| |
|
| |
 |
| |
Major Speeches |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Back to Major Speeches
January 04, 2010
Majuro - Jan. 4, 2010
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice Speaker, esteemed Colleagues…
I take this special opportunity to renew my salutations to you, Mr. Speaker, the Vice Speaker, the distinguished members of this body. I also wish to acknowledge with respect the Chairman of the Council of Iroij and members of the Council, our other traditional leaders; the Chaplain of the Nitijela and other spiritual leaders, distinguished members of the diplomatic corps and our own overseas representatives, the Chief Justice and members of the Judiciary, Chairman and members of the Public Service Commission, the Chief Secretary, Ministerial and Agency Heads, Mayors, members of the private and non-governmental organizations, the people of the Marshall Islands.
Mr. Speaker,
I pay homage to our Heavenly Father for giving us this day to meet amongst family, friends, and colleagues to gather our thoughts and reinforce our spirits as we meet the New Year with collective action and renewed determination.
I take this special opportunity to renew our respect and gratitude to the mother of our nation, Lejla Emlain Kabua. We hold with high respect and utmost gratitude the memory of our founding father, Late President Iroijlablab Amata Kabua and once more convey our sincere appreciation to Lejla Emlain Kabua and the family for their invaluable contribution to the establishment and development of our modern day Republic.
My deep respect and appreciation to former President Iroijlablab Imata Kabua and Lejla Hiromi Kabua, former President Kessai H. Note and First Lady Mary Note, and former President Iroij Litokwa Tomeing and Lejla Arlin Tomeing.
Without the vision, determination, and courage of our past leaders, this nation would not be where it is today.
Mr. Speaker,
I salute your astute leadership and that of the Vice Speaker and look forward to seeing much development in the working environment of this parliament and to these offices belonging to the people.
Mr. Speaker,
The past year we confronted numerous challenges while realizing new accomplishments. I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our close bilateral partners and donor agencies in the region and abroad for their ready support and assistance. We thank our close ally, the United States of America for our mutual friendship. We recognize our unique relationship with the governments of Japan, the Republic of China (Taiwan), Australia, New Zealand, as well as, member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum, and others and we thank them for their continuing support towards the development of the Marshall Islands. Likewise, we cannot overlook our well established connection with those agencies operating in the region and elsewhere and whose assistance continues to provide vital assurance. I thank SPREP, SOPAC, ADB, IMF, the World Bank, the European Union, United Nations and its affiliated organizations, and many others for their continuing assistance towards the development of the Marshall Islands.
Mr. Speaker,
Our national agenda with respect to economic sustainability and self reliance continues to be our guiding beacon. Our journey onwards will continue to be riddled with numerous challenges. By their very nature, challenges are problems meant to be overcome. But how, we may ask ourselves? By diligent and hard work. By genuine cooperation. By honest and sincere reflections. I urge each of us to come together, to reason together, to march forward together.
Health and Education
Mr. Speaker,
Health and education continue to be the government’s top priorities as evident by the level of annual funds poured into these two sectors. If we should compare the amount of funds that have been devoted to these sectors and the outcome over the years, the result may be considered dismal. Granted that the issues involved are complex requiring in certain cases, strong intervention. But if the problems continue to persist, if it advances from bad to worse, I think a different approach, a different perspective, a different mindset, is called for.
Let’s ask ourselves how can I make a difference in the development of health and education in the country? And don’t stop with the answer. In fact, don’t share your answer. Just do.
Early childhood education must be strengthened for this is the foundation. Let us enforce the mandatory enrollment of all school children ages 4 to 18. Let’s make concessions where concessions are needed in order to improve and strengthen our educational sector. I call upon each of us to set aside that which may delay critical progress. I urge that we move with all the speed at our command. For while ill-health affects our physical well being, poor education stultifies intellectual growth. Let not today be the mirror-effect of yesterday. No. Let today be better than yesterday. Let’s all just do.
We look forward with anticipation the report from the Minister of Education regarding the Ministry’s plan of action and other activities in the upcoming sessions.
Likewise, health care for our sick and elderly must improve. We need to be able to provide well for our people in this regard. We need to focus more on preventive care, while also maintaining a professional level of curative care. There should be no doubts as to this need. As with education, the numbers may be considered dismal in respect to health care. Diabetes-related illnesses continue to be the leading cause of death in the country. Why? I believe that in educating and proactively taking charge of our own lives, this individual step will go a long way in solidifying a wholesome, healthy future for this country. Let’s all just do.
Regarding the MDR TB (Multi-Resistant Drug Tuberculosis) situation, I report that the Cabinet has taken the step to address this issue by allocating 2 million dollars, and other critical measures, to prevent the further spread of this disease. We are addressing this is a national problem and I ask that we each do our part to eradicate this disease from the Marshall Islands once and for all.
