary and Chairman of the Micronesian Shipping Commission (MSC), the agency that regulates shipping for Palau, FSM and RMI and has been repeatedly criticized by private sector representatives for ineffective performance. During a trip from Pohnpei to Yap in May 2013, he asked for a travel extension that would have cost $982, but FSM President Manny Mori did not approve amending his travel allowance, according to the charges. He then obtained $926 from the MSC through a letter stating that his FSM travel would be amended. When he returned to Pohnpei, he went to the MSC office, saw a world map on the wall, and took it, the charges say. He then got an invoice from MSC for $926 for the world map that was paid from the Maritime Operations Revolving Fund, which the charges say was supposed only to be used for operation and maintenance of the Caroline Voyager field trip vessel. After his Yap trip, he submitted a voucher to the FSM Department of Finance for the extended dates the President had previously rejected, the charges say, adding that Finance corrected the amount to the originally scheduled dates. Shortly thereafter, the FSM National Public Auditor launched an investigation. Late in 2013, MSC issued a receipt for the $926 for a cash payment Itimai made as “reimbursement” for the advance from MSC. An initial hearing was scheduled for mid-week in the FSM Supreme Court. 3 Japan Emperor to visit Palau The Emperor of Japan is making his first visit to Palau next week, which includes a visit to Peleliu, site of fierce battles between Japanese and American forces during World War II. President Chris Loeak will be joining Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. and FSM President Manny Mori in Palau in welcoming Emperor Akahito and his wife. Loeak is expected to be in Palau from April 6-10. Court issues 2 restraint orders Acting President helps bless lounge Acting President Wilbur Heine attended the blessing ceremony of a new doctors’ lounge and medical equipment at the Ministry of Health this week. Acting President Heine emphasized on the important role of doctors and extended appreciation for their long hours and dedication in providing patient care. Health Minister Phillip Muller thanked all who have provided helping hands to the hospital, particularly volunteers, with renovating the lounge and keeping the hospital clean. Acting Secretary Mailynn Lang conveyed appreciation to the Cabinet for their continued support to the Ministry of Health. Photo: Denise deBrum-Reiher. In a two-week period, the High Court has issued two temporary protection orders responding to domestic violence complaints. On Friday, Judge Dinsmore Tuttle responded to a domestic violence petition by issued a temporary protection order directing Alex Milne to stay at least 200 feet away from the Rita home where his wife and two children live. Tuttle said the temporary order would stay in effect until April 2 when a hearing is scheduled to hear testimony from all concerned and to decide if the order will become permanent. Capelle case moves into top gear Judge Dinsmore Tuttle rejected Joranson Capelle’s motion to dismiss murder charges, but set the case on a fast-track based on Capelle’s complaint that the Attorney General’s office was violating his right to a speedy trial. Capelle was originally charged with “manslaughter” and other assault charges last September for allegedly murdering one man and assaulting a woman in the Alwal area of Rita. He was to go to trial early last month. But the week before the trial, the AG’s office dismissed the case, and then the following week re-filed a criminal complaint elevating the charge to “murder.” Capelle’s attorney Chief Public Defender Russell Kun filed a mo- tion to dismiss, which the AG’s office disputed. At last Wednesday’s hearing Tuttle dismissed the motion, but said she would expedite the case “to honor Mr. Capelle’s right to a speedy trial.” At the hearing on March 25, Tuttle offered to conduct the preliminary hearing the following day. Capelle accepted by the AG’s office said it has an essen- Mudge: Airline tax still stands despite statement Majuro Mayor Mudge Samuel (right) expressed surprise at the statement by Minister Tony deBrum reported in last week’s paper that MALGov’s airline tax is not in effect. MALGov announced that the four percent tax on airline tickets sold in Majuro went into effect the first week of January, following approval by the RMI government. But Foreign Minister deBrum told last week’s Chamber of Commerce meeting at Monica’s that he had been instructed by the President to inform MALGov that the local tax was null and void. Mayor Samuel couldn’t believe it, and said Friday neither the minister nor any- one else from the government had informed him of this development. “It was signed by the Minister of Internal Affairs on December 4, 2014 and okayed by the Attorney General,” said Samuel. “Have they terminated Minister David Kabua from the Cabinet?” he asked. The mayor said MALGov held a public hearing, got the endorsement of the Attorney General, Minister Kabua signed off approving the local ordinance, and it was implemented in January. “The left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing,” the mayor said. tial witness in Hawaii. So Tuttle scheduled the preliminary hearing from this week Thursday to allow time for the witness to arrive to provide testimony. If the court finds “good cause” to proceed to trial, the trial is set for April 6. Capelle has waived a jury trial, so would be tried before Judge Tuttle if the case goes to trial. 4 Friday, April 3, 2015 — The Marshall Islands Journal MIMRA, PNA push tuna action Islands aim to control FADs The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) are gearing to launch the first-ever fish aggregating devices (FAD) registration and tracking trial next year. This follows extensive evaluation by PNA officials and development of technology that allows for establishing a functional management system for FADs. PNA estimates that at least 30,000 FADs are in central and western Pacific fishery waters. “On any one day, 6,000 FADs are in active use by purse seiners,” said PNA Commercial Manager Maurice Brownjohn. A limited trial that tracked 11 FADs last year demonstrated that tracking works, he said. The PNA annual meet- ‘On any one day, 6,000 FADs are in active use by purse seiners.’ —Maurice Brownjohn, PNA Commercial Manager ing held in Yap the second week of March discussed the planned roll out of the FAD tracking plan and also reviewed a proposal to begin charging daily fees for FAD use in 2016. Management of FADs offers an opportunity for limiting their use, which is another conservation option that could be used in place of — or to reduce — the current four-month moratorium on FAD use. “We can link fishing boats to FADs and can count their interactions,” said Brownjohn. It’s like counting fishing days for vessels, which is the basis of PNA’s successful Vessel Days Scheme. The combination of on-board observers and computersatellite technology available can show if vessels are setting nets around FADs, and how many FADs individual purse seiners are using. “We are now able to get some grasp on the FAD issue,” said Brownjohn. The Pew Charitable Trusts and the World Wildlife Fund have been supporting the FAD tracking pilot project, including providing satellite time for the first 12 months of the new program. Sam Lanwi and Marmar Lejjena at the Fisheries workshop. Focus on tuna control Pacific fisheries officials may have spent five days last week in debate about what’s happening to stop illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Pacific Ocean, but their minds were never far from the rehabilitation and recovery efforts taking place in Vanuatu. In Monday’s opening moments of the Forum Fisheries Agency workshop, delegates observed a minute’s silence to remember those who lost lives and livelihoods when Cyclone Pam turned from Solomon’s waters in mid March and cut its deadly, category-5 swathe through neighboring Vanuatu. Following that sombre opening note, delegates from all 17 FFA member nations got into a week of discussing progress, challenges, and future directions around Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) for the Pacific fishery. Representing the RMI at the Honiara meeting was MIMRA Deputy Director Samuel Lanwi, Jr. and RMI Sea Patrol’s Helmar Lejjena. Delegates ended the week with a formal closing event hosted by FFA Director-General James Movick, which was followed by a fundraising appeal led by FFA’s social club members to go towards assisting recovery for Vanuatu. A raffle and silent auction for a long list of donated prizes from across the region will go towards purchasing water and basic food items to be included in relief containers being shipped to Vanuatu. The fundraiser supported by the regional participants during their closing function will also supplement clothing and household items collected from FFA staff and families in the last two weeks. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, April 3, 2015 5 6 Friday, April 3, 2015 — The Marshall Islands Journal Former Japan Ambassador Kazuhiko Anzai (center left) and President Chris Loeak (center right) with government VIPs at the handover ceremony at Public Works. Photo: Joelee Anñi. Loeak digs the latest gift from Japan The Japan government handed over nearly $2 million worth of heavy equipment to the Marshall Islands government last Thursday. President Chris Loeak was on hand to receive the eight new excavators on behalf of the government from outgoing Japan Ambassador Kazuhiko Anzai at a handover ceremony at the Ministry of Public Works. The excavators are part of a grant donation offered by Japan under the Non-Project Grant Aid for the Provision of Industrial Products. President Loeak expressed appreciation to former Ambassador Anzai and the government of Japan for the assistance provided to the Marshall Islands, particularly toward infrastructure development. President Loeak noted that the excavators were manufactured in East Japan which suffered significant damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The grant not only contributes to the social and economic development of the Marshall Islands but also to the restoration of East Japan. In addition to the excavators, the Marshall Islands will also receive four wheel loaders from Japan that are expected to arrive next year. Witnessing the handover were traditional leaders, members of Cabinet and Nitijela, Speaker Donald Capelle, and officials from the President’s Office, Office of the Chief Secretary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Works, and the Japan Embassy. The Japan Embassy said the grant is designed to support social and economic development in the RMI. According to Public Works, some of these excavators will be deployed in Majuro and some in outer islands including Wotje and Jaluit. In addition to the excavators, the RMI Government will receive four wheel loaders to be used for public works. These wheel loaders are expected to arrive within a year. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, April 3, 2015 7 8 Friday, April 3, 2015 — The Marshall Islands Journal The RMI Riddle No. 550: Sponsored by CopyMasters ACROSS 3. Seize ... with understanding? 8. War. 9. Loved. 10. Reef. 11. Neat. 12. Irritating sensation. 13. Palm product. 15. SP spot. 17. Relative. 20. Sophomore or freshman. 21. Blessed being. 22. Branch, green, or oil. 23. Layperson. 24. Step. 26. Italian author Luigi Pirandello wrote: “A fact is like a sack: It won’t stand up if it’s -----. To make it stand up, first you have to put in it all the reasons and feelings that caused it in the first place.” 28. Loved being dedicated? 31. Wound with a knife. 33. Murphy or Mason. 34. Reduce to powder. 35. Carafe or decanter. 36. Votes into office. 37. Sweet stuff. DOWN 1. Top spot in Philippines. 2. Remain in place. 3. Night clicker. 4. Cool gear! (3,12) 5. NP spot. 6. Patrick and Matiti’s workplace. (abb.) 7. Writing tool. 13. Sweet sauce for pudding. 14. Taught. 15. Bird beds. 16. RRE home. 18. Brittle. 19. Opposition. 25. Body art. 27. SP spot. 29. Rims. 30. Senior. 