At times, we are guilty of over complicating what
regionalism means, or what it is. Your (Marshall Islands') national motto – ‘Joint effort’ and ‘cooperation through community’ – is the neatest and simplest way to define what we pursue through Pacific regionalism.--Forum DSG Esala Nayasi
Remarks by PIF Acting Secretary General, Esala Nayasi,
at the 2024 Republic of the Marshall Islands President’s Day Commemoration
7:00 – 7:30am, Monday 18 November, 2024
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Fale
· His Excellency Junior Aini, Ambassador of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the Republic of Fiji
· Staff of the Marshall Islands Embassy
· Marshall Islands Community based here in Fiji; and
· Friends of the Marshall Islands.
· It is my privilege to welcome you to your Secretariat this morning, to commemorate Presidents Day and the birthday of your founding father and the first President of the Marshall Islands, Amata Kabua.
· And thank you for sharing this national holiday with us.
· Today we gather to commemorate the past and present leadership of the Marshall Islands, and their roles in shaping our beloved Blue Pacific.
· And of course, we are all aware of the leadership that the Marshall Islands has played at the regional and global levels.
· Her Excellency Hilda Heine remains a powerful force on our most crucial regional priorities. Climate change, oceans, peace and security, nuclear legacy issues, to name but a few.
· Indeed, each administration over the years has contributed to the foundation upon which the Marshall Islands continues to build a brighter future for its people. President Henie’s leadership contributes to a legacy of great Leaders that have come before her.
· Ladies and gentlemen, earlier this year I travelled to the Marshall Islands for the first time. It was a truly special moment for me to be among the Marshallesse people – to make connections, share stories, to build and renew relationships.
· On my first morning I walked past a notice board at the Marshall Islands Resort with the picture of former President the Honourable Christopher Loeak. Beneath the photo was a statement by the great Leader, which read:
“In the Marshall Islands, our national motto is ‘Jepilpilin Ke Ejukaan’, which means ‘accomplishment through joint effort’. Cooperation and community deeply define who we are as a people, and who we are as a nation.”
· This quote set the foundations for the rest of my visit to your beautiful country. It demonstrated to me that the concept of regionalism is one that comes naturally to the Marshallese people.
· At times, we are guilty of over complicating what regionalism means, or what it is. Your national motto – ‘Joint effort’ and ‘cooperation through community’ – is the neatest and simplest way to define what we pursue through Pacific regionalism.
· And so while we commemorate the President’s of the Marshall Islands, today I will also reflect on the leadership of the Marshallese people in our Blue Pacific, and all you do for Pacific regionalism.
· I encourage you to elevate your leadership at the regional level, and I look forward to our continued engagement as we collectively pursue our Leaders’ vision.
· I wish you all a great Presidents Day and thank you again for this opportunity to celebrate the Marshall Islands.
· Kommol Tata--I thank you.--ENDS
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