U.S. airline security measures hamper exporters from the Marshalls
Businesses in Micronesia are worried about a new TSA security directive which stipulates that freight can no longer be accepted from individual shippers, and must be forwarded through a cargo agent, consolidator, or freight forwarder
When Ronald Reagan ran against Jimmy Carter in the 1980 presidential elections, a group of Southern Democrats, disenchanted with Carter, formed a “Democrats for Reagan” committee. They raised money and engaged in other campaign activities, and expected, as members of such groups typically do, that some of them would be rewarded for their effort. Indeed, President Reagan selected one member of the group to be the U.S. ambassador to Micronesia. Some members thought they deserved more, and during the March 1981 farewell party for the group, one of its members was heard to complain that it was unfair, and that a member of the group deserved at least the ambassadorship to Macronesis, not merely the ambassadorship to Micronesia.
People at Micronesia are worried: A newly announced U.S. airline security directive is sparking concern among businesses and individuals in the western Pacific who send freight on Continental Micronesia airlines. The U.S. Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) has told Continental Airlines that freight can no longer be accepted from individual shippers, and must be forwarded through a cargo agent, consolidator or freight forwarder.
The ruling affects cargo from Majuro, Kwajalein, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap and Palau. Local businessmen in Majuro say the directive adds another layer of paperwork and cost that will make their products less competitive.
Continental officials say they are negotiating with the TSA for exemptions for these small islands many of which have few licensed cargo agents. There are only three on Majuro.
