April 2021

Pohnpei State remains in a state of health/medical emergency because the threat of COVID-19 pandemic for Pohnpei remains grave, though there have been major positive developments achieved within the past few months that will help strengthen prevention and improve management of the pandemic including effective vaccination, reliable testing and newly established quarantine facilities for incoming Pohnpeian citizens and residents. On Wednesday, April 28, 2021, Governor Oliver held a meeting in the Governor’s Cabinet Conference Room to discuss the adoption of Legislative Resolution (LR) 74-21, amending Constitutional Executive Order (CEO) 20-05, by the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature. CEO 20-05 as amended, effectively dissolved the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force in its entirety created on March 11, 2020, to address the extreme and persistent dangers and demands of the COVID-19 pandemic and in lieu created a Unit/Commission to take over the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the former. The notable amendments are as follows: Creation of Pandemic Readiness and Response Unit (PRRU) in lieu of COVID-19 Task Force General admission is granted but with priorities based on listed traveler categories. Allowance of Human Remains (HR) deceased as a result of COVID-19. The expiration of the Order is June 09, 2021. Maximum penalties for any violation of CEO 20-05 is up to a $2,000.00 fine or 2 years imprisonment or both. The PRRU is comprised of: Chief of the Division of Primary Health Care of the Department of Health Services Executive Officer of the Pohnpei Environmental Protection Agency Director of the Department of Public Safety General Manager of the Pohnpei Port Authority The Attorney General The PRRU is under the supervision of the Chief of the Division of Primary Health Care, who heads the unit as the Commissioner of the PRRU, assumes ALL duties of the previous Task Force, and reports directly to the Governor of Pohnpei State. All rulings, instructions, directions, guidance, and other declarations issued by the former COVID-19 Task Force remain valid until superseded by action of the PRRU. PRRU will continue to ensure Pohnpei State is protected and safe from the COVID virus, and in case it reaches Pohnpei, to manage, treat and contain it. One of the noteworthy amendments was allowing the importation of Human Remains “whose deaths may have resulted in whole or in part from a COVID-19 virus-related illness”, provided that the PRRU ensures clearance for entry into the State of Pohnpei, according to the established standard operating procedures (SOP) for the handling of COVID HR. In addition, the amendments prescribed penalties for anyone who violated handling of COVID HR with a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years or both. The conviction is considered a felony. Governor Oliver was joined by the Commissioner of the PRRU, Dr. Rally Jim, Acting Attorney General, Mona Abello-Pangelinan, Director of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, Chairman of the former Pohnpei COVID-19 Task Force, Mr. Wincener David, Director of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, Director of Treasury and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, Election Commissioner, Mr. Heinrich Stevenson, Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle and Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens. Legislative Resolution 74-21

