MARSHALL ISLANDS: President Kessai Note Addresses Nitijela

Majuro, Tuesday August 17, 2004—President Kessai H. Note addressed the Nitijela yesterday morning during the opening of the August session. In his statement, Note informed the Nitijela and the nation on the progresses made since the Nitijela went into recess in March.

Some of the major progresses for the RMI that the President mentioned were:
• Fiscal Year 2003 Audit—The RMI ranked first—three years in a row—in the audit, amongst the Freely Associated States and territories of the United States. This is a result of the RMI’s initiative to reform its financial system. • Outer Islands Field Trip Services— The ship is currently being built in Japan and is expected to arrive next year. The long-term plan for sea transportation is to find ways and means to improve services to the outer islands.

• Amata Kabua International Airport—Positive feedback on funding for the repaving of the airport. Funding is currently available for the initial work necessary for the project.

• Regional and International Issues— The Marshall Islands has participated in regional and international conferences, conventions, sports, trade shows and the showcasing of traditional handicrafts.

• Change Circumstances Petition—The RMI established support from the Pacific Islands Forum in Apia, Samoa, which the President attended. The RMI has also received words that the CCP is currently in the U.S. Senate’s calendar for hearings early next year. The Administration also informed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gerald M. Zackios in Apia, that the review would be out for Congressional review during the fall.

• Compact of Free Association, as Amended—The Compact was implemented on May 1st. Immigration provisions of the Compact have improved for Marshallese. Citizens of the RMI will no longer need to apply for the Employment Authorization Document to in order to work. Citizens will only need a valid passport in replacement of the EAD. In addition, more projects under the Compact will begin, including infrastructure development for schools and hospitals.

• Solar Energy Project—Funding from European Union will be used to build other solar panels in the outer islands.

In addition to the above, the President made reference to important bills and resolutions that will be brought up during the Nitijela Session. “Nitijela will be discussing the Bill and Resolution to reestablish the Constitutional Convention to review our Constitution and to determine if changes are needed...” I am hopeful that the Nitijela will consider the Bill and Resolution and will set aside necessary funding for this important undertaking,” said the President. “In additional, Mr. Speaker, the Annual Appropriation Bill will be brought up during this Session. This Bill is needed to appropriate funding for the government and other grants from other countries and organizations.”

President Note also acknowledged that although there are many positive outcomes, there are still challenges that will need to be addressed. “Mr. Speaker, although we have seen many progresses, we will still face challenges. In this regard, we will seek guidance and support from the Nitijela, Traditional Leaders, Church Leaders, Business and local communities,” said President Note. “These [progresses] will continue to be realities to our people and our country with working hands. Together we can advance, but only through constant and gradual endeavor, one step at a time.”

President Note will also be addressing the Marshall Islands Leadership Conference on Wednesday.

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Office of the President
Republic of the Marshall Islands

Contact Person:
Bob Jericho
Email. bjericho@ntamar.net