32. Wash tub. 33. Army vehicle. Answers to Riddle No. 549 Ebeye hospital staff get critical life saving updates Majuro hospital nurses visited Ebeye to conduct Basic Life Saving course (one week) to Leroj Kitlang Hospital staff, including nurses, janitors and administrators. Photo: Hilary Hosia. Note: (abb.) = abbreviation (3,4) = indicates the number of letters in words. Jorrean ko nae kora ro ilo RMI Juon jonak eo ekabulonlon ej walok ikijien jonan jorrean nae kora ilo Marshall Islands ear walok ilobulej ilo nememe in juon ripoot eo im raar kenono kake ilo New York City wiik eo lok. Itok wot jen ripoot eo ear jede jen ippen Internal Affairs Assistant Secretary Molly Helkena ilo juon ien kwelok an United Nations ilo New York wiik eo lok, jemlok in ekabulonlon ej ba bwe iturin lok jonan in jiljilimjuon kora jen ibwiljin kajojo 10 kora ro, ilo Marshall Islands, rej jorrean jen kemtak enbwinier ak jen latibnol, eo im bonbon kein rej walok imejen lalin enwot bonbon ko emoj kabini. Bonbon kein remaron in ke jiban tok Marshall Islands? Menin ear unin kenono eo in ilo New York wiik eo lok. Bonbon ko an juon ekatok raar bar boklok nan United Nations Headquarter eo ilo juon iaan ien kenono ko, ikijien aer kejerbal bonbon ko nan iuun maanlok abonono ko rejelet jimwe ko iumin sexual im reproductive health, ak jimwe nan ejmour ilo sexual im reproductive health. “Kimar lukkun bulon kin jonan lon kora ro rej ione jorrean imoko imoer,” Helkena ear ba, ikijien ekatok in im mottan wot jidrik renaaj kadriwoje tok, eo im ear komman jen Kien eo kab drouluul in kora ro Women United Together Marshall Islands, iumin jiban ko bareinwot jen United Nations Population Fund eo (UNFPA) ekoba Australian Department of Foreign Affairs im Trade bareinwot. Lal ko jet ilo Pacific in rej kio bar komman ejja kain ekatok rot kein wot, ilo an bar walok ejja kain melele rot kein ie, ko im rej rome tok menin kenono jab in ilo an jab kanuij in lap tobrak ej komman jen ippen ri komman kien ro, kora in ear ba. Melele ko relon lok jen kar moka, rej itok jen ekatok ko einwot ilo ekatok eo an Marshall Islands, ekoba jen jikin ko jet ejjab ekka kar ebbok melele jene, ri kapeel ro ilo kwelok eo raar ba. Kajjitok eo in ej ekijkan ad maron kejerbale melele kein nan tobare aikuij eo an ro relukkun in jedmatmate jorrean jab in. Ukot melele kein remool nan jino makitkit kein ej aban eo in. “Melele ko rejjab bed wot ijo im ijien. Aurok eo in ej ekijkan ad maron kejerbali, ewi wawein ad melele, ta ko jen kommani,” UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Kate Gilmore ear ba, eo im ear kobalok ippen Helkena kab ro jet. Cynthia Summers, vice president eo an Guttmacher Institute eo, ear kwalok kin melele in. “Elap wonmanlok iumin year ko rej kab jemlok lok, botaap ej lap wot kota eo ikijien jorrean in. Ewor 225 million kora rejjab konan bororu, ijoke rejjab kejerbal kein bobrae ko. Im jen 125 million kora ro rej keotak kajojo year otemjej, 54 million rej entan jen jabwe takto im jikin takto, 43 million rej keotak ilo imon takto ko rejjab emman, im 33 million ejjab emman jikin takto ko an ninnin rej bed ie. Im laajrak in endrein an jab bojrak.” Jorrean eo ejjab kinke ejabwe melele, ijoke edrik makitkit en ej komman. “Men kein rejjab nomba wot,” Helkena ear ba. “Melele kein rej ikijien jet armij kin bwebwenato ko aer remaron kwalok nan yuk.” The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, April 3, 2015 9 10 Friday, April 3, 2015 — The Marshall Islands Journal AROUND TOWN A big turnout of local business people and government representatives was a highlight of last week’s Marshall Islands Chamber of Commerce meeting held at Monica’s second floor location at The Pub. Sponsored by the RMI Office of Commerce and In- vestment, the Chamber meeting was presented with a draft of the new “universal form” that puts all national and local government information requirements in one document to streamline the process of setting up a new business in the RMI. Photo Suzanne Chutaro. Winner of Stardom 4 Wisdom The Riddle No. 549 proved a little tough for some of our regular puzzlers, but three cheers go to two people who turned in perfect crosswords: Arlendo AP, Becky Lathrop, Team Tazz and Capt. Catalina Rick, and Bonny Taggart. In March, the winners of Stardom for Wisdom were: Bonny Taggart, Dante Dela Vega, Helber Namna, Diane Myazoe, Herman Lee-Enos, Becky Lathrop, Team Western Union Galz, Tazz Clark, Mickey John, Kubaak Mayn, Lar- ry of the yacht Tribute. The names went into the hat and reporter Isaac Marty plucked out the winner of a Flame Tree pizza, which is — ta-da — Dante, who can pick up his gift certificate at Micronitor. ‘It is used by almost a tenth of the world’s population. It gives people a buzz equivalent to six cups of coffee and is used variously as a symbol of love, marriage and a cure for indigestion and impotence. But it is also leading tens of thousands to an early grave. The culprit? The humble betelnut.’ —From a BBC news report titled, “Asia’s deadly secret: The scourge of the betelnut.” Betelnut drought Majuro is feeling the result of the big Typhoon Maysak that is wreaking havoc in the FSM. United Airlines was forced to overfly Pohnpei twice in the past week and the lack of inbound air service from the capital of the FSM has caused most stores in Majuro to run out of betelnut. Chewers and reformed chewers told the Journal that the shortage caused a run on the few stores that still had supplies, with the price of betelnuts in some stores jumping from 25 cents a nut to $1. Local betelnut chewers, meanwhile, substituted chewing tobacco, with stores reportedly doing a brisk business in “dip” sales. Another impact of Typhoon Maysak was the cancellation by USAID of the planned launch Monday of grants for both Rongelap and Namdrik when US officials in Pohnpei were unable to travel to Majuro to be part of the event. FSM b’ball folk on the way According to a local guy who was in Pohnpei last week, the Pohnpei men’s basketball team that is heading to Majuro in 10 days is working out in daily practices. “They said they don’t want to lose,” was the comment made. A Pohnpei team played in the 13th BOMI Ralik Ratak Shootout two years ago and lost in the semifinals, coming in fourth place. This time around, they’re aiming for a better result. The tournament with Pohnpei, Kiribati, Majuro and Lae opens at CMI’s SSG Solomon Sam Memorial Sports Center on Monday April 13. Coulda