Chinese Pushes for Rebuilding of Kanton Airstrip

 

Chinese Pushes for Rebuilding of Kanton Airstrip

06:12 AM on 31st August 2022

Aelvin Kanthony, RNZ Pacific regional correspondent 

Aelvin.Kanthony@rnz.co.nz

Approximately two hours  ago, a large Chinese fishing vessel and a Korean vessel have shipwrecked after colliding closely outside the PIPA. Chinese officials have stated that the collision occurred as a result of the Korean vessel’s illegal transgression into the fishing territory allocated to them, perhaps in search for more fishes in the bountiful Chinese region. 

Further, as a response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that in order to investigate the issue, conduct a search and rescue for the remaining survivors and salvage the remains of the vessel, an initiative to give China permission to renovate the Kanton airstrip, a project that has been floating around in the Kiribati parliament, needs to be introduced by the cabinet, and negotiations should be opened up with the Chinese authorities. 

"China is committed to developing friendly relationships with countries all over the world and to continue our working friendship with Kiribati, we require justice to be served for this issue. The Korean vessels and the government needs to compensate the victims of this tragedy. We know that anti-Chinese sentiments are rampant in these other nations, and so we need to protect the interests of our nation in the Kiribati region. In order to do so, and to prevent further incidens of this type to repeat itself, the airstrip needs to be rushed.'' said Zhao. 

“We have made our intentions clear from day 1 that we want to use the Kanton airstip for peaceful purposes, such as as a base for search and rescue operations covering the whole of Kiribati due to its central location. I do not understand why the cabinet has not taken any measures to rehabilitate the airstrip. Failing even to begin negotiations with us. They have removed the bridge after crossing the river (过河拆桥) or, as the English say, bite the hand that feeds it.”

Public statement on: Te Uekera

MICT

Ministry of Information, Communications & Transport

Public statement on: Te Uekera

'We will be inviting a marine specialist team of international background from Shanghai Jiao Tong University who consistently features in the world's top 100 universities and had a reputable background in marine conservation on oceanography, conservation science and design to conduct a neutral environmental assessment of PIPA in line with the latest bill for Phoenix Islands Rising Act 2022'

- Tekeeua Tarati, Minister of MICT

China looks forward to furthering diplomatic ties with Kiribati

 

China 14:30, 15-Aug-2022

China looks forward to furthering diplomatic ties with Kiribati 

CGTN

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that China looks forward to increasing diplomatic ties with Kiribati, after the country passed the Phoenix Islands Rising Act 2022, a bill for the opening of PIPA.

"China is committed to developing friendly relationships with countries all over the world on the basis of one-China policy, '' said Zhao. 

He added that to resume diplomatic ties with Kiribati will not only benefit the two peoples, but will also be conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity. Zhao announces that China appreciates and welcomes Kiribati to send out the clear signal again to fasten and push forward the process of increasing diplomatic ties with China, which is why they are not in favour of certain specifics of the new bill. China would have favoured a clause which focused on the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries, and therefore are disappointed in the lack of attention to this. However, China is willing to send developmental support and aid to the people of Kiribati in order to help them recover from the situation they are in.

Following the passing of this bill, researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, have arrived at Birnie Island in order to conduct environmental assessments, to investigate the impact of opening up the PIPA on the environment and biodiversity. The project is going smoothly, and China appreciates the warm welcome received, and will conclude in a few months.

Student Protests Spread throughout the Nation

 

Student Protests Spread throughout the Nation

1st August 2022 | Ioane Taom

In the past week, we have seen nation-wide school strikes by young student protestors ranging from middle school students to high school ones. Though the movement is largely grassroots and bottom-up, the demands and operations of the protests have consolidated under the voice of Kareta Tanabaeg, a high school student from Tararwa. 

They have united under 5 demands:

1. Rejection of the bill that opens up PIPA to fishing efforts

2. To set up procedures and pass bills to support efforts for the “Migration with Dignity” strategy

3. To remove diplomatic ties with China and reinstate friendly relations with Taiwan 

4. To rehabilitate the infrastructure in the island of Banaba so that refugees from Banaba may repatriate back to their homeland 

5. To fund further education by establishing a Natinoal University of Kiribati

They have further spoken out against the current government under the lead of President Maamau and TKB party whom she stated were “old and corrupt boomers,” specifically pointing out “the dishonest minister of MELAD who was recently appointed as Minister of MFMRD (Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development). There is a clear conflict of interest for the minister who is supposed to defend the environment while maximizing profits through fisheries.”

