Chikin Melele

10/23/2025

🏆 A Nation United by Softball 🏆

The spirit of the Marshall Islands lit up Majuro this week as Namu claimed victory in the 2nd Ralik Ratak Softball Championship — a game where one plus one truly equaled thousands.

Crowds packed Tur Track & Field and thousands tuned in online to watch the historic showdown between Namu and Lae, their cheers echoing across the islands.

Behind the two-week celebration stood Telmong Kabua and Hansen Kaisha — the visionary organizers whose passion revived the nation’s love for softball, inspired US media coverage, and reminded everyone of the power of community and shared dreams. 🌺⚾

👉 Read the full story by Hilary Hosia:

The spirit of the Marshall Islands proved this week that the old math is wrong: one plus one equals thousands. That’s the only equation that could describe the electric atmosphere in Majuro on Monday as...

10/23/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Sheldon Riklon on receiving the 2025 Friend of Children Award from the Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families! This recognition honors his unwavering leadership and dedication to improving the lives of Arkansas children and families.

10/05/2025

10/05/2025

We have some exciting news for our COFA communities in Washington 🙌🏽 Our teams across the state (Federal Way, Vancouver, and Spokane) will be taking limited appointments to support with covering passport renewal costs if you are a citizen of the 🇫🇲 Federated States of Micronesia, 🇲🇭 the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or 🇵🇼 the Republic of Palau in order to assist efforts for expanded access to obtaining REAL ID documents. This support is by APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Please fill out the referral form for our office nearest to you and our team will reach out about scheduling an appointment!

📍➡️ King County & Spokane: bit.ly/picareferral-kc
📍➡️ Vancouver/SW Washington: bit.ly/picareferral-sw

09/29/2025

Mokta iakwe im jeramman nan aolep armej in Majol im ro raar kojparok Manit Day wiik eo lok. Manit Day has been celebrated in the Marshall Islands and abroad since 1988. It is a day of cultural education, ensuring that traditional knowledge is passed on. It celebrates the resilience of the Marshallese in maintaining culture despite change.

Marshallese communities across the United States host gatherings for the holiday. A relatively new Marshallese non-profit in Iowa, Ottumwa Marshallese Unity organized this year’s celebration for the growing community of 800 in rural southeastern Iowa.

Families gathered at the JBS Sports Complex on Friday afternoon to celebrate. The event featured remarks from the Consul General visiting from Arkansas and other speakers who emphasized the importance of understanding manit and living out Marshallese traditions, even far from the islands.

Ilo jeṃḷọkin, kōmej kamoolol Ottumwa Marshallese Unity bwe raar kōtḷọk Chikin Melele ñan kōdikḷọk aer video im bar jeeri. Kōmej kile President Jim Hisaiah im Lucy Bunglick im ro waan kamiti. Ilo aer enaan, kamiti eo ar kamoolol ro raar kobtak kweiḷọk eo im tiim ko jān Dubuque im Ottumwa, Luna Band, im aolep sponsor.

09/29/2025

Ta melelein?

Phrase of the Day ~ “Inwijet Iene Bwe Kwon Jab Lōkōmōñ Imeto”

09/29/2025

09/26/2025

Get to know Dr. Sheldon Riklon in this short bwebwenato about his family and growing up in Majuro. Kommool Dr. Riklon im baamle eo an for sharing your inspirational story.

09/24/2025

Kommool ñan Alex Rhuwoniong for his independent reporting of important news from Guam and the Federated States of Micronesia. Not only reporting the news but bringing us community insights from FSMers in the Central Pacific and the U.S. The family memories of Former FSM President Urusemal are touching and inspirational: “Rest in peace, Uncle, your memories will live on forever in our hearts. You were such a bright guiding light and lessons you taught will stay with us always. Thank you for everything.”

Joseph J. Urusemal died on September 16, 2025, in the Republic of Palau at the age of 73. He was former President of the Federated States of Micronesia. FAMILY REMEMBERS URUSEMAL  Desiree Kuor said: “It...

09/24/2025

Former FSM President, Joseph J. Urusemal died on September 16, 2025, in the Republic of Palau at the age of 73. “Urusemal is remembered as a soft-spoken but resolute leader, and a devoted husband to his wife.” He served as the 6th president of the FSM from 2003 to 2007. He was known for his humility, strong principles, and commitment to traditional values.

Urusemal was from the island of Woleai, Yap. Like many other Micronesian leaders, he attended Xavier high school, graduating in 1973. He then attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City, MO earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration of Justice in 1976. He married Olania Latileilam who came from Satawal and they had four children: B.J., Tarsis, Craig and Elenita. Funeral services will be held in Yap in October after which his children have chosen to have him buried near them on Satawal island.

Throughout his career, he served on several key congressional committees, including Ways and Means, Health and Social Affairs, and Transportation and Communication. And, most recently as Chairman of the Committee on Education and the Yap Congressional Delegation. He served with distinction for many years in Congress and he served as Floor Leader for 12 years before being elected President of the FSM.

A humble man, both a great statesman and a beloved family man, his memory lives on in our hearts.

09/21/2025

Kommool Xander Pictures kōn an ripoot ilo kajin Majōl (Nijtijela Fire Update with Marshallese audio): Since the fire that destroyed the Parliament building in Majuro on August 26, 2025, the RMI Government declared a 90-Day State of Emergency. The declaration made by Acting President Kalani Kaneko, on August 29th, allows the government to pool all funds and resources and to request funds from donor partners. On September 17, the U.S. State Department said Washington will provide US$13 million in funding to rebuild the Nitijela parliament building "in conjunction with support from Taiwan". Taiwan previously pledged more than $30 million to the Marshall Islands for the construction of a new capital building, a project that was underway before the fire. The Marshall Islands is one of a dozen countries that have full diplomatic ties with Taiwan. See report from TaiwanPlus News https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LaNFrbs4U/?mibextid=wwXIfr