been worse “Huh?” said LaJimma as he sat having lunch in his blue taxi in the parking lot of Payless. He was just finishing a busy morning of ferrying well over a hundred passengers from here to there and back again. He exhaled leisurely, forcing himself to relax, but he was suddenly drawn taut: next to his parked taxi a woman was looking at the white mess in front of her. It was a smashed-open milk carton, and fully half of its contents had become a tiny lake of white liquid. “Ahhh!” said the woman in anguish. LaJimma felt sorry for the wom- an, and he could see the tears starting down her cheek. He decided to make her feel better. “You got no reason to cry. It could have been beer.” “What?” said the woman. “I said it could have been beer,” repeated LaJimma. “Are you deaf or something.” The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, April 3, 2015 AROUND TOWN Look ma! No pilot A Pohnpeian family recently was shocked to witness the erratic flight of a pilotless helicopter descend from above their land to crash and burn behind their house with no apparent explanation for the incident. The Tropic Helicopter, according to Kaselehlie Press, was observed buzzing up and down by witnesses driving near the residence of the Semens’ family in Nahnpohnmal. Finally, the craft crashed near a cookhouse on the Semens’ land and burst into flames. Pohnpei police were quickly on the scene to douse the fire. The explanation for this bizarre incident was that the helicopter unexpectedly became airborne while mechanics were working on the craft and turned on the main motor. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, but shock at the unexpected wild behavior of a flying machine won frontpage coverage from KP. It’s hard to miss the unique sign in front of Port Authority’s building at Uliga Dock. Photo: Isaac Marty Celebrating our islands in Honolulu The Honolulu Museum sponsored a Celebrate Micronesia program of art and cultural exhibitions that wrapped up last week, and the last day was a humdinger of art-making demonstrations, food, dance, spoken word, a fashion show, coconut-husking contests, and films. The Marshalls was well represented with eight club booths (see above), many selling crafts, and a big RMI consulate exhibit. Local resident Dan Smith’s suggestion to the amimono makers: Put your name and atoll on your work with a little tag. Makes it more valuable and easier to sell! 11 12 Friday, April 3, 2015 — The Marshall Islands Journal Opinion page Send letters to PO Box 14, Majuro, MH 96960 or email journal@ntamar.net Don’t get sick on outer islands Consider this observation by a doctor visiting one of our outer atolls earlier this month and seeing a woman with severe gangrene in her foot. The observation: the woman’s condition is “what you’d see in a place with no medical care.” While most attention (and criticism) has been focused on shortcomings at Majuro hospital — lack of medications, supplies, medical staff, and so on —collateral damage, so to speak, affects the outer islands. The shortages in Majuro mean our remote atolls end up going months without essential medicines that harm people’s health that is dependent on such things as regular use of diabetes medications. While we in Majuro can walk into the MediSource pharmacy or to Majuro Clinic to get a prescription filled if the hospital is out, outer islanders have no such luxuries. The decline in availability of medicines on the outer islands is another negative that will encourage people to leave their homes for Majuro or beyond. Microcosm of global migration Kim Wall (foreground) takes a shot of fellow journalist Coleen Jose at the top of Enewetak’s Runit Dome with an Enewetak resident. Photo: Hendrik Hinzel. KIM WALL, COLEEN JOSE, and HENDRIK HINZEL Locals call it “the tomb.” Equipped with Geiger counters, facemasks, cameras and a drone, we climbed on top of 4,700 cubic meters of radiologically contaminated debris, adrenaline-rushed with uncertain risks. Between us and an array of radioactive isotopes, 18 inches of cracking concrete surrounded by a moat of high tide. Meanwhile, reports had told us the lagoon and sands surrounding the dome were already more toxic. Enewetak — site of 43 atmospheric bomb tests, including the first-ever hydrogen bomb — isn’t easily accessible. All in all, we spent ten long days aboard the Lady E, the quarterly government supply ship, before a tropical welcome of coconuts and leis on the docks. Our three-person team had flown into Majuro from New York to report a multimedia series on the consequences of climate change and a still potent US nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands a few weeks earlier. Underpinning our reporting is a simple question: why are Marshallese leav- ing their home islands? In Enewetak, the timing was perfect: arriving just on time for Liberation Day and Typhoon Bavi, we were reminded of the atoll’s unique and underreported history as the storm surge washed up gasmasks on the shores. As we arrived, people had been without food for weeks. Because of the Lady E’s delay, many survived on coconuts and flour, awaiting the “supplemental” food program, which makes up the bulk of the Enewetakese diet. After The Marshall Islands Journal Phone: (692) 625-8143/6 • Fax: (692) 625-3136 • email: journal@ntamar.net • 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 Garbonzo Bean Counter....................... 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 journal@ntamar.net. 