1.Pohnpei COVID-19 Task Force Updates As of April 20, 2021, 10,633 people have received the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, 4,291 people have received the second dose.  Pohnpei’s completion rate is at 21%.  The Moderna COVID-19 shot is available for all adults 18 years and above and can be received at Public Health across from the Pohnpei State Hospital.  The repatriation date from Guam has been identified as May 13, 2021.  Two flights on military aircraft, funded by the US Embassy, are scheduled that day.  The final list of passengers is still being decided upon but will include medical referrals and students stranded in Guam.  2. Pohnpei Robo Day 2021 On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Governor Oliver attended the opening program for Pohnpei Robo Day 2021 at Our Lady of Mercy High School (OLMHS) Gymnasium.  Pohnpei Robo Day is an annual robotics competition between Pohnpei High Schools that showcases student creativity, teamwork, and competitive spirit.  This is the third Pohnpei Robo Day, which was started by Habele, a non-profit organization supporting Micronesian students through scholarships, robotics, and books, through a partnership with the US Office of Insular Affairs in 2019.  After an opening prayer by Pohnpei Catholic School Principal, Mrs. Yolanda Y. Nanpei, and welcoming remarks by OLMHS Vice Principal, Mr. Russel Figueras, a 90-second video presentation on Habele was shown and the founder of Habele, Mr. Neil Mellen, and Executive Director Matthew said hello to the participants.    Governor Oliver delivered short remarks, conveying his sincere appreciation for being invited to such a unique event, and expressing his gratitude for Habele and their partnership with the US Office of Insular Affairs for making Robo Day possible.  While he admitted that he did not know anything about Robotics, he noted that creative minds have changed the world since the time of Leonardo Da Vinci and Thomas Edison with revolutionary inventions.  Governor Oliver highlighted recent events like Student Takeover Day to emphasize the importance that the Oliver/Perman administration places on the development of the youth of Pohnpei.  He called the Students and their Robots assembled for the competition brilliant, sharp, and smart. Governor Oliver encouraged the students to continue to create and innovate for the good of everyone, to help move us all forward.  Governor Oliver was allowed to operate one of the robots on the competition floor, to kick off the competition.    The high schools represented at Pohnpei Robo Day 2021 were Calvary Christian Academy (CCA), Nanpei Memorial High School (NMHS), Madolenihmw High School (MHS), Pohnpei Island Central School (PICS), Pohnpei Catholic School (PCS) High School, and Our Lady of Mercy High School (OLMHCS).   Established by former Peace Corps Volunteers, Habele is a non-profit organization supporting Micronesian students through scholarships, robotics, and books.  For more information on Habele, visit their website at https://habele.org/ 3. Mr. Nobuo Lopez of the Overseas Fisheries Corporation Foundation of Japan visits Governor Oliver On Wednesday, April 14, 2021, Governor Oliver received Mr. Nobuo Lopez from the Overseas Fisheries Corporation Foundation of Japan (OFCF).  Mr. Lopez represented Mr. Uchida Kazuhisa, OFCF’s resident representative for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).  Mr. Kazuhisa was recently identified as the latest resident representative to FSM but unfortunately has not been able to assume his post here in Pohnpei, because of COVID-19 restrictions concerning international travel.   Mr. Lopez conveyed Mr. Kazuhisa’s greetings to Governor Oliver and presented face masks on his behalf.  Mr. Lopez also related that Mr. Kazuhisa is anxious to arrive in Pohnpei and continue the work of OFCF in Pohnpei.  The Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation of Japan (OFCF) was established in June 1973, with the aim to build, maintain and enhance win-win relationships in the fisheries field between Japan and coastal countries, including the FSM. 4. Bank of Guam’s Asterio Takesy calls on Governor Oliver On Wednesday, April 14, 2021, Mr. Asterio Takesy, Vice President of Governmental Operations for Bank of Guam and former FSM Ambassador to the United States of America met with Governor Oliver in the Governor’s Office.  The reason for the meeting was to request consideration for a technician from Diebold (the company contracted by Bank of Guam (BOG) to service their ATM machines) to be included in the earliest repatriation trip.  He noted that BOG understands that there are priorities for repatriation and their position to ask for consideration will not be at the expense of those priorities.  A formal request has also been lodged with the National Government for the same consideration, by the BOG.  Ambassador Takesy called the current ATM banking situation “dire” and the Pohnpei Branch is looking to lengthen their normal working hours to deal with the current situation if approved by BOG Headquarters.  This should be known by Monday (April 19, 2021).  The plan shared by Ambassador Takesy is to replace all three ATM machines with brand new, larger, higher capacity machines.  Each machine weighs approximately 2,000 lbs, with dimensions similar to a US standard refrigerator.  The ATMs will be transported to Pohnpei either by ship or airplane, depending on their request for consideration.  The Diebold Agent identified to service the ATM machines has already completed vaccinations and been to Palau to service their ATMs as well.   Governor Oliver advised Ambassador Takesy that BOG’s request will be conveyed to the Task Force.  He updated Ambassador Takesy on the current repatriation efforts, including quarantine requirements that are still being discussed with both Task Forces and other arrangements like numbers and the use of United Airlines.  He also reminded BOG about a previous request to install an ATM in the Pohnpei Administration Building. 5. United Airlines meets with Governor Oliver On Thursday, April 15, 2021, United Airlines Acting Manager, Mrs. Easter Shirai, and Mr. Rickson Oliver met with Governor Oliver, Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, and Director of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada.  The purpose of the meeting was to discuss repatriation efforts beyond the planned May 13, 2021 repatriation flight sponsored and paid for by the U.S. Government.   Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, thanked Mrs. Shirai

On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, Governor Oliver met with the Assistant Manager of Pohnpei Branch of the FSM Social Security Administration, Mrs. Trueleen Albert, and Investigating Officer, Mr. Kester Etse Salvador in the Governor’s Office, Peilapalap, Kolonia. The purpose of this meeting was to inform Governor Oliver that the Pohnpei Branch will be hosting an awareness event, Social Security Awareness Week.   Mrs. Albert advised the Governor that Social Security Awareness Week will be from April 27-30, 2021, and will be held at the Kolonia-China Friendship Gym.  Each day from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Social Security Staff will hold awareness presentations on the following topics: FSM Social Security Administration (FSMSSA) Tax, IT and Accounting, FSMSSA, Pohnpei Branch roles, and responsibilities.  Governor Oliver thanked Mrs. Albert and Mr. Salvador for their visit and was happy to hear that awareness will be provided to the public concerning this very important organization.  The public is encouraged to attend and learn more about the FSM Social Security Administration benefits, programs, and services.            

