June 2020

On Friday, June 19, 2020, NMCB-5 Detail Pohnpei officially handed over the remaining shower and toilet facilities for the COVID-19 Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) at Dekehtik. Governor Oliver formally accepted the last set of shower and toilet facilities on behalf of the Pohnpei State Government, for a total of six toilet/shower combinations and four toilets and four showers stand-alone, portable facilities. This project began in April and as part of Pohnpei’s Covid-19 response plan, was initiated to ensure restroom facilities are compliant with international standards for quarantine. As a show of appreciation and gratitude, US Ambassador to the FSM, H.E. Carmen Cantor and members of the NMCB-5 team, led by Lieutenant Brian Wood, were invited to the Pohnpei Port Authority Conference room after the turnover ceremony and presented with Certificates of Appreciation by Governor Oliver and Speaker Lambert “In recognition of their outstanding service to the people of Pohnpei” during their extended deployment.     In his remarks, Governor Oliver thanked LT Wood and his team for their many contributions to the state of Pohnpei including the Saladak Dispensary, Pehleng Elementary School, Sokehs Powe Elementary School projects and others, including numerous community volunteer activities such as beach clean-ups, that they undertook during their nine-month deployment to Pohnpei. Speaker Lambert echoed the sentiments and added that their contributions are significant and beneficial to the people of Pohnpei now and for many years to come. H.E. Carmen Cantor, U.S. Ambassador to the FSM, also gave a brief statement of thanks to LT Wood and his team and Governor Oliver, highlighting the continued cooperation and special friendship between the USA and FSM. LT Wood presented Governor Oliver with a small token of appreciation from the team, a set of NMCB-5 work shirts with a map of Pohnpei. Thank you and kalahngan lap to NMCB-5 Detail Pohnpei and US Embassy Kolonia. For more information on this story, please contact the Public Information Officer at 320-2235 or email: pohnpeipublicinformation@gmail.com

On the morning of June 22, 2020, Governor Oliver joined H.E. Carmen Cantor, US Ambassador to FSM, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Kandhi Eliesar, US Defense Attache’ LtCol. Erin Richter, NMCB-5 Detail Pohnpei Officer in Charge, LT. Brian Wood and US Embassy Staff at the arrival hall of the Pohnpei International Airport for a short ceremony to re-unveil new photos of the FSM Fallen Soldiers. Four of the ten FSM Soldiers honored on the wall are from Pohnpei: US Army Sergeant, Skipper Soram, died September 22, 2004, serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom US Army Specialist, Derence J. Weilbacher Jack, died October 31, 2005 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom US Army Specialist, Henry Paul, died September 26, 2006 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom US Army Sergeant Youvert Loney, died September 5, 2009, serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. Photos: Courtesy of Abigail Kim, U.S. Embassy Kolonia.  

