Latest news with #Majuro
RNZ News
7 hours ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Meet the Fiji female engineers making their mark in Marshall Islands
By Eve Burns, of the Marshall Islands Journal Engineers from Fiji working for the Marshalls Energy Company in Majuro, from left; Vasiti Qolikoro, Lucy Tifere, Shannon Prakash, Alexandra Lutuni and Cheryl Shirley Photo: Eve Burns Thirty years ago, the presence of a female worker in the power plants in the Marshall Islands wasn't just unusual: It rarely occurred. Fast-forward to 2025, and five women engineers from Fiji are working for the Marshalls Energy Company in Majuro in multiple departments, including working at the power plant, in the System Planning and Engineering Services Division, and in data analysis. All five say their experience working in the Majuro with the government's utility company has been "transformative" for them. But they are also having an impact on the Marshalls Energy Company (MEC) in a variety of ways, including by breaking into a traditionally male-dominated work sector. When you see any of the women on the job or as they are clocking out, they dress just as the men do: With safety clothing and heavy boots. Although the current crop of female engineers is from Fiji, their presence is a daily reminder to Marshallese young women that the sky is the limit when it comes to education, training and future job opportunities. Eve Burns connected with the five young women engineers to learn more about them. Cheryl Shirley is an electrical engineer at the MEC power plant. Cheryl said she came to the Marshall Islands on a two-year contract, unsure of exactly what to expect but eager to contribute and grow. As her time here progresses, she found a deep connection not only with the community but also with the values and challenges that shape life on the islands. "This experience has been transformative - both professionally and personally," she said. "Looking ahead, my plans extend beyond the original (contract) timeframe. I hope to stay longer, to continue learning, and to give back in more meaningful ways." Shannon Prakash has a bachelor of electrical and electronics engineering from the University of the South Pacific. She is working at the MEC Compliance and Revenue Protection Unit as a data analyst. Utility company management said the work of this unit over the past year has resulted in an "extraordinary 60 percent reduction in system losses" by making use of advanced accounting capabilities to identify losses, theft and billing issues. She said her aim is to constantly review herself and her performance here and see what opportunities are available after she's completed the projects she's working on for MEC, as well as taking into consideration the future plans and projects of MEC. The main power plant in Majuro, capital of the Marshall Islands, operated by the Marshall's Energy Company. Photo: Marshall Islands Journal Lucy Victoria Vuetaki Tifere is an electrical engineer with the System Planning and Engineering Services Division at MEC. In this capacity, she contributes to the technical planning, development, and improvement of energy infrastructure to support reliable and sustainable power delivery across the Marshall Islands. "Prior to joining MEC, I was employed at Goodman Fielder International, a leading food manufacturing company (in Fiji)," she said. "This role allowed me to gain valuable industry experience and apply engineering principles within a high-demand operational environment - strengthening both my technical and problem-solving skill." She received a bachelor of electronics engineering in instrumentation and control, with honors, from Fiji National University. Lucy's academic and professional experiences have "equipped me with a strong foundation in electrical systems, instrumentation, and energy system design," she said. Vasiti Qolikoro Kotoiwasawasa is currently serving as an electrical engineer with MEC's System Planning and Engineering Services Division. Before joining MEC, she spent seven years working for FMF a Food Manufacturing Company in Fiji a space where attention to detail, strategic thinking, and teamwork are essential. "Today, my focus is on maintenance co-ordination with Computerized Maintenance Interface Systems," she said. "While it may not always be front-page work, it's a role that ensures the reliability of systems that people rely on every single day - power, infrastructure, and public service continuity. It gives me purpose knowing that my contributions, though often behind the scenes, make a real difference." Vasiti said being a woman in a male-dominated field has been one of her greatest challenges. "I've had to learn to stand my ground, speak up, and prove my capabilities - not just once, but continuously," she said. "It has tested my resilience and sharpened my confidence. I believe that representation matters, and by being present and committed, I hope to inspire other women and girls who dream of working in technical fields." She said she was proud "to be part of the team that keeps the lights on, quite literally, for this island nation," Alexandra Lutuni is currently on a two-year contract with the MEC as an electrical and electronics engineer. "My journey into engineering was deeply inspired by my older siblings," she said, pointing to her "sister, one of the few female sea captains in the Pacific. Watching her pursue a challenging and rewarding career in a traditionally male-dominated field instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and resilience. "Her example gave me the courage to follow my own path into engineering." She said that over the course of her career, she's come to appreciate engineering not just as a technical discipline, but as a transformative experience. It has taught her how to think critically, adapt quickly, and work collaboratively with people from all walks of life. "It's shaped the way I approach problems and helped me grow both professionally and personally," she shared. "Being part of the energy sector in the Marshall Islands has been incredibly fulfilling. I'm proud to contribute to a team that's focused on sustainable development and innovative energy solutions," she said. An indication of the positive experience these five engineers are having is that all of them indicated their interest to continue working in Majuro with the Marshalls Energy Company beyond their initial contract periods.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Fisheries conservation and sustainability focus of seminar in Marshall Islands
