September 2020

1.On Monday, September 14, 2020, Governor Oliver received the Committee to Wait on the Governor from the third regular session of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Marvin Yamaguchi of Kolonia was joined by Senator Mitaro Simina of Sokehs and Senator Kasinda Ludwig of Kapingamarangi. Chairman Yamaguchi advised Governor Oliver that the Legislature has started their third and final regular session for this fiscal year that will run for 30 days and the focus of this session will be on the FY21 budget.  Governor Oliver thanked Chairman Yamaguchi and the Committee for their visit and shared updates from the Executive branch including the FY21 Budget, COVID-19 continuing preparations, and activities, Pohnpei State Government administration building renovations, Government housing renovations, and a briefing done by the members of the FSM Joint Committee on Compact Renegotiations.   2.  On Wednesday, September 16, 2020, Governor Oliver met with the Board of the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture.  Mr. Donald David is the Chairman, and he was accompanied by acting Administrator, Mrs. Herleen Cheida, and OFA Staff member, Mrs. Memory Route. Chairman David updated Governor Oliver on the successful deployment of four Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) around Pohnpei and And Atoll.  Chairman David noted the assistance from NGOs, community fishing groups, and regional organizations, like the Pohnpei Fishing Club and the Tuna Commission in the deployment of the FADs which are yielding daily catches ranging from 300 to 1000 lbs.  He asked Governor Oliver for his support and endorsement to purchase more FADS to deploy around Pohnpei, mentioning the increase in awareness and support from local fishermen.  Governor Oliver was happy to hear of the successful deployments and advised Chairman David and the OFA staff that he will be working with his staff to transmit a request to Legislature for additional funding to support this activity. 3. On Wednesday, September 16, 2020, the Department of Health and Social Services Director and Chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force, Mr. Wincener David, approved the release of 16 guidelines and advisories for the general public.  The guidelines and advisories include social and physical distancing guidelines, spitting advisory, worship advisory, sakau advisory, office visit advisory, travel advisory, taxi, and ridesharing advisory, funeral advisory, human remains advisory, business advisory, take out advisory, election advisory, restaurant advisory, and face mask guidelines.  These are guidelines and advisories to help stop the spread of COVID-19.  The guidelines and advisories can be found on the Department of Health and Social Services website at this link: https://psdhs.fm/index.php/public-info/news-and-updates/137-guidelines-and-advisories-for-public-information    4. On Thursday, September 17, 2020, Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman attended a presentation on the PRIME Project: Environmental and Social Safeguards Assessment and Instruments.  PRIME stands for Prioritized Road Investment and Management Enhancement.  This $40 million project is financed by the World Bank through Argo Environmental consultants from New Zealand, with consultations across the FSM including in Pohnpei with the FSM Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure (T, C & I ) and Pohnpei State Office of Transportation and Infrastructure (T & I).  In his remarks, Governor Oliver advocated for Pohnpei’s transportation infrastructure to be prioritized as the capital of FSM.  He shared two examples that highlight the importance of road investment and management.  He spoke of a small cement culvert that wasn’t properly maintained and broke, causing transportation problems for up to eight hours into and out of Madolenihmw.  He also spoke of the contrast of a having a deteriorating bridge next to the newly renovated Kahmar Bridge that was recently renovated in Nett.   Argo environment was represented by Mr. Eugene Joseph from Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) who gave an overview of the project during this initial stakeholder consultation that included the Governor’s Office, the Pohnpei State Department of Resources and Development, Division of Social Services, Environmental Protection Agency, FSM Finance, and the Pohnpei Senior citizens group.  According to Mr. Joseph and FSM Finance’s Mr. Wilmer Kilmete, the Awak bridge has been identified as a priority project to be replaced for now.  Priority projects have been identified across the FSM by Argo Environmental and FSM TC & I. During the question and answer session that followed the presentation, the Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, provided some feedback on the project objectives, echoing Governor Oliver’s remarks to prioritize Pohnpei’s road investment and infrastructure.     5. On September 13, 2020, Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, happily informed Governor Oliver that two fishermen who did not return as scheduled were found at Ahnd Atoll, safe and sound the following day.  The fishermen were not lost at sea, but instead had diverted their course to Ahnd Atoll, the closest piece of land, due to bad weather. Please remember to never go fishing alone, always take a partner.  It is always good practice to take a cell phone when fishing in case you may need to call for assistance.  It’s also recommended that you advise family and friends when and where you are fishing and what time to expect your return.  Other safety items, if available, include a flashlight, flotation devices, first aid kit, whistle, and extra fuel and water.  You can also call the weather station before going fishing for the latest weather forecasts at 320-5788 in English and 320-5789 in Pohnpeian.  