The former MFMRD minister has released a statement, saying that he wants to retire and start an ice cream shop after the next election having been removed from his position by President Maamau. Recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan supported the student protests in a press release, saying that “such brave, active young citizens are the treasure of any well-functioning society seeking to develop. We support their cause and the supporting the next generation of Kiribati citizens who are trying to grasp their future with their own hands.”

Migration with Dignity: The Only Path for our Nation

 

Migration with Dignity: The Only Path for our Nation

15th July 2022

Anote Tong

Oftentimes, in politics, leaders are unable to make the choices that are the most ideal. This may be due to political gridlock or lack of resources, like we have seen in our manaeba regarding the reaction to the Tinakula Eruption. But good, strong leaders are often forced to make the unbearable decisions that are at the middle, perhaps even end, of their list from the ideal solutions that makes everyone happy. Because you can never please everyone. But these are choices we know to be necessary and required to benefit our people, to bring them through tumultuous time to a brighter future. The biggest crisis our nation, and indeed the entire world, is facing is that of climate change and rising sea levels. Projections from international organizations and our own have only solidified this concern, as we can see in the following graph:

Beyond the numerous reports written about the tsunamis that have reached the shores of our nation, the personal experiences of our people should be sufficient to show the lack of care and efforts the current government have given in preparation for rising sea level. The TKB and President Maamau, instead, have focused on their dealings with China or protecting the profits in their plot of land and buried their heads in the sands to ignore the critical developments surrounding climate change. Unfortunately, it may be too late for anyone, even the combined efforts of our great nation, to change the course of this great disaster. 

The only path towards that brighter future that we promised our people, our next generation lies in the “migration with dignity” strategy that my government proposed years ago. The strategy is an investment in the education of our people and the upskilling of our young population to equip them with educational qualifications and employable

skills that would enable them to migrate with dignity to other countries voluntarily and, in the worst case scenario, when our islands can no longer sustain human life. It may not be an ideal decision, some may even see it as unbearable, but it is necessary and it is required. This is not to say current efforts in building warning systems and infrastructures should be halted, but that this strategy should be kept in mind for the long-term.

However, more than the TKB, it seems that my own party, the BKM has failed to push forwards with this sole solution either. Tessie Lambourne, whom I have worked with during my time as a politician and remember fondly as a passionate voice for our people, must step up as the Chairman of the BKM to take action to convince our people that they need to be saved. What is the BKM central executive committee doing? Why aren’t they taking action as a party? A wake-up call is required, and if my re-entry into politics can secure this, then I might just come out of retirement for the sake of our people. 

Wageningen University & Research opens outpost on Marakei

 

| 10th July 2022 | Gilbert Koraubati | Tarawa | .

Wageningen University & Research opens outpost on Marakei

The Dutch university WUR has completed talks with the MELAD, which have resulted in various measures to boost the productivity of agricultural industries going forwards, as well as protect this industry from the effects of natural disasters. The first undertaking is a stronger examination of the methods used to drain farmland after events like the recent tsunami. These moves are expected to make TKB more popular among farmers.

However, many have criticised the specifics of the decision, pointing out that Marakei is the constituency of the Minister of MELAD, Ruateki Tekaiara. Not only standard political enemies like the BKM, but more neutral figures have denounced this as a clear instance of a minister placing the needs of his constituency above those of the nation. Furthermore, it has damaged the earlier popularity boost among farmers, many of whom on other islands lament that theirs was not chosen for this opportunity. On the other hand, it has been noted that his popularity within his constituency has reached new heights, particularly off the back of his quick and decisive measures regarding the tsunami, which averted major harm to the populace.

