March 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from the Pohnpei State Pandemic Readiness and Response Commission (PRRC)/Task Force Update on FV Marielle – March 29, 2022 The Fishing Vessel (FV) Marielle, an FSM-flagged, Caroline Fisheries Corporation (CFC) vessel remains at the anchorage point, off the coast of Pohnpei. No crew have disembarked the vessel since March 11, 2022, when three FSM citizens who tested negative, were fully immunized and reached the end of their employment contract disembarked. All three crewmembers and their contacts in Pohnpei and Yap have tested negative for Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. On March 26, 2022, a team from the Pohnpei State Public Health division conducted repeat COVID-19 (PCR) tests for the entire crew as recommended by a previous report from medical authorities. The results showed seven positive results. Further testing is required to identify the variant, and samples will be sent off-island for confirmation. Isolation for the seven individuals onboard has been recommended by the Task Force/PRRC Medical Advisory Committee, with re-testing to occur on April 5, 2022. Those Pohnpei Public Health staff who will be conducting the testing onboard will be placed in quarantine at MMA – Dekehtik for three days and tested before their release as an extra precautionary measure. FV Marielle’s Captain and CFC are aware of the situation and the vessel has confirmed its capacity to isolate the seven positive cases onboard. In spite of the positive results, all crew members are reported to be asymptomatic, or without any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. The public is advised to remain calm, stay away from the FV Marielle at anchorage and continue to practice sanitary hygiene practices, like hand washing and staying at home if you are sick. Visit the COVID-19 Information Center for vaccine resources. Get Vaccine Info

Governor Oliver and First Lady of Pohnpei, Estle G. Oliver attended memorial services at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Kolonia for the late Senator Mayleen Shoniber Scaliem on March 25, 2022. Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, on behalf of the Executive branch of the Pohnpei State Government, read out Executive Proclamation 22-03, proclaiming a period of mourning for three (3) days commencing March 25, 2022, thru March 27, 2022, in memory of the late Hon. Mayleen S. Scaliem. All flags shall be flown at half-mast during the period of mourning.

Governor Oliver attended the opening ceremony for the newly renovated Department of Land building in Kolonia on Friday, March 25, 2022. Director of Land, Wasahi Sokehs, Mr. Peter Lohn welcomed all to the opening ceremony. He expressed his thanks to Governor Oliver, Speaker Yamaguchi, cabinet members, and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support to renovate the building that provides an important service for all Pohnpeians. In Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi’s remarks, he spoke of the importance of land in the culture of Pohnpei and congratulated the Department of Land on behalf of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature emphasizing the importance of Enginkehlap or working together moving forward. Governor Oliver gave the final remarks noting the previous state of condition of the building and spoke of the importance of the Department of Land to have a secure and safe building to serve the people of Pohnpei. He also noted that while the Department of Land has renovated their building, other Departments and Offices are also in the process of renovating their office buildings, like the Department of Public Safety and the Office of the Attorney General. He congratulated Director of Land, Wasahi Sokehs, on the completion of the much-needed renovation of the Department of Land building, thanking FSM Congress, Pohnpei State Legislature, Board of Public Lands, and the construction company Gonzalez construction for the renovation of the building. An oversized key, symbolizing the key to the new building was turned over to Governor Oliver by Acting Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Administrator, Mr. Ricky Lebehn, and Engineer Mr. Sam Orejudos. Governor Oliver then presented the key to Director Lohn. Vice-Chairman of the Board of Public Lands and Chief Justice of U Mrs. Antonia Primo-Moses, and Mrs. Mary Lohn, Director Lohn’s wife, cut the ribbon opening the new Department of Land building. Director of Land/Wasahi Sokehs Peter Lohn then gave Governor Oliver and Speaker Yamaguchi a guided tour of the newly renovated building Also present during the ceremony was the Chairman of the Board of Public Lands Trust, Mr. John Nakanaga, member Mr. Max Lebehn, Member Mr. Patterson Shed, Chairman of Board of Land Surveyors Examiners, Mr. Marcelino Actoucka, Pohnpei Transportation Authority Commissioner Mr. Berney Martin, Senator Ricky Carl, Chief of Staff Kapily Capelle, Acting Attorney General Mona Abello-Pangelinan.

