PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai‘i

By Giff Johnson

MAJURO, Marshall Islands (Marianas Variety, Sept. 26) - A big crowd turned out September 1 for the opening of the Majuro Market at RRE’s Shoreline area. And the Laura farmers and residents saw their fresh vegetables, fish and other products scooped up in minutes by cash-paying downtown residents.

President Kessai Note, Minister John Silk, Mayor Riley Albertter and Taiwan Ambassador Lien-gene Chen were among a line up of VIPs, as well as many community members who turned out.

Silk recognized the private sector for taking the initiative to establish the new market place, which he said will help the local economy. He also recognized the Bank of Marshall Islands and Marshall Islands Development Bank for their involvement in the Taiwan-funded micro loan scheme.

Bank of Marshall Islands board chair Grant Labaun said the market was part of implementing the Taiwan micro loan program by opening opportunities to local business people.

In addition to marketing by a variety of vendors who were selling vegetables, fresh and smoked fish, nin soap, pandanus juice, and a variety of other local products including breadfruit, Taiwan officials put on a well-received cooking demonstration showing several recipes that made use of produce grown in Laura.

The cooking demonstration tent area was jammed with onlookers, who peppered the cooks with questions about details of the recipes as they prepared the different dishes. Taiwan Embassy staff explained in English and Marshallese about the recipes as the cooking demonstrations were happening.

While this was happening, a ukulele band organized by Scott Stege, the Awa Zero Band, and the BOMI dancers entertained the large audience.

The market is now an ongoing presence, with vendors selling local products several days each week.

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