The unofficial results of the Nett Special Election for Legislature on December 28, 2021, are as follows: Candidate Mike Loyola: 861 votes Candidate Peteriko Hairens: 838 votes The final official results will include absentee ballots. By law, absentee ballot votes have 7 days from the day of election to be included.
All domestic and foreign corporations in Pohnpei must file an annual report with the State Registrar of Corporations between January 1 and March 1, each year. Corporation kaoros me wia corporation en wein Pohnpei oh pil corporation teikan me wia ahn mehn likihkahn udahn pahn kapidelong de file annual repwoht rehn registrar en corporations en wein Pohnpei an pwungen senweri 1 oh mahs 1 en pahr ehu kaoros. Please call 320-6689 for more information.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH CHRISTMAS PARTY Governor Oliver welcomed Speaker Edwin, Associate Judge Nickontro Johnny, IsoNahnken of Madolenihmw, Mr. John Adolph, Wasahi Sokehs, Mr. Peter Lohn, IOM-Micronesia Chief of Mission, Mr. Salvatore Sortino, FSMTC CEO, Mr. Fredy Perman, members of the Governor’s cabinet, members of the Economic Planning Commission, staff and family members to the Executive branch’s Christmas party on the evening of December 17, 2021, at Peilapalap, Kolonia. In his remarks, Governor Oliver, on behalf of Lt. Governor Perman, conveyed warm holiday greetings to everyone present. He noted that two years will soon pass, since the start of the Oliver/Perman administration. In those two years, many things have happened, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic. While Pohnpei remains COVID-19 free, something we can all be grateful for, Governor Oliver urged everyone to get vaccinated. He called for all employees to remember and uphold the responsibilities they have been entrusted with at work, in their communities, and in their respective families. He thanked the Departments/Offices and agencies for their hard work in the service of the people of Pohnpei. Governor Oliver closed with Christmas greetings and a reminder to everyone not to count the days or months left, but make each and every day count. Speaker Edwin also delivered remarks, thanking Governor Oliver for inviting him. He pledged to continue to work for the people of Pohnpei as the Speaker of the Pohnpei State Legislature, as the reorganization of the Pohnpei State Legislature draws near in January of 2022. He extended season’s greetings from the Legislative branch to Governor Oliver, the Executive branch, and all of Pohnpei.
Governor Oliver swore in members of the Police Commission at the Governor’s Conference room, Peilapalap, Kolonia on December 16, 2021. Four new members of the Commission were nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature: Wensper Raymond Baron Mendiola Joab Paul Patrick Pedrus In his remarks, Governor Oliver expressed gratitude to Speaker Edwin and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their cooperation and support to confirm the commission members. He also thanked the Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, and the Attorney General’s office for their support. Governor Oliver noted that the Police Commission’s duties and responsibilities are unique because they are dealing with law enforcement. He urged the committee members to work with the Department of Public Safety, Legislative Counsel, and AG’s office to review and affirm their duties and responsibilities as prescribed by Pohnpei State law. He thanked the spouses and family members of the committee members for their valuable support. Speaker Edwin and the Vice Chairman of the Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee, Senator Dahker Abraham, congratulated and issued the commission members their certificates of appointment. Speaker Edwin also spoke of the unique duties and responsibilities of the commission, acknowledging the need for oversight of law enforcement officers to maintain their bearing and professionalism. Mr. Wensper Raymond, spoke on behalf of the committee members to thank Governor Oliver, Speaker Edwin, 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, and Director Carl for the opportunity to serve on the commission. Deacon William Ioanis, who is also a Police Captain, gave the opening prayer. Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peterkio Hairens, was the master of ceremonies. According to 16 PC 1-119, it shall be the responsibility of the commission to: Oversee the activities of the Division of Police and Security and make periodic reports to the Governor and the Legislature as to the operations of the Division and its effectiveness in enforcing the laws of the state; (2) Receive and investigate complaints from the general public on any matter relative to the jurisdiction and activities of the Division; and (3) Advise the Director and the Chief as to corrective action where necessary. Source: S.L. No. 4L-139-99 §20, 11/22/99
A minimum wage forum was held in the Governor’s Conference room, Peilapalap, Kolonia on Friday, December 9, 2021. The forum was hosted by the newly formed Pohnpei State Economic Planning Commission and funded by SPC through a grant to Micronesia Care Foundation. The forum, the first of its kind, drew members of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature (PSL), Economic Planning Commission (EPC), Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce (PCC), Price Control Commission, and members of the public. Prior to the open panel discussion on the proposed legislation for an increase in the Pohnpei State minimum wage law, Governor Oliver welcomed everyone to the forum, including the former Governor of Pohnpei State, Marcelo Peterson. Governor Oliver spoke of the EPC’s mandate to establish overall strategic direction and mobilization in Pohnpei State’s planning and development efforts to restructure the government and the economy. He noted that the forum is part of this strategic direction and mobilization. Governor Oliver later introduced the members of the EPC: Mr. Mason Albert, Mr. Richie Adams, Acting Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Mark Kostka, Camille Movick-Inatio, Mr. Kelly Keller, Mr. Leon Panuelo, Jr., and the EPA’s Secretariat under the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) Unit, Ms. Shirley-Ann Ligohr. Governor Oliver, by law, is the Chairman of the EPC. Senator Stevenson Joseph, Chairman of the 10th PSL Finance Committee, gave