January 2021

On Tuesday, January 26, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, attended Education Day at the Sekere Multipurpose Gym in Sekere, Sokehs. This is the second day of Education week to commemorate, recognize and celebrate exemplary and outstanding achievements for students, teachers, and staff of the Pohnpei State Department of Education and charter schools for the School Year 2019-2020.  Opening remarks were made by Lepen Sekere, Mr. Rensper Liwy, who gave a very brief but focused speech about honesty. Following Mr. Liwy was the keynote speaker, Speaker of the Sokehs Municipal Council, T.H. Albert Johnny.  Mr. Johnny’s remarks focused on “ehupene” or Unity as part of the Education week’s theme: “Unity Strengthens our Unlimited Potentials to Achieve and Succeed – Ehupene Kakehlaka Sapwelimatail Pweidahkan”. He encouraged everyone from parents, family, teachers, community, government, and church to recognize the efforts of the students today, and to continue to come together to continue the good works that have been realized through the student’s achievements.   Governor Oliver expressed his gratitude for the invitation to congratulate and recognize student achievement.  He spoke of a song sung by the NMHS Music Club the day earlier, United we stand, divided we fall and noted, without teachers, students, and parents united and working together, success would not be achieved.  He challenged the students, asking “what next?” He asked them to reflect on how this achievement can benefit their families, communities, Pohnpei, and the Nation. He shared the three virtues of Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty with the students, adding Unity, as virtues to benefit their academic journey and beyond.  Governor Oliver asked the students to work hard towards their goals, whether they want to be a Doctor, Nurse, Policeman, etc, emphasizing the need for Doctors in Pohnpei, today.  He thanked the teachers and parents for their important role in the student’s success, the Police Officers from Sokehs and Pohnpei State working together. He emphasized that when each one of us is doing our best in our responsibilities, success is achieved.   Mrs. Alice Ehmes, Board of Education member, gave the closing remarks, speaking of the strands of the kepenohk or local broom.  Made from single strands of coconut fiber, a single strand is useless, but when bound together, they become a versatile tool that sweeps through the roughest surfaces.  She likened this to the cooperation and unity of all to face and overcome challenges.  On behalf of the Board of Education, Mrs. Ehmes congratulated once again the students, asking for vigilance and unity as we continue to 2021.   Also present at the ceremony were: 10th Pohnpei State Legislature Senators, T.H. Mitaro Simina, T.H. Jayson Walter, T.H. Ricky Carl.  Acting FSM Secretary of Education, Director of Pohnpei State Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, Mr. Wayne Mendiola, Board of Education members, Mr. Grilly Jack , Diaz Joseph and Phyllis Silbanuz, Education Division Chiefs, Mr. Sentry Paul, Mr. Jolden Lipai, Mr. Peter Ramirez. Deacon Patrick Paul and WP Hainrick Aisek.    