Speaking to the opening of a National Ocean Symposium Tuesday, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine called for communities throughout the Marshall Islands to get active in protecting their ocean resources for current and future generations. Photo: Giff Johnson Fisheries and marine resources are the driving force behind the economy, health and culture in the Marshall Islands and conservation and sustainable development are the focus of discussions at the three-day National Oceans Symposium that opened in Majuro on Tuesday. The symposium opened in the Marshall Islands against a backdrop of an innovative fisheries authority that is employing conservation and management tools to break into the tuna value chain in unprecedented ways. Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine in her keynote speech to the opening of the symposium underlined the importance of conserving and protecting ocean resources for today and future generations. She exhorted participants to take individual and community-level actions to keep the ocean environment healthy. "While the government can set policies, and experts can offer solutions, lasting change will only happen when our communities lead the way," President Heine said. "When we take ownership of our waters. When we blend the wisdom of our ancestors with the tools of today. When we value not just the resources in the ocean, but the responsibility that comes with them," she said. The recent purchase of a tuna "star loader," with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) FISH4ACP project, has been a game-changer for improving the speed and handling of tuna unloaded from purse seiners into freezer containers for later export to canneries. Photo: Jojo Kramer Playing an important role in helping the fisheries authority expand tuna value chain opportunities for the Marshall Islands is FISH4ACP, an initiative of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States aimed at making fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific more productive and sustainable. Implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the program is funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. FISH4ACP is working in collaboration with the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) to increase opportunities in the domestic tuna industry. During the Oceans event, FISH4ACP and MIMRA are showcasing these efforts. Dozens of elected leaders, women, youth, fishers and other community representatives are participating in the National Ocean Symposium. The National Ocean Symposium is focused on engaging with community leaders from remote islands to involve them in the dual government goals of conservation of fisheries resources while pursuing sustainable development opportunities. It is this nexus of ocean conservation and sustainable development of tuna and other marine resources that is guiding the Marshall Islands. The goal of MIMRA is to expand tuna operations domestically to increase jobs and revenue flow, as well as moving into other tuna value chain opportunities, including work to access international markets such as the European Union. This is where the FISH4ACP project has played an important role: Providing community education about jobs and opportunities in the commercial fisheries sector, supporting training programs to expand the skills of tuna industry workers, and co-funding a game-changing tuna loader that is expected to provide a significant boost to onshore unloading of frozen tuna for export. These FISH4ACP collaborative actions support MIMRA's aim to gain approval to export tuna and other marine products to the EU market. MIMRA has already taken the unprecedented step for a Pacific Island of breaking into the tuna supply market in the United States through a deal with the world's largest retail company Walmart. Over the past three years, tuna supplied by a Marshall Islands-based company has resulted in over 70 million cans of Walmart's house brand tuna being produced. Using an innovative conservation management system employed by the tuna organization Parties to the Nauru Agreement, which controls western Pacific waters where over half of the world's skipjack tuna is caught, MIMRA has met stringent chain of custody rules ensuring tuna supplied to Walmart is sustainably and legally caught. The key to sustaining the tuna supply agreement with Walmart "is to continue meeting the highest standards, including seafood safety, preventing illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, and crew safety on board fishing boats," said MIMRA Director Glen Joseph. "MIMRA, together with Parties to the Nauru Agreement members, is supporting expansion of tuna processing initiatives, with the goal of increasing the volume of tuna tonnage unloaded in PNA Member ports for processing and export, thereby increasing jobs and revenue generated for our islands," he said. FISH4ACP's program works to add value to these fisheries initiatives in the Marshall Islands. "Both the new tuna loader and the reefer container training are part of FISH4ACP's broader strategy that supports a sector that maintains a high-quality product while also ensuring environmental, economic and social sustainability," said Victoria Stansberry, FISH4ACP National Project Consultant in the Marshall Islands. "Proper handling of the tuna is crucial to quality control. The (tuna) loader allows for hygienic and efficient operations that encourages increased tuna landings. Reefer trainings are a way to equip local workers with the skills to confidently maintain the tuna cold chain and reduce post-harvest losses. Building local expertise also strengthens the workforce and strengthens the sector," she said. FISH4ACP has also supported the rollout of hygiene and food handling training programs for tuna processing plant workers. "FISH4ACP looks forward to continuing these trainings as the program enters its final year," said Stansberry. "A significant impact of these trainings that cannot be ignored is the employee reception from a work culture standpoint. It demonstrates to the local workforce and anyone considering joining that they are a valued part of the tuna industry and that there is value in investing in their performance," she said.