remarks on proposed legislation for an increase in the minimum wage to $2.50 per hour. He noted that increasing the minimum wage will have positive effects like enlarging the tax base and wage tax for the government. He also raised concerns that in doing so, operating expenses for businesses will increase which will, in turn, increase the prices of goods and services to cover increased labor costs. Ms. Michaela Saimon, Chief of the Division of Commerce and Industries under the Department of Resources and Development gave a presentation on minimum wage policy and history. She referenced the Pohnpei Code and state law that requires a minimum wage review by the Chief of Personnel, Labor, and Manpower Development every three years or when deemed appropriate. In her presentation, she noted that the last increase to the present minimum wage was passed by the Pohnpei State Legislature in 2011 from $1.35 to $1.75 per hour. Quoting FSM Immigration statistics, she shared that over 8,000 people have left Pohnpei since 2019 to seek opportunities abroad. She also shared some pros and cons of a minimum wage increase, that included the following: Higher wages means increased living standards Increased employee retention, reduce hiring and training costs More money in the pockets of workers will flow to the businesses Increased wages will increase the costs of goods and services for businesses, which will, in turn, be passed to the consumer Businesses will be forced to cut jobs to maintain profitability The current pandemic situation is not the best time to address this issue An open dialogue to discuss the issue was also provided with members of the business community, legislature, and members of the public sharing their views on the minimum wage. Mr. Richie Adams from the Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce spoke of the rising business costs due to shipping and availability of goods as a result of pandemic conditions. Speaking on behalf of the Price Control Commission, Ms. Marstella Jack, said the commission is also looking into the prices of goods and shipping costs, and their findings may contribute to future discussions on raising the minimum wage. Mr. Tendy Liwy spoke on behalf of the youth. He asked for the support and assistance of the Government and the private businesses to raise wages and employee benefits to keep the youth from leaving Pohnpei for opportunities abroad. In Governor Oliver’s closing remarks, he went over what was presented and discussed during the forum, briefly. He expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the cooperation and support of all parties involved to bring forth this public forum. The forum was noted by many who attended as a good start to addressing this long-standing issue of raising the minimum wage. The forum was also broadcast live by V6AH. The full video broadcast can be found online: https://youtu.be/xecjKXhIjYA Further public discussion on this issue will be shared from the Governor’s Office and EPC Secretariat.
Governor Oliver delivered remarks this evening (December 3, 2021) at Peilapalap, Kolonia at the conclusion of a parade held to mark the end of Public Safety week and their anti-bullying campaign. Over 10 different groups participated in the parade that started at the Spanish Wall and ended at the Governor’s Office. Director of Public Safety, Patrick Carl, kicked off the event with opening remarks explaining that the parade and Christmas Tree lighting is the end of their weeklong public safety week and anti-bullying campaign. Captain Ricky Rodriguez was the MC of the event and Captain Ioanis gave the opening prayer. In his remarks Governor Oliver said that what was learned during the weeklong anti-bullying campaign does not stop here, instead what was learned and the support of this issue will continue. He thanked the Director of Public Safety, Patrick Carl for his leadership in overseeing the anti-bullying campaign and the Christmas Tree Lighting program. To the members of the diplomatic corps and local leadership, which included the US Ambassador, Australian Ambassador, Embassy of Japan Deputy Head of Mission, UN Resident Coordinator, IsoNahnken of Madolenihmw, John Adolph, Acting Speaker McGarry Miguel and Senator Shelten Neth, he noted that while the world is going through a pandemic it was appropriate to share a message of peace, harmony and unity in the name of humanity and thanked them for their presence. He closed by encouraging the children who participated in the parade and the anti-bullying campaign to continue to do their best in school and take what they have learned and apply it at school, in their homes and communities. Governor Oliver noted the presence of US Embassy Kolonia Defense Attaché’ US Navy Commander Thomas Price and his US military colleagues. First Lady of Pohnpei, Estle G. Oliver, with H.E. Carmen Cantor, US Ambassador and H.E. Joanne Cowley, Australian Ambassador, turned on the Christmas Tree and all the Christmas lights at the Governor’s Office, following a 10-second countdown.
Sharing the gratitude and appreciation expressed by the Department of Public Safety to all the participants of the Public Safety Parade, Anti-bullying campaign. #enginkehlapchristmas2021
Kalahngan Lap to Mr. Kyoshi Goto and Yoshie Enterprises for their generous donations, valued at over $13,000, consisting of 265 bags of 40 lbs rice and individual gift bags. The donations were delivered to the Governor’s Office on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, and will be delivered with the assistance of the Department of Education to special education students.
Acting Director of the Department of Health and Social Services, Mrs. Norleen DeOrio, along with the Hon. Herolyn Movick, and Chief of Secondary Education, Mr. Jolden Lipai participated in an International Human Rights Day event to end the 16 days of Activism at Gonzaga Hall. Acting Director DeOrio joined a panel discussion on human rights issues that included Acting Secretary of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, Moses Pretrick, Second Secretary Jasemine Altinkaya from the Australian Embassy, Capt Taylor Santos from the Salvation Army, and representatives from the Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety, US Embassy, and IOM. Students from Pohnpei High Schools were present and learned about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and gender equality issues. +