US Department of State issues Statement Regarding PIPA

 

US Department of State issues Statement Regarding PIPA

08:32 PM on 30th June 2022

Aelvin Kanthony, RNZ Pacific regional correspondent 

Aelvin.Kanthony@rnz.co.nz

The United States’ Department of State has recently issued the following statement to Kiribati in response to the proposed bill by President Maamau to open up PIPA to fishing:

“The forfeiture of this important protected area would be a major setback to the environmentalist efforts of Kiribati and, indeed, the world. Though economic growth is important, and the goods that China offers are very alluring, the abolishment of PIPA would not serve the goals of the nation. Instead, to guarantee increased and sustainable government revenues from fishing licenses and economic growth, the Kiribati government should cease the allocation of times given to shipping vessels by discretion, namely the partiality given to Chinese vessels in the region to the deteriments of our own vessels. Instead, if the government opened up these fishing licenses and its allocation to public auction by the international community, nations like the US would be more than willing to pay for these permits and establish a healthy economic relationship with Kiribati.”

The statement was made in response to the recent bill brought forward by President Maamau to abolish the PIPA. Further, in 2015, President Maamau signed a deal to decrease the vessels and time spent in Kiribati waters by American fleets and increase them for Chinese fleets. This provision is only enactable by a bill passed through parliament as the Minister of Fisheries is unlikely to follow the suggestions. How the government of Kiribati responds to the statement and suggestions provided by the Department of State will have to be observed in the near future. 

Reverse Fishing License - In Defence of PIPA

 

Reverse Fishing License - In Defence of PIPA

15th June 2022

Betero Kautum

Recently, PIPA has come into contention again as President Maamau’s government has seeked to repeal the no-fishing mandate in the area. This is of particular note as the PIPA has been identified by UNESCO and World Heritage Convention as a key migration and breeding spot for many nomadic marine animals in the Pacific Ocean region and contain a level of biodiversity integral to the surrounding ecosystem. 

Our government’s repeal of the “no-take” policy in the area is an abandonment of Kiribati's commitment to environmentalism and against climate change, a commitment that our small island nation facing the plight of rising sea levels should be steadfast in. It has been rightly criticised by many environmentalist groups and will do nothing but cause international embarrassment. As former president Tong said, “this is nothing but a disappointment.”  

Many proponents of the revocation of PIPA has argued for it on grounds of economic benefits. However, since the early stages in the creation and development of PIPA, Former-President Tong has acknowledged the importance of fishing licensing for the economic growth of Kiribati. 

Therefore, in an inventive and ingenious move, he had also created a system of reverse fish licenses where much of the interests earned from the PIPA endowment, funded by donations from international organizations and other sources, are used to pay for these reverse licenses which will go to compensate Kiribati for lost revenues suffered from restricting fishing licenses in PIPA. The problem isn’t the lack of funds, but the government’s incompetence in utilizing and investing them into the key strategic assets that will actually bring prosperity. 

Former respected president Anote Tong has also said: “I have retired, it is up to my party, the BKM, to work with other members of the Manaeba to figure out how to make reverse fishing licenses commercially viable and to save the PIPA.”

“It’s a huge blow for conservation but I think it’s a much bigger blow to our credibility as a nation,” he said. “The ability for any people to have any confidence in working with Kiribati like this in the future is going to be really diminished and that’s a real shame because there are very important partnerships that could be developed with Kiribati that have PIPA as the centrepiece”.

The TKB’s promises are just that, promises. They aren’t going to be fulfilled nor will prosperity be brought to the people. This is merely President Maamau and his party’s vie for power, leveraging their relationship with China to benefit themselves politically and financially.

Statement from Australian Government

 

As part of the bill passed by the Kiribati parliament, the Australian government, along with New Zealand, has provided the required items that the government has requested which includes:

Shelf-stable food

Clean bottled water

Quenchsea (portable devices for converting seawater into freshwater) 

P&G water purifying packets

N-95 Respirator gas masks

Tents

With these materials, we believe life in Kiribati should return to normal, or at least whatever close approximation of normalcy that is afforded to them in these trying times.

Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Marise Payne

30th May, 2022

Use of the Coat of Arms 

The terms under which the Coat of Arms can be used are detailed on the following website: www.itsanhonour.gov.au/coat-arms. 

Contact us 

Communications Advice Branch Department 

One Canberra Avenue Forrest 

Email: governmentadvertising@gov.au

Rehabilitation of the Kanton Airstrip and Opening of PIPA

  KIRIBATI VOICE

Rehabilitation of the Kanton Airstrip and Opening of PIPA

15th May 2022

Tiaon Kaurob

Recently, China has drawn up plans to rehabilitate an airstrip and bridge on the island of Kanton, in the Phoenix Islands group in Kiribati. Kanton is strategically located midway between Asia and the Americas, and was used to host and refuel military aircraft during World War Two. 

