RMI PRESIDENT BRIEFED ON USAKA TRANSFORMATION

UNCLAS MAJURO 000082 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MARR ECON RM SUBJECT: RMI PRESIDENT BRIEFED ON USAKA TRANSFORMATION ¶1. SUMMARY: On July 17, USAKA Commander Colonel Stevenson Reed and the Ambassador briefed President Tomeing and his cabinet about the current status of the USAKA transformation plan. The briefing was given to ensure that the GRMI had the most up to date status of the plan before Colonel Reed leaves post on July 31. The briefing focused on several positive developments that are easing the pain felt by the RMI due to USAKA's need to address budget reductions. END SUMMARY ¶2. The briefing was a follow up promised by Colonel Reed when he first briefed the Tomeing Government on the USAKA transformation plan in February 2008. The meeting opened with a prepared statement by President Tomeing, extolling the positive relationship with USAKA. He mentioned that Col. Reed's last briefing left him with many sleepless nights and that he hoped he would get more sleep after this briefing. He concluded his remarks by extending an offer to 'Bwebwenato' (Marshallese for chit -chat) anytime regarding mutual concerns. ¶3. Col Reed's briefing was accompanied by a power point formatted hand out that was distributed to all in attendance. The briefing focused mainly on new developments that have resulted in fewer job losses for RMI workers on USAKA. Col. Reed emphasized ongoing efforts at remediation for those workers who have been released, including job training and priority for other job openings. He specifically noted that grand-fathered employees whose position were eliminated had highest priority for available jobs, assuming they were qualified. Due to the opening of the Army-Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) food court at USAKA there was a net employment gain in this area of food service, as the need exceeded the number of positions eliminated prior to the transition to AAFES. ¶4. There were few questions at the conclusion of the briefing. One dealt with the presence of local concessionaires in the yet to be completed retail store. Col Reed indicated that space would be made available for a limited number of local concessionaires. At the conclusion of the briefing, President Tomeing indicated that he may sleep better. BISHOP