Governor Oliver joined Speaker Yamaguchi for the burial of the late Senator Mayleen Shonniber Scaliem in Kolonia on Saturday, March 26, 2022. An honor guard detail from the Department of Public Safety paid final respects to the late Senator along with the presentation of the Pohnpei State Flag to the son of the late Senator by Speaker Yamaguchi. Rest in Peace, late Senator Mayleen S. Scaliem.

World Bank Representative, Ms. Degi Young, paid a courtesy call on Governor Oliver at the Governor’s cabinet conference room, Peilapalap, Kolonia on, Thursday, March 24, 2022. Ms. Degi Young was accompanied by Ms. Senny Phillip, Assistant Secretary, Investment and International Finance, FSM Department of Finance and Administration. As the World Bank’s Representative to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Ms. Young will establish a sub-regional office for the three countries here in Pohnpei. Degi Young thanked Governor Oliver for hosting the World Bank in Pohnpei and shared, in general, her role as World Bank Representative. Those roles include looking at plans and priorities of the three countries to see how the World Bank can support those plans and priorities, coordination and facilitation of projects within and among the countries, and capacity building and training. Governor Oliver thanked Ms. Young and Ms. Phillip for their courtesy visit, expressing his delight that Pohnpei State can host World Bank’s sub-regional office. Governor Oliver looked forward to Ms. Young’s observations and comments in the coming months. Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Acting Administrator of the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, Mr. Ricky Lebehn, Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) Coordinator, Ms. Shirley Ligohr joined Governor Oliver during the courtesy call. The World Bank is an international organization that provides financing, advice, and research to developing nations to help advance their economies. ·Some ongoing projects in the FSM and Pohnpei are the Prioritized Road Investment and Management Enhancement (PRIME) Project and Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP), which aims to strengthen the management of oceanic and coastal fisheries and the habitats upon which they depend, and specifically to strengthen the National Oceanic Resource Management Agency (NORMA) responsible for the management of oceanic fisheries. For more information on the World Bank, visit their website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/home

The Pohnpei Catholic High School Debate team met Governor Oliver on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at the Governor’s cabinet conference room, Peilapalap, Kolonia. The debate team is preparing for the annual state competitions for the FSM law day debates. State competitions will take place on April 5 and 27 and the final National debate will take place on July 12, 2022. The debate topic this year is whether or not the FSM Congress should establish a national minimum wage. Principal Yolanda Nanpei accompanied the eight students who are a mix of juniors and seniors to the meeting with Governor Oliver. The students asked a series of questions to gain more knowledge on the debate topic from the affirmative and negative perspectives. Governor Oliver thanked Principal Nanpei and the students for their visit. He wished them the best in the upcoming debate and encouraged them, as the future of Pohnpei, to continue with their education, stay positive, and not let anyone discourage them in the pursuit of their goals. Joining Governor Oliver to meet with the students was Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, Public Information Mr. Patrick Pedrus, and WD&ST Trainee, Mr. Shane Celestine. Thank you Principal Yolanda Nanpei and the PCS High School Debate team: 1. Sean Troy Moses 2. Nathaniel Mongkeya 3. Kealoha Loyola 4. Deavonie David 5. Jacy Lukan 6. Kaela Talley 7. Tiara Lebehn 8. Jovanee Irons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE On March 7, 2022, the Fishing Vessel (FV) Marielle, an FSM-flagged Caroline Fisheries Corporation (CFC) vessel docked at Dekehtik Harbor, Pohnpei. Marielle had just completed a 16-day transit from Papua New Guinea. The crew of 18 was tested on March 8, 2022, for SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, with negative results. On March 11, 2022, three crew members were allowed to disembark. All three crew members had come to the end of their contract with CFC, were fully vaccinated, and had previously tested negative. On March 18, 2022, CFC requested an additional six local crew members to disembark to visit with families for three days before returning to sea. Before they were allowed to disembark, testing was conducted on the six crewmembers with four showing positive results. No crew members were allowed to disembark. Additional testing was conducted for the entire crew by public health staff revealing one positive case and four historical cases on board the FV Marielle. No other crew members have disembarked from the vessel. The FV Marielle has been moved to the anchorage point. The public is advised to avoid the vessel. Regarding the three crew members who disembarked the vessel on March 11, 2022, two are from Pohnpei and one is from Yap. The Pohnpeian crew members have been tested, with one historical case result and another with a negative test result. The Yapese crewmember departed Pohnpei for Yap and the authorities in Yap have been notified. Contact tracing for the two crew members has already started with their family members and contacts as a precautionary measure. Family members of the Pohnpeian crew members have been tested with negative results. Pohnpei State Outpatient and dispensary clinics will be conducting COVID-19 testing for anyone who presents with cold or flu-like symptoms for approximately one week, as a precautionary measure. The public is advised to remain calm, continue to practice social distancing and sanitary/hygiene measures like hand washing. The public will be updated on any further developments. For inquiries, please call 320-3109 www.pohnpeistate.gov.fm

