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Major Speeches |
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Back to Major Speeches
February 14, 2008
The Iroij and Leroij of Kwajalein Atoll and other traditional leaders in the Marshall Islands, Alaps, Chairman Loeak, Speaker Zedkaia, First Lady Emlain Kabua, our spiritual leaders, Senators and Cabinet Ministers, Kwajalein representatives to the Nitijela, Office of the Mayor and members of the local council, Ambassador Bishop and our close friends from USAKA, Ambassador Linghu, members of the local community here on Ebeye and from other communities of Kwajalein, ladies and gentlemen.
First of all, I thank God for His constant protection over the Marshall Islands and over each of us.
I want to thank the leadership of Kwajalein for the kind invitation to celebrate this auspicious occasion with the people of Kwajalein and the local communities of Kwajalein.
I am greatly pleased to also extend the warm greetings and well-wishes of the Marshallese people and government to each of you as we commemorate this important day.
We are gathered here not to remember the challenges and hardships of years past, but more importantly we congregate here this day to celebrate the freedom of democracy, of peace, and goodwill and mutual respect.
Today, we pause to reflect on our brave ancestors and our Manit, the source of our strength which binds and protects us. Indeed, had it not been for our Manit, without a doubt, our society, would have declined and ceased to exist.
I am pleased to say that this is my second trip of the month to Ebeye for it reflects the government’s keen support and empathy for the plight of our citizens in this community.
Many of our Cabinet Ministers are with us today. They are here to review and analyze the situation here on Ebeye and see how their ministries can improve the delivery of services to the Ebeye community.
Indeed, there is a dire need for the government to carry out its mandated role to improve the daily life and well being of its citizens here on Ebeye as soon as possible. The people must come first.
I reaffirm my pledge that the government will do everything in its power to improve the welfare of all Marshallese.
I ask the leadership and people of Kwajalein and the people of these communities to persevere and allow some time for the government to explore and undertake remedial measures to these crucial challenges.
I ask for your understanding and cooperation, for these issues faced by this community and indeed the Marshall Islands will test our resolve and will take considerable time, effort, and resources.
Today, we know and understand that we have 8 more years left on the agreement to use Kwajalein.
It is this government’s goal to work with the United States and the people of Kwajalein to conclude a new agreement.
The government understands the United States’ needs for its National Security program and its objectives to uphold and maintain peace around the world. With this understanding, the government reiterates the United States wish to use Kwajalein for an additional 70 years beyond the year 2016.
I wish to also let the Marshallese people know that this government will continue to stand with the people of Kwajalein in their quest to secure better conditions for themselves and their future generations.
With the desire to help both the people of Kwajalein and the United States, this government is faced with two very difficult issues: first, the government cannot give to the United States lands that it has no ownership or rights over, and second, the government does not have the adequate means to fulfill its duties and obligations to the people of Kwajalein.
Although these are tough and grueling challenges, the government will stand by its promise to take the necessary steps towards a resolution of some of these significant issues.
I have informed Ambassador Bishop that this government will formulate and submit a proposal towards the successful resolution of these issues. The proposals will be submitted to the people of Kwajalein and the United States government for proper review and consideration.
Today, I ask of the people of Kwajalein and the government of the United States for mutual understanding and cooperation while the government uses its resources and efforts to look for a common ground for agreement, one that will be balanced and fair to the people of Kwajalein, and the governments of the United States and the Marshall Islands.
As we continue forward, working with and alongside each other, I humbly ask that we join our hearts in prayer and beseech the Almighty Father to pour His compassion and blessings over us and this Republic.
God Bless You All.
Thank you.
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