Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find attached below, in an image and PDF file, a memorandum from Governor Reed B. Oliver, authorizing Pohnpei State Government employees four (4) hours of administrative leave on the afternoon of Thursday, April 1, 2021. Wednesday, March 31, 2021, and Friday, April 2, 2021, are legal public holidays. Happy Easter everyone. PDF FILE BELOW: Easter Holidays Admin Leave
Audio version in Pohnpeian: PICS Debate team visits Governor Oliver On Monday, March 15, 2021, Governor Oliver received a visit from the PICS High School Debate Team in the Governor’s Cabinet Conference Room. Accompanying the students was Mr. O’Jones Penias, a student advisor. The PICS High School Debate Team will be addressing the following argument on the affirmative and negative side: “Should masks and immunizations be mandatory?” Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Penias and the Debate Team for stopping by to visit the Governor’s Office and discuss the debate issues. He noted that the subjects they will be debating are health, safety, and legal issues. Governor Oliver advised the students to gather their data and research from reputable sources like the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). He also recommended that to prepare for their upcoming debate, the team visits experts in the field, like the Task Force Medical Advisor, Dr. Rally Jim. Governor Oliver then asked the students about their opinion. Mr. Skyles Albert gave his opinion on the use of face masks and immunizations, arguing for the use of them as safety measures. Another asked about repatriation and immunizations. Governor Oliver assured all the students that Pohnpei State Government is working with the National Government for the repatriation of citizens and residents, and shared the near completion of the Medical Monitoring Area in Dekehtik. He also told the students that COVID-19 immunizations are continuing and Pohnpei State Public Health has started an outreach effort to the municipalities. Governor Oliver thanked the students and Mr. Penias for their visit and wished them the best of luck, reminding them to research well and ask questions. The PICS Debate team will be competing against other High Schools in Pohnpei for the chance to represent Pohnpei at the National Debate in Chuuk. Governor Oliver visits Wenik Early Childhood Education Center (ECE) and Nanpei Memorial High School students in Kitti On Tuesday, March 16, 2021, Governor Oliver visited Kitti’s Nanpei Memorial High School campus to attend a “Kapwar School” program where students from ECE level to High School share what they have in school, from traditional customs to math, science, business, agriculture and, carpentry. This year’s theme was: Mwererehn ukin madau iei Enginkehlap” Deacon Ioanis opened the program with a prayer, and welcoming remarks were made by Kiroun en Poial, who is also Chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force, Mr. Wincener David. In Governor Oliver’s special remarks, he spoke of the importance of today’s program to showcase the knowledge and achievements of learning. He recognized the NEO TERO program that is being piloted in Saladak Elementary School in U, where traditional skills and practices are being taught to the younger generations. Governor Oliver encouraged the students to continue moving forward with the support of the Office of the Governor and thanked them for the showcase of knowledge and skills. Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse gave the closing remarks, thanking the students and teachers of Nanpei Memorial School, High School and Wenik ECE for putting together a great program. Wahnparon Kapriel closed the program with a closing prayer. Yoshie Enterprises Donates 2,000 Face Masks On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, Mrs. Mini Edgar and Mr. Anthony Torres delivered 2,000 face masks to Governor Oliver at the Governor’s Office, Peilapalap, Kolonia. This is the third donation of face masks that Yoshie Enterprises has made to the Pohnpei State Government. The face masks come in assorted colors and are re-usable. The face masks will be distributed to the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Social Services. Governor Oliver thanked Mrs. Edgar and Mr. Torres for delivering the face masks. He acknowledged and conveyed his sincere thanks to Mr. Goto and Yoshie Enterprises for not just the face mask donations, but also for the many donations Yoshie Enterprises has made to the Hospital, Schools, Jail, and throughout the communities over the years. Kalahngan to Yoshie Enterprises for your continued assistance and support. PUC and PPA Oaths of Administration On Thursday, March 18, 2021, Governor Oliver administered oaths of office to six new members of the Pohnpei Utilities Corporation Board and one member of the Pohnpei Port Authority. Joining Governor Oliver to present certificates of appointment representing Speaker Lambert, was Vice Speaker Stevick Edwin and Vice Chairman of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, Senator Kikuo Apis, Jr. Sister Christina Elias opened the ceremony with a prayer. Receiving oaths of office were the following: Board of Pohnpei Utilities Corporation: Rohsa Kitti, Mr. William Hawley Trevayne Esiel Christina Elias Cynthia Ehmes Garner Edgar Joseph Felix Jr. Eric Paul Board of Pohnpei Port Authority: Quincy Lawrence In his remarks after swearing in the new members, Governor Oliver, on behalf of Lt. Governor Perman, congratulated the newly appointed board members and recognized the dignitaries attending the ceremony. Governor Oliver thanked the previous board members for their hard work