GOVERNOR OLIVER SWEARS IN MR. AURELIO JOAB TO POHNPEI PORT AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS In a short ceremony at the Governor’s cabinet conference room on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, Governor Oliver administered the oath of administration to Mr. Aurelio Joab as the newest member of the Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) Board of Directors. Mr. Joab was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Mary Joab who held the Bible during the swearing-in ceremony. In his remarks, Governor Oliver noted that Mr. Joab’s appointment completes the selection of the PPA Board of Directors. He thanked Speaker Yamaguchi and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support of his nomination and PPA for their ongoing work, especially during the present COVID-19 pandemic. He underscored the important work of PPA as the responsible agency for entrance into Pohnpei State. in Pohnpei’s transportation and economic sectors. Governor Oliver challenged Mr. Joab and the Board of Directors to review, update or amend current policies and practices as needed to continue the important work of serving the people of Pohnpei. Before presenting Mr. Aurelio with his certificate of appointment, Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi also delivered remarks to thank Governor Oliver for his nomination of Mr. Joab. He congratulated Mr. Joab on behalf of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, noting his previous work and experience as a former State Senator representing the Municipality of U will benefit the Board of Directors and PPA. Mr. Aurelio also delivered remarks to express his gratitude to the Governor, Speaker Yamaguchi, 10th Pohnpei State Legislature including Chairman of the Public Works, Transportation and Communication Committee, Senator Herolynn Movick, PPA Board Chairperson and fellow Board members, and PPA staff. He noted the importance of PPA’s responsibility with regard to transportation and economic development and pledged to collaborate with PPA management, executive, and legislative branches to carry out his duties and responsibilities as a member of the PPA Board of Directors. Also present for the oath of administration was Acting PPA General Manager, Mr. Zorro Donre, PPA Board members: Mr. Joseph Saimon, Mr. Brandon Tara and Ms. MaryAnn Eperiam, Acting PPA Marketing Manager Mr. Coltrick Albert, Facilities, Maintenance, and infrastructure development Manager Mr. Bronson Sam and Executive Secretary Josepha Felix, along with other PPA staff, family and friends of Mr. Aurelio Joab.

