Hon. Bikini Mayor Tomaki Juda & Hon. Bikini Senator Henchi Balos prior to the ceremony.

The crowds began to come around 4 p.m. when the main road in Majuro was blocked off. The celebration, which did not end until 12 midnight, was opened by the Uliga Church Youth Group which led the guests in the singing of the Marshall Islands National Anthem.

The President of the Marshall Islands, Kessai Note, and his newly chosen cabinet attended the festivities, along with the Ambassadors from the United States and Taiwan.

The Kili/Bikini/Ejit Police Force put on their usual bang-up show as they raised the flags of the Marshall Islands, the United States and Bikini Atoll.


The Kili/Bikini/Ejit Local Government Council and Mayor Juda were sworn in by Judge Rilley Albettar


Speeches were made by Senator Henchi Balos, President Kessai Note, U.S. Ambassador Joan Plaisted, Speaker of the Nitijela Litokwa Tomeing, Iroij Telnan Lanki and Bikini Trust Liaison Jack Niedenthal [not pictured].


Keys for the building were turned over to the Mayor by Annette Note, and the ribbon was cut by Marilyn Lokebol, First Lady Mary Note & Councilwoman Ketruth Juda

Food, conversation and dances rounded off the celebration that was attended by several thousand residents of Majuro Atoll.

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