February 2022

Kalahngan to the SDA High School Debate Team. Vice Principal and Advisor, Leighton Edward and six members of the team, visited Governor Oliver on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, to ask questions relating to this year’s Law Day debate theme: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia shall enact legislation establishing a minimum wage for the FSM. The students asked questions relating to the current minimum wage in Pohnpei and any future plans on raising the wage in preparation for their upcoming debate. Governor Oliver and Ms. Shirley-Ann Ligohr, who heads Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and secretariat for the Economic Planning Commission (EPC), advised the students that formal communications have been submitted to the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature requesting an increase to the minimum wage from $1.75 to $2.00. Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Edward and the students for their visit and their continued quest for knowledge, he congratulated the previous SDA team for winning last year’s debate and encouraged this year’s team to do their best. The first debate is scheduled for April 5, 2022, with the next debate scheduled for April 21, 2022. The team members who accompanied Mr. Edward to the Governor’s Office: Sharlynn Sakios Sophia Bacalando Sean Ruepong Noah Hadley Caitlin Nanpei

The 2nd annual Student Takeover Day successfully concluded at the PICS gymnasium on Wednesday, February 24, 2022, with a ceremony to recognize the student leaders and employers. This year also saw more student participation including special remarks at the closing ceremony by Student Governor, the Honorable Ian Perman, student reflections by July-O Saimon, Prinet Richard, Isabella Sipos, JD Nelper, Jade Dawn Holiday, Kachaena Tolenoa, and Kathleen Dacanay, and closing remarks by the Student Director of the Department of Education, Ja’cy Wes Lukan. In his closing remarks, Student Governor Perman said it was his honor to speak on behalf of Governor Oliver and conveyed gratitude and appreciation to the Department of Education for arranging the Student Takeover Day. He said the future of our country depends on the youth and this Student Takeover Day has helped to inspire, motivate and encourage the youth to be the best they can be. He closed by saying that he believed like him, most of the students that participated in this year’s Student Takeover Day will take the experiences they had to help them decide on a career path. Congratulations to all the students and employers who participated in the 2nd annual student takeover day.

On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, Governor Oliver signed L.B. No. 02-20 into State Law 10L-75-22, amending 1 PC 7-101 of the Pohnpei Code by creating a new Holiday to be known as “International Women’s Day” in recognition of Women’s Day celebrated throughout the world on March 8. Joining Governor Oliver to witness this historic occasion from the Pohnpei Women’s Council, President: Mrs. Emy Musrasrik-Carl, Vice President, Maria Donre, Secretary – Bernolina Hedson, Treasurer – Judy Shoniber Perman Mauricio, and from the Women’s Program Coordinator from the Division of Social Services, Ms. Katsandra Shed. Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, Public Affairs Officer, Peteriko Hairens, and Mrs. Elsy Santos, Legislative Liaison from the Governor’s Office were also present. Congratulations Pohnpei Women’s Council and all who supported this important undertaking!

PDF file below: Sokehs Rebellion Day 2022

PDF file below: Kitti Constitution Day 2022  

STUDENT TAKEOVER DAY 2022 Governor Oliver welcomed students, Mr. Ian Perman from Calvary Christian Academy and Ms. Destiny Rose Gallen from Pohnpei Adventist High School to the Governor’s Office along with Department of Education personnel, Mr. Benjie Phillip, and Mr. Remenster Johnna on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. The students are participating in the upcoming Student Takeover Day, on February 23, 2022, and stopped by for an orientation to what will be their offices for a day. Mr. Perman is the student Governor and Ms. Gallen is the student Lt. Governor. This is the second year for Student Takeover Day. Employers from the State, National, and Non-Governmental Organizations will allow High School Seniors from public and private schools across Pohnpei to takeover, participate and experience what it is like to be in the workforce. Thank you to the following offices and organizations for their support and participation: FSM Telecommunications Corporation Department of Land Department of Treasury and Finance Pohnpei Port Authority Office of Public Auditor Pohnpei Housing Authority Environmental Protection Agency Budget Office Pohnpei FSM Social Security branch FSM Development Bank Department of Public Safety Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation (V6AH) Department of Health and Social Affairs National Oceanic Resources Management Authority (NORMA) Micronesian Conservation Trust Weather Station Department of Education Division of Tourism, Department of Resources and Development Micronesian Legal Services Corporation Pohnpei Transportation Authority Ohmine Elementary School Kolonia Elementary School Pohnpei Community Health Center Dispensary UNICEF Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Pohnpei Sports Development Office

On Thursday, February 10, 2022, Governor Oliver joined the Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, at Palikir Elementary School for the official handover of the Japan-funded Project for Palikir School facilities. The project renovated three restrooms with over 15 toilets, 14 handwashing sinks, and draining ditch covers. Additionally covered walkways to the restrooms were also constructed. The project was funded through grant aid from the people and Government of Japan as a token of friendship and cooperation. Welcoming remarks were provided by Mr. Kasner Aldens, Palikir Elementary School PTA President. Opening prayer was provided by Deacon Mike Ioanis. H.E. Hisashi Michigami, Japanese Ambassador to the FSM, officially declared the project complete and presented a key to Governor Oliver, who then presented the key to Director Etse, Director of the Department of Education. Ambassador Michigami stated that it was an honor to help with the education of Pohnpei’s children. He spoke of Japanese culture and tradition to do your best regardless of who is watching and to respect ancestors, seniors, teachers, and traditional skills. In his remarks, Governor Oliver conveyed his deep appreciation to the people and Government of Japan for the renovated bathrooms, toilets, sinks and constructed walkways. He translated the Ambassador’s speech to the Palikir Elementary school students to explain the similarities in our cultures which include respect for our elders, and to take ownership of the contributions generously donated to the school, at all times, encouraging the students to take care of these important and generous contributions to their school. He thanked the Pohnpei State Legislature and the Department of Education for their assistance to bring forth these generous contributions to the people of Pohnpei. Also present during the handover ceremony: Principal: Francisco Ifamlik Education Committee Chair: Senator Kasinda Ludwig, Vice-Chair: Senator Mitaro Simina, and Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle