The opening ceremony for the RMI Northwest Consulate Office was a special event, even the rain stopped for the event. The US national anthem performed by West Park High School freshman, Chloe Muller, and RMI national anthem performed by the Salem JRD choir was particularly moving, several people in attendance joined in song. The event was opened with a pray by Reverend Aimon Teiko, Portland JRD, and special remarks by Honorable Brenson S Wase, Speaker of the RMI Nitijela. Honorable Kalani Kaneko, RMI Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave the keynote address and remarks on behalf of President Heine. These remarks as well as official press release from the Office of the President, Republic of the Marshall Islands emphasized how establishing a Northwest Consulate Office represents a significant step in enhancing support for the Marshallese communities in the United States by providing crucial services and resources to Marshallese individuals and families across the country. The President’s Outreach Plan has already sent Consular visits to over 30 Marshallese communities in the U.S. with plans for visits to more 70 more this year. The event closed with a prayer and blessing by Pastor Darrell Lemari, dinner and cultural reception. Compliments also to the young women who performed the flag dance, the girls who performed other cultural dances during the reception, and the Consulate staff who organized the dinner and reception so that all visiting could greet and even take pictures with the President Hilda Heine & First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner Jr, Speaker Brenson S Wase, Minister Kaneko & Mrs. Kaneko, Senator and Chairman Wilbur Heine, Senaotr and Chairman Joe Bejang, and Northwest Consul General Eldon Alik.

Kommool ñan Thomas Jinna and President Heine’s Press Secretary for the many wonderful pictures.