On September 22, 2020, Governor Oliver attended the memorial mass of Mr. Peter Sitan at the Catholic Mission Church in Kolonia. Mr. Sitan was the President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FSM National Fisheries Corporation (NFC).  He was reported missing while fishing on July 11, 2020. His remains were recovered 160 miles away on Pingelap Atoll on Saturday, September 19, 2020, more than two months after he was reported missing at sea near Pohnpei. Governor Oliver offered his sincere condolences to the family of the late Mr. Peter Sitan on behalf of Lt. Governor Perman, Speaker Ausen T. Lambert, Vice Speaker Stevic Edwin, who were present, and the leadership of Pohnpei State Government. Governor Oliver acknowledged the late Mr. Sitan’s accomplishments and contributions to the State of Pohnpei and the FSM in his capacities as a former Congressman, 4th FSM Constitutional Convention Delegate, and President/CEO of NFC, headquartered here in Pohnpei. He was a resident of Pohnpei, married to Mrs. Elihter Edgar Sitan, and they had two children together, two adopted and one from his previous marriage. His traditional title from Pwoud Lepen Nett and Serihn Serihn Iso Nahnken in Nett was Nahnwahn Dolen Katau Nett.   Later in a separate meeting, Governor Oliver thanked all the Agencies and Departments who took part in the search, rescue, and recovery efforts including the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Health and Social Services, the Office of Fisheries, and Aquaculture, and the Pohnpei Port Authority.

  The Pohnpei State Government wishes to update the general public on efforts to repatriate citizens and residents from abroad. These efforts have been progressing since travel restrictions were established in March and as of last week, have been focused on the prioritization of repatriating medical referral patients and students stranded on Guam. The Pohnpei State and National COVID-19 Task Forces have been working hard to ensure that any inbound travel is done with minimal risk to all involved. This has included requiring COVID-19 testing with negative results, a pre-departure 14-day quarantine at a designated facility in Guam with daily monitoring, and additional negative-result testing prior to being allowed to board the plane to Pohnpei. Upon arrival, an additional 14-day quarantine would be required, with further testing on day 7 and day 14, with negative results prior to release. In a letter to the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force Chairman, Director Wincener David, dated September 23, 2020, Secretary and National Task Force Chairman Dr. Livingston A. Taulung conveyed that the FSM National Government has decided to shift repatriation efforts, to begin with, the COVID-19 free jurisdictions. “This will enable us to practically and fully exercise our emergency preparedness capacities, capabilities, protocols, standard operating procedures (SOP) and facilities prior to repatriation from Guam and other COVID-19 affected countries/areas,” he stated. In his response, Chairman David thanked the FSM National Government for being supportive of the Pohnpei State Task Force’s pending request to prioritize repatriation from COVID-19 free areas. Chairman David noted, “While the request to begin with the RMI repatriation was meant to supplement the Guam repatriation, it was not meant to supplant what we have collectively been working towards.” In regard to the initially proposed first group to be repatriated from Guam, i.e. the medical referral patients, he further noted, “the longer we keep them out there, the more at risk they are because of their underlying medical conditions.” Chairman David further conveyed that the Pohnpei State Task Force understands the concerns regarding Pohnpei’s readiness and agreed that starting the repatriation process in COVID-free jurisdictions will not only help test our preparedness capacities but also identify and address any remaining gaps in the process. The Task Force has been working hard to close gaps that were identified in the most recent simulation exercise, including ensuring the quarantine site has essential equipment available, facilities are wheelchair accessible, there is a triage and testing area, additional PPE donning area designated, and sufficient staff has been identified. On the issue of staffing shortages and capacities, nurses have received additional infection prevention and control training and will be rostered for the full 14 days of quarantine, with a physician on standby, and upon entry into quarantine, no one will be allowed out until the full 14 days are completed, provided that there are no positive cases. Other capacity building has included workshops on contact tracing, refreshers on the appropriate use of PPEs, and ventilator training. The Governor’s Office wishes to assure the people of Pohnpei that the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force will continue working with the FSM National Government to ensure that our citizens and residents are repatriated at the right time and in the safest and most responsible manner while ensuring that the public is confident in our efforts and process. Further updates will be issued as the situation develops. For more information on this news release or on repatriation efforts, please contact the Public Information Officer (publicinformation@pohnpei.gov.fm).      

