March 26, 2021

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