On Monday, January 25, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, and First Lady Estle G. Oliver attended the opening ceremony for Education Day 2021 at the PIC High School Cafeteria Gym.   Opening remarks were made by Mr. Franky Edward from the Board of Education and Principal of Pohnpei Adventist High School.  He noted the hardships that students have felt in the last school year with the COVID-19 pandemic and temporary closures of schools.  He encouraged the students, staff, and parents to stand strong noting that trials and tribulations are part of life, and unity ensures victory.  The keynote speaker of the event next spoke.  T.H. Sonster Edgar, 10th Pohnpei State Legislature Senator (PSL) from U, Nansahu Ririn U and former schoolteacher and Principal, also Vice Chairman of the Education Committee.  Senator Edgar’s remarks started with a verse from the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, verse 1, counseling us all that there is a time for everything under the sun.  He shared the importance of Education, saying that Education makes one more valuable, allows one to grow, and that without an Education, life can be hard.  Senator Edgar also commented and praised the current accreditation system in place that ensures student achievement and success continues.  He praised the Education staff for coming up with this year’s theme, “Unity Strengthens our Unlimited Potentials to Achieve and Succeed – Ehupene Kakehlaka Sapwelimatail Pweidahkan”.  Senator Edgar said of the theme, that unity equals strength and closed by expressing gratitude for being a part of this rewards and recognition event.       After a song about Unity and Strength by the Nanpei Memorial High School Music Club, T. H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, delivered his remarks.  He thanked the Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, and his staff for arranging this event and inviting him and the First Lady.  Governor Oliver congratulated and challenged the students who were being recognized for their achievements.  “What’s next?”, Governor Oliver asked. “How will you use your achievements?” He noted the advances in technology today, that continue to take us forward making our lives better.  He advised the students that even with all the latest technology he encouraged all students to continue to read books.  He encouraged the students to also reflect and ask themselves how can they contribute to their family, their community, to Pohnpei, and the Nation at school and at their homes.  In saying this, he noted Mr. Edward’s remarks that when we take care of small things, bigger things can be taken care of as well.  Governor Oliver shared three virtues that he has shared on many occasions, across Pohnpei, for the students to remember and use as they continue their academic journey and beyond: Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty.  He closed by expressing gratitude to the teachers, principals, education staff, and parents of the students, including the Parent-Teacher Associations, once again referencing Education Day’s theme of Unity as a way to strengthen, achieve and succeed.  Closing remarks by the Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, started with thanks to all the staff who sacrificed their weekend to set up the Education Day event.  Thanks to the speakers for their words of inspiration, thanks to all the donors including the Diplomatic Corps for their support.  He invited everyone for next year’s Education Day 2022.  He shared a quote by Milton Hershey “Give them quality.  That’s the best form of advertisement in the world”, and closed by saying that providing quality is the best assurance for all stakeholders and education leaders moving forward to achieve and succeed.   Also present at the ceremony was Deacon Patrick Paul who opened the ceremony with a prayer and WP Hamilton Soar gave the benediction.  Chairman of the Board of Education, Mr. Grilly Jack, Board member, Phyllis Silbanuz, US Embassy Charge’ D’Affaires Sommers, Australian Embassy Charge’ D’Affaires, Mr. Takuro Steele, Acting FSM Secretary of Education, Mr. Wayne Mendiola, From 10th PSL: Senator T.H. Mitaro Simina, Senator T.H. Jayson Walter, Senator T.H. Ricky Carl, Nett District Administrator, T.H. Nelsin Iriarte, Kolonia Town Mayor, T.H. Beterigo Jacob, Acting Meninkeder Madolenihmw, Mr. John Rensle.  

On January 22, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, and T.H. Feliciano M. Perman, Lt. Governor of Pohnpei State, attended a brief ceremony to acknowledge the receipt and transfer of four brand new school buses. The ceremony was held in front of the Pohnpei State Administration Government Building at Peilapalap Kolonia with three of the four buses available at the ceremony.   Wanpoaran Roddy Robert from the United Church of Christ Pohnpei (UCCP) Mand congregation opened the brief ceremony with a prayer. Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Rickson Higgins, Department of Education’s Public Information Officer.   Lt. Governor Perman’s remarks started with an explanation that this ceremony is not a handover ceremony, but rather a ceremony to acknowledge and appreciate the receipt of the new buses received through a request for proposal for school buses by the Department of Treasury and Administration. Lt. Governor Perman noted that only three school buses were present because one school bus sustained minor damage during shipment and is being repaired. What is important, Lt. Governor noted about the school buses, is that they will help transport Pohnpei’s school children to and from school. He wanted to ensure that the maintenance and care of these school buses are in place to drive Pohnpei’s schoolchildren safely and for a long time. The school buses each have a 52 passenger capacity and were made by the Cedar Bus Company.   Before the Director of the Department of Education closed the ceremony with his remarks, the keys to the school buses were presented to him by T.H. Feliciano M. Perman, Lt. Governor of Pohnpei. Director Etse thanked Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman, on behalf of the Department of Education, for their guidance and leadership. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of these school buses to carry out the Department’s responsibilities to provide transportation for Pohnpei’s school children. He expressed gratitude to Mr. Resio Moses Jr., representing RSM Imports, for his assistance in sourcing and shipping the school buses to Pohnpei. Director Etse acknowledged Lt. Governor Perman’s remarks to take care of the buses so they can be operated safely and for a long period of time. He also thanked the DOE Bus Drivers for sharing their concerns about having enough buses to transport Pohnpei’s schoolchildren safely and on time. He closed by referencing the Oliver/Perman administration’s motto of Enginkehalp as a reminder to work together and take care of the needs of not only the Department of Education but all Departments serving the people of Pohnpei.   The Department of Education currently has a total of 48 school buses with the additional four school buses received on January 22, 2021.