On Thursday, April 15, 2021, 21 students from the Sapwalap, Madolenihmw Early Childhood Education (ECE) Center visited the Governor’s Office and toured the Pohnpei State Government Administration Building.  The students, teachers, and parents were welcomed by the Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, in the Governor’s Conference Room.  The students were then given a tour of the building, starting with a visit to Governor’s Office. Governor Oliver received the students, teachers, and parents to the Governor’s Office, which he advised is their office as well.  He encouraged the students to continue to learn and work hard and shared some information about the Governor’s Office, including a quick history lesson that included the names of the previous Governors of Pohnpei.  He thanked the teachers and parents for their support of the student’s education. The students were each presented with a backpack that contained a water bottle, crayons, and coloring books from the Governor’s Office, and notebooks and pencils donated by Ray and Dors.  

On Thursday, April 8, 2021, Governor Oliver received The Most Reverend Bishop, Julio Angkel, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Caroline Islands, and Vicariate General/Judicial Vicar, Father Kelly Yalmadau, to the Governor’s Office, Peilapalap, Kolonia. During the Bishop’s visit to the Governor’s Office, he met with members of the Office of the Governor, including Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, and Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens.  Father Kelly Yalmadau thanked Governor Oliver for welcoming them and said that both the Government and Church are there to help the people, which makes their cooperation and collaboration important.  Before leaving Bishop Angkel gave a brief homily followed by a  blessing upon the Office of the Governor. 

The Department of Treasury and Administration, Director Christina Elnei, donated desktop computers to the Department of Public Safety (3) and the Catholic Vicariate of Pohnpei (3). The desktop computers are previously used Pohnpei State Government material that has been repaired and refurbished for further use.  The Department of Treasury and Administration is responsible for the material condition of all government property and will ensure that each and every piece of property is properly used, accounted for, re-purposed, and properly disposed of Representing the Director of Treasury and Administration during the small handover exchanges was Administrative Officer, Brenda Hadley-Eperiam, Procurement Specialist, Almen Solomon, and Facilities Manager, Mr. Strickson Anson.   