Kanton has been used by the U.S. for space and missile tracking operations and its near 2-kilometer (6,562 ft) runway hosted long-range bombers during the war. Kanton used to be an important stop for civilian flights after World War Two, but the introduction of long-range jet aircraft meant that Kanton was no longer commercially viable as a refueling station. All airlines ended their operations there by the late 1950s, and the airstrip had fallen into disrepair. 

The repair of this airstrip, if supported by funds from the Chinese government, would provide an upgrade for the transportation system of our nation. As is well known, air travel in Kiribati has always been limited by the lack of infrastructure and a new airstrip would be an invaluable asset. Our government has added that rehabilitation of the site would support commercial air travel between Kiribati's islands and turn Kanton into a "high-end niche tourism destination.”

Further, the success brought by this endeavor would allow for a continuation of the friendly diplomatic ties between our nation and China, perhaps bringing in more funding and investments into our nation’s other development projects. 

In regards to other projects, China has also expressed support for the opening of PIPA, the Phoenix Islands Protected Area. In a recent statement, President Maamau has stated that “Similar to any Government, our decisions, as we make them, put the livelihoods of our people at the forefront and have been carefully considered and agreed to as a Government.” The Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Development has also approved of these plans, highlighting the great benefits it’ll bring to our nation. The opening of the area would provide vital growth for our economy and China has promised the sending of more fishing fleets to the area. 

The plans have not been set in motion, but the Cabinet of ministers in Kiribati is expected to further decide on whether to move forward with these plans to rehabilitate the Kanton airstrip.

INEFFICIENT GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE TINAKULA ERUPTION

 

INEFFICIENT GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE TINAKULA ERUPTION

1st May 2022 | Ioane Taom

As of yesterday, April 30th, our inept government has finally passed the long-delayed Tinakula Eruption Bill. Though it was a bill meant to address the immediate concerns of the people after the recent sudden disasters, it took the government nearly a month and more to pass with a bare minimum majority. Not only has it come late, it is also riddled with later amendments, leading to mass confusion and delay of relief operations. Further, despite the cumbersome amendments, the bill still fails to address key issues like cleaning up the volcanic ashes in the end. 

During our incompetent MP’s political gridlock, local councils and community elders have taken charge in relief efforts. Grassroots groups have transported urgent drinking and foods to areas that have suffered and provided basic medical care for those affected by the ashes. Further, local groups have also started reconstruction of submerged buildings. Ehukai Baoro, a leader of one of these groups in the Gilbert Islands have written to us, asking “Why is the government taking so long to respond to pressing issues? They have left us alone by ourselves and thank God the Kiribati people are a hardy and sturdy people who are capable by ourselves. What is the use of such a government?” 

Further, as predicted, rainfall has washed away much of the ashes on land and in nearby ocean areas. However, some of the ashes have contaminated the lagoons, contaminating various freshwater sources including numerous wells throughout our nation. The presence of causeways and seawalls has made it such that it is hard for the ocean to wash the lagoons away. Currently, there is still enough rainfall for sustenance, but the contaminated wells mean that a drought would be a life-threatening situation.

Our various ministries have also failed to respond to this crisis, with ministers caring more about their position as an MP than to fulfill the responsibilities that fall within their jurisdiction and, therefore, the welfare of their constituency rather than the nation’s benefits at large. The copious amount of time spent debating about where to set the center for transport efforts shows the members’ greedy vie for power. They have tried to benefit themselves in a national crisis — and last night was a shameful, ludicrous display of this fact.

President Maamau’s government’s negligent behavior —- exemplified by the complete lack of any sort of meeting of his cabinet —- is disgusting and a spit on the face of the hard efforts of the Kiribati people suffering from their incompetence. Where are the cabinet directives that display executive action, which arecrucial in a crisis? What are the party leaders doing letting their members fight with each other instead of cooperating to solve this common issue? Further, though President Maamau's government has emphasized the fostering of diplomatic relationships with China, they have failed to, at this crucial juncture, utilize this very relationship that they have spent so long to cultivate. They have removed diplomatic ties with Taiwan and restored ties with China because, they claim, China can offer much more resources and funds for our development efforts. Yet, none of these promises have been fulfilled. 