and dedication. He encouraged the appointees to move forward with their mandated duties as policymakers to PUC and PPA. To the new PUC Board members, he asked for their support and cooperation to help PUC management with renewable energy initiatives. He spoke of new initiatives and funding that will help the PUC to move forward with its services to the people of Pohnpei, including a $10 million grant from the Asian Development Bank for power plant services. Governor Oliver thanked the employees of PUC for the crucial services to the people they provide that run 24 hours a day. He then spoke of the Pohnpei Port Authority and their responsibility as the sea and air door to Pohnpei. He was confident that the new Board member, Mr. Lawrence, will continue to support PPA’s responsibilities with the expected seaport expansion at the Dekehtik dock. He thanked the PPA leadership and board members as he once again thanked Speaker Lambert and the 10th Pohnpei Legislature for their support in the nominations of these individuals. Mr. Trevayne
On Thursday, March 18, 2021, Governor Oliver administered oaths of office to seven new members of the Pohnpei Utilities Corporation Board and one member of the Pohnpei Port Authority. Joining Governor Oliver to present certificates of appointment representing Speaker Lambert, was Vice Speaker Stevick Edwin and Vice Chairman of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, Senator Kikuo Apis, Jr. Sister Christina Elias opened the ceremony with a prayer. Receiving oaths of office were the following: Board of Pohnpei Utilities Corporation: Rohsa Kitti, Mr. William Hawley Mr. Trevayne Esiel Sr. Christina Elias Mrs. Cynthia Ehmes Mr. Garner Edgar Mr. Joseph Felix Jr. Mr. Erick Paul Board of Pohnpei Port Authority: Mr. Quincy Lawrence In his remarks after swearing in the new members, Governor Oliver, on behalf of Lt. Governor Perman, congratulated the newly appointed board members and recognized the dignitaries attending the ceremony. Governor Oliver thanked the previous board members for their hard work and dedication. He encouraged the appointees to move forward with their mandated duties as policymakers to PUC and PPA. To the new PUC Board members, he asked for their support and cooperation to help PUC management with renewable energy initiatives. He spoke of new initiatives and funding that will help the PUC to move forward with its services to the people of Pohnpei, including a $10 million grant from the Asian Development Bank for power plant services. Governor Oliver thanked the employees of PUC for the crucial services to the people they provide that run 24 hours a day. He then spoke of the Pohnpei Port Authority and their responsibility as the sea and air door to Pohnpei. He was confident that the new Board member, Mr. Lawrence, will continue to support PPA’s responsibilities with the expected seaport expansion at the Dekehtik dock. He thanked the PPA leadership and board members and once again thanked Speaker Lambert and the 10th Pohnpei Legislature for their support in the nominations of these individuals. Mr. Trevayne Esiel, from the PUC Board, spoke on behalf of the new appointees to thank Governor Oliver, Speaker Lambert, and the 10th Pohnpei Legislature. He noted that their responsibilities as board members are to serve, not the corporations, but Pohnpei. He said their work is only possible through the support of the government, traditional, religious leaders, and the people they serve. Vice Speaker Edwin, representing Hon. Ausen T. Lambert, the Speaker, congratulated the new members. He thanked Governor Oliver and his staff for the nominations and charged the new board members to take up their responsibilities diligently and work with Legislative and the Executive Branches as advisors to assist in their areas of responsibility. He spoke briefly about terms of board members and the staggering of appointment of board members for continuity in service on the boards. He addressed complaints of PUC service by reiterating Mr. Esiel’s remarks on support from the people and communities, through awareness and understanding of services. He echoed Governor Oliver’s remarks on PPA’s important responsibility as the sea and air entrance to Pohnpei and congratulated once again all the new board members. Full ceremony on video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmBRrhB4jms
1.Governor Oliver meets with the Cultural Day Organizing Committee On Monday, March 8, 2021, Governor Oliver met with members of the organizing committee for the 37th Cultural Day. Cultural Day is held annually on March 31 and is a legal public holiday in Pohnpei. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing concerns, there was no public celebration held last year. This year, a small gathering will be held at the Governor’s Conference Room under the theme: “Sapwellimatail Tiahk iei Sapwellimatail Ieiias” The Officers of the organizing committee are; Mr. Santos Abraham the Chairman, from the Division of Social Services, Department of Health and Social Services, Mr. Jason Barnabas, Vice Chairman, from the Office of Historic Preservations, Department of Land and Ms. Suannrita Ladore, the Secretary/Treasurer, from the Public Affairs Office of the Governor. Mr. Abraham shared the proposed schedule of activities with Governor Oliver noting that final preparations will be made soon and communicated to the Office of the Governor. Governor Oliver was very happy to receive and support the organizing committee and looked forward to the final dates and program for cultural day 2021. 