According to the new "MDG REPORT" released this past week at the UN Summit, RMI is not meeting its #2 Goal.

UN Report said, "Perhaps even more worrying is the situation in the Marshall Islands, which saw primary enrolment rates regress from well over 80 per cent to below 70 per cent."

Read more about it and join this discussion --> NEW MDG REPORT CONTRADICTS RMI'S CLAIM OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS

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Watch VIDEO -->Today's Catch - Sashmi Time!

Marshall Islands tuna sold at $11.99 a pound at West Coast Costco.

I do my best to help out  the Marshall Islands economy whenever possible -- or whenever the fresh tuna arrives.

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July 2010, Balboa Island, Newport Beach: Bikini Mayor Alson Kelen during stop-over in Southern California on his way to Brazil for the successful World Heritage Site Summit. Video and photos by Aenet Rowa.

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The following is a check list of important documents you will need for yourself and all of your family members before traveling to Arkansas or any other state in the United States.    

--Valid Passport  
--Valid I 94  
--Family medical records including immunizations. 
--School records for each child.  
--Original birth certificates with the RMI seal for all family members
--Make sure you have the correct birth certificates. 
--Legal guardianship papers if applicable.

1. When filling out the I 94 form, make sure that your family name, first name and birth date match your passport. Only fill in requested information. Any additional writing or marks on the I 94 will make it invalid.  

2. Replacing an I 94 currently costs $320 and can take a long time. 
 • To get replacement I 94, go to the US Department of Homeland Security site on the Internet at www.uscis.gov. 

3. You will need an I 94 along with other documents for employment. 

FIND OUT MORE --> Living in Arkansas: What you need to know as a Marshallese

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CLICK -->

 Living in Arkansas: What you need to know as a Marshallese

A new pamphlet, directed to Marshallese who are moving or have moved to Arkansas, gives vital info for Marshallese new to the USA. Much of the information can be applied to other states as well.

Includes information for:
 Immigration, Social Security, Driver's License, Housing, Education, College, Employment and Health Resources and more!

Through a collaborative effort between the AMHC and Gaps in Services to Marshallese Task Force, I am pleased that we are able to provide you with this informative booklet. The Gaps in Services to Marshallese Task Force has developed this unique opportunity for the State of Arkansas, private agencies and non-profit organizations to address the needs of the Marshallese community in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. 

 This book is designed to encourage you to live healthier lives and increase your awareness of health care services available in Northwest Arkansas. You will learn about free and low cost health care resources in your area and much more! I encourage you, your family and friends to utilize this valuable resource on a regular basis.
 Includes information for:
 Social Security, Driver's License, Housing, Education, College, Employment and Health Resources and more!

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Marshall Islands Holds First National NGO's Conference

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Marshall Islands Holds First National NGOs Conference The Marshall Islands Council of NGOs is hosting the first ever National Conference, for non-government organizations, community-based clubs and chapters, next week in Majuro. The three-day conference, “Learning Together for a Better Tomorrow” (Katak Ibbendron Nan Juon Ilju Eo Emman), will be held August 9-11, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the International Conference Center. A grant-writing workshop will be held each day. Environment, Health, Women, and Youth workshops will be conducted in Marshallese. Other sessions topics include Publicity, Legal Issues, Financial & Project Reporting, Project Management, Basic Data Collection. Daily registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and is $5 per day, including lunch and dinner. Reimbursement is available for taxi-fare to and from ICC and financial assistance for return fare to Outer-Islands for 3-day participants. MICNGOs invites clubs and NGOs to set up booths on "NGO Row" at the conference. The Australian Government (AusAID) provided funding for the event. For more information, email: micngos@gmail.com or call 692/625-5517.

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President Mori of the Federated State of Micronesia, President Jurelang Zedkaia of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and President Toribiong of the Republic of Palau, held their 10th Micronesian Presidents' Summit (MPS) in Palau on July 30, 2010, with representatives from Nauru, to discuss vital issues affecting the four nations and the Pacific Region as a whole. Toribiong welcomed the Presidents and expressed his hope that as a result of the MPS, the future will be more secure, peaceful and prosperous for the entire region.

EXCERPTS:

Specifically, the Presidents agreed that each of their countries would mobilize resources and take action to support the Pacific Island Health Officers Association's (PIHOA) resolution declaring a regional state of emergency that was adopted by the participants during the 13th Micronesian Chief Executives Summit in late June.

The Presidents discussed the medical crisis faced by FAS citizens residing in the US. They agreed to direct their respective Missions in Washington, D.C., to work together to address the issue and aim to ensure reinstatement of Medicaid eligibility for these citizens.

Climate Change adaption and mitigation was another major topic on the agenda. On the domestic front, the topic was tackled via the Green Energy Micronesia (GEM) initiative, originally introduced by RMI at the 11th Micronesian Chief Executives Summit and at the 9th Micronesia Presidents' Summit, both in July 2009. GEM was fully endorsed by the MPS Presidents, with a launch scheduled to take place on the margins of the 41st Pacific Forum Leaders' Meeting in Vanuatu this month. GEM proposes that in the next 10 years, the Pacific Island Countries achieve: 20% improvement in energy efficiency by suppliers, meaning improved efficiency in areas such as transportation and electric power generation; 30% improvement in efficiency of energy use by end-users; and 20% electricity generation through renewable energy, most likely solar.