On Wednesday, September 23, 2020, Governor Reed B. Oliver officially received the donated equipment from H.E. Hidenobu Sobashima, Japanese Ambassador to the FSM. Over USD $714,000.00 worth of equipment was donated to various Departments and Offices throughout Pohnpei State Government. After an opening prayer by the Director of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, the program was introduced by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen. She noted that the donated equipment was received through a non-project aid from the Government of Japan from 2016. Chief of Staff Gallen called attention to the format and venue of this ceremony, as opposed to previous ceremony locations, due to the social and physical distancing guidelines currently in place. H.E. Hidenobu Sobashima expressed his sincere appreciation to the leadership of the Pohnpei State Government for all the efforts made in the fight against COVID-19. He was happy to note that the excavators have already been utilized in the fight against COVID-19 while preparing the Medical Monitoring Area in Dekehtik for quarantine. Other equipment, he said, will be used to strengthen Pohnpei’s infrastructure in their respective areas. Governor Oliver in his remarks conveyed his gratitude for the handover of the equipment, acknowledging the previous administration’s efforts in this handover. He noted that through the collaborative efforts of the Departments and Offices receiving the donated equipment, the people of Pohnpei will benefit greatly from these generous donations. Governor Oliver said he was also looking forward to the completion of projects made possible by the assistance of the Government of Japan including the new recycling center in Dekehtik and the Nan Madol Visitor Information Center in Temwen, Madolenihmw. He ended his remarks in Japanese to Ambassador Sobashima with a heartfelt “Domo Arigato Gozaimasu” Equipment donated to the Pohnpei State Government: -One biological coagulation analyzer to the Department of Health and Social Services -Two water tank trucks to the Department of Public Safety -Two wood chippers to the Environmental Protection Agency and the    Department of Resources and Development -Two dump trucks and four excavators to the Pohnpei Transport Authority For more information on this press release, please contact the Public Information Officer at 320- 2235 or email: patrick.pedrus@pohnpei.gov.fm.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2020, Pohnpei State Local Chief Executives met at the Governor’s Conference Room at 10:00 AM. The main purpose of the meeting was to reorganize after the Chairman resigned from his post as Chief Executive of his municipality. The new Officers of the Pohnpei State Local Chief Executives Organization are as follows: Chairman: Antonio Sarapio, Luhkenmoanlap Kitti Vice-Chairman: Nelsin Iriarte, District Administrator of Nett Secretary: Michael Lieman, Chief Magistrate of Sokehs Treasurer: Smithy Clark, Mayor of Pingelap In addition to re-organization, Mr. Anthony Dainard from the State Budget Office updated the Local Chiefs on the status of the 30 percent revenue share to the Municipal Governments from the State Government. Ms. Michaela Saimon, Chief of Commerce and Industries and Co-Chair of the Pohnpei State COVID-19 subcommittee on Food Security also updated the Local Chiefs on Food Security plans to further align efforts with the State Task Force. Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen, further updated the Local Chiefs on Task Force financial plans to support Local Government COVID-19 response efforts. Part of the plan includes, rehabilitating or establishing public markets in each Municipality, with the help of the Island Food Community of Pohnpei. For more information on the Local Chief Executives, please contact the Local Liaison Representative at the Governor’s Office, Ms. Suannrita Ladore at 320-2235 or the Public Information Officer at patrick.pedrus@pohnpei.gov.fm.

