Miss Jaluit Claret Chong Gum of the Rikpikareej clan was crowned the new Miss Marshall Islands by former MMI Billma Peter

A national referendum on seven constitutional amendments and a special election for Namdrik Mayor were held simultaneously and both have been characterized by a low turnout of voters; polling stations around Majuro registered an average 34%

A deep sea mapping project will focus on the Marshall Islands as one of areas in the region to have their ocean floors mapped this year: the Ocean Exploration Trust is partnering with MI Marine Resources Authority on the upcoming visit of vessel Nautilus

The annual Secondary School Practicum Program has been launched: the practice provides hands-on experience to 357 students across ministries, agencies and private sector companies in Majuro, Wotje, Jaluit, Ebeye, and Enniburr, Kwajalein

The RMI passport facility, now tiny, will soon get a more convenient site near the Majuro Water and Sewer Company to turn it into an office for the passport program; renovations have been approved at Presidential level