On January 13, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver and T.H. Feliciano M. Perman held a small ceremony at the Governor’s Cabinet Conference Room to observe the one year anniversary of their administration. Joining the Governor and Lt. Governor were staff from the Governor’s Office, some cabinet members, and three members of the Inauguration team: Former Chief of Staff, Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen, Mrs. Daisy N. Cantero, and Mr. Patterson Shed.   Lt. Governor Perman and Chairman of Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force congratulated Governor Oliver and everyone for completing one year. Lt. Governor Perman noted the challenge of this first year with COVID-19 and was grateful for the administration’s vision of Enginkehlap to work together for the good of the people of Pohnpei. Chairman David also spoke of the COVID-19 challenge this year and the teamwork that has helped keep Pohnpei safe during this first year and shared a scripture, Matt. 6:33 as a reminder moving forward.   Governor Oliver thanked both Lt. Governor Perman and Chairman David for their remarks. He reflected over the past year and even further back, paying his respects to Governors who came before recognizing their achievements that brought Pohnpei to the present. He also recognized the three members of the inauguration team that were present that day as well as all the others who helped in the lead up to the inauguration and even before. He encouraged all to continue to move forward serving the people of Pohnpei.

On Monday, January 11, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, and T.H. Feliciano M. Perman, Lieutenant Governor, met with the Director of the Department of Education (DOE), Mr. Stanley Etse, and members of his staff to discuss the upcoming proposed Student Takeover Day and Education Week.  Ms.Ilany Abraham, Student Specialist, gave a presentation explaining the process involved to make Student Takeover Day a reality.  Ms. Abraham said that host/employers have been contacted to participate.  This year, host/employers will be Government Offices and plans are to expand to the private sector in the following years.  Both public and private schools will be included, and DOE staff will visit high schools to recruit high school seniors based on academic performance and leadership qualities. Once the students are identified, consent letters will be sent to parents.  Principals will be advised of any updates leading up to Student Takeover Day, scheduled for February 23, 2021.   Mr. Anthony Ligohr, Acting Chief of Curriculum, shared that Education Week will be held from January 25 – 29, 2021.  During Education Week, teachers, students as well as DOE staff will be recognized and rewarded for their performance. Teachers and Principals of the Year will be recognized during Education Week as well.    Governor Oliver thanked Ms. Abraham, Director Etse, and staff for their presentations on Student Takeover Day and Education Week.  Governor expressed his thanks for programs that get our young people involved, to inspire them, and guide them to what their interests are, for their futures.  He noted that he met recently with the 10th Pohnpei State’s Legislature Committee to Wait on the Governor, and mentioned the Student Takeover Day, and expected that the Legislature will participate with this program. Also, he looked forward to making Student Takeover Day an annual occurrence endorsed through legislation.   Also joining Director Etse was the Chief of Secondary Education, Mr. Jolden Lipai, Chief of Elementary Education, Mr. Peter Ramirez, DOE Public Information Officer, Mr. Ricky Higgins, Chairman of Board of Education, Mr. Grilly Jack, Board members: Ms. Phyllis Silbanuz and Franky Edward.     