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. decades in exile because of the atomic tests, the community had returned in 1980 following an ambitious scraping of the island’s top soil layer. The land resettled on no longer fertile, and the majority of the atoll’s 40 islands now off-limits (and an additional two vaporized), a subsistence lifestyle was destroyed. Today, only three of the atoll’s islands are deemed habitable. About a quarter of the island’s surface is made up of a gigantic US-built air strip, fit for bombers and jumbo jets, though Air Marshall Islands hasn’t flown to Enewetak in years. A single landline and a modem, turned into a wifi hotspot used by the entire island, embody the isolation, becoming the only — painfully slow — connection to the outside world. Relics of World War II lay desolate around the lagoon: a Japanese bunker, a stranded German ship and an anonymous rusted tank washed over by the waves. Enewetak became an unlikely brick in the great geopolitical scrambles of the Cold War when it fell into American ownership following the defeat of the Japanese in 1944. For the population — about a hundred — it became the beginning of decades of exile and displacement. As we try to understand the complex push-and-pull factors of inter-island and global migration, Enewetak seemed the perfect starting point. Our multimedia project, set for publication in American and European outlets later this year, seeks to tie together untold Marshallese stories on the islands as well as within the growing diaspora. Next stop: Hawaii and Arkansas. We are an international team (Germany, Sweden and US/Philippines) based in New York, staying in Majuro until early April. Our reporting is funded by the GroundTruth Project and the Society of Environmental Journalists. Have leads, ideas or stories for us? We would love to hear from you! Email us at GroundtruthRMI@gmail.com. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, April 3, 2015 13 14 Friday, April 3, 2015 — The Marshall Islands Journal Trafficking problem gets on RMI agenda “Trafficking in persons is a new issue to the Marshall Islands,” said Acting Chief Secretary Justina Langdrik at the launch of a two-day workshop on trafficking in persons that took place last week at the Marshall Islands Resort’s Melele Room. She added: “The RMI recognizes the need to address trafficking in persons and therefore a taskforce has been established.” Spearheaded by the International Organization for Migration through funding by the US government, the two-day trafficking in persons workshop brought together key government departments such as Immigration, the Attorney General’s Office, police and legislative staff from Nitijela to learn about the issue of human trafficking and review existing legal frameworks and formulate mechanisms to respond to possible sce- Photos: Suzanne Chutaro. narios of human trafficking and assisting victims. Langidrik praised the participants of the workshop and organizers saying, “trafficking in persons is not acceptable and it must be stopped if it is happening and proactive measures need to be in place to protect people’s constitutional right to live freely. “This is a new issue we have just become aware of,” said Langidrik. “ We know it’s happening but we don’t know how to address it — thus this training.” Echoing Langidrik’s sentiments, US Deputy Chief of Mission Norman Barth’s remarks at the opening ceremony focused on the complexities of not only addressing trafficking in persons but identifying it. Trafficking in persons is best described as a crime that preys on vulnerable people of society — those looking to better their economic opportunities. Too often when thinking of trafficking in persons most Representatives from numerous RMI government ministries and departments joined in a two-day trafficking in persons awareness workshop held at the Marshall Islands Resort earlier this month. The program was led by the International Organization for Migration. people assume prostitution. However, Barth, points out that it also preys on people looking for a better life for themselves and their families. For example, people who take jobs in foreign countries only to have their passports and freedom taken from them upon arrival. This is an example of forced labor and involun- tary servitude. “Trafficking in persons is complicated and hard to see where it is taking place,” he said. “The terrible truth is it is happing in all countries. Part of the fight, even if we can’t see it, is for all countries to join together and for each country to establish legislation to say trafficking in persons is illegal and we stand against it.” Judge rejects murder case dismissal, sets quick hearing Judge Dinsmore Tuttle rejected Joranson Capelle’s motion to dismiss murder charges, but set the case on a fast-track based on Capelle’s complaint that the Attorney General’s office was violating his right to a speedy trial. Capelle was originally charged with “manslaughter” and other assault charges last September for allegedly murdering one man and assaulting a woman in the Alwal area of Rita. He was to go to trial early this month. But the week before the trial, the AG’s office dismissed the case, and then the following week re-filed a criminal complaint elevating the charge to “murder.” Capelle’s attorney Chief Public Defender Russell Kun filed a motion to dis- miss, which the AG’s office disputed. At last Wednesday’s hearing Tuttle dismissed the motion, but said she would expedite the case “to honor Mr. Capelle’s right to a speedy trial.” At the hearing on March 25, Tuttle offered to conduct the preliminary hearing the following day. Capelle accepted but the AG’s office said it has an essential witness in Hawaii. So Tuttle scheduled the preliminary hearing from this week Thursday to allow time for the witness to arrive to provide testimony. If the court finds “good cause” to proceed to trial, the trial is set for April 6. Capelle has waived a jury trial, so would be tried before Judge Tuttle if the case goes to trial. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, April 3, 2015 15 16 Friday, April 3, 2015 — The Marshall Islands Journal A large number of senior RMI government staff engaged in a recent workshop at the Public Service Commission on drafting and implementing government policies. The workshop was led by Dr. Desmond Amosa (pictured at back, below). Photos: Hilary Hosia. RMI workers focus on policy Thirty senior public service officials recently attended a workshop on Policy Analysis conducted by Dr. Desmond Amosa, an advisor for capacity development and training. Administrative support was provided by the Public Service Commission. The workshop targeted senior public servants who are responsible for conducting public policy and providing implementation advice. It was an opportunity for government workers to discuss gaps in policy analysis and to identify approaches that can add value to the process. The discussions focused on concepts and fundamentals of policy analysis; approaches for conducting policy analysis; and policy analysis: styles, values, and ethics. “A good policy analyst is one who is able to articulate how he/she arrived at a conclusion and that the aim of the workshop is to continue to develop the capacity of senior public officials who are involved in the process,” said Amosa. “In essence it adds value to the analysis and gives decision makers a good platform for better decision making.” Ken Anitok, Assistant Commissioner said, “I only wish the this TrainingWorkshop on Policy Analysis should have come much sooner, it would have helped us amend and correct and create our many public policies which today still need to be given proper analysis and utilization.” Jaan in jiban jen US ejino jiban ruo brojaak ilo Majol USAID Pacific-American Climate Fund eo enaaj jinoe ruo grant ak jaan in jiban ko nan brojaak in wonmanlok ko nan RMI in ilo naaj Monday, March 30 raan. Climate fund in enaaj lelok jaan nan project in Aquaculture Technologies eo an Marshall Islands ak (ATMI) ekoba nan Namdrik Atoll Development Association eo (NADA). Climate fund in an USAID enaaj jiban lok jerbal in taap eek ko an ATMI, eo im ej ejaake juon jekjek eo eoktaklok im ebar drelon kilen oktak nae ukoktak in mejatoto nan jukjuk in bed ko ilo Majuro, im tokelik ilo naaj Rongelap en, bwe ren jela kilen taap eek. NADA ej lorlorjake an komman taap dri, ak pearl ko ilo Namdrik, ilo aer jibarbar nan kelaplok jerbal in nan jino wia kake nan likin. Men kein renaaj grant ko imaan tata renaaj itok nan RMI jen jaan in jiban in ekaal jen ke ekar jino jutak ilo year eo lok. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, April 3, 2015 Olai appointed Palau ambassador to the EU Ngedikes Olai Uludong is Palau’s new ambassador to the European Union and Climate Change. Uludong, who formerly worked for the RMI EPA, was unanimously endorsed by Palau’s Senate for the post. President Tommy Remengesau, Jr., nominated Uludong in February saying the dual role position would allow Palau to work closely with European Union and international organizations providing support to developing countries for climate change adaptation methods. She is the first Palau representative for climate change. She was the Lead Negotiator for Alliance of Small Islands State (AOSIS) on climate change under Nauru’s chairmanship that ended last year. Ambassador Ngedikes Olai Uludong. RMI goal to lead way on emissions The RMI intends to be one of the first small island countries to submit its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to the United Nations Framework Committee on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Even though the Marshall Islands is a negligible emitter of greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to show climate leadership in the period leading to the Paris conferDolores deBrum Kattil assists Minisence later this year, said the ter Tony Debrum at the consultation. President’s Office. A new agreement aimed at curbing emissions and responding to climate change is expected to be adopted at worked in the Office of the President, was the Paris session. welcomed back to RMI, as facilitator of After its pledges at Copenhagen in 2009, the consultations. Kumar, who led the cliRMI championed the Majuro Declaration mate change efforts in Fiji last year as its and committed to reducing its emissions by director and has been following the inter40 percent by 2020. The INDCs will demon- national negotiations, is familiar with the strate how the RMI can reduce the emissions UNFCCC decisions on INDCs and its imfurther by 2025 and beyond in its efforts to portance in respect of the new Paris agreeclose the “emissions gap.” According to the ment. He stressed that the preparations of UN Environment Program’s Gap Report, INDCs from small island countries will also major reductions in emissions and a non- encourage other countries, particularly the carbon development pathway are needed if large emitters, to make ambitious pledges to the temperatures are to be contained within reduce emissions. 1.5 or 2 degrees centigrade. The Alliance of From his discussions with relevant RMI Small Island Sates, which includes the RMI, officials and a preliminary examination of is demanding temperatures be contained to the data, Kumar stated that RMI was on less than 1.5C, recognizing the vulnerabil- course to realize significant reduction in its ity of many small islands and threat to their emissions through the deployment of revery existence. newable energy sources such as solar phoLast week, the RMI government, led by tovoltaics and increased efficiency gains on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized a supply and demand side. He said the docuconsultation on INDCs that brought together ment will be revised as new data becomes key the Chief Secretary’s Office, Office of available and more investment is made in Environmental Planning and Policy Coor- the energy sector. The meeting suggested dination, Ministry of R&D’s Energy Plan- that while “mitigation” should remain the ning Division, Ministry of Finance, EPPSO, primary focus for RMI’s INDCs, it was imMarshalls Energy Company, Chamber of portant to make reference to the RMI’s conCommerce, non-government organizations, tinuing need for adaptation measures to deal and others. Foreign Affairs Minister Tony with the growing impacts of climate change. deBrum underscored the RMI’s commitKumar congratulated RMI for its leaderment to addressing greenhouse gas emis- ship on climate change at the international sions. He emphasized a “whole of govern- level. “The voice of the small island counment” approach and urged coordination, tries need to be raised at every opportunity collaboration, and cooperation. “You repre- and RMI had been steadfast in this.” sent the elite talents in this country,” he said, It is expected that RMI’s INDC report “and it behooves you to take ownership and will be submitted to the UNFCCC June sescontribute effectively to a good outcome.” sion in Bonn, Germany after it is endorsed Dr. Mahendra Kumar, who previously by Cabinet. 