July 2021

Press the PLAY button above to hear Enginkehlap updates in Pohnpeian. COVID 19 Updates As of July 19, 2021, 19,594 doses of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Pohnpei.  10,426 people or 50% of Pohnpei’s target population of 18 years and above are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  The completion rates of the municipalities: Kolonia 66%  Uh 66%  Sokehs 59%  Nett 56%  Kitt 55%  Madolenihmw 48%  Outer islands 4%  Governor Oliver attends opening ceremonies for the 42nd Liberation Day games Governor Oliver and Vice Speaker Miguel delivered remarks on July 12, 2021, at the PICS Gymnasium, to mark the opening of the 42nd Liberation Day Games.  Competitions and games will be held from July 12 – September 11, 2021, Liberation Day Holiday for Pohnpei.  WP Erlinso Alex blessed the opening ceremony with a prayer.  Vice Speaker Miguel delivered welcoming remarks to mark this special day as the start of the 42nd Liberation Day games. In his remarks, Governor Oliver made note of the previous liberation day celebrations, recognizing the hard work and dedication of all who participated and the generous donation of Leo Etschiet and his foundation for helping to establish the first Liberation Day games 42 years ago.  He also recognized some of the former athletes present who inspired so many with their dedication and hard work.  Joining Governor Oliver and Vice Speaker Miguel were Floor Leader Hudson Abraham, Sen. Shelten Neth, Sen. Sonster Edgar, and Sen. Jayson Walter. Chairman of Pohnpei Sports Commission Mr. Kose Joab officially declared the start of the games after Governor Oliver’s remarks. The Volleyball and Softball competitions began after the opening ceremony.  Schedules of the games leading up to September 11, 2021 – Liberation Day, will be posted here soon.  You can also call Pohnpei Sports Council at 320-6278 for more information. Governor Oliver signs Memorandum of Understanding with NGOs On Monday, July 12, 2021, Governor Oliver signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Pohnpei State Government, Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP), and Rare, Inc, an international nature conservation Non-Governmental Organization.   Attending the signing was MCT Executive Director, William Kostka, Rare Senior Program Implementation Manager, Jasmine Mendiola, Director of Resources and Development, Hubert Yamada, Acting Attorney General, Mona Abello-Pangelinan, and staff from MCT, Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP), and Rare, Inc.   The MOU recognizes Rare, Inc’s implementation of a 3.5 year International Climate Initiative, entitled: Fishing for Climate Resilience: Empowering vulnerable, fisheries dependent communities to adapt ecosystem-based adaptation measures for securing food and livelihoods. Rare Inc. will be in partnership with the Pohnpei State Government and co-partner with MCT and Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP).  All parties agree to work together in terms of capacity building for all team members or individuals that are involved in the project. The MOU further sets out each party’s responsibilities, with the Department of Resources and Development representing the Pohnpei State Government in matters relating to this project. Rare Inc. is an international nature conservation Non-Governmental Organization with headquarters out of Arlington, Virginia, and a local office in Pohnpei housed with MCT. Attending the MOU signing was MCT Executive Director, William Kostka, Rare Senior Program Implementation Manager, Jasmine Mendiola, Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, Director of Resources and Development, Hubert Yamada, Acting Attorney General, Mona Abello-Pangelinan, Assistant Attorney General Vara Bulabalavu, Rare program associate, Yomalinda Alfons, Ivengelyn Andon and Winfred Mudong from MCT and Angel Jonathan and Jerry Route from Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP). Governor Oliver attends zoom conference with President Panuelo and State Governors On July 9, 2021, Governor Oliver, Chief of Staff Kapilly Capelle, COVID-19 Task Force Chairman, Dr. Rally Jim, and Vice Chairman Patrick Carl, Director of the Department of Public Safety attended a zoom virtual conference in the Governor’s cabinet conference room.  The zoom virtual conference was hosted by the Office of the President and included the Governors of Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae.  The main topic was COVID-19 Immunizations.   Ahead of the discussion on immunizations, each state gave its update on repatriation efforts.  Yap stated that their first repatriation was scheduled for July 25, 2021, and Kosrae’s first repatriation was scheduled for July 19, 2021.  Chuuk State did not specify a repatriation date, yet and Pohnpei’s next repatriation movement is scheduled for July 15, 2021.   President Panuelo advised the State Governors that a proposal had been made to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to assist the FSM with the final push for immunizations to achieve herd immunity or 70% of the target population (18 years old and above) immunized.   The proposal included sending five teams of five personnel, medical doctors and specialists, from CDC and HHS to each state in the FSM to assist with immunization efforts.  These teams, however, would not be subject to the existing pre-quarantine and quarantine protocols and procedures in place.  President Panuelo asked each State to comment on allowing these teams entrance into their respective States. Governor Oliver thanked President Panuelo for any offers of assistance, especially from our US partners, but advised President Panuelo that he would be relying on the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force and specifically the medical team’s recommendation on whether or not to allow the CDC/HHS teams to enter without following the established protocols for pre-quarantine and quarantine.  A formal response with the Task Force’s recommendation will be transmitted to the President’s Office and shared with the public, when available.     