Jurelang Zedkaia stated that "with regard to the GEM Initiative, I am pleased to advise that arrangements are being finalized in Port Vila, including the invitations to all Forum members' delegations and the relevant development partners in the area of sustainable energy and related sectors."

MORE: Presidents Come Together as One United Voice at 10th Summit

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NEW ADB REPORT

ADB REPORT: Pacific Economic Monitor, July 2010

GDP growth projections for 2010 remain unchanged at 0.5%. The ongoing weakness in domestic demand is evident in low import demand. The government is continuing a broad-based public sector reform program. Efforts are guided by the recommendations of the Comprehensive Adjustment Program Advisory Group, which identified expenditure rationalizations that could achieve annual savings of $4.0 to $10.5 million within 3 years, and the Tax and Revenue Reform and Modernization Commission, which recommended replacing an array of existing taxes with a modern tax regime that offers higher revenue potential.

Actions under the Marshall Energy Company Comprehensive Recovery Program are also leading the reinvigoration of the state- owned enterprise. The reforms are critical to addressing impediments to private sector-led economic growth arising from weaknesses in the revenue and public expenditure systems.

Article at Yokwe Online

 Modest Growth Expected for Pacific Economies in 2011, says ADB

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Mr. Todd McMullen, a Veterans Service Representative from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Guam Benefits Office, will be visiting Majuro August 10 and 11.

The purpose of his visit is to meet with veterans of the U. S. military and to provide them with information about VA benefits and programs they may be entitled to and how to receive them. Mr. McMullen will be available for both group and individual counseling sessions as necessary, according to the U.S. Embassy in Majuro.

All veterans are invited to meet with Mr. McMullen at the RRE Hotel Bokanaake Room on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 10 and 11, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Mr. McMullen will also be available to meet individually with veterans anytime on Tuesday and Wednesday at the RRE Hotel.

He may be contacted by phone at 625-3250 extension 300.

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BASKETBALL
Women's - Guam vs Marshall Islands first game at 11am
Men's - Marshall Islands vs Palau at 7pm

FAST PITCH
Women's - Palau vs RMI at 11:30am
Men's - Kosrae vs RMI at 2:00pm

MEN'S TEAM TENNIS
Guam drew a bye in the first round will meet victor of Marshall Islands-Pohnpei duel.

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Wrestler Waylon Muller carried the flag for Marshalls.

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 CONGRATS - Bikini Atoll, for the first time, a site in the Marshall Islands, on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Read more ..

http://yokwe.net/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2641

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Since July 15, we have been testing and preparing for a Yokwe Online FACEBOOK presence, and now, we are officially opening this page. We will have breaking news, resources and info.

Check it out

http://bit.ly/c5CZP2

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A medical team from The Pacific Islands Project (PIP) will be arriving in Majuro in early August to volunteer their services at the Majuro Hospital.

The team will provide orthopaedic surgeries at Majuro Hospital from 2-12 August 2010. The aim of the project is to work as closely as possible with local doctors and medical staff to help develop their skills in order to continue to provide these vital medical services in the future.

READ MORE:

Australian Medical Team to arrive in Majuro in August

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In the Marshall Islands, the outrigger canoe has been at the heart of cultural life as well as practical survival for millennia, but is there room for the canoe tradition in a rapidly changing Marshallese world? A new thesis, by University of Hawaii graduate student Rachel Leah Miller, explores "the state and shape of the canoe tradition for Marshallese people today, how and why it has changed over time, and how it articulates with broader Marshallese culture and modern way of life."

Download

THESIS - "Wa Kuk Wa Jimor: Outrigger Canoes, Social Change, and Modern Life in the Marshall Islands"

Yokwe Online article

Thesis Examines Canoe's Rebirth as Symbol of Identity for Marshallese

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Make a difference for low-income Arkansans and learn about the legal system as a member of the Legal Aid for Arkansans project serving with Legal Aid of Arkansas. Legal Aid of Arkansas is a nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal services to low-income people in 31 counties throughout North and East Arkansas.

Eight positions are available, detailed below, including a position requiring fluency in Marshallese to act as a cultural liaison with Marshall Islands - Marshall Islander community in the region.

Fayettleville, AR  - http://bit.ly/97mXGJ

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Two new scholarships via MOFA. Read more:

Taiwan Invites Marshallese to Apply for 3 Language Scholarships

To sponsor 3 Marshallese citizens to participate in its Huayu (Mandarin) Enrichment Scholarship (HES), which will begin from September 1st, 2010 to August 31st, 2011.

Announcement of Graduate-Level Scholarship Offer from Mexico Gov

To a Marshallese citizen who wishes to pursue graduate studies or carry out graduate-level research in Mexican academic institution in 2011. Application will be received by the Embassy of Mexico, Manila, from 21 June to 30 October 2010

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Projected Lifetime Cancer Risks from Exposure to Regional Radioactive Fallout in the Marshall Islands

One of the eight papers published in special edition of HEalth Physics August 2010. "The purpose of the present paper is to update and replace the cancer risk estimates of an earlier report (DCEG 2004).."

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