The Minister of Health will provide an updated report on the TB situation and other goals and activities of the Ministry in the upcoming days.
State of the Economy
Mr. Speaker,
Our economy has slightly begun to improve after a period of recession due to external extremities in the global market. Inflation rate in 2008 reached nearly 15% and last year, 2009, the rate sharply dropped to 0.5%. This is an indication that the price of general commodity, fuel and food items are stabilizing after steep and rapid increases in 2008. Already, some items have reduced prices and shall likely continue to further decrease in the near future.
Marshall Islands Trust Fund experienced significant loss in 2008 with the collapse of the global financial market. In January 2008, the Trust Fund balance was $88 million but began to fall until it hit the bottom on March 2009 at $65 million, a total loss of nearly $23 million over a 15 month span.
This morning, however, I am pleased to report that the Trust Fund has since gained $38 million over the past 9 months, bringing the total balance now to $104 million.
Mr. Speaker,
In the year 2023, when the financial assistance from the Compact ceases, the earning revenue from the Trust Fund is envisioned to fulfill the gap. Recent forecast indicate, however, the annual earning shall only accommodate half of the Government’s current operation spending levels. This is a serious situation that calls for serious discussions and in-depth reflections and I ask that we work together now to confront and overcome this challenge.
Mr. Speaker,
The report of the Comprehensive Adjustment Program Advisory Group or CAP has been submitted for Cabinet’s review. This group is comprised mostly of young Marshallese men and women from the public and private sectors. The report was created in answer to a Cabinet directive regarding options and recommendations towards the strengthening of the economy, including measures we need to take in preparation for upcoming fiscal changes. In essence, the report submits another clear picture towards the unsustainable level of operation costs being borne by the government. To illustrate, the payroll costs alone today is in the range of over 30 million dollars a year. Without a doubt, this will be difficult challenge and will need real cooperation for real results.
Nuclear/US Issues
Mr. Speaker,
In 2004, the National Cancer Institute concluded a study which estimated more than 500 radiation related excess cancers in the Marshall Islands, and that many of these cases have not been realized. These 500 cases are in addition to many of our people who have become afflicted or have died from nuclear-related illnesses.
The past November, I sent the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a small delegation to Washington D.C. to meet with officials of President Obama’s administration, as well as, those from Congress on these issues of utmost importance to this government and the Marshallese people.
The delegation met with the Assistant Secretary of the Interior; the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State; Department of Energy Officials; and several members and staff from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Discussions covered a broad range of issues related to the overall bilateral relationship and the Compact including, but not limited to, the current Five Year Review of the Compact, as amended; the Government’s Changed Circumstances Petition to the U.S. Congress and the desire to address these issues through legislation; also the Government’s report on tax and trade issues was presented to the U.S. Government this past September. In addition, discussions were held with officials from the USDA Rural Utilities Services (RUS) on issues confronting MEC.
The Government looks forward to engaging the United States in the Five Year Review in the near future as it will raise issues concerning full inflation of Compact grants; permanent appropriation of the Supplemental Education Grants; and additional measures to improve the viability and sustainability of the Trust Fund.
Mr. Speaker,
I am pleased to report that the delegation also received commitments from both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for the introduction of legislation similar to S. 1756 as a baseline to address the continuing consequences of the nuclear testing program based on my letters of November 13, 2009, to U.S. congressional leaders.
LUA and Kwajalein
Mr. Speaker,
As we’re all aware, the current Land Use Agreement for Kwajalein is set to expire in 2016. In fact, last week I was able to meet with the Iroij, Alab and leaders of Kwajalein to further discuss this issue and I am pleased to say it was an overall positive meeting. This Administration remains optimistic that the resolution of a new LUA can be reached in the near future based on mutual cooperation and genuine consideration of all parties involved. I look forward to gaining the Kwajalein Leadership’s support in this endeavor of utmost importance to the future of this country.
Climate Change (Copenhagen)
Mr. Speaker,
As the accompanying Ministers and I reported briefly upon our arrival back in the country two weeks ago, the global summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen, Denmark, gathered together more than 130 heads of states and governments to discuss and negotiate on this critical issue. I led a delegation which included the Minister in Assistance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, our Ambassador to the United Nations, and our technical people. Unfortunately, to the detriment of the dialogue process, the talks collapsed due to lack of consensus among the member nations, resulting in a non-binding agreement to ‘take note’ of the Copenhagen Accord. The Cabinet at this time is reviewing the Copenhagen Accord.