RNZ News
30-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Micronesian Summit in Majuro this week
Flags from most of the Micronesian islands participating in the regional summit this week fly outside the International Conference Center in Majuro on Monday. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Giff Johnson The Micronesian Islands Forum cranks up with officials meetings Monday and Tuesday this week in Majuro, with the official opening for top leadership from the islands on Wednesday morning. Marshall Islands leaders are being joined at this summit by their counterparts from Kiribati, Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau. "At this year's Leaders Forum, I hope we can make meaningful progress on resolving airline connectivity issues - particularly in Micronesia - so our region remains connected and one step ahead," President Hilda Heine said on the eve of this subregional summit. The Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia have been negotiating with Nauru Airlines over the past two years to extend the current island hopper service with a link to Honolulu. "Equally important," said President Heine, "the Forum offers a vital platform to strengthen regional solidarity and build common ground on key issues such as climate, ocean health, security, trade, and other pressing challenges. Ultimately, our shared purpose must be to work together in support of the communities we represent." Monday and Tuesday feature official-level meetings at the International Conference Center in Majuro. Wednesday will be the official opening of the Forum and will feature statements from each of the islands represented. Outgoing Micronesian Island Forum Chair Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero is expected to hand over the chair post to President Heine Wednesday morning. Other top island leaders expected to attend the summit: FSM President Wesley Simina, Kiribati President Taneti Maamau, Nauru Deputy Speaker Isabela Dageago, Palau Minister Steven Victor, Chuuk Governor Alexander Narruhn, Pohnpei Governor Stevenson Joseph, Kosrae Governor Tulensa Palik, Yap Acting Governor Francis Itimai, and CNMI Lt. Governor David Apatang. Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa is also expected to participate. Pretty much every subject of interest to the Pacific islands will be on the table for discussions, including presentations on education, health and transportation. The latter will include a presentation by the Marshall Islands Aviation Task Force that has been meeting extensively with Nauru Airlines. In addition, Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr. Filimon Manoni will deliver a presentation, gender equality will be on the table, as will updates on the SPC and Secretariat of the Pacific Region Environment Program North Pacific offices, and the United Nations multi-country office. The Micronesia Challenge environmental program will get focus during a luncheon for the leaders hosted by the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority Thursday at its new headquarters annex. Pacific Island Development Bank and the Bank of Guam will make presentations, as will the recently established Pacific Center for Island Security. A special night market at the Marshall Islands Resort parking lot will be featured Wednesday evening. Friday will feature a leaders retreat on Bokanbotin, a small resort island on Majuro Atoll's north shore. While the leaders gather, other Forum participants will join a picnic or fishing tournament. Friday evening is to feature the closing event to include the launching of the Marshall Islands' Green Growth Initiative and the signing of the Micronesian Island Forum communique.
ABC News
22-06-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Radio Australia finishes Pacific expansion with Marshall Islands launch
ABC Radio Australia has completed its expansion of services across the Pacific with the Marshall Islands set to host broadcasts for the first time in more than five years. A new FM transmitter means residents of Majuro atoll are the latest listeners to join the network, which has doubled in two years and now extends to 25 locations across the region. Audiences in Majuro can now tune into ABC Radio Australia on 106.7FM. The launch is the final part of an expansion which kicked off with Ghizo Island in the Solomon Islands in September 2023 and has been rolled out to the Federated States of Micronesia (Pohnpei), Palau (Koror), Nauru, Kiribati (Tarawa), Tuvalu (Funafuti), Cook Islands (Rarotonga), Auki in the Solomon Islands and three additional Papua New Guinea locations, in East New Britain (Kokopo), Manus Island (Lorengau) and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (Buka). Radio Australia now has a network of transmitters in the Pacific, like this one in Tarawa, Kiribati. Head of ABC International Services, Claire Gorman, hailed the project as a "landmark success". "In the 85 years since ABC Radio Australia first broadcast across the region, the network has undergone significant changes with this latest expansion in transmission sites," she said. "This represents the next chapter for ABC Radio Australia, providing new audiences with our slate of trusted news and Pacific-focused radio programming." ABC Radio Australia Manager Justine Kelly said teams had been working hard for two years to deliver the project. "We are proud to be available across even more locations throughout the Pacific as our talented team of presenters and comprehensive suite of shows, share the incredible stories and voices from across the region," she said. The full radio service offers listeners an extensive schedule of bespoke programming covering the latest in news, music, sports, culture, health, science and faith. Tumultuous times for broadcasters The completion of the project comes after a tumultuous few months for independent media in Asia and the Pacific. US President Donald Trump slashed funding to multiple media organisations including Voice of America, Benar News and Radio Free Asia earlier this year, which risked leaving millions of people across the region without access to independent news. The