June 17, 2021

COVID-19 Task Force Updates As of June 4, 2021, 16,643 or 80% of the acceptable population that can receive the COVID-19 vaccine have been vaccinated with at least one dose.  The total number of people who have completed vaccinations is 8,179 or 39% of the acceptable population that can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine coverage in the municipalities is as follow: Kolonia – 57% U- 53% Sokehs – 48% Kitti – 46% Madolenihmw – 40% Nett – 39% Outer Islands – 3% Dr. Thane Hancock, an epidemiologist from the US Centers for Disease and Control Center (CDC) continues to work with Dr. Rally Jim, the Department of Health and Social Services, and the Pohnpei COVID-19 Taskforce to provide expert advice and guidance for Pohnpei’s COVID-19 response efforts. He is also assisting with ventilator training.  Citing the success of Palau and Israel in recent months to achieve herd immunity in their countries, Dr. Hancock continues to encourage the Task Force and Pohnpei to press forward with vaccination efforts.  He said Pohnpei and FSM are already COVID FREE, now the effort should be made for  Pohnpei to be COVID-protected.  He was recently helping with outreach to the municipalities accompanying both Dr. Rally Jim and Dr. Payne Perman, to answer as many questions to alleviate the fear and misunderstanding surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations.   Governor Oliver expressed his gratitude for Dr. Hancock’s ongoing expert assistance and also related previously that the State of Israel has also committed to sending experts to assist with Pohnpei and FSM’s COVID-19 response efforts. In Palau, their first COVID case is not active and causes little risk for the spread of infection.  Dr. Thane Hancock joined Palau’s press conference via zoom virtual conference.  He noted that Palau is the best nation in the world to respond to this, because of the measures they have implemented with vaccination, quarantine, testing, etc.   2. Madolenihmw High School Seniors visit Governor’s Office On May 26, 2021, 48 seniors from Madolenihmw High School accompanied by their teachers, visited the Governor’s Office. The first group of students met with Governor Oliver and his staff in the Governor’s cabinet conference room in the morning. The second group of students met with the Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, Senator Shelten Neth, and the Office of the Governor’s staff in the same cabinet conference room that afternoon. After welcoming the first group of students, Governor Oliver sat down with them in the cabinet conference room and offered some words of advice and encouragement. Acknowledging their excitement as they near the end of their high school educational journey, face new challenges, and depart from friends and teachers, he counseled them to prepare themselves for graduation and beyond. Governor Oliver urged the students to finish school and return to Pohnpei. He told the students that one day, they will replace us and will do even better than us. Governor Oliver advised the students that we need people who will be responsible and serious to run the Government, noting that the 12 years of education that they have just received along with the counsel and advice of their parents, teachers, and elders will prepare them for the next step. Governor Oliver encouraged the students to set their dreams and achieve what they are passionate about. He said Pohnpei needs you as a teacher, nurse, engineer, or even a Governor. He encouraged the girls to aspire to the Governor’s position as well. Before thanking the students for their visit, he gave a quick history lesson, naming the Governors of Pohnpei who came before him. Governor Oliver ended by urging them to make good use of their visit to the Governor’s Office and other Pohnpei State Government offices to help them decide what they want to do. The second group of students from Madolenihmw High School met with Public Affairs Officer, Peteriko Hairens, representing the Governor, and Senator Shelten Neth who escorted the group from their visit at Legislature to the Governor’s Office. Mr. Hairens welcomed the students on behalf of the Governor, noting that the Governor is very happy to have them visit, and apologized for his absence. Mr. Hairens conveyed words of encouragement to them to continue in their education and look to return to help Pohnpei. Senator Neth explained the government branches and functions, connecting them all together and explaining their responsibilities. 3. Department of Public Safety Oath of Office, Badge Pinning and Police Academy Commencement On Monday, May 31, 2021, Governor Oliver attended a Department of Public Safety function that combined the oath of administration, badge pinning, personnel inspection, and the commencement of Pohnpei State Police Academy Cycle #6. Opening the ceremony with a word of prayer was Deacon William Ioanis who is also a Pohnpei State Police Captain. Welcoming remarks were made by the Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl. Pohnpei State Chief Justice, Hon. Nelson Joseph administered the oath of office to the officers, which was followed by a badge pinning by the wives and family members of the Police Officers. In his remarks, Governor Oliver congratulated the Police Officers for completing their training. He thanked the Pohnpei State Legislature for supporting the procurement of new uniforms for Pohnpei’s Police Officers. He called for the Police Officer’s continued service to the community they serve. Governor Oliver called for duty above self. He thanked the Police Officers for their important service to the community, maintaining the peace and safety of Pohnpei, telling them “Please know that we appreciate what you do, every day”. Governor Oliver shared three virtues that he has shared with previous officers, students, and citizens: Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty. He said, it’s up to you to follow and apply this, whether you are in uniform or not. He closed by sharing an important ability to complement all the training they have had so far, discernment. Governor Oliver stated, with all the knowledge, skills, and energy, they will need to know when and where to apply what has been learned