17 18 Friday, April 3, 2015 — The Marshall Islands Journal Delap musicians hit high note in Hawaii Majuro’s Bunin No’n Likiej Music Matter Program Director Carton Keju and staff member Tashi Ram are currently attending a six-week music program at Chuck James Music Studio in Hawaii. These two men are like any typical Marshallese musicians who learned music by ear but never took music classes. The Music Matter program aims to use music to attract out of school youths by teaching them music and life skills as an alternative to substance abuse. Keju and Ram are talented but didn’t feel complete not having received proper music training, and not being able to read notes. Hawaii musician Chuck James is teaching the two at his program in Hawaii. “He was really surprised and impressed to see how talented they are being able to compose music with- Carton Keju (left) and Tashi Ram are mid-way through a six-week music training program with Hawaii musician Chuck James (center). out knowing how to read notes,” said Julia Alfred Director Designee of the Single State Agency (SSA) that funds the music program. Besides learning notes, they will learn piano, guitar and violin. “The Music Matter program requested SSA for assistance to find a music school and I was able to con- nect them to Chuck James and escorted them to Hawaii to meet him and set up their training program,” she said. “They will finish their training program April 30 and return to strengthen and continue to develop the Music Matter music school in Delap. “ This program is funded by the SSA bobrae project funds. The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, April 3, 2015 19 JumPing fOr joY in EBeYe Dometo Mino enjoys a spirited game of jump rope with new friends near Queen of Peace Elementary School on Ebeye, Kwajalein Atoll. Photo: Hilary Hosia. WhO uSed thE Open Mike @ Coop? Majuro Coop middle school students hosted an Open Mike night at the school cafeteria last week. Performances included comedy skits, dancing, ukelele playing and singing, a piano recital, a fashion show and displays of artwork and photos by the students. The performers are all students in the new Performing Arts program that the school rolled out this semester. Right: Magdalene Johnson strums the ukulele and sings solo “Love the way you lie” as Mimi Wang holds the mike for her. Below: Sixth and seventh grade boys act out a comedic news-hourgone-bad skit. Three cheers for Russell! Russell Langrine was among nine winners of the Ekiden photo contest announced at last week’s Japan Embassy reception at the Melele Room, MIR. He took the winning photo in the Woja area. Winning photos can be viewed on the Japan Embassy’s Facebook page. Photo: Isaac Marty 20 Friday, April 3, 2015 — The Marshall Islands Journal The pressure is on Billy Journal 4/12/1968 P2 Ebeye people to Carlson About 18 people have already moved to Carlson Island, across the lagoon from Ebeye. They are raising pigs and chickens to sell on Ebeye. It was Hawaii Architects and Engineers recommendation that Carlson be developed into an agricultural community. Under the leadership of Iroij Albert Loeak, interest was so great that the people independently decided to settle there. The plan was for eventually providing housing for up to 20 percent of the Micronesian workers on Kwajalein. P2 Cooking classes Marshalls Communicaty Action Program is teaching cooking to the women of Rairok. After its engagement there, the program will conduct classes in Rita for 3-4 weeks. Interested persons should contact Betra Laipen at the new MCAA offices. P2 Postal official visits US Postal Service official Thomas Downey made these observation: People in the DUD area should check the Majuro PO for mail. Much mail has not the move following last week’s groundbreaking ceremony for a base camp on Eneu Island, which will be used to launch the rehabilitation plan. P3 Jaws bites the dust What we were saying way back when been claimed. People in the outer islands should add the name of their atoll to the return address. Many letters cannot be delivered due to the lack of the atoll’s name in the address. P3 The challenges of education Most any teacher, Education administrator or interested observer of a district center school realizes there are many complex and difficult problems in our education programs here. Not the smallest of these problems is student discipline. Walk around any of our public school after hours and you can find students drinking, gambling or scribbling filth on the walls with the destructive disrespect for school that soon spills over into their classroom attitudes. The naïve might wonder why the students learn and do these things. Actually you do not have to look far to find a reason. In fact, if you bother to look close enough, you will too often find that the persons they see gambling, drinking or passing filth on campus are the teachers. What better model could the students emulate than their teachers who often do not wait until after hours for their poker games. For those serious readers who want a deeper analysis, this question: Why do the teachers drink and gamble at school? A simple answer: with the salaries they earn, they cannot afford the big Friday night game with the affluent administrative crew. Journal 4/15/1988 P2 Ball rolling for Bikini clean up Bikini’s nuclear clean up is on A big eight-foot shark was caught off Majuro lagoon between Retty’s theater and Chuji’s store last week. Some enterprising fishermen put intestines from a pig they were cleaning onto a hook, attached the baited hook to a float, and came up with this baby. Journal 4/9/1999 P3 No go, no flow Despite tests over the weekend, Majuro’s new fresh water distribution system is still not working. Majuro Water and Sewer Company manager Billy Roberts said there was “no significant improvement in the water pressure to Rita.” The lack of water pressure is only one of five significant problems in the new fresh water distribution system — problems that demonstrate there was no discussion with local officials knowledgeable in water distribution prior to the system being designed, he said. Team Riwut Team Coolers The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, April 3, 2015 Mike’s