This past month has been a dark splotch in our nation’s history and we must fix our mistakes to place our next foot forward into the future.

Bill to Revoke PIPA

REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI

7TH MEETING OF THE 12TH MANAEBA NI MAUNGATABU

ORDER PAPER

Monday 20 April 2022

10.00 AM

1. PRAYERS

Tamara are i karawa, a na tabuaki aram. E na roko ueam: E na tauaki am taeka i aon te aba n ai aron tauana i karawa. Ko na añanira karara ae ti a tau iai n te boñ aei. Ao ko na kabara ara buakaka mairoura n ai arora ñkai ti kabara te buakaka mairouia akana ioawa nako ira. Ao tai kairira nakon to kaririaki, ma ko na kamaiuira man to buakaka; ba ambai te uea, ao te maka, ae to neboaki, n aki toki. Amene.

2. ORAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(Not included in this document) 

3. ANNOUNCEMENT BY HON. SPEAKER

(Not included in this document) 

4. BILLS 

Phoenix Islands Rising Act 2022

(Appended at the end of this document) 

5. MOTIONS

1. His Excellency Taneti Maamau, Te Berentitenti will move;

Motion No. 1

Motion to move into the first reading for the Government Bill titled ‘Phoenix Islands Rising Act 2022’

Dear members of our great Manaeba Ni Maungatabu. I welcome you back to our parliament, as we are able to officially begin proceedings in light of the recent tragedy that has struck the Solomon Islands, as well as our people. 

Let us have a moment of silence for the tragedy that has occured. 

[moment of silence]

Anyhow, our first order of business today is to open up the PIPA to commercial developments. As you may know, the decision to proceed to close off PIPA as a no-take zone was made on the assurances that a ‘reversed fishing license’ regime through the PIPA trust will compensate revenue forgone. However, the PIPA has failed to deliver on the ‘reverse fishing license’, and as a result, we have been missing out on a vital source of revenue for our people and their livelihoods. 

Furthermore, the independent advisory panel on the PIPA, has found that since the creation of PIPA in 2015, demand for our fishing permits has declined 8 percent, costing the country millions in revenue. Clearly, we need to woo foreign fishing vessels with better fishing grounds, otherwise they will leave us for bluer waters elsewhere.

Therefore, I implore all of you, especially my friends on the TKB bench to support my bill to bring great wealth to our people. This will take us further on the path to graduating from LDC status, so that we may join the other nations of the world in pursuing economic development. 

REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI

PHOENIX ISLANDS RISING ACT 2022

PREAMBLE

With reference to the Phoenix Islands Protected Area Regulations 2008,

An Act to make provision for the opening of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) – a 408,250-square-kilometer marine protected area, to commercial fishing and economic development in Kiribati. 

Dated this 20th day of April, 2022.

OPERATIVES

Title

1. These regulations are called the Phoenix Islands Rising Act 2022.

Objective

2. The objective of this act is to reduce the size of the protected area for the terrestrial and marine resources of the Phoenix Islands, and to reverse the conditions stipulated in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area Regulations 2008.

Commencement

3. These regulations come into operation on the day they are published at the Office of Te Berentitenti.

Opening Of The Protected Areas

4. Reduces the size of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, hereafter referred to as PIPA;

1. The size of the area shall be reduced to 3 miles off the coast of the islands of the region;

2. Areas that have as a result been removed from PIPA are to be opened to commercial fishing.

5. Urges commercial fishing to be undertaken by fishermen in need of more fishing grounds:

1. Countries immediately allowed into these fishing ground will include:

1. Kiribati

2. Japan

3. People’s Republic of China

2. Fishing licences will be sold through preexisting means

3. Additional countries may be added to this list on the permission of the President; the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD); and the Minister for Lines and Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID).

6. The immediate abolishment of the PIPA Management Committee;

1. They are no longer required to submit management plans for the PIPA;

2. They are also no longer required to monitor the management of the PIPA.

Canton Cooperation Council

7. The formation of a ‘Canton Cooperation Council’;

1. A council created to allow the strengthening of economic ties between Kiribati and the People’s Republic of China;

2. This council will be filled with members decided by the Minister of Foreign Affairs;

8. For the Canton Cooperation Council to immediately consider preferential access for fishing vessels belonging to the People’s Republic of China to purchase licences for the period of the next 10 years.

[[SUBMITTERS]]

H.E. TANETI MAAMAU

Te Berentitenti

Published by exhibition at the Office of Te Beretitenti this 20th day of April, 2022.

DR. NAOMI BIRIBO

Secretary to Cabinet

 

Stalling of Council Directive

 

INEFFICIENT GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE TINAKULA ERUPTION

10 April 2022 | Ioane Taom

Our government is stalling on a potential bill that is being developed to help mitigate the issues caused by recent tsunamis that have hit the Gilbert Islands. It supposedly includes both a focus on local authorities to handle the immediate situation, and pleas to the international community, specifically Australia and New Zealand, to provide aid. Is this a moment of political polarisation, or even worse, is our government simply failing to address our urgent issues?

Even if it were not to stall in parliament, the bill concerningly does not address the problem of the volcanic ash that has been floating in and causing problems. Where are the provisions to clear this ash? It is a pressing concern and one that is urgent for the people of the Gilbert Islands. While this is a frightening series of events, the people of Kiribati are relying on their government to help them and keep them safe.

Another large elephant in the room is China, who has put out an official statement announcing that they also would be open to sending aid to Kiribati if they are allowed to upgrade an airstrip on remote Kanton, built by the US during World War II. “We sympathize with the people of Kiribati and wish to lend our support, which would only be possible with the improvement of transport links.” says Chinese Ambassador to Kiribati, Shen Zhiwei​​. The project would improve accessibility and facilitate the movement of urgent supplies. The relationship between Kiribati and China has been put under fire from outside actors in recent years, but due to the current unique circumstances, there is certainly a need to reconsider.

The governments of Australia and New Zealand have published statements urging government officials from Kiribati to reach out for aid, as they are unable to act without communication from the Kiribati side. “What is going on? How can we help them if we do not know what they need?” said New Zealand's minister of foreign affairs, Nanaia Mahuta.

Tsunami Exposes Vulnerability of Kiribati

 

Tsunami exposes Vulnerability of Kiribati to Ocean-Related risks

28th March 2022

Betero Kautum

As our citizens are, unfortunately, keenly aware of, the recent tsunami which struck Kiribati serves as a stark reminder of the ocean threats we face, and highlights the apparent lack of government foresight. This is exemplified in the lack of a universal evacuation protocol or infrastructure such as an inventory of food and water supplies to hold out during our time in the shelter.

Importantly, the Minister for Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development (MELAD) and MP Ruateki Tekaiara has been criticised for his lack of support for farmers nationally despite the flood ruining their fields and livelihoods. In contrast to such lack of care, his extremely fast response to his constituents - resulting in very little direct threat - has been seen as an example of ignoring national concerns while focusing on his own local constituency. Farmers have pressed the government heavily for support following the tsunami’s damage to their fields and cropland, as they expect to face poverty and possibly starvation and the loss of their livelihoods in the following months.

Furthermore, questions have been raised over the government's long-term plan for dealing with natural disasters and the ever-present issue of rising sea levels. It is understood that natural disasters and extreme weather events are only likely to get worse for Kiribati in the future. Concerns have been raised that the current ruling party in the government, the TKB, is not properly acknowledging the threats Kiribati faces. This is particularly worrying since the party’s stance of refusing to engage in ‘migration with dignity’ was based on their proclaimed desire and ability to develop Kiribati’s infrastructure so it could deal with crises like this.

Many have pointed to the actions of MP Terieta Mwemwenikeaki, secretary of the BKM, who has heavily developed the disaster mitigation facilities within his constituency. However, this is merely a short term solution,a nd in the long term, it is the position of the BKM that we must find a new home if we cannot convincingly find a way to stay on our own islands sustainably. We must act now, because we want to migrate with dignity by choice - not be forced out of our home as climate refugees. 

Our nation is at the forefront of climate change, predicted to be the first nation to be completely submerged by rising sea levels. The clear lack of efforts by President Maamau shows that he doesn’t have the benefit of the people at heart. Instead, he and his party has been sitting on their laurels since the last election. The people should make their voice heard and send their grievances to the government.