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find below an executive proclamation for a special election to be held in Sokehs Municipality on October 14, 2021, to fill the seat vacated by Honorable Senator Ausent T. Lambert. Absentee Ballots for the upcoming Sokehs Special election scheduled for October 14, 2021, can be downloaded, filled out, and sent to the Pohnpei State Election Commissioner.   Click the link below to view and download the form. The return mailing and email addresses are provided on the form below: request for absentee ballot

On Tuesday, July 13, 2021, Governor Oliver met with outgoing Pohnpei Transportation Authority (PTA) Commissioner, Mr. Welson Panuel in his office, Peilapalap, Kolonia.  Commissioner Panuel recently ran for and was elected to be the next Chief Executive Officer of the Kitti Municipal Government or Luhk en Moanlap.  Mr. Panuel advised Governor Oliver that according to the Kitti Municipal Constitution, he is required to assume the office and duties of Luhk en Moanlap by Monday, July 19, 2021.  He thanked Governor Oliver for the opportunity to serve as PTA Commissioner. Governor Oliver congratulated Mr. Panuel on his recent election as Luhk en Moanlap and expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Commissioner Panuel for the services he has rendered to the people of Pohnpei as the Commissioner of PTA since receiving the oath of office on April 17, 2020.   As Mr. Panuel departs PTA to assume his duties as Luhk en Moanlap, Governor Oliver has designated Mr. Quirino Gilmete as the Acting Commissioner of Pohnpei Transportation Authority (PTA), until further notice.

Listen to the news in Pohnpeian. Click the play button above. Governor Oliver attends the dedication ceremony for V6AH’s backup/standby generator On Friday, June 25, 2021, Governor Oliver attended a dedication ceremony to mark the arrival and setup of a backup/standby generator for Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation (PPBC)/V6AH.   Welcoming remarks were provided by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Kester James.  Deacon Santiago blessed the event with an opening prayer, and Mrs. Brenda Hadley-Eperiam, Secretary of the Board of Directors, was the Master of Ceremony.  In his remarks, Acting Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, Mr. Stevick Edwin, noted the continuing advances made by V6AH to inform the public through current technologies.  He called the generator “an important addition to the toolbox” to continue V6AH’s important task of informing the public.   Governor Oliver congratulated Commissioner, Mr. Peterson Sam and the Board of PPBC.  He thanked the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their continued support, especially in the appropriation of funds for important items like the generator.  He also acknowledged the importance of the backup generator in V6AH’s mandate to inform the public, especially during emergencies and the current COVID-19 pandemic.   He thanked and acknowledged the work of V6AH, PPBC Board of Directors, the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, and all involved in making this event take place.   Acting Speaker Edwin, Director of Treasury and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, and Chairman Kester James, concluded the ceremony with a ribbon-cutting followed by a tour of the generator.    Child Protection position at Pohnpei State Government UNICEF Chief of Mission, Cromwell Bacarezza and Chief, Division of Social Services, Noriekka Lekka, paid a courtesy call to Governor Oliver on Monday, June 28, 2021, at the Governor’s Office, Peilapalap, Kolonia. Accompanying Mr. Bacarezza was Stephanie Willis-Ritland, technical advisor, and with Chief, Lekka was Ms. Serpihna Lebehn, Administrative Assistant.   The courtesy call provided an opportunity for Mr. Bacarezza and Chief Lekka to officially inform Governor Oliver of a Child Protection Adviser position within the Pohnpei State Government,  funded by UNICEF.  The position will be for two years and housed under the Division of Social Services, Department of Health and Social Services.  The position will soon be advertised by the Pohnpei State Government.  Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Bacarezza and Chief Lekka for all the work and support they have put in for this position.  He also noted that it is important to consider the cultural context of such positions when dealing with sensitive issues like children and families in Pohnpei.  Ms. Willis-Ritland thanked Governor Oliver for mentioning that noting the approach taken for the development of this position will involve community engagement, education, and the training of social workers at the community or grassroots level.   