birthday gifts to Ebeye Kwajalein Senator Iroij Michael Kabua celebrated his birthday at his little island half a mile north of Ebeye Saturday. Being a favored chief, many turned up to a hearty feast, at which time Mike hooked his cellular phone on the PA system and everyone heard the following from Kwajalein Senator Tony deBrum (excerpts from the phone conversation): Two new donated buses from Taiwan are on the way to Ebeye; work on the causeway is set to start in the near future; more job opportunities will open as the military is opening up a new site at Roi Namur; two buildings will be erected at Mid-Corridor weto on Ebeye. Tony wished Mike happy birthday and congratulated the people of Kwajalein on numerous future improvements coming to Ebeye. Kaisha-Muller switch The Cabinet recently replaced Marshalls Energy Company board member Senator Tony Muller with Hanty Kaisha, son of the late longtime Rita Councilman Jisam Kaisha. There were no other changes to the board, which is chaired by Public Works Minister Hiroshi Yamamura. Tony tells world about sea rise Foreign Minister Tony deBrum spoke to a Radio New Zealand International news show on Monday about challenges facing the Marshall Islands. “The sea is rising around the republic and Foreign Minister deBrum is continuously campaigning at world forums for climate change to be addressed as it threatens the existence of the islands, with many parts barely a meter above sea level,” the Radio New Zealand report said. A question addressed in the interview is, are densely populated small atolls sustainable? 21 It’s Cooler vs Riwut at NTA It’s little league time, with Team Riwut taking on Team Cooler. The Jeimata Nokko Kabua memorial softball games are coming to an end. The first little league exhibition game is scheduled for this Thursday April 2 at 3pm at NTA Ballfield before the women’s championship game. The second exhibition game will take place Saturday at NTA Ballfield before men’s final game. 3on3 results The 2015 Veterans “Say No to NCDs” 3on3 basketball league dribbled into action Tuesday at Lojkar court. Do It Best beat Warriors, 9-4, PII Rockcrushers defeated MWSC, 22-12, and Marshall Islands Resort held off OTEC, 22-19. Thursday’s games: 6pm MIR v Warriors, 6:30pm OTEC v Rockcrushers, 7pm MWSC v Do It Best. The league is sponsored by the Ministry of Health. Sell more stuff. Advertise! 22 Friday, April 3, 2015 — The Marshall Islands Journal The Marshall Islands Journal —­­­Friday, April 3, 2015 US Micronesians star in Fitch, Hezel documentary Nathan Fitch, a filmmaker and former Peace Corps Volunteer in Kosrae, and Fr. Fran Hezel, SJ (pictured), have just completed a new one-hour video documentary about Micronesians who have resettled in the US. The video, which contains short segments on eight individuals, is entitled “At Home While Away.” “We would like to think of these segments as success stories, educational and perhaps even inspirational for those who view them,” said Hezel. This is not the first video Hezel has made featuring migrants. Micronesian Seminar, when he was still director there, produced a documentary entitled “Micronesians Abroad” in 2006 and another called “Missing Micronesians” in 2009. “In these earlier videos we explored the reasons for the massive migration from the islands, surveyed some of the main destinations, and showed the challenges transplanted islanders face in their new home,” he said. These videos also portray some of the creative strategies migrants have worked out to deal with these challenges. Nathan Fitch, the filmmaker of this documen- tary, has produced another hour-long piece on Micronesians in the military. It will soon be released under the title “Island Soldier.” “At Home While Away” explores the lives of a few migrants told in their own voices. They include men and women, people from every state of FSM, longserving military men as well as civilians, successful businesspeople and persons dedicated to serving their own community. “At Home While Away” is on the web at www. athomewhileaway.org. To watch some of the earlier videos on Micronesian migrants, go to new.micsem. org. 23 24 Friday, April 3, 2015 — The Marshall Islands Journal Send your hysterical, gripping, or insightful Are You Awares? to journal@ntamar.net THAT a boy in Arno decided to eat yeast and shoe polish every morning and, sure enough, every day he’d rise and shine? THAT a guy called George bought some shoes from a drug dealer in Delap recently, but poor George is trying to work out what they were laced with because he’s been tripping all day? THAT a guy from Likiep went into Ace Hardware and said he’d like to buy a sink, so the clerk asked if he’d like one with a plug and Mr. Likiep responded: “Don’t tell me they’ve gone electric!”? THAT many of the staff at MOH know the quickTHAT the good thing est way to a man’s heart is about life is that, even if through his chest? you’re not very good at it, THAT the overweight you’re guaranteed at least psychic in Laura can also two certificates from Minisbe called ‘Laura’s four chin try of Internal Affairs. teller’? THAT a Small Island THAT a Journal staffer resident recently asked a was asked to describe herhealth assistant to give her self in three words, so she something for persistent said: “Lazy”? THAT there’s a few things rotting away in Delap, including the ECC and the gabions across the road, but the US Navy is going to look after at least one of these? gument in the Flame Tree ... It was tense? THAT the following is an excerpt from a Kiribati drifter, who landed on the southern side of Ailinglaplap, recently: Day 1 Alone, doing well, mentally sound; Day 12 Met a crab; Day 24 I have married the crab; Day 31 I have eaten my wife? THAT Kejjo Bien was wind, so he handed her a asked his opinion of North kite? Korea and his response was THAT we’ve been nothat he couldn’t complain? ticing that lots of people THAT quite a few Toboin Majuro keep their relar employees are slightly ally expensive items in the addicted to their company’s driveway and store a heap products ... but it’s okay beof junk in their garages? cause they’re really clean as THAT Past, Present and a result? Future were having an ar- ARE YOU AWARE?