37th Cultural Day celebrations On Wednesday, March 31, 2021, Cultural Day was celebrated in the Governor’s Conference Room, Peilapalap, Kolonia. This year’s theme was: “Sapwellimetail Tiahk, iei Sapwellimetail Ieiias” Attending this event from the Mwoalen Wahu or Royal Council of Chiefs was Doakehsa, Nanmwarki of Pingelap, Dr. Berysin Salomon, and the Chairman of the Mwoalen Wahu, Iso-Nahnken of Nett, Salvador Iriarte. The MC for the event was the Vice Chairman of the Cultural Day Committee, Mr. Jason Barnabas, from the Historic Preservation Office. Deacon Mike blessed the opening of the ceremony. Governor Oliver delivered welcoming remarks. He conveyed his appreciation for the arrangement and celebration of the 37th Cultural Day in Pohnpei to the Cultural Day Committee. He highlighted the importance of cultural heritage and identity, especially in the younger generations. He shared the success of the NEO TERO program at Saladak Elementary School, which recently held an event to showcase their knowledge of cultural and traditional skills, as an outstanding example of cultural and traditional preservation. Mr. Santos Abraham, Chairman of the Cultural Day Committee, spoke of the state-wide essay contest based on this year’s theme: “Sapwellimetail Tiahk, iei Sapwellimetail Ieiias”. He outlined the selection process and criteria for choosing the top three essays and introduced the students as they each read their essays. The winners of the essay contest were: Vienna Spencer – Pehleng Elementary School Sandy Alex – Saladak Elementary School Delaura Waltu – Enipein Elementary School They each received certificates presented by Governor Oliver, IsoNahnken Iriarte, and Doakehsa Dr. Berysin Salomon, and Cash awards $50, $40, and $30, respectively. Iso and Doakesa later contributed $60 to each student in addition to their cash prizes. Iso-Nahnken of Nett, Salvador Iriarte, addressed the crowd with a closing remark. Isohko spoke of culture, tradition, and the advancing of our society. Isohko applauded the children for their thoughts on tradition and custom shared through their essays. Isohko encouraged all to continue to apply the practice of culture and traditions, especially the practice of speaking your native tongue, which Isohko noted is important to sustaining culture and tradition. 2. Joint State and National Task Force meet to discuss repatriation On Wednesday, March 31, 2021, a joint National and Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force meeting was held at Hideaway Restaurant. Attending this historic meeting was the Governor of Pohnpei State, Reed B. Oliver, Chairman of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature’s Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee, Senator Jack Harris, Chairman of the Health Committee, Senator Shelten Neth, Chief of Staff, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, Chair of the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force, Mr. Wincener David, and members of the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force. Governor Oliver opened the meeting conveying his appreciation for the opportunity to meet with the National Task Force and Pohnpei Congressmen, including Chairman of the 21st FSM Congress Health Committee, Hon. Ferny Perman and Vice Speaker, Hon. Esmond Moses. Governor Oliver made reference to the most recent FSM Congress Resolution 21-252, specifically page 9 and 10 of the document as a basis for this meeting to move forward with repatriation, which reads in part: ”the National Task Force shall work in consultation with each of the states for the purpose of establishing and further developing their quarantine and isolation facilities standards and capabilities. When the facilities within any of the states are developed to acceptable standards, the states will work with the National Task Force to develop a plan for the repatriation of FSM citizens, FSM students, and the return of FSM residents. The repatriation of FSM citizens shall be prioritized and only after our citizens have been repatriated, further plans may be implemented to allow for non-citizens to enter the FSM. However, after all, FSM citizens who are on medical referral or are receiving medical treatment outside the FSM, and their medical attendants have been repatriated, an exception may be made to allow for the entry of the ambassadors of foreign embassies and the heads of missions of non-government organizations with diplomatic status, on a case by case basis, upon consultation and approval of the National Task Force and State Task Force.” Governor Oliver referred to the completion of the Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) last week, along with the rollout of the Moderna COVID-19 immunizations, and said to the FSM Congressmen and FSM Task Force, including the President’s Chief of Staff, and said Pohnpei is ready. Congressman Ferny Perman asked the National Task Force members, “What is our next step?” He noted that Pohnpei is asking FSM to move forward. “How do we move forward with the request coming from the Governor himself?” asked Congressman Perman. Governor Oliver thanked the National Task Force, FSM Congressmen, and the President’s Chief of Staff for the opportunity to move forward with the repatriation of stranded citizens especially the medical referral patients who were returning from the Philippines last year and have been in Guam for over one year now.   3. Pohnpei COVID-19 Task Force updates As of April 5, 2021, 8,500 people have received the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and 3,538 people have received the second dose, completing the series. Plans to administer the vaccine in the municipalities are currently being formed and consultations with local government and community leaders have already started in Madolenihmw and U. All residents ages 18 years and older are eligible and highly encouraged to receive the vaccinations. Governor Oliver was informed by President Panuelo in a letter dated April 5, 2021, that the FSM National Government has designated May 13, 2021, for the repatriation of stranded citizens from Guam. A press release published the same day went on further to quote President Panuelo, who stated “ “We are committed to May 13th as our first repatriation activity from a COVID-19 affected jurisdiction,”. Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force is working with the National Government to safely and properly receive the incoming passengers. The US Embassy has just announced (April 6, 2021) that they will fund two repatriation flights from Guam on May

On Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Governor Oliver and Speaker Lambert welcomed, The Most Reverend Bishop Julio Angkel, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of the Caroline Islands to Pohnpei State.  Bishop Angkel was accompanied by Father Kelly Yalmadau, Judicial Vicar for the Diocese. Bishop Angkel will be conducting the Sacrament of Confirmation for the Catholic Community in Pohnpei, during his visit.  The Diocese of the Caroline Islands covers the Vicariates of Palau, Yap, Chuuk and Pohnpei. Vicariate of Pohnpei covers Kosrae.  Father Ken Urumolug, S.J. is the Vicar for Pohnpei.    