The Pohnpei Public Office of the Auditor (POPA) will be closed all day Friday, September 25, 2020, for an offsite office function.  The POPA will resume normal working hours on Monday, September 28, 2020.  Apologies for any inconvenience.  Kalanghan.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Chairman of the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force has released the following guidelines and advisories to the general public to STOP the spread of COVID-19 in Pohnpei. Social & Physical Distancing Guidelines  1. Betelnut Advisory  2. Business Advisory 3. Funeral Advisory 4. Election Advisory 5. Human Remains Advisory  6. Mask Use Advisory  7. Office Visits Advisory  8. Public Gatherings Advisory 9. Restaurant Advisory  10. Sakau Advisory  11. Spitting Advisory  12. Takeout Advisory  13. Taxi Advisory  14. Travel Advisory  15. Worship Advisory  Click the link below to view and download the Guidelines and advisories located on the Department of Health and Social Services website: https://psdhs.fm/index.php/public-info/news-and-updates/137-guidelines-and-advisories-for-public-information Please note these advisories and guidelines are subject to change when new information becomes available. Thank you to to the following partners, advisers, and donors who made this possible:  FSM National Government, USAID, IOM-Micronesia, Micronesia Red Cross Society, Embassy of Japan in Micronesia, UNICEF, and WHO.

On September 15, 2020, Governor Reed B. Oliver, received the Committee to Wait on the Governor chaired by Senator Marvin Yamaguchi of Kolonia with members Senator Mitaro Simina of Sokehs and Senator Kasinda Ludwig of  Kapingamarangi. Chairman Yamaguchi, on behalf of the Speaker and 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, informed Governor Oliver that the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature started its third and final regular session for this fiscal year, on September 14, 2020, which will run for 30 days.  He further advised Governor Oliver that this regular session would focus mainly on the FY-21 budget.  Senator Simina highlighted the need for the new members of the Board of Education. Governor Oliver and the Committee discussed FY-21 Budget, COVID-19 continuing preparations and activities, Pohnpei State Government administration building renovations, Government housing renovations, and a briefing done by the members of the FSM Joint Committee on Compact Renegotiations. He emphasized the need to complete the nomination process of the remaining members of the Boards, Commissions, and Authorities including the Board of Education and several others for Legislature’s appropriate action. On the COVID-19 and repatriation updates, Governor Oliver advised the Committee that the Pohnpei State Government is working with the FSM National Government to repatriate Pohnpei medical referral patients and students from Guam.  There will be a pre-14 day quarantine in Guam with COVID-19 testing and additional 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Pohnpei with further COVID-19 testing.  The exact numbers of residents and date of arrival have not been confirmed but will be decided in conjunction with the FSM National Government. Governor Oliver thanked Chairman Yamaguchi and the Committee for their visit and the opportunity to share updates between the Legislative and Executive branches. For more information on this post please call the Public Information Officer at 320-2235 or email at patrick.pedrus@pohnpei.gov.fm

On September 3, 2020, Governor Oliver, Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, and Chief of Agriculture, Mr. Mark Kostka met with officials from Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MASHAV, on a Zoom virtual conference call. The purpose of the call was to follow up on the virtual launch of the Israel-Pacific Food Alliance that took place virtually on July 2, 2020, in which Governor Oliver as Honorary Consul for the State of Israel in FSM, Pohnpei State Department of Resources and Development’s Director, Mr. Hubert Yamada, and Chief of Agriculture, Mr. Mark Kostka, attended. In this follow up meeting, Agricultural experts, Danny Zonshine and Oded Halamit, from MASHAV spoke with Chief of Agriculture, Mr. Mark Kostka, and Director Yamada to better understand Agriculture and Food conditions in Pohnpei. Chief of Agriculture, Mr. Mark Kostka, advised the Israelis