News from the Office of the Governor: Enginkehlap News 17-21

1.Pohnpei COVID-19 Updates Immunizations

As of May 7, 2021, 12,778 people have received the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  5,303 people have received the second dose.  Pohnpei’s completion rate is at 25%.  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 Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine is available for all adults 50 years and above.

Outreach to the municipalities has already started.  The coverage rate by municipality is as follows:

  1. Kolonia – 45%
  2. Sokehs – 33%
  3. Nett – 30%
  4. U – 29%
  5. Kitti – 27%
  6. Madolenihmw – 17%
  7. Outer Islands – 3%

Like all vaccines, the benefits of the MODERNA and Johnson & Johnson vaccines is that those who are vaccinated, gain protection without ever having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19, according to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Common side effects include pain in the arm where shot was administered, fever, headache, flu-like symptoms, which are not life-threatening.

2.Governor Oliver attends the opening ceremony of FSM Social Security Awareness week

On Tuesday, April 27, Governor Oliver joined the Pohnpei Branch of the FSM Social Security Administration for the opening ceremonies of Social Security Awareness Week.

After the opening prayer by Deacon Santiago and welcoming remarks by FSM Social Security Administration (FSMSSA) Deputy Director, Mr. Franscky Ilai, Governor Oliver delivered special remarks.  Mr. Nakama Sana, a member of the Social Security Board of Directors also delivered short remarks of thanks and appreciation for this event.

Governor Oliver thanked the FSM Social Security Administration and Pohnpei Branch for their invitation to speak at the opening of Social Security Awareness Week.  He encouraged everyone to use this opportunity to learn more about their important social security benefits and applauded the FSM Social Security Administration, Pohnpei Branch for hosting this event.  He noted the presence of local municipal leaders, Luhk en Moanlap, Hon. Antonio Serapio, Nett District Administrator, Hon. Nelsin Iriarte, Acting Meninkeder Madolenihmw, Hon. John Rensle among others to underscore the importance of this event.

The four-day event was held to educate and inform the public on the FSM Social Security Administration, policies, regulations, and benefits.  Question and answer sessions were held to better understand benefits and claims.  The information gathered by this four-day event will be used by the FSMSSA and the board of directors to dialogue with the FSM Congress.

3. OFA Advisory Board members sworn-in

On Friday, April 30, 2021, Governor Oliver swore in the new Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture (OFA) Advisory Board at the Governor’s Conference Room, Peilapalap, Kolonia.

In his remarks, Governor Oliver thanked Speaker Lambert and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, especially Chairman of the Resources and Development Committee, Senator Marvin Yamaguchi for their support and confirmation of the board members.  He also thanked the family members of the board members for their support.

Governor Oliver encouraged the new advisory board members to work with OFA, the Department of Resources and Development, Department of Land, the Office of the Governor, Legislature and all relevant offices to take the necessary steps to fulfill their responsibilities.  He reminded the board that, especially with our natural resources, what we do today will affect the future generations of Pohnpei.

The newly sworn-in members of the OFA Advisory Board are:

  1. Jasmine Mendiola
  2. Dr. Singeru Singeo
  3. Patricia Jack-Jossien
  4. Saimon Mix
  5. Donald David

Before Chairman of the Resources and Development Committee, Senator Marvin Yamaguchi presented certificates of appointments, Speaker Lambert addressed the board members.  He urged the board members to look “deep and wide” to find ways to innovate and increase aquaculture activities in Pohnpei so that aquaculture activities can contribute to and complement fisheries activities.

Mrs. Patricia Jack-Jossien, spoke on behalf of the newly appointed board members and thanked Governor Oliver, Speaker Lambert and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for the support and trust to nominate and confirm the advisory board.

4. Pohnpei State Imports first COVID-19 Human Remains successfully

On Saturday, May 1, 2021, Pohnpei imported its first COVID-19 Human Remain(HR).  The HR was received well in Pohnpei and buried the same day.

The process to receive the HR included an application and approval by the Pohnpei Pandemic Readiness and Response Unit (PRRU), the successor of the Pohnpei COVID-19 Task Force.  Pre-planning for the arrival of the HR was conducted with the family to provide information and solicit cooperation during the process.  Upon arrival of the HR no more than five family members were allowed viewing through plexiglass, before proceeding to the burial site.  An infection team from the Department of Health and Social Services was on hand to conduct disinfection immediately after the HR was removed from the Ambulance for burial.

Grateful appreciation is extended to the family of the deceased. Without their patience, cooperation, and understanding this importation could not be as safe and as successful as it was.

5. Legislative Resolutions received by Governor Oliver at the end of the fourth special session

On Monday, May 4, 2021, Governor Oliver received an official transmittal of Legislature Resolutions (L.R.) adopted by the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature (PSL) during its fourth special session, 2021.  The resolutions, in summary, are listed below, including dates and names of introducers:

L.R. 59-21: Mourning the death of a dedicated political leader and strong advocate for the people of Pohnpei and of this nation, the late Honorable Bethwel Henry.  Introduced by Senators Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Jack Harris, and Helgena Johnson on January 28, 2021.  Adopted on April 23, 2021.

L.R. 63-21: An urgent request to the Department of Health Services to allow both Dr. Perman and Dr. Gallen, who are presently associated with the Pohnpei Health Community Health Center to operate their respective clinics at Pohnpei State Hospital.  Introduced by Senator Shleten Neth on February 4, 2021, adopted on April 22, 2021.

L.R. 64-21: Communicating an ongoing concern of the 10th PSL about Micare’s Health Insurance plan as it relates to deficient coverage to Micare policyholders who receive medical treatment at the Pohnpei Community Health Center.  Introduced by Senator Shelten Neth on February 4, 2021, and adopted on April 22, 2021.

L.R. 66-21: Expressing sympathy and condolences of the 10th PSL over the passing of Iso Sahngoro, His Majesty Pedros Moses, Nahnmwarki en Weisohn U.  Introduced by Senators Stevenson Joseph and Sonster Edgar on February 16, 2021, and adopted April 23, 2021.

L.R. 68-21: Commemorating a noteworthy life, presenting sincere condolences of the Pohnpei Legislature for and behalf of the people of Pohnpei over the sudden passing of the late Mr. John Sohl to his family, friends, and most especially his wife and children.  Introduced by Senators Jayson Walter, Ricky Carl, and Speaker Ausen T. Lambert on March 2, 2021, and adopted April 22, 2021.

 

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