Enginkehlap News Line up:   Virtual conference with JCRP Wiekupwur en Mwoalen Wahu Ileilehn Wein Pohnpei Virtual conference with President Panuelo and State Governors COVID-19 Donations Updates provided to the Governor’s Office   You can also listen to the news in Pohnpeian: Enginkehlap News Excerpts 1.Monday, June 1, 2020 – Governor Oliver joined a virtual conference with the Joint Committee on Compact Review and Planning (JCRP).  Chief Negotiator and FSM President’s Chief of Staff Leo Falcam, Jr. and JCRP Chairman, former Ambassador AsterioTakesy, shared a broad timeline for compact re-negotiations this year.  Chairman Takesy said the next three months would consist of virtual meetings with the U.S. Compact negotiation team and depending on the COVID-19 situation, face-to-face meetings will take place later in the year followed by outcomes in January 2021.  Governor Oliver thanked the JCRP for the updates and noted that he would be coordinating with Pohnpei’s JCRP representative, FSM Congress Vice Speaker Esmond Moses, and former Speaker of the FSM Congress, Mr. Bethwel Henry, for input and updates as negotiations move forward.  Also on the call, were the Governors of Kosrae, Yap, and Chuuk.  Attending the zoom conference with Governor Oliver, was Lieutenant Governor Perman, Public Affairs Officer, Kapilly Capelle, and External Grants Coordinator, Ms. Shirley Ligohr, Chief of Staff Suzanne Lowe Gallen and PIO Patrick Pedrus. The Royal Council of Chiefs of Pohnpei, MwoalenWahu, requested a meeting with the COVID-19 Task Force.  Chairman and Director of the Department of Health and Social Services, Mr. Wincener David, and Vice Chairman and Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl attended the meeting.  Updates were provided on the repatriation of Pohnpei residents and two resolutions to amend Constitutional Emergency Order (CEO) 20-02 being proposed by the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature – the first concerning social and physical distancing mandates and penalties when the first positive case reaches Pohnpei and the second regarding interstate travel.  The Chair and Vice-Chairman informed the Mwoalen Wahu that equipment and material for the Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) in Dekehtik are being ordered while the grounds are being prepared to accommodate 30 container units for quarantine.  The resolutions are still pending approval by the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, in their ongoing current session. Present at the Royal gathering: Isipahu, IsoNahnken Madolenihmw, IsoNahnken U, IsoNahnken Nett, Likend Madolenihmw, LuhkenLengso, Dauk Kitti, IsoNahlaimw Madolenihmw,Nahnmadau en Idehd Kitti, Nante Kitti.  IsoNahnken Nett is the Chairman of the Mwoalen Mwahu. On Thursday, June 4, 2020, Governor Oliver and Lieutenant Governor Perman participated in a virtual conference with President Panuelo and the State Governors of Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap. Also joining the conference were COVID-19 Task Force Chair and Director of Health and Social Services, Mr. Wincener David and Chief of Staff, Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen. The discussion topics included the planning progress for financial assistance to stranded FSM citizens, current readiness status and COVID-19 preparedness, recently adopted congressional resolution amending the emergency declaration, and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program update.  Governor Oliver received confirmation from President Panuelo that the FSM National Government will be supporting COVID-19 testing abroad before currently, stranded citizens return from COVID-19 infected areas.  Chair David updated the President on the progress of the Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) and readiness to receive returning residents.  While the MMA estimated completion time is in August 2020, he did note that due to limited capacity, only a controlled, pre-determined number of returning residents would be allowed to disembark in Pohnpei once travel restrictions are lifted.  Chair David noted that Pohnpei’s quarantine facilities are still receiving fishing vessel crewmembers who are disembarking for medical emergencies and injuries.  Governor Oliver conveyed to President Panuelo that while the new Congressional Resolution 21-149 presents challenges for preparation and readiness to receive Pohnpei residents, because of the continued fishing operations in Pohnpei waters, Pohnpei State will continue to align response efforts with the National Government, to protect and safeguard the people.   A brief update on the Pandemic Unemployment assistance was shared by Secretary of Finance, Mr. Eugene Amor, who later met the Governor and other Pohnpei State Government officials to share further details of this new program. COVID-19 Donations: The Governor’s Office and COVID-19 Task Force are grateful for the generous donations from local businesses and organizations, which will greatly assist with Pohnpei’s COVID-19 response efforts. The Office of the Governor would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their generous donations to date: Pohnpei Hardware – 500 face masks FSMTC – 2000 face masks Marcela Foundation – 10,500 face masks + additional numbers to be confirmed Yoshie Enterprises – 500 face masks A detailed list of donations to Pohnpei State Government from resident Embassies and international organizations can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nKyYLgZuF5_WVqIvcj7vTzayXZkYCmsI/view Here are updates provided to the Governor’s Office from some of our Pohnpei State Government Departments and Offices: The Pohnpei Transportation Authority (PTA) has been busy patching potholes across the island. Most recently, PTA was busy repairing numerous potholes on the pavement in Nett, from Genesis Hospital to the Nett District Government Office buildings.  PTA is also helping Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC) and Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) with the ongoing design and construction of the COVID-19 Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) in Dekehtik.   The Commissioner of PTA is Mr. Welson Panuel. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently disinfected an incoming cargo vessel, the Kyowa Stark as part of the Pohnpei State Government’s continuing COVID-19 response prevention efforts.  The Executive Director of EPA is Mr. Henry Susaia.   Department of Resources and Development: A total of 78 farmers visited the Agriculture office and received services from our Agriculture staff including seeds, animal medications, fertilizers, seedlings, and tractor services.  The Director of the Department of Resources and Development is Mr. Hubert Yamada.   Department of Health and Social Services: Construction of walkways to the isolation rooms at the Pohnpei State Hospital is complete, with roofing currently being placed by the contractor.  The Director of the Department of Health and Social Services is Mr. Wincener David.   Department of Education: Training

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find posted, the full Legislative Resolution 34-20 LD1 amending Constitutional Emergency Order 20-02, signed by the Honorable Ausen T. Lambert, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature on June 9, 2020, as follows: “Unless revoked or amended sooner, this Constitutional Emergency Order is valid for a period of sixty (60) days counting from May 11, 2020.” Click the link below to download the PDF file: Leg. Resolution No. 34-20, LD1