2. MCT Check handover for Protected Area Network Coordinator Position On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, Lt. Governor Perman and the Director of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, met with the Executive Director of Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), Mr. William Kostka, and members of his staff. The purpose of this meeting was to officially hand over a check for the salary/position of the State Protected Area Network Coordinator (SPANC) check in the amount of $16,922.80 to Lt. Governor Perman of the Pohnpei State Government. The position duration is for two years, and the SPANC position is housed within the Department of Resources and Development, Pohnpei State Government. The position responsibilities include leading the overall work of the State Protected Area Network, ensuring operations are coordinated and efficiently run with local and state partners, including FSM Department of Resources and Development, FSM Ridge to Reef program, FSM Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management, Pohnpei State Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Division of Fish and Wildlife and other non-governmental organizations like Conservation Society of Pohnpei. 3. Governor Oliver’s Second State of the State message On Thursday, March 11, 2021, Governor Oliver delivered his second State of the State message of the Oliver/Perman administration to the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, Mwoalen Wahu, and the People of Pohnpei. The State of the State message is an annual report ordered by Section 9 of Article 9 of the Pohnpei State Constitution. Governor acknowledged the impact of COVID-19 over the year and expressed hope for better conditions as the COVID-19 vaccinations and reliable laboratory testing are made available. He encouraged everyone to get vaccinated, residents of Pohnpei from age 18 years old and above. Governor’s report highlighted activities of the Pohnpei state government for 2020. He delivered a general summary for achievements, activities, needs, and future plans for the state government departments of Health and Social Services, Education, Resources and Management, Public Safety, the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, Budget, and Finance. He also addressed the payment on the Municipal Governments’ Revenue Shares. Governor concluded his report with respect and thanks to the people of Pohnpei, traditional leaders, the 10th Pohnpei Legislature, Chief Justice of Pohnpei State Supreme Court, and the members of the Diplomatic Corps represented by the US Embassy, Japan Embassy, Australian Embassy, and Chinese Embassy. Governor Oliver’s full address can be heard online at http://www.pohnpeistate.gov.fm 4. IOM Courtesy Call to Governor Oliver On Friday, March 12, 2021, Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman received a courtesy call from the Office of IOM-Micronesia. Mr. Herman Semes, Jr., Mr. Harut Sarian, Mr. Brandon Taiwermal, and Mr. Ryan McVey visited Governor Oliver, Lt. Governor Perman, and Chairman of the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force, Mr. Wincener David, in the Cabinet Conference Room. The IOM-Micronesia team delivered a presentation on their Inclusive Mitigation and Preparedness in Action (IMPACT) program. The program’s outcomes are to strengthen the resilience of communities, empower the youth and women to be agents of change in their communities and support US Government partners to assess damages after a disaster. The presentation shared IMPACT’s achievements in the local communities of Kapingamarangi, Peidie, Sokehs, and Wone, Kitti. Governor Oliver was pleased to receive the IOM team and hear their achievements up to date in the communities of Kapingamarangi, Peidie, Sokehs, and Wone, Kitti. He acknowledged the help that IOM has provided to the people of Pohnpei in the past and recently with the Kapingamarangi drought relief, where they provided tanks, water catchment systems, maintenance on reverse osmosis machines, and drought assessments. He also mentioned other areas, like Lohd in Madolenihmw that are also experiencing drought conditions. Governor Oliver highlighted the need for coordination with organizations like IOM that provide expert advice, assistance, and materials to communities in Pohnpei. Moving forward, Governor Oliver asked for an update on upcoming projects so that the State Government can coordinate with relevant agencies and departments, and local communities. 5. Medical Monitoring Area in Dekehtik – Final Inspection On Friday, March 12, 2021, Governor Oliver, Lt. Governor Perman, Chairman of Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force, Mr. Wincener David, Dr. Nora Liwy, Dr. Rally Jim and Task Force members, visited the Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) in Dekehtik. The visit was part of a final inspection to view the quarantine container units and the rest of the facility including a tent hospital set up by Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC). Mr. Danny Lebehn from PUC escorted Governor Oliver through the facilities. The tent hospital currently has a 30-bed capacity with three separate wings and air conditioning. The quarantine container units are lined up, with air conditioning, electricity, and plumbing already installed. Ten (10) units were donated from the People’s Republic of China. Pohnpei State Government provided 30 container units = 25 Single Units, 5 Family Size units, including Hospital Tents. With the setup and completion of the MMA in Dekehtik, Pohnpei State is standing
Kaselehlie Maingko, Please click below for the full State of the State Address by Governor Oliver, on March 11, 2021. A summary of the speech will be available soon. Ni wahu oh kalahngan.
