July 21, 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.