Please see below, official press release on NEGATIVE COVID-19 test results for four health workers in quarantine after boarding MV Chief Mailo to conduct COVID-19 tests. Ni wahu oh kalanghan.

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please click the play button below to listen to Governor Oliver’s radio address to the people of Pohnpei concerning the MV Chief Mailo:     Ni wahu oh kalanghan

PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On January 6th, 2021, the MV Chief Mailo—a cargo and passenger vessel owned by the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), typically homeported in Chuuk State, entered Pohnpei State’s anchorage, inside Pohnpei’s lagoon. The vessel had previously left the FSM in late 2019 for drydock-based repairs in the Republic of the Philippines. The crew have been strictly confined to the ship since September 22nd, 2020. On January 7th, twelve (12) crew were tested for COVID-19. One (1) individual was tested twice and, on both occasions, positive for COVID-19. The FSM National and Pohnpei State Governments confirm that the case is classified as an imported case, and does not present any immediate risk of the virus spreading to the broader community. Before any National or State mandates take effect, together or separately, His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the FSM, and the Honorable Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, will make certain all positive indications are validated. The MV Chief Mailois undergoing the same security protection regime as the MV Caroline Voyager did when it left Japan in early November 2020. The individual detected with COVID-19 was detected whilst in quarantine, and has had no contact with individuals in the community; thus, they do not present any immediate risk of the virus spreading to the broader Pohnpeian community. As of January 7th, 2021, the healthcare workers who performed the tests on the crew are quarantined at the Emergency Medical Unit (aka China Star Hotel) in Pohnpei State, and the crew remains in isolation on the MV Chief Mailo. The healthcare workers have been tested for COVID-19, and their results are negative. National and State law enforcement and border protection staff are maintaining the ship’s security on a 24/7 schedule. Citizens and residents of Pohnpei State are requested to remain distant from the MV Chief Mailo until further notice. The vessel itself is an isolation unit; no one is allowed to go on board, and the crew are not allowed to disembark at any time. The FSM and State Task Forces are ensuring that there is no contact with the vessel to keep the risk of exposure to bare minimum. The FSM National Government made the decision to return the MV Chief Mailo home in late December on the premise that the Government had two distinct choices: to see individuals in its skeleton crew leave their service in the Government, and thus force the Government to abandon the ship in the Philippines, which already was at high risk of piracy; or, to return the vessel to the FSM at the nearest opportunity. The Government chose for the vessel’s return to the Nation. The FSM National Government, having tested the crew of the MV Chief Mailo half a dozen times since September 22nd, 2020, with all results being negative, was of the view that such a return would be safe. At this time, there are no Government mandates regarding physical distancing, mask-wearing, etc. However, both the National and Pohnpei State Governments continue to encourage citizens to practice physical distancing, mask-wearing, and other precautionary measures such as frequently washing hands. Citizens and residents of Pohnpei State are encouraged to maintain a safe distance from the MV Chief Mailo, and the Emergency Medical Unit quarantine facility, until further notice. The FSM National & Pohnpei State Governments continue to collaborate together on approved processes and procedures to minimize further spread of the virus.    