On March 9, 2021, Governor Oliver signed the first amendment to Constitutional Emergency Order 20-04 (CEO 20-04), continuing all prior measures taken by the leadership of the Executive and Legislative branches to maintain Pohnpei State’s collective response to the imminent threat of COVID-19. The order, unless revoked or amended sooner, is valid for a period of thirty (30) days counting from March 10, 2021. The preamble of the amended CEO 20-04 calls for an amendment “due to recent medical development measures such as effective vaccination and reliable laboratory testing”. Listed below are the recent amendments to CEO 20-04: Under paragraph six (6) with respect to international travel, subparagraph (iii) “Exceptions with respect to International travel may be granted on a case-by-case basis for admittance into the State of Pohnpei of the following classes of people”, an additional category (gg) has been included: “(gg) Persons not listed in Subparagraph (iii) who meets the following requirements Certificate of Qualified Entry into the State of Pohnpei; Copy of passport bio page; Copy of negative COVID-19 PCR test (taken within 72 hours prior to arrival) Copy of COVID-19 vaccination record (if available)” In addition, under subparagraph (a), (vii) Any person knowingly forging or falsifying a Certificate of Qualified Entry into the State of Pohnpei shall be guilty of a felony offense and be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000 or imprisoned for not less than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment. Lastly, under subparagraph (c) “any person who violates any provisions of this Constitutional Emergency Order shall be guilty of a felony offense against the State of Pohnpei and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000 or imprisoned for not less than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.” The amended CEO can be viewed in PDF format below: CEO 20-04 amendment 1 Page 1 of 4 CEO 20-04 amendment 1 Page 2 of 4 CEO 20-04 amendment 1 Page 3 of 4 CEO 20-04 amendment 1 Page 4 of 4
1.Courtesy (Farewell) call by WHO Country Liaison Governor On Monday, February 22, 2021, Governor Oliver received a courtesy call from the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Liaison Officer, Dr. Eunyung Ko. Governor Oliver welcomed Dr. Ko and her colleagues from the WHO office in Palikir, Mr. Semeson Ehpel, and Mr. Ben-Jackson Amor. Dr. Ko informed Governor Oliver that the courtesy visit was really a farewell visit. Dr. Ko will be leaving Pohnpei after almost five years as the Country Liaison Officer (CLO) for her next posting in Vanuatu. During their brief conversation, Dr. Ko encouraged the continued vaccination of Pohnpei residents with the MODERNA COVID-19 vaccine that is currently available to all individuals 18 years and older. Governor Oliver thanked Dr. Ko and her colleagues for their visit, expressing his sadness at her leaving and thanking her for many years of service to Pohnpei, especially at the community level. He recalled her important work with the community dispensaries and all the important technical/medical knowledge she has provided over the years, especially in the last year with the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Oliver assured Dr. Ko vaccination efforts will continue as the public becomes more informed of the benefits and minor side effects. 2. Governor Oliver attends ECE Parent’s Literacy Day Workshop Opening On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, Governor Oliver delivered the keynote address for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Parent’s Literacy Day Workshop at the Kolonia-China Friendship Gymnasium. The theme for this year is “Early Moments Matter” or in Pohnpeian “Kesempwal en kaihanda mwadang”. Accompanying Governor Oliver was Student Takeover Day Governor, Mr. Aike Solomon. After an opening prayer by Rev. Dahker, Chair of the Board of Education, Mr. Grilly Jack delivered opening remarks. He acknowledged the importance of the workshop’s theme, and especially literacy for education, apologizing because he was not fully prepared to deliver remarks that day. Governor Oliver’s remarks highlighted the importance of literacy, especially at an early age and starting at home into school and beyond. He shared the literacy rates in the FSM which showed a decrease in literacy and noted that a current assessment of literacy rates is still being undertaken. With the next day being Sokehs Rebellion Day, Governor Oliver took an event from Pohnpei’s history to signify the importance of literacy. He related the story of two Pohnpeian men carrying a message to the colonial authorities at the time of the Sokehs Rebellion. The message, when received, would set events in motion that would seal the fate of Soumada en Sokehs, the leader of the Sokehs Rebellion and 15 other Pohnpeians. Governor Oliver asked, how much of a difference would it have made if the two messengers could read the message they were relaying? Would they have delivered it? We will never know, but the history of Pohnpei could have been irrevocably changed were it not for literacy, or being able to read. He later introduced Student Takeover Day Governor Aike Solomon who also addressed the crowd and wished all the participants all the best in their workshop. 