US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which funded these organisations, employed roughly 3,500 people and had an $US886 million budget before it was gutted. Aleksandra Bielakowska from Reporters Without Borders told the ABC at the time the cuts "threaten press freedom worldwide" and were a "gigantic gift" for authoritarian regimes in Beijing and Moscow. As VOA director Michael Abramowitz, said: "For the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced.'' The project began with the launch of Radio Australia in Gizo, Solomon Islands, in 2023. ( Radio Australia ) The state of the media in the Pacific The State of the Media: Pacific Region report found that, despite advancements in the Pacific media sector, it remains fragile in the face of digital disruption and additional loss of advertising revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating an existential crisis. The study found there had been a sharp increase in internet access across the region over the previous decade. In Samoa, for example, internet access had soared from 7 per cent in 2013 to 75 per cent in 2025. It also found misinformation and disinformation were bigger challenges in larger countries such as Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Samoa, which have active diasporas and higher penetration of foreign media sources, particularly on social media platforms owned by big tech companies. There were also concerns about media freedom which influenced audience trust in mainstream media, particularly government-owned media organisations. Why an independent voice is important Radio Australia was launched at the start of World War II to counter propaganda from the Axis powers. For decades it provided an independent news service in multiple languages to people across the region. Around a decade ago, Australian government budget cuts forced ABC Radio Australia to wind down its coverage and services to focus solely on the Pacific and Timor Leste. ABC technicians install a transmitter in Nauru. With extra funding in 2022 and 2023, it has been able to expand the footprint and the amount of content designed for Pacific audiences. This international broadcasting is important as it can break stories and hold power to account across the region, in a way that local media at times may not be able to. ABC Radio Australia also supports local radio services by providing relevant valuable content for local audiences and can tell uniquely Pacific stores. It also acts as a counterweight to anti-democratic information and disinformation. Indeed, when the US government cut funding to its broadcasters, authoritarian regimes including Beijing-backed media celebrated the decision, while activists and analysts warned the closures would create information "black holes" that could be filled by Russian or Chinese services. There are multiple ways to listen to ABC Radio Australia across the Pacific – live via internet streaming, through 24-hour FM stations in your area, or by catching up with full episodes on ABC Pacific online.
ABC News
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
ABC Radio Australia's Marshall Islands launch completes historic Pacific expansion
ABC Radio Australia's ambitious two-year FM expansion project in the Pacific has concluded with the recent launch in the Marshall Islands of a new FM transmitter. Residents of Majuro atoll are the latest listeners to join the network, which has doubled and now extends to 25 locations across the region. The expansion project was funded by the Australian Federal Government's Indo Pacific Broadcasting Strategy and began in 2023, when ABC Radio Australia established an FM service in Gizo, Solomon Islands. Since then, the ABC has partnered with broadcasters and transmission providers across the region, to develop and launch services in Federated States of Micronesia (Pohnpei), Palau (Koror), Nauru, Kiribati (Tarawa), Tuvalu (Funafuti), Cook Islands (Rarotonga), Auki in the Solomon Islands and three additional Papua New Guinea locations, in East New Britain (Kokopo), Manus Island (Lorengau) and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (Buka). Alongside its investment in broadcast and delivery infrastructure, ABC Radio Australia has also tripled its Pacific content offering, launching new news, music, sport and cultural programming to better entertain and inform its growing audiences. ABC Radio Australia celebrated the milestone by co-hosting an event with the Australian Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, Paul Wilson, at his residence in Majuro. The event was attended by representatives of the Marshall Islands Government. ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: 'The completion of the ABC Radio Australia FM transmission expansion project has been a landmark success – allowing the network to significantly grow its reach and listenership across the Pacific. In the 85 years since ABC Radio Australia first broadcast across the region, the network has undergone significant changes with this latest expansion in transmission sites. This represents the next chapter for ABC Radio Australia, providing new audiences with our slate of trusted news and Pacific-focused radio programming.' ABC Radio Australia Manager Justine Kelly said: 'Across the past two years, our ABC Radio Australia teams have been working incredibly hard to deliver this remarkable project. We are proud to be available across even more locations throughout the Pacific as our talented team of presenters and comprehensive suite of shows, share the incredible stories and voices from across the region. We deliver the latest in breaking news, sports coverage, new music and conversations about culture, the environment, health, faith and science.' WAYS TO LISTEN: Audiences in Majuro can now tune into ABC Radio Australia on 106.7FM. There are multiple ways to listen to ABC Radio Australia across the Pacific – live via internet streaming, through 24-hour FM stations in your area, or by catching up with full episodes on ABC Pacific online. For all media enquiries, contact: Annalise Ramponi, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, ABC International We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
