Oregon Marshallese Stand with Nuke Legacy Victims

On March 5, the Marshall Islanders residing in Oregon sponsored Nuclear Victims Commemoration Day event. The Oregon Marshallese Community Association secretary, Cecelia Labi, spoke on behalf of the OMCA President and membership:

First of all I would like to thank President Lometo for allowing me to present his speech before you today.

Clergymen, Iroij and Leroij among us, senior members of our community, people of Bikini, ladies and gentlemen, March 7th 2006 marks a significant day for the People of Bikini and the Marshall Islands.

60 years ago on this day, the people of Bikini were removed from their lamoren. While they were told that they would return, they remain jojolar throughout the world after being displace to accommodate the United States Nuclear Testing Program. The Commander of the US Navy told the People of Bikini that the tests were for “the good of mankind”.

As we gather here today to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the plight of the Bikini people, the Oregon Marshallese Community joins with you in mourning your losses and ongoing pain stemming from exposure to radiation and your continuing to remain nomads from your lands.

The United States Nuclear Testing Program in the Marshall Islands continues to be a great struggle for the people of the Four Atoll and the Marshall Islands. With compensation funding through the Nuclear Claims Tribunal exhausted, many judgments awarded to victims of nuclear illnesses remain unsettled. Furthermore, land damage awards have yet to be paid as well.

While we gather to commemorate the significance of the Bikini peoples departure from there home island, the Oregon Marshallese Community also come together with the people of the Four Atolls in a sign of solidarity and support in your ongoing plight.

We come together with you today to show that we the People of the Marshall Islands are keenly aware that promises made on your “good faith” by the people of Bikini and the Marshall Islands remain unfulfilled and unsettled by the United States Government.

People of Bikini, please note that every member of the Oregon Marshallese Community will continue to stand with you and pray for just compensation for your ongoing suffering and we will also pray for the full restoration of your home island which you have so unselfishly sacrificed for the “good of mankind."

Komoltata.