Chikin Melele

12/21/2024

RMI Consulate Arkansas Outreach Team, lead by CG Eldon Alik from the soon to open Consulate in Oregon, concluded its 6-day outreach efforts to Marshallese communities in Oklahoma including Enid, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Ponca City. Read more.

12/21/2024

E Campus Police in, Tobikle Lomwe im ro jet ilo aer kate nan kōjparok aenōm̧m̧an eo an EHS. Kom̧m̧ooltata

12/17/2024

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck near Vanuatu's capital Port Vila, triggering landslides, crushing cars and flattening multiple buildings, including a complex that is home to multiple western embassies.

Power and mobile networks across the country have been cut off and the full extent of the damage still remains unclear, but there are unconfirmed reports of at least one death.

Dan McGarry, a journalist living in Port Vila, said he saw "several people who were visibly, seriously injured" outside the hospital's emergency department.

Vanuatu is prone to earthquakes, but McGarry told the BBC that the earthquake, which struck at 12:47 local time, felt like "the biggest one... in more than 20 years".

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck near Vanuatu's capital Port Vila, triggering landslides, crushing cars and flattening multiple buildings, including a c...

12/09/2024

It was raining cats and dogs on the morning of Tuesday, December 3 in the capital city of Majuro in the Marshall Islands. The President of the Republic of China, Taiwan Lai Ching-Te was scheduled to land within the hour and government officials were worried that the heavy rain would cancel out the grand reception at the Amata Kabua International Airport. And like a blessing in disguise, the gray skies slowly faded away and the heavy rain came to a halt just minutes before the presidential plane began descending on the tarmac.

Relieved, the welcoming party rolled out the red carpet, positioned students and members of the local Taiwanese community alongside Taiwan flags and welcome signs for the arrival. On cue, the Honor Guards marched to the entrance of the plane with the ROC, Taiwan and Marshallese flags hoisted and formed an arch for the arriving delegates. RMI President Hilda Heine, First Gentleman Tommy Kijiner Jr and members of the Majuro royal family welcomed President Lai with warm hugs and traditional leis. President Hilda Heine hosted a state dinner in honor of President Lai following a full day of visitations and official tours.

A large contingent of foreign media from Taiwan accompanied the presidential visit. President Lai chose Marshall Islands as his first stop in an effort to sustain and strengthen diplomatic ties with its three South Pacific island nation: RMI, Tuvalu and Palau. To date, Taiwan has 12 countries that recognize its independence from Beijing: Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Holy See, RMI, Palau, Paraguay, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Eswatini and Tuvalu.

Reported by Hilary Hosia

11/15/2024

Monthly Health Column from UAMS - Prescription Management (Also available in Marshallese).

1. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
2. Understand your medication schedule.
3. Refill your medications on time.
4. Store and take your medications safely.
5. Dispose of prescriptions properly.
6. Need help paying for your medication?

Visit communityhealth.uams.edu to learn more.
https://chikinmelele.com/prescription-management/

By Sheldon Riklon, M.D. Riit ilo Kajin Majōl: Tōlarōki uno ko nimom Managing your medications can be hard, especially if you take several for different health issues. Here are some tips to help you stay...

11/11/2024

The Univeral basic income initiative began Monday in Majuro. The program is also called Marshallese Enra Bwe Jen Lale Rara. The registration process for public will take two weeks in Majuro first. Ebeye is next and then all the outer islands. (Credit: Hilary Hosia)

11/11/2024

Monthly Health Column from UAMS - Prescription Management (Translation by Alinton Matauto in Marshallese with Marshallese audio).

1. Kōnono ippān taktō eo aṃ ak pharmacist
2. Meḷeḷe kōn jikejuuḷ in uno ko aṃ
3. Ṃōkaj in kanne uno ko aṃ
4. Kakkọṇi im kōjparok uno ko ilo tiljek.
5. Kokkure im jokpej uno ilo jejjet.
6. Aikuj ke jipañ kōḷḷāiki uno ko aṃ?

Jān Sheldon Riklon, M.D. Read in English: Prescription Management Tōlarōki uno ko nimom emaroñ in pen, eḷaptata ñe kwoj bōk jejjo ñan jorāān ko reoktak an ājmour.  Kōnono ippān taktō eo aṃ ak pharmacist.  Taktō...