that most farming is subsistence farming and agroforestry, not for cash sales. Another condition is the high amount of rain, which can damage vegetable crops. Director Yamada reiterated Chief Kostka’s advice on farming in Pohnpei. He noted that consistency of supply is a challenge, as much of the food supply is imported. He said farming behavior, from subsistence to commercial farming, will help with increased production and was thankful for Israel’s expertise in these areas. Mr. Zonshine and Mr. Halamit stated MASHAV wants to assist by transferring proven agricultural technologies focusing on vegetable farming that can yield quicker results than bigger staple crops like wheat or rice. The idea is to develop and co-produce the same crop and plants in Pohnpei and Israel, providing online/virtual guidance with the Division of Agriculture and even the COM-FSM Land Grant program. At the conclusion of the meeting, H.E. Tibor Shalev-Schlosser, Israeli Ambassador to the FSM and Pacific Island States thanked Governor Oliver, for the continued cooperation and support of this food security alliance, and encouraged the other states to participate in this food alliance. FSM Department of Resources and Development (R&D) is the focal point for the Israel-Pacific Food Alliance in the country. Pohnpei State Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Hubert Yamada, coordinates all engagements with MASHAV through FSM R&D. For more information on this or any post, please contact the Public Information Officer at 320-2235 or pohnpeipublicinformation@gmail.com

These are news Excerpts from the Office of the Governor for the week of August 28 – September 4, 2020 Enginkehalp News Excerpts in the Pohnpeian language can be found at the foot of the page On August 31, 2020, Director of the Department of Education (DOE), Mr. Stanley Etse informed Governor Oliver, Lt. Governor Perman, and the COVID-19 Task Force that public school schedules have been modified, following the implementation of an action plan that was developed by DOE to address social distancing and put into action.  Following the implementation, teachers, administrators, and DOE personnel recommended the following changes to school schedules:               Grade Hours Early Childhood Education Centers (ECE) to 2nd Grade 8:00 am – 11:30 am 3rd to 4th Grade 8:00 am – 12:15 pm 5th to 8th Grade 12:15 pm – 4:30 pm   Grade School Day 9th Grade Monday/ Niehd 10th Grade Tuesday/Niare 11th Grade Wednesday/Niesil 12th Grade Thursday/Niepeng Period High School Time 1st 8:30 -10:00 A.M. 2nd 10:00 -11:30 A.M. Lunch 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. 3rd 12:30 – 2:00 P.M. 4th 2:00 – 3:30 P.M.   Students are provided email addresses and telephone numbers of their teachers and encouraged to contact their teachers for assistance with school assignments.  Computer labs are open for students to access during the week. 2. The Department of Public Safety, headed by Mr. Patrick Carl, is assisting the Madolenihmw Student Organization (MSO) in their community service activities for Fall 2020. MSO members have started a beautification program to clean and repaint nine (9) bus stops in Madolenihmw. MSO is also painting crosswalks.  With the help of Captain Ricky Rodriguez, Detective Jeffrey Ching, and Police Officer I Ronie Pablo to provide the required specifications for painting crosswalks, safety, and traffic control, MSO has already cleaned, repainted and beautified bus stops in Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Madolenihmw.  The activities will take place every Saturday until September 19, 2020. 3. Micronesia Clean-Up Day will be observed for one week from August 31 – September 12, 2020. Governor Oliver signed a Proclamation declaring Pohnpei’s participation in the Micronesia Clean Up campaign to be held on September 12, 2020.  Executive Officer of Pohnpei State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mr. Susaia and Governor Oliver discussed activities for this week to promote regular cleaning and maintenance of our resources and infrastructure. Activities included, at the state government level, to have a department or office “adopt” an area to clean and be allowed time to clean up this area with EPA inspecting and providing technical assistance.  