Listen to Enginkehlap News (Pohnpeian) by clicking the play button above. You can also catch Enginkehlap News on V6AH, every day at 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. 1. Pohnpei COVID-19 Vaccination update As of June 29, 2021, the number of people in Pohnpei that have received the first dose of the MODERNA COVID-19 vaccine is 18,553 which means 89% of the acceptable population has received the first dose.  9,650 or 46% of the acceptable population has received the second dose and completed the series, this includes the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. These are the coverage rates in the Municipalities of Pohnpei, as of June 29, 2021: Kolonia- 63% .Uh- 63% Sokehs – 56% Kitti – 53% Nett- 49% Madolenihmw- 45% Outer islands -3% The general public is advised, especially those who have not received the vaccine, to kindly visit public health or your local dispensary to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 2. Typhoon Wutip IOM/USAID Beneficiaries receive vouchers Seventeen (17) Pohnpei residents met with Governor Oliver and International Organization for Migration – Micronesia (IOM) Chief of Mission, Mr. Nathan Glancy in the Governor’s Cabinet Conference room.  In two separate meetings, the residents were informed that because of a damage assessment that was made on their homes after Typhoon Wutip in 2019, they would be receiving financial aid from the US Federal Government through FEMA/USAID and IOM.  The aid rendered ranged from approximately $24,000 to $2,000 depending on the damage incurred and will be paid out in vouchers to obtain building supplies and replace household appliances that were damaged. Governor Oliver conveyed his sincere appreciation to IOM Chief of Mission Glancy and the FEMA/USAID team for this very important and significant assistance rendered on behalf of the people of Pohnpei and made possible through the Compact of Free Association with the United States of America. Typhoon Wutip passed over Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Yap States, FSM between 19 and 22 February 2019 with 75–80 mph winds and gusts of up to 100 mph.  FSM President, Peter M. Christian issued a Declaration of Disaster on March 11 and requested international assistance to respond to the damage caused by the typhoon. 3. Governor Oliver discusses cross-cutting issues with DOE and DPS Directors June 21, 2021, Governor met with members of his cabinet to discuss important state matters and set action steps.  Director of the Department of Education, Stanley Etse, Director of the Department of Public Safety, Patrick Carl, and Acting Attorney General Mona Abello-Pangelinan met with Governor Oliver and Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, to discuss, follow up and advance the following issues: A proclamation on Student Takeover Day is being reviewed by the Director of Education, to designate and observe a day every year for students at the high school level to take over the government and other organizations for one day to inspire and encourage them to pursue their educational goals A transportation plan has already been formulated and adopted by the Department of Education to provide consistent and safe transportation of students to and from school, this plan will be shared with the public once finalized The Department of Public Safety’s pilot Junior Police Officer program is running at three public elementary schools. The program is engaging with elementary school children to teach them drill/marching basics, public safety, and build character, discipline, and teamwork Department of Public Safety Director Carl also shared that four new motorcycles are expected to arrive. The four new motorcycles will be used for patrols and traffic congestion. 4. Potholes follow up with PTA and T&I On Tuesday and Wednesday, June 23 – 24, 2021, Pohnpei Transportation Authority (PTA) road crews responded to a memorandum sent to PTA Commissioner and PTA Board Chairman by Governor Oliver to fill in dangerous potholes around Kolonia Town. The PTA crews filled in potholes from Dolonier, into Kolonia Town onto the Pohnpei State Hospital parking lot, and up to Sekerre.  The potholes were identified and shared with PTA, Office of Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I), and the Governor’s Office.  PTA will continue moving forward with the filling of potholes throughout Pohnpei. 5. Local Chief Executives to discuss food security, reorganization On June 24, 2021, the Pohnpei Association of Local Chief Executives gathered for their quarterly meeting at the Governor’s Conference Room, Peilapalap, Kolonia. On the agenda for this meeting was a presentation by the Pohnpei State Department of Resources and Development (R&D) to address a Food Security Fund and discussions around the reorganization of the Association in light of the recent election of Kitti’s Luhk en Moanlap, Mr. Welson Panuel. R&D’s Chief of Agriculture, Mr. Mark Kostka, updated the Local Chiefs that based on an Agricultural census conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), approximately $250,000 will be provided for food security assistance due to COVID-19.  The aim is to stimulate the economy, focusing on food security through farming.  State consultations are still in progress by the FSM National Government. The current Chairman, Luhk en Moanlap, Antonio Sarapio, will be stepping down.  A new Luhk en Moanlap has been elected, Mr. Welson Panuel, and pending his swearing-in, the Association of Local Chiefs will be reorganized soon. 6. NDA handover of virtual conference equipment On Thursday, June 24, 2021, Governor Oliver, Chief of Staff Kapilly Capelle, and Director of Treasury and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, officially received virtual conference equipment from Ms. Caroline Werthog, FSM National Designated Authority, National Coordinator. The equipment includes a Vizio monitor, Logitech virtual conference equipment, and a Dell laptop valued at over $6,000.  The equipment increases the Pohnpei State Government’s ability and capacity to conduct and attend virtual conferences.  Kalahngan to the FSM National Designated Authority, for the Green Climate Fund for their generous donation.         7.  Announcement on recent Repatriation To alleviate the fear and misunderstanding surrounding recent news about positive cases identified in pre-quarantine in Guam, here is an update as reported by Dr. Rally Jim, Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force Chairman to Governor Oliver.  Four individuals were tested positive while in pre-quarantine in