SPECIFIC PROCUREMENT NOTICE Federated States of Micronesia Project for Strengthening Public Financial Management Grant No.:          IDA / D324-FM Contract title:    Supply and Installation of a Financial Management Information System (FMIS) RFB No:             FM-DOFA-66242-GO-RFB   The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Project for Strengthening Public Financial Management and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for the Supply and Installation of a Financial Management Information System (FMIS) which will be a configurable, COTS (commercial off the shelf) financial management package, to be implemented based on a load-balancing technology using an underlying distributed database architecture supporting one national government and a clustered database for four state governments. For this contract, the Borrower shall process the payments using the Direct Payment disbursement method, as defined in the World Bank’s Disbursement Guidelines for Investment Project Financing, except for those payments, which the contract provides to be made through a letter of credit. The Department of Finance and Administration of the National Government, on behalf of the FSM now invites sealed Bids or encrypted and protected with a password or password-protected bids from eligible Bidders for the Supply, Installation, Integration, Testing and Commissioning of a Financial Management Information System (FMIS) and related Services. The entire turnkey solution will comprise a commercially available configurable off-the-shelf (COTS) financial management information system (FMIS) deployed as a distributed database solution to be accessed discretely by the national and four state governments (Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap) that comprise the Federated States of Micronesia. The National Government is based in the national capital Palikir (located on the island of Pohnpei). The State level governments are based in their on-island capitals. Distances between States and the National Capital are significant – Chuuk 740 km, Kosrae 550 km, and Yap 1700 km. All islands except Kosrae are linked inter-island and therefore internationally by reliable fiber optic cable. Kosrae is planned to be connected by fiber in early 2022. For the National Government, a central server room with multiple servers will be located at the Department of Finance and Administration (DoFA) in Palikir which will provide a replicated/ mirrored or equivalent service for National applications such as FMIS, hereafter referred to as “DoFA Central Servers’ Room”.  This is a centralized managed facility providing oversight and management of all security, network, management, user access, and data management for National FMIS and other national applications, e.g. RMS. The service design of the DoFA Central Servers’ Room is such that it represents effectively a mostly generic Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) resource for any FSM National government application, wherever it may be located in FSM. The FMIS solution is expected to provide each State government with control over on-site management such as data and security, combined with optional off-site highly encrypted data back-up to a physical device (USB stick), a separately provided cloud-based backup storage service either at the DoFA Central Servers’ Room or elsewhere. The National Government and 4 States will each have exclusive ring-fenced access to their own data and be directly responsible to administer user privileges to their specific environment. Where relevant, data may be partitioned in shared infrastructure and according to their responsibilities. The National Government and 4 States will have their own servers for daily in-country and in-State back-up of data.  For States, this data – as noted above – could also be transferred to external devices and stored at a secondary location locally based on a per State back-up policy. For State level service delivery, the FMIS service is self-contained in each State Treasury and is intended to run independently of the National FMIS operations.  Additional services can be provided from the DoFA Central Servers’ Room by-election or upon request. National Government data held at National Field Offices (NFO) will be replicated in real-time or close to real-time to DoFA Central Servers’ Room such that the data is part of a homogeneous distributed database or according to the Supplier’s solution partitioned by island. State data will be replicated between clustered dual servers located within the State IT operations and will not participate in replication to DoFA Central Servers’ in the first implementation. There is nothing in the DoFA Central Servers’ Room or infrastructure design to stop DoFA providing such a State-isolated service if so requested. The policy of the National and State governments is that cloud storage services are not to be used as a method of active FMIS delivery for live operations or disaster recovery. This policy is based upon retaining control of live sovereign data and operations only within the jurisdiction of FSM. The solutions for National and State implementations will require necessary design, configuration and commissioning and testing of the required National and State FMIS application functionality; project management, training, integration support, and other services as described in the Bidding Documents, sufficient to ensure the full operational capacity of the supplied goods and services. The FMIS Operational Acceptance is planned to achieve within eighteen (18) months from the Contract Effective Date. The Bidders shall meet the following minimum qualification criteria to demonstrate their general and specific experience and capabilities to successfully complete the Contract: (a) the Bidder’s net worth for the last three (3) years calculated as the difference between total assets and total liabilities should be positive. In the case of a Joint Venture, each Joint Venture member should meet this requirement; (b) minimum average annual turnover of USD 3 million, calculated as total certified payments received for contracts in progress or completed, within the last three (3) years. In case of a Joint Venture each Joint Venture member should have not less than 25% and at least one JV member not less than50% of the minimum average annual turnover; (c) access to, or availability of, financial resources such as liquid assets, unencumbered real assets, lines of credit, and other financial means in the amount of at least two hundred fifty-thousand US Dollars (USD250,000). In the case of a Joint