11/05/2024

A Marshallese man found sleeping at the dock in Uliga in poor health has highlighted the urgent need for better support for individuals involuntarily deported from the U.S. After living years in the U.S., with no known relatives in Majuro, the man had hoped a vessel bound for Kwajalein would return him to his home island there. Having no money or proper documents, he was stranded. Deportation Taskforce Chair Marie Davis Milne and Riem Simon, renewed their call for a halfway house. Riem, once deported himself, now advocates for transitional housing and is helping the man while pushing for systemic change, emphasizing, “We need to prioritize this if we really care about our people.” Currently, deportees receive no structured assistance, often left without resources or guidance upon arrival. Read the full story by: Hilary Hosia

A Marshallese man living homeless in Majuro raised concerns for two members of the Marshall Islands Deportation Taskforce after he was discovered in poor health condition and hospitalized. The two members, Taskforce Chair and Ebon...

10/02/2024

The Marshall Islands government announced the purchase of two Cessna SkyCourier planes to add to its aviation fleet. The new planes are expected to arrive in Majuro by December 2025. The announcement was made by Acting and Minister of Finance, Banking and Postal Services President David Paul on Wednesday this week, the last day of the Parliament's regular session for the year. The two Cessnas are valued at $19 million. The government made its initial payment of $1M this week to begin the procurement process. Cessna planes are often used by US Fedex and are ideal for underdeveloped airstrips. The RMI government, however, pledged to begin paving all its runways prior to the arrival of the planes. The two 19-seaters will improve the load capacity for passengers and freight.

Reported by Hilary Hosia

09/15/2024

The newly formed Deportation Taskforce is moving slowly, taking over nine months to create its Standard Operating Procedures. Chair Marie and Deportee Liaison Riem Simon have attempted to push for more action from their government counterparts and both are frustrated with the snail-pace of developments of the Taskforce.
Currently, individuals who are sent back from the US through the deportation process are dropped off at the Amata Kabua International Airport by US Marshals. There is no process in place after the drop off. Riem Simon, a former deportee and member of the Deportation Taskforce, has been pushing for a halfway house for the past seven years, stressing its importance in reducing crime and offering accountability. Recent reports of stabbings, murders, kidnap, theft and drug use highlight the urgent need for action.

Story by Hilary Hosia

09/14/2024

09/12/2024

SPRINGDALE HOUSING AUTHORITY EJ KARON KOM WOJ KE EBELOK EBBOK APPLICATION ñan
PUBLIC HOUSING (0, 1 Bedroom im 2 Bedroom WOT) BAREINWOT LIST IN KOTAR EO NAN HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER ak Section 8 eo

List in Kōtar eo enaj bellok ilo 8:00 awa jipon Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Kwe maron ebok application ilo 5 Applegate Drive, ak jemaroñ mail e waj, im kwe maroñ kanne ilo online ilo www.springdalehousingauthority.com
Kur tok 479-751-0560 ne kwoj kōnan bwe jen mail e waj application eo.

NOTICE: Some of the waiting lists will be closing, effective May 20, 2022. THE FOLLOWING WAIT LISTS WILL BE CLOSED EFFECTIVE April 1, 2023 1. SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER WAIT LIST CLOSED EFFECTIVE April 1, 2023 2. PUBLIC HOUSING WAIT LISTS CLOSED EFFECTIVE April 1, 2023 All public housing wa....

09/05/2024

https://chikinmelele.com/open-ocean-explorer-liz-wardley-alters-course-to-the-marshall-islands-after-41-days-at-sea/

Her circle of loyal followers refer to her as “legend, hero and pioneer among women” among a long list of attributes. This is just the kind of person world-renowned rower and sailor Liz Wardley is....

09/04/2024

Renowned rower and sailor Liz Wardley faced an unexpected turn in her latest adventure. After 41 days solo at sea, Liz and her Mighty Tic Tac row boat were towed into Majuro lagoon this past Sunday, having rowed 2,183 miles from Hawaii. Originally aiming for Papua New Guinea, safety concerns forced her to cut her journey short, leaving 1,529 miles unfinished. Despite the setback, her remarkable achievement is widely celebrated by her supporters. Liz’s older sister flew to Majuro and initiated a rescue mission. The rescue boat captained by Spencer Hiram made initial contact with Liz near Arno 25 miles south of Majuro. Liz lit up a bright smile at the sight of the private rescue boat, where she was greeted with pizza and cold Coke. The journey showcased Liz’s enduring spirit, adding to her legacy of open-ocean exploration, which began in 1997. She would have made a personal and world record as the first female solo rower to make it from Hawaii to PNG. Her arrival to Marshall Islands all the way from her starting point in Hanalei Bay in Hawaii is a staggering 2,183 miles – that in itself is a miracle and an accomplishment acknowledged by her fans and circle of family and friends. For more on her adventures, follow Liz Wardley's Rowing and Sailing adventures.

Story by Hilary Hosia