1. COVID-19 Immunizations Update
As of June 18, 2021, 17,887 people or 86% of the population that can receive the COVID-19 vaccine, have received the initial dose. 9,155 or 44% of the population that can receive the COVID-19 have completed the MODERNA and Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The vaccine coverage in the Municipalities is as follows:
- Kolonia – 61%
- U- 61%
- Kitti – 52%
- Sokehs – 50%
- Nett – 46%
- Madolenihmw – 44%
- Outer Islands – 3%
2. US Embassy Deputy Chief and Officers visit Governor Oliver
On Friday, June 18, 2021, Governor Oliver received U.S. Embassy Kolonia Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Kristin Westphal, Public Affairs Officer Andrew Posner, Defense Attache’ CDR Thomas Price, USN, Economic/Consular Officer Frank P. Talluto, and USAID Country Coordinator Rodger Garner. The visit allowed Governor Oliver and staff to officially welcome the new US Embassy officers to Pohnpei and understand their roles and responsibilities.
During the brief meeting, Governor Oliver introduced key staff, conveyed sincere gratitude and appreciation for the enduring partnership between the Pohnpei State Government and the U.S. Government and Embassy Staff. He also pledged support and assistance moving forward in areas of mutual interest at the state level.
Joining Governor Oliver were IsoNahnken of Madolenihmw and Administrator of the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, Director of Public Safety Patrick Carl, Director of Education Stanley Etse, Public Affairs Officer Peteriko Hairens, Protocol Officer Billston Charley.
3. Mr. Kohler Carl, the newest member of the Price Control Commission
On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, administered the oath of office to Mr. Kohler Carl as the newest member of the Pohnpei State Price Control Commission.
Mr. Carl received the oath of office at the Governor’s Cabinet Conference room, in front of family, friends, and colleagues including the Hon. Nelson Joseph Chief Justice of Pohnpei State, Hon. Beauleen Worswick-Carl Associate Justice FSM Supreme Court, Vice Speaker Hon. Stevick Edwin, Senator Hon. Ricky Carl and Senator Hon. Jayson Walter.
In his brief remarks, Governor Oliver thanked Speaker Lambert and the 10th Pohnpei state Legislature for their support of Mr. Carl’s nomination. He thanked Mr. Carl’s family for their support and all who came to support Mr. Carl. Governor Oliver spoke of the importance of the Price Control Commission to help with the economic development of Pohnpei through consumer price regulation and control. He also noted the recent reorganization of the Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce as another factor to help Pohnpei’s economic development.
Vice Speaker, Hon. Stevick Edwin, representing Speaker Lambert and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, congratulated Mr. Carl and spoke on the importance of the price control commission and the importance of taking the initiative. Mr. Carl thanked Governor Oliver, Speaker Lambert, and the 10th Pohnpei state Legislature members for his nomination, then confirmation and pledged to do his best to carry out his duties and responsibilities as a member of the Pohnpei State Price Control Commission.
4. Australian Ambassador to FSM pays first official visit
On Thursday, June 10, 2021, H.E. Joanne Cowley, Australian Ambassador to the FSM, paid her first official visit to Pohnpei State Governor, T.H. Reed B. Oliver at Peilapalap, Kolonia. The meeting was attended by members of Governor Oliver’s cabinet and staff. The visit provided an opportunity for Governor Oliver to express his gratitude for the assistance provided by the Government of Australia to Pohnpei via Australian Awards Scholarships, Direct Aid Program grants, Australian Volunteers, and other programs. Ambassador Cowley also expressed her gratitude and appreciation for Pohnpei’s COVID-19 response efforts including the recent repatriation, of which she was a part, and looked forward to working with Governor Oliver and the Pohnpei State Government to address challenges at the state level.
Governor Oliver also congratulated Ambassador Cowley for recently receiving a prestigious title bestowed upon her by Soukisoulang, Nanmwarki of Kitti: Serinoahi Pohndake Kitti.
Present with Governor Oliver during the meeting were: Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, Director of Health, Wincener David, Director of Public Safety, Patrick Carl, Public Affairs Officer, Peteriko Hairens, as well as Overseas Development Assistance Coordinator, Shirley Ligohr and Department of Education Scholarship representatives, Yurida Susaia and Jackleen Pretrick.
5. Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce Reorganizes
On Monday, June 14, 2021, the Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce officially met to reorganize their organization at the Governor’s Conference Room, Peilapalap, Kolonia. Governor Oliver used this opportunity to welcome the organization and extend the support of the Executive branch through the Department of Resources and Development.
In his brief remarks, Governor Oliver stated that he was happy to see so many of Pohnpei’s business elite coming together. He welcomed the chamber and extended the support of the Executive branch through the Department of Resources and Development. Governor Oliver also conveyed his appreciation to the FSM National Government for providing $25,000 to the Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce through the Governor’s Office to assist with the reorganization of the Chamber and future activities.
Mr. Herman Semes, interim President of the FSM Association of Chambers of Commerce, introduced the current officers present: Vice President, Martine Jano, Acting Secretary, Mr. Cassidy Shoniber, Treasurer – Mr. Herman Semes, and Staff – Mr. Benjamin Rodriguez. He stated that the Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce is an umbrella organization of local businesses representing the private sector to dialogue with each other and the public sector.
According to their website, at www.pohnpeichamber.com, the Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce is the collective voice of the Pohnpei business community advocating and supporting the interests of the private sector through inclusive participation and dialogue toward creating friendly investment environment public policies as a basis for a sustainable One Nation, One Economic National Goal for FSM.
6. Governor Oliver requests Pohnpei Transportation Authority assistance with potholes
In a memorandum from Governor Oliver to the Commissioner of the Pohnpei Transportation Authority (PTA) Commissioner, Mr. Welson Panuel, and Chairman of the PTA Board, Mr. Midion Neth, Nahnpas Madolenihmw, and PTA Board, assistance was requested to check and take action on potholes. The danger posed by potholes, especially on the main roads, was expressed.
PTA along with the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) and the Governor’s Office are working together to address these potholes as soon as possible.
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