The heart of the matter, Mr. Speaker, is that this very issue bears critical importance on our sovereign right to live and survive here in our low-lying coastal atolls made from sand and coral. The Marshall Islands is known as a ‘Category A Country,’ or to be blunt will be one of the first countries to be submerged under the sea, along with other small island states, as a direct impact of Climate Change. We all know the facts. I call upon the Nitijela and the Marshallese people to come together now, to engage in serious discussions and critical assessment, on this issue of utmost importance to each of us and our future generations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs will provide details of the report from Copenhagen and the Minister in Assistance as the Minister of the Environment will report to the Marshall Islands as well on the updates after Copenhagen and other important activities.
Opportunities
Mr. Speaker,
We are indeed fortunate to have not one, but two, tertiary institutions to develop our human resources. College of the Marshall Islands continues to provide quality teacher training and nursing school programs; laboratory studies on marine biodiversity and the environment provide accessible useful data and knowledge; accounting, business, computer, and a mass of scholastic programs are available at the college. Having CMI back to full accreditation level was not an easy task and we applaud the college’s leadership and individual members of the community whom have taken a proactive interest in the college.
Likewise, the University of the South Pacific Northern Campus is in the works. This is an initiative that will make it possible for students from throughout the Marshall Islands and the Micronesian region to gather and pursue academic studies here on Majuro, leading to full degrees including bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees. Initial groundwork has been laid out with the Government of Japan and for which we are most grateful.
We salute with sincere appreciation the vision of our past leaders upon which these doors of knowledge have been opened wide for the development and enhancement of our human resources.
Among these developments, our relationship with the Government of Australia will undergo renewed vigor that will further strengthen our mutual friendship with our regional sister nation under the Compact for Comprehensive Development Partnership.
Mr. Speaker,
The countdown towards 2023 is fast approaching when economic assistance under the Compact as amended is under virtual threat of termination. We must prepare ourselves. Among others, we must consolidate our resources, apply the most intelligent and strategic approach, evolve a more viable and saving economic behavior.
Mr. Speaker,
The fact is that no country can continue to function in the absence of a clear national strategic plan which delineates clear objectives and priorities, so that limited resources can be allocated effectively. The government intends to develop in the coming months, a National Strategic Development Plan, benefitting where appropriate from the principles and insights established in the Vision 2018. This will constitute the template for a cohesive all sector action plan. We need a partnership strategy with our donor friends in order to embark on this vital issue.
President’s Vision for the Future
Mr. Speaker,
My hope for the future is the same as that belonging to each of us and our predecessors, as enshrined in the preamble of our cherished Constitution. Like all of you, I hope for a future bright with expectation and promise for our children and grandchildren. A future we can proudly call our own. A future cemented in principles of democracy and peaceful coexistence, guided by our Christian faith, anchored by our cultural identity, enlivened with a robust economy, and held safely within the confines of a clean and secure environment. A future that will see the Marshall Islands stand proudly upon its own feet and survive. To reach this goal, we must endow our children with the skills and knowledge needed to survive and prosper anywhere in the world, prepared for all contingencies.
Mr. Speaker,
The fact of the matter is that no matter how high and laudable our economic and future aspirations may be, success cannot be sustained without a corresponding commitment and development of the nation’s human resources. We cannot and should not accept anymore mediocre standards for such will not take us to higher levels of development. The government alone cannot carry the weight, but will need everyone’s active participation.
Mr. Speaker,
Let us not judge the development of our nation by our individual wealth and well-being, but rather let the standard be set by the wealth and well-being of the people.
Mr. Speaker,
We no longer have the luxury of time. The time to secure our future is now and we will need all hands on board to guide this Ship of State towards its fateful destination. Let us come together, putting aside our petty differences, focusing all our energy into a cohesive plan of action for the future. Let us debate the issues constructively and with an open mind, giving due respect to opposing views and taking responsibility for our reflections on this floor.
Mr. Speaker,
In the upcoming sessions, each Minister will provide a report on the activities, goals, and action plan of those Ministries and Agencies under their respective portfolio.
I take this opportunity to thank each of my Ministers for their invaluable assistance in the past few months as we worked together, and in strength in numbers, took upon ourselves our common responsibility for these offices we hold for the people. Furthermore, I thank all members of the public service for your role in ensuring the services we provide for the Marshallese people.
Were it not for the prayers and leadership of our spiritual leaders, the Marshall Islands would be covered in darkness.
I ask for your continuing prayers.
Last, but not least, Mr. Speaker, Hannah and our family, along with the Ministers and their families, and all your public servants, once again wish each of you the best in the New Year.
May the Lord Almighty bless and protect each of us and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Mr. Speaker,
Thank you for the opportunity to address this distinguished assembly.
Back to Major Speeches |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
