MARSHALL ISLANDS: Responding to the Emergency

Update Report on the Republic of the Marshall Islands State of Economic Emergency Stemming from the Energy and Food Crises

The Emergency Declaration. The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has recently experienced unprecedented increases in the costs of imported fuel and staple food items. This high and sustained inflation in energy and food prices has had significant impacts on the economy and people of the RMI. This prompted President Litokwa Tomeing and his Cabinet to officially declare a State of Economic Emergency on July 3, 2008.

Why the RMI declared an official emergency. While all Pacific Island nations are facing the same set of energy and food related challenges, the RMI is the only one to have gone so far as declaring an official State of Economic Emergency. The RMI


First, given the high and sustained inflation in energy and food prices, the RMI chose to officially declare a State of Economic Emergency as a means to immediately address the situation and to prevent and mitigate against a national disaster. Second, an official emergency declaration constitutes a strong and vocal statement that will raise local, regional and international attention and awareness on the development challenges facing the RMI. Third, an official emergency declaration would help mobilize domestic and international resources and assistance. Fourth, an official emergency declaration should help the country strengthen its resolve and focus to dramatically improve its self-reliance, sustainability and long-term security, particularly with respect to food and energy supply.

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