  Pohnpei State COVID-19 updates As of March 31, 2021, the Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services has administered 8,240 first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.  For the second dose, 3,355 doses have been administered.  This means 3,355 people have completed the two-shot series. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is available for all persons ages 18 and above to receive.  It is a two-dose vaccine, with the second dose administered 28 days after the first dose.  There have been no adverse reactions reported in Pohnpei since the beginning of the administration of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in January 2021. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the Moderna vaccine is 94.1 effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness in people who received two doses who had no evidence of being previously infected.  Temporary side effects of the vaccine include flu-like symptoms, headaches, redness and soreness around the shot site, and pain.  These are temporary effects only. The Pohnpei COVID-19 Task Force has been invited to meet with the National Task Force to discuss repatriations for Pohnpei’s stranded citizens and residents.  The Medical Monitoring Area in Dekehtik stands ready to repatriate Pohnpei residents.  The completion ceremony took place on Friday, March 19, 2021. The Pohnpei State Government and COVID-19 Task Force are working with the National Task Force to repatriate our residents in the RMI, Guam, and beyond. 2. Saladak Elementary School students showcase traditional and cultural skills On Friday, March 26, 2021, Governor Oliver visited Saladak Elementary School in Uh, to attend a showcase of cultural and traditional skills by students from the ECE level to 8th grade. The students and program are part of a pilot project, NEO TERO, in partnership with Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL), that aims to incorporate traditional and cultural learning into elementary school-age children. Representing and speaking on behalf of Governor Oliver, Director of Education, Stanley Etse, thanked the Principal, teachers, and students of Saladak for the program and events. He spoke of the success of the NEO TERO project at Saladak and shared his and Governor Oliver’s hopes of expanding this important program to other Elementary schools.  The students showcased their skills in weaving, traditional dancing, identifying the parts of a traditional canoe, reciting clan names, traditional leaders of Uh municipality, coconut husking and grating, and even a sakau ceremony in the Saladak elementary school nahs that was run entirely by students. Mr. Kulian Marino (Kiroun en Tamwarohi), MC, and Principal Joseph Amor welcomed the Governor, Director, and all.  The community elders who have been teaching traditional skills through the NEO TERO program are listed below: Michael Bernardo (Soumadau en Dehpehk powe) – Village (Nanwelin Rohi) Robert Bernardo (Koarohmin leng U) – Village (Nanwelin Rohi) Kulian Marino (Kiroun en Tamwarohi) – Village (Iosmaru) Alter Adolip (Soumakahn Diadi) – Village (Diadi) Dexter Oscar (Sahu/Soumedewen Saladak) – Village (Adoroi) Kanisia Bernardo (Kedin Madauen Dehpehk Powe) – Village (Nanwelin Rohi) Meliana Mallarme – Nett Ambelly Joseph (Ketin Maka) Village (Rohi Pah) Erlinso Alex (Nahnpein U) – Village (Mwoale) Pedrus Abrahm (Setin U) – Village (Dehpehk)   3. Sports Office visits Governor Oliver ahead of Liberation Day Games On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, Mr. Mike Loyola and Ramsey Joab from the Division of Sports and Recreation under the Department of Health and Social Services met with Governor Oliver at the Governor’s cabinet conference room.  The meeting was to discuss two items: The upcoming 2021, September 11 Liberation Day Games, and Micro Games 2022. Mr. Loyola informed Governor Oliver that the sports office is seeking guidance and advice for the planning and implementation of the upcoming September 11 Liberation Day games. Mr. Loyola mentioned the sports office will be interacting more with schools this year.  He said the plans are still being developed, and consultations will also be made with the local Municipal Chief Executives. Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Loyola and Mr. Joab for their visit and for informing the Governor’s Office of the September 11, Liberation Day games plan.   Last year, in 2020, there were no activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing advisories issued.  This year, with lessons, learned one year on, reliable testing, and immunizations available, Governor Oliver encouraged the Sports Development Office and the Sports Commission to move forward with plans for celebrating Liberation Day in the same fashion as years past.  Governor Oliver also added that planning should also take into account the understanding that if Pohnpei’s COVID-19 situation should change, the planning and implementation for the games will also change. Mr. Loyola also informed Governor Oliver that planning for the 2022 Micro Games continues and the host – Majuro in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, continues to make preparations for the games to be held there. 4. T&I Administrator and FSM PMU Project Manager meet Governor Oliver On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, the Administrator of the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, Iso-Nahnken of Madolenihmw, Mr. John Adolph, and Mr. Robert Goodwin, Project Manager at the FSM Department of Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure’s Project Management Unit met with Governor Oliver at the Governor’s Cabinet Conference Room. The purpose of the meeting was to update Governor Oliver on the progress of Infrastructure projects in Pohnpei State. Mr. Goodwin informed Governor Oliver that currently there is approximately $82 million available for infrastructure projects in Pohnpei with five projects already approved by the Army Corps of Engineers and are ready to be undertaken. The five projects include water expansion projects in Kinakap, Madolenihw, PICS High School renovations, COM-FSM Palikir Dispensary/Teaching Clinic, Substance Abuse Building, Primary Care Building, and Mental Health Building. Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Goodwin for his visit and supported the plans for moving forward that Mr. Goodwin and T&I Administrator, Iso-Nahnken, Mr. John Adolph discussed implementing infrastructure projects.     5. SDA High School Debate team visits Governor Oliver On Friday, March 26, the Seventh Day Adventist High School Debate team visited Governor Oliver at his office, Peilapalap, Kolonia. The purpose of the meeting for the debate