Details on activities for Micronesia Clean-Up Day will be provided by EPA through the Governor’s Office in the coming week. 4. On September 1, 2020, Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman met with the Board of Directors and management staff of the Small Business Guarantee Finance Corporation (SBGFC). The purpose of the meeting was to update Governor Oliver and the executive branch on the current status of SBGFC. SBGFC is a state-owned subsidiary corporation situated under the Department of Resources and Development.  This was the first meeting between SBGFC and the Oliver/Perman administration.  Thomas Pablo, Executive Director of SBGFC led the update.  The SBGFC was created by state law to strengthen private sector development.  SBGFC not only provides or secures the financial capital needed for business development but also to build the capacity for business owners and entrepreneurs. 5. On September 3, 2020, Governor Oliver, Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, and Chief of Agriculture, Mr. Mark Kostka met with officials from Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MASHAV on a Zoom virtual conference call. The purpose of the call was to follow up on the virtual launch of the Israel-Pacific Food Alliance on July 2, 2020, and further work towards receiving technical assistance in Agriculture through virtual means.  Also, the Agricultural specialists asked questions to gain more information on Pohnpei’s Agricultural needs.   During this virtual meeting, H.E. Tibor Shalev-Schlosser, Israeli Ambassador to the FSM and Pacific Island States thanked Governor Oliver, who is also Honorary Consul for the State of Israel, for the continued cooperation and support of this food alliance. Department of Health and Social Services COVID-19 Situation Report # 42 September 1 – 4, 2020 COVID19 numbers/ Nempehkan Confirmed/ Kamehleler New/kapw Deaths/sipala de mehkilahr Global/Sampah 26,074,609 1,023,431 864,153 Hawaii 9,202 863 79 Guam 1,560 281 13 CNMI (Saipan) 57 1 2   In Guam, according to the Pacific Daily News, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has reported the14th COVID-related death on September 4, 2020, and stay-at-home order extended to Sept. 11, 2020, for all of Guam. In Hawaii, Honolulu Civil Beat reports that the Hawaii Civil Defense Authority reported On Thursday, 227 active cases — by far the most ever for the island at one time. Civil Defense has specifically raised concerns about large gatherings in East Hawaii, noting in an Aug. 23 bulletin that “health data shows the majority of these new cases have been identified as Hilo-based gatherings where people failed to practice preventive measures.” VIDEO VERSION IN POHNPEIAN:

On Monday, September 7, 2020, the Kitti COVID-19 Task Force (KCTF) presented its Protection and Emergency Preparedness Response Plan to Governor Oliver, Lt. Governor Perman, and members of Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force at the Governor’s Conference Room. Leading the presentation was KCTF Chairman, Mr. Herman Semes Sr., Nahmadau en Dehd, Kitti. KCTF was created by Executive Order No. 1-2020 signed by Luhken Moanlap on August 14, 2020. After providing a brief background and overview of the mission and vision of the Kitti Task Force, Chairman Semes shared their goals which included, consulting and partnering with relevant stakeholders, conducting awareness programs, creating a kousapw database, hand-washing, and accessibility to clean water 24/7, realistic approach to social distancing to be supported by leadership and people, Food security – long and short term, emergency contacts in all kousapws, curfew, quarantine, and funeral/human remains. Governor Oliver and Task Force Chairman David thanked Chairman Semes and members for presenting their plans and goals to the Pohnpei State Task Force. The importance of social distancing was highlighted by Governor Oliver. He encouraged and called on KCTF members and everyone present to support and comply with this very important basic sanitary preventative measure, so others can observe and follow. He said the members of these Task Forces will help lead and prepare everyone to safeguard our people from this threatening health crisis. He then asked, “Mah sohte kitail, ihs? Ma kaiden met, iahd?”. Accompanying Luhk En Moanlap Antonio Sarapio and Chairman Semes were Vice-Chairman Mr. Destry Tom, Secretary, Mr. Wagner David, and Kitti Task Force members Mrs. Benida David, Mrs. Belsipa Isom, and Mr. Herbertson Santos.