On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, T.H. Feliciano M. Perman, Lt. Governor of Pohnpei State, and Chairman of Pohnpei COVID-19 Task Force, Mr. Wincener David,  hosted a joint Pohnpei State/FSM COVID-19 Task Force meeting at the Governor’s conference room in Peilapalap.  T.H. Ausen T. Lambert, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, and T.H. Stevick Edwin, Vice Speaker also attended.  From the FSM National Government, T.H. Carlson Apis, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure,  T.H. Eugene Amor, Secretary of Finance and Vice-Chairman of the National Task Force, Acting Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, Mr. Marcus Samo led the National team. The meeting was called to discuss the arrival of the MV Chief Mailo from the Republic of Philippines and the repatriation of stranded medical referral patients in Guam. After a welcome by Governor Oliver, Secretary Apis started with an update on the MV Chief Mailo’s position and disposition of the crew.  He related the position of  MV Chief Mailo to be southwest of Pakin outside of Pohnpei’s 12 nautical miles boundary.  He said Chief Mailo reported being short on fuel, food, and in rough waters with a crew of 12, including two passengers.  He also shared that MV Chief Mailo had been in the Philippines for dry dock services but was unable to return as scheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Recently, they had been in isolation for two months in Manila prior to departing from General Santos City where they picked up a 10-year-old boy from Polowat who had been lost at sea. During the discussions, Secretary Apis said that the arrival of Chief Mailo was not communicated to the Pohnpei State Task Force initially, and this was a communication failure that is most unfortunate.  Vice Speaker Edwin expressed his disappointment in the sequence of events that placed Pohnpei State leadership in a position to deny access pending further information on Chief Mailo that was not provided before her arrival.  Governor Oliver thanked Secretary Apis and Vice Speaker Edwin for their frank and honest comments and expressed the need for continued open and honest communications during the meetings to find a solution for the care and provisioning of MV Chief Mailo.  Lt. Governor Perman also asked why the Chuuk State Government denied the MV Chief Mailo access to Chuuk when she is homeported in Chuuk State.  Mr. Tom Kostka from the FSM TC&I’s Marine Division noted that Chuuk State’s protocols place the crew of MV Chief Mailo in the category of non-essential personnel, and this along with the fact that three members of her crew being tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in 2020 was most likely their determining factors to deny access to MV Chief Mailo. Governor Oliver advised Secretary Apis, Secretary Amor, and the FSM COVID-19 Task Force that in a previous meeting of the Pohnpei Task Force the decision was made to assist the MV Chief Mailo, but this will require collaboration and cooperation from both State and National to render the proper assistance to Chief Maillo while observing and upholding the no disembarkation order instituted by Pohnpei’s Constitutional Emergency order. Pohnpei Port Authority Seaport Manager, Mr. Baron Mendiola requested FSM Patrol Boat assistance to guide the MV Chief Mailo into Pohnpei waters where they will then observe the pre-14 day quarantine requirements while onboard the vessel, similar to MV Caroline Voyager.  Chairman of Pohnpei State COVID-19 State Task Force, Mr. Wincener David, added that after the pre-14-day quarantine is complete, Pohnpei State Health personnel will administer COVID-19 tests to the crew and provisioning will commence.  The MV Chief Mailo departed the Philippines on December 24, 2020, where they were also administered two COVID-19 tests before departure according to Secretary Apis, with negative results. A joint working group will collaborate to ensure the proper steps are taken to ensure the MV Chief Mailo is brought into anchorage in Pohnpei waters, COVID-19 testing is completed for the crew, quarantine is enforced and provisioning is accomplished.  Pending confirmation by FSM National Government, the MV Chief Mailo is expected to be guided into Pohnpei waters on January 6, 2020, to complete her pre-14-day quarantine, and then undergo an additional 21 days quarantine in our waters while arrangements can be made to repatriate the crew members to Chuuk State. On the issue of medical referral repatriation, Secretary Apis expressed his personal opinion that Pohnpei State, as the readiest state in the FSM should take the lead to inform the national government of their readiness to repatriate their medical referrals.  Governor Oliver reiterated the cooperation and collaboration of both State and National Task Forces to accomplish the repatriation at the earliest date possible. Also present at the meeting were Dr. Eliaser Johnson, Assistant Secretary Moses Pretrick, and Mayson Fredrick from the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs.  Chief of FSM Immigration Division, Mr. David Wolphagen also accompanied the National team.  From Pohnpei State, Director of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, Director of Finance and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation Commissioner, Mr. Peterson Sam, Special Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Petriko Hairens, Budget Office Mr. Leon Panuelo Jr. and Overseas Development Assistance Coordinator, Ms. Shirley-Ann Ligohr joined the meeting.