Enginkehlap News Excerpts 25-29 May 2020 You can listen to the audio version on V6AH’s Facebook Page at 8 am and 4 pm: Click Here  You can also listen to the Pohnpeian version anytime online:  Enginkehlap News Excerpts After 11 months, construction on the Kahmar Bridge in Nett is complete. A final joint safety inspection is required before opening the bridge for public use.  The Pohnpei State Office of Transportation and Infrastructure will conduct the joint inspection with the FSM Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure and China Railway Construction Company (CRCC).  Additionally, engineering work on the Lukop, Madolenihmw to Kepine, Kitti secondary road project is complete. The next step will be to pave the road. Both projects have been generously funded by the People’s Republic of China and the FSM National Government. With the help of the Madolenihmw and Kitti Municipal Governments, Departments of Health and Social Services, Treasury and Administration, and the Pohnpei Transportation Authority, Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC) are currently drawing up plans to rehabilitate the Pohnlangas and Wene Dispensaries. The Department of Public Safety is also helping with coordination and cooperation through the use of their fire trucks to transport water to the dispensary tanks and providing inmates from the Pohnpei rehabilitation center to help with the cleanup of the tanks. The proposed plans include new 1500 gallon water tanks, rehabilitation of plumbing, and new sinks. On May 26, 2020, the Director of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, updated Governor Oliver and the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force on plans for the next school year 2020-2021.  The plan includes a blend of on-site learning with a limited amount of students in classrooms and distance learning on the internet, as applicable, or home-schooling.  On-site learning will involve dividing up the students into groups and limiting the school days.  Distance learning will involve utilizing the internet and sending lessons by email or uploading on the Department of Education’s website.  Home Schooling will involve delivering lessons to homes.  All plans are in strict compliance with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Members of the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force and the Judiciary & Governmental Operations Committee of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature met at the Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) in Dekehtik on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. The Task Force representatives updated Senators on the progress of the containment facilities that will be used to quarantine incoming passengers. The visit was made following a public hearing to propose amendments by the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature to the current Constitutional Emergency Order (CEO) 20-02. The proposed amendments are provisions to regulate interstate travel and temporary enforcement measures, including penalties when Pohnpei has a confirmed case of COVID-19. The amendments, submitted under Legislative Resolutions 29-20 and 30-20 are still under review in the ongoing session of Legislature. The public will be updated on any amendments and developments relevant to CEO 20-02. Senators from the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature who visited the MMA included Chairman of Judiciary and Governmental Operations, Senator Jack Harris, Floor Leader McGarry Miguel, Senator Dahker Daniel, Senator Marvin Yamaguchi, Senator Mitaro Simina and Senator Steve Joseph.   Pohnpei State COVID-19 status: Pohnpei State continues to be in a state of emergency and there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19. Quarantine facilities at China Star Hotel continue to hold crew from fishing vessels who have sought emergency disembarkation, in accordance with Pohnpei Constitutional Emergency Order 20-02, and are closely monitored by Health and Security Personnel.  The Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) in Dekehtik is under construction with the help of PPA, PTA, PUC, and the U.S. Navy Seabees, and will serve as quarantine and containment center for Pohnpeian residents wishing to return home when the time is right. The Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force is currently working on standard operating procedures (SOP) to allow incoming passengers to disembark in Pohnpei. Pohnpei residents stranded in Hawaii and Guam have been asked to register at the FSM Consulates in preparation for their return home, in small, manageable groups in line with capacity limitations, on dates yet to be determined. The Pohnpei Covid-19 Task Force will be coordinating these efforts with the National Covid-19 Task Force. Because of the numerous unprecedented disembarkations from fishing vessels, as long as fishing vessels are still in operation in Pohnpei ports, the State will not be able to foresee and have the assurance of adequate space in quarantine to bring anyone from Guam, Hawaii or elsewhere.   The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised against quarantine co-mingling of individuals from low-risk areas, a category which fishing vessels currently fall under, and individuals from higher risk areas, a category which anyone come from a Covid-infected area would fall under. On Wednesday, May 27, Governor Oliver sent a letter to the Speaker of the 21st FSM Congress, T.H. Wesley W. Simina. The letter expressed Governor Oliver’s concerns over FSM Congressional Resolution 21-138.  The resolution allows fishing vessels to continue operating in Pohnpei waters and as a result, Pohnpei has seen an increase in cases from fishing vessels that require disembarkation and quarantine due to medical and other emergencies.  Governor Oliver requested a temporary halt of fishing activities at least until stranded Micare referral patients and their attendants return home. The Pohnpei Covid-19 Task Force has been provided information on the number, location, and health status of all Pohnpeian resident crew on fishing vessels in the region. The Medical Team has advised that any Pohnpei resident crew wishing to disembark should immediately notify the proper authorities. Since the beginning of the ongoing pandemic, fisheries observers and crew wishing to disembark in Pohnpei and who fall under paragraph 6 of the Constitutional Emergency Order (CEO) have been allowed to disembark in most instances. As of this date, no Pohnpei resident has ever been declined disembarkation On Wednesday, May 27, Chief executives from the local municipal governments and members of local NGO’s were given a presentation by the U Corona Volunteers (UCV) on resiliency and preparedness for COVID-19. Governor Oliver commended UCV’s

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find the latest COVID-19 situation report from the Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services, Situation Report No. 15: To download the PDF version:  Situation Report No. 15 Kalanghan.