Marshall Islanders in Salem Commemorate Bikinians' 60-Year Exile

The Bikini people of the Marshall Islands are still waiting to return to their land. "We have been through the deepest valley and over the highest mountain, and yet, we have not reached the Promised Land," Bikini Councilman Nishma R. Jamore said during a Nuclear Victims Day Commemoration Ceremony in Salem. One hundred and sixty-seven people were removed from their home island on March 7, 1946 in preparation for U.S. nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands.

ALSO:Oregon Marshallese Stand with Nuke Legacy Victims

“Res Ipas Loquitor (the thing speaks for itself)” was the title of the address delivered by Keynote Speaker Councilman Jamore to a crowd of 200 at the 60th Anniversary ceremony held March 5 at the Protestant Church in Salem.

Jamore was referring to the mushroom like cloud that rose over Bikini Atoll 52 years ago this week when the US military detonated a nuclear bomb, code-named the BRAVO shot. It was 1000 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima,” said the Councilman.

“In comparison with the Israelites, the people of Bikini have broken the exile record by 20 long years. And like the Israelites, we have conquered many obstacles along the way."

The Councilman said that the $150 million given to them under section 177 of the Compact of Free Association as a 'full and final settlement' was inadequate to pay for the damages done by the US nuclear testing program on Bikini Atoll. To this day, the Bikinian leadership is still pursuing political and legal remedies together to make sure our people get their fare settlement.

"The Bikini leadership looks to the U.S. Congress and the administration to give us adequate funding to undo the damages done to our land and the people," he said.

Jamore acknowledged "all the champions of the people of Bikini who have paved the way for all of us- over the years."

"In particular, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) government for their dedication and guidance to find solutions for the betterment of our people and the nation as a whole."

"Last but not the least, to our ancestors who have died from the plight of the nuclear exposed to radiation as a result of U.S. nuclear tests. You are surely our champions," he said.

Councilman Jamore said the Bikinians want to return to Bikini when the US government fulfills its promise to return them back to the land and pay further compensation for test damages.

"I have no doubt that with the same spirit of determination that our founding father once had, one day, with humbleness and trust in God, we will reach the Promised Land," said Jamore.

Also contributing to the ceremony were Bikini Councilman Jason Aitap and his wife Kira Aitap. Mrs. Aitap described the exodus of Bikini in tears. She was one-year old when the exodus took place.

Cecelia Labi, OMCA Secretary, spoke behalf of the Oregon Marshallese Community Association and president Henry Lometo.

"We will continue to stand with you and pray for just compensation for your ongoing suffering."

Yokwe Online with OMCA, Nishma R. Jamore, and Horgon Korok