3. Student Takeover Day 2021 On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, the Pohnpei State Department of Education hosted the first Student Takeover Day for the Pohnpei State Government. 21 high school seniors from PICS High School, Our Lady of Mercy High School, Madolenihmw High School, Calvary Christian Academy, Nanpei Memorial High School, Ohwa Christian Academy, Pohnpei Catholic School, and Seventh Day Adventist High School participated. The program of events started at 8:00 AM in the morning at the Governor’s Conference Room. There, the students assembled and were given a brief orientation before being taken to their employers/offices. With such a variety of workplaces, each student’s activities varied from office to office, but the objective was to give young people a chance to walk in the steps of their host employers for just a day to “experience what being a leader and decision-maker feels like”. After spending the day with their host/employers, the students returned to the Governor’s Conference Room at 3 pm to close out the first Student Takeover Day and receive certificates of appreciation, congratulations, and words of encouragement. As the keynote speaker, Governor Oliver noted the historical significance of this day, as the first Student Takeover Day for the Pohnpei State Government. He shared some of his activities that day with Student Governor Aike Solomon that included attending an ECE Parent’s Literacy Workshop and visiting Legislature to watch Student Speaker Leilani Jade Lane presiding. He then spoke of two noted leaders of Pohnpei State, the late Speaker Ambros Senda and the current Lt. Governor Feliciano Perman who dared to dream as young students to be leaders of their State. He closed by requesting that each of the 21 students pass on the torch that has been lit today to lead our people into the future and shared his vision of passing legislation to make Student Takeover Day a recurring and fully supported event each year. Governor Oliver thanked Director Etse and the Department of Education for their hard work and dedication to make this day possible. Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, T.H. Ausen T. Lambert addressed the students asking for their assistance as the future of our State. He shared a quote by Winston Churchil, “Never give up, never give up and never ever give up”. He said Pohnpei needs you and looks forward to seeing you look after the affairs of the Pohnpei State Government. Also included in the program were two of the Department of Education’s external partners, IOM-Micronesia and UNICEF. Chief Nathan Glancy shared IOM’s mission and purpose in Micronesia and also encouraged the students who receive their advanced degrees abroad to return home and serve their people. UNICEF Chief Mission, Mr. Cromwell Bacarezza, interacted with the students with questions, gifts, and a story about believing in yourself and others, pledging water tanks to the school with the most enthusiastic responses. Director of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse closed the Student Takeover Day. He thanked the students,
On Friday, February 26, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State swore in Mr. Barton Henry as the newest board member of the Pohnpei Housing Authority Board. The small ceremony was held in the Governor’s Office, Peilapalap, Kolonia. Governor Oliver administered the oath of administration as Mr. Henry’s wife, Angie, held the Bible. Lt. Governor, T.H. Feliciano Perman, delivered remarks after the oath of office. He congratulated Mr. Henry on his selection and on behalf of the Governor, thanked the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their confirmation of Mr. Henry. Lt. Governor Perman said that the Pohnpei Housing Authority provides an important service, shelter, which is important for any society. He expressed his confidence in Mr. Henry to help with the programs that the Housing Authority has in place for the citizens of Pohnpei. Mr. Henry thanked Governor Oliver and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for the opportunity to serve and pledged his best to carry out his assigned duties and responsibilities. Senator Shelten Neth and Senator Ricky Carl presented Mr. Henry’s certificate of appointment. Also attending were Executive Director of Pohnpei Housing Authority, Mr. Onlino Lawrence, Senator Stevenson Joseph, Public Affairs Officer, the MC, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, Staff of the Pohnpei Housing Authority, family and friends of Mr. Barton Henry. On Friday, February 26, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State swore in Mr. Barton Henry as the newest… Posted by Pohnpei State Enginkehlap on Tuesday, March 2, 2021