On September 1, 2020, Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman met with the Board of Directors and the Management staff of the Small Business Guarantee Finance Corporation (SBGFC). The purpose of the meeting was to update the Governor, Lt. Governor, and cabinet members present on the current status of this state-owned subsidiary/corporation. The meeting was significant because it was the first meeting the leadership of this corporation had with the new leadership of the Pohnpei State Government. It is a very important program created by state law to strengthen private sector development. SBGFC not only provides or secures financial capital needed for business development but equally important serves as a capacity-building outfit for entrepreneurial and business management skills for business owners. In attendance with Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman was Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, Director of Treasury and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, and State Budget Officer, Mr. Leon Panuelo, Jr. SBGFC was represented by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Salvason Salvador, Board Members Mr. Joseph Felix Jr., and Mr. Rullens Phillip with Mr. Thomas Pablo Administrator and Mr. Kerman representing the management. Governor Oliver thanked the Executive Director and Board for their presentation. Noting the presence of other lending institutions in Pohnpei, he asked what can SBGFC do, in addition to their lending programs, to help the people of Pohnpei realize economic goals and enhance their living standards. Specifically, Governor Oliver asked about providing financial education on how to start up a business, file taxes, read and prepare financial statements, book-keeping, and other business fundamentals. SBGFC’s mandate is to provide, promote, develop and widen in both scope and service reach, various alternative modes of financing for small enterprises including, but not limited to direct and indirect project lending, venture capital, financial leasing, secondary mortgage, and/or re-discounting of loan papers to small business. SBGFC is attached to the State Department of Resources and Development. For more information on SBGFC and their programs, call 320-2968.  

On Friday, August 28, 2020, Governor Oliver was paid a courtesy visit by Mr. Autry Waguk and three trainees from the Department of Education’s Workforce Development and Skills Training Program (WD & ST). Mr. Waguk and his trainees shared their recent harvest of vegetables with Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman. The harvest included cucumbers, eggplants, red and green peppers, green onions, and other vegetables. Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Waguk and the trainees for their visit highlighting the importance of agriculture to health. He encouraged and supported agriculture not only as a profession but also as an important skill for food security, especially during this global pandemic and for future generations. Mr. Waguk explained that he also teaches agriculture and farming skills to elementary school students across Pohnpei. The harvest yielded by Mr. Waguk and his trainees also supplement the school lunch program at all Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers in Pohnpei. Mr. Waguk was accompanied by trainees Relian Saimon, Jaylee Barnabas and Marlo Kallop The Workforce Development and Skills Training program train the youth to develop and acquire the skills for employment and to be self-sufficient. The services are designed and delivered in a manner that maintains focus and relevant career development, education alignment, and job placement. For more information please contact the Department of Education at 320-2103.

The newly appointed Board of Land Trustees for the Administration of Public Lands held their inaugural meeting on August 25, 2020, 9:30 am at the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Hon. Peter Lohn (Wasahi Sokehs) and key staff were also present for the inaugural meeting. The purpose of this inaugural meeting was to organize the new Board as follows: Chairman – Mr. John Nakanaga Vice-Chairperson- Mrs. Antonia Primo Moses (Likend U) Secretary – Mr. Patterson Shed Trustee – Mr. Lewis Santos Trustee – Mr. Wayne Mendiola Jr. Trustee – Mr. Max Lebehn Trustee – Mr. Esirom Neth The Pohnpei State Public Land Trustee Board of Trustees is now set to conduct business with the first regular meeting scheduled for September 9, 2020. Photos: Courtesy of Mr. Patterson Shed