Governor Reed B. Oliver joined the First Lady of Pohnpei, Mrs. Estle G. Oliver, to celebrate International Women’s Day under the banner/theme: Break the Bias and Women in Leadership, achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world, at the Kolonia-China Friendship Gymnasium on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. In her welcoming remarks, the First Lady of Pohnpei, Mrs. Estle G. Oliver, acknowledged and welcomed all distinguished guests to the important event. She noted the passing of Public Law 10L-75-22, establishing March 8, Women’s Day, as a legal public holiday in Pohnpei, and recognized the introducers of the bill that became law, Senators Shelten Neth and McGarry Miguel. Other speakers who participated in the event included Mrs. Suwanna Lawrence who gave the keynote address and shared useful and empowering statistics around breaking the bias and women in leadership in Pohnpei. Mrs. Norleen O. Deorio, Chief of Primary Healthcare spoke on behalf of the Director of Health to update all on the current vaccination and COVID-19 response efforts in Pohnpei. Ambassadors H.E. Carmen Cantor and H.E. Joanne Cowley along with U.N. Resident Coordinator Jaap Van Hierden also spoke to congratulate and mark the special occasion with updates from their organization’s gender and social programs. Other speakers of the day included Ms. Monique Poll from the Pohnpei Consumer Organization and IsoNahnken of Nett, T.H. Salvador Iriarte. This year, a pageant was held to choose the International Women’s Day Queen. Contestants from each of the Women’s organizations were chosen to represent and compete for the title of Queen. This year’s International Women’s Day Queen was chosen to be Likend Kelekel Madolenihmw, Mrs. Merleen Martin Hebel. Congratulations Likend Kelekel Madolenihmw! Wasalapalap Isipahu Nahnmwarki of Madolenihmw, IsoNahnken of Nett, and Likend Kelekel Madolenihmw headed the list of honored guests that came out to observe and mark this historic occasion. Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Vice Speaker McGarry Miguel, Senator Ricky Carl, Senator Shelten Neth, and Senator Aisek Artui represented the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature. Kolonia Town Mayor T.H. Betrigo Jacob and the First Lady of Kolonia Rosa Maria Jacob also attended the event. From the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Huang Zheng, Chinese Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), H.E. Carmen Cantor, U.S. Ambassador to FSM, U.N. Resident Coordinator Mr. Jiaap Van Hierden, and H.E. Joanne Cowley, Australian Ambassador to the FSM joined the event.

Governor Reed B. Oliver delivered his third State of the State message, on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the Pohnpei State Legislature chamber. Click the link below to view the entire message: https://youtu.be/jZQ9H9ZBpX4

On Wednesday, March 2, 2022, Governor Oliver held the first-ever virtual oath of office administration for a board or commission member in the Pohnpei State Government. Ms. MaryAnn Eperiam was sworn into the Board of Directors for the Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA). She was sworn in from Yap where she is currently on duty-travel for her current position as Program Manager for the North Pacific, Australian Volunteers Program. Joining Governor Oliver in Pohnpei was Acting General Manager of PPA, Mr. Zorro Donre, Chairperson of the PPA Board of Directors, Mrs. Limanman Helgenberger, Seaport Manager Mr. Baron Mendiola, Airport Manager Mr. Ronald Reyes, Acting Marketing Manager, Mr. Coltrick Albert, and family members of Ms. Eperiam. Governor Oliver congratulated Ms. Eperiam on her nomination and members of her family for joining the event. Governor Oliver also noted the medium in which Ms. Eperiam’s swearing-in took place, a first for Pohnpei. He thanked Speaker Yamaguchi and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature and members of the PPA Board of Directors and Administration, for their support of Ms. Eperiam’s nomination and confirmation. Chairperson of the PPA Board of Directors, Mrs. Limanman Helgenberger delivered congratulatory remarks welcoming Ms. Eperiam to the Board of Directors and recognizing Ms. Eperiam’s important work with gender issues. Ms. Eperiam closed the virtual event with gratitude and appreciation to Governor Oliver, 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support.

On Friday, March 4, 2022, Governor Oliver welcomed H.E. Carmen Cantor, U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and members of her staff, Defense Attache, U.S. Navy Commander Thomas Price, and Political Officer Roger Chuang to Peilapalap, Kolonia. During their discussions, Ambassador Cantor congratulated Governor Oliver on the recent signing of legislation to make March 8, a public holiday to mark and observe International Women’s Day. They also spoke briefly on repatriation activities and about vaccination levels in Pohnpei, with Ambassador Cantor inviting Governor Oliver to their next vaccination campaign on March 18, 2022, at the U.S. Embassy parking lot. Governor Oliver thanked Ambassador Cantor and the U.S. Government for their continuing support and assistance and invited her to the Governor’s State of the State message, on Thursday, April 10, 2022, at the Pohnpei State Legislature chamber. Joining Governor Oliver to welcome Ambassador Cantor was Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, Public Affairs Officer Peteriko Hairens, Public Information Officer Patrick Pedrus, and WD&ST Trainee Shane Celestine. Vaccination levels for Pohnpei can be found here: https://sites.google.com/…/moderna-vaccine-administration

On Monday, March 7, 2022, Governor Oliver attended the 57th day of the seventh regular session of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature to mark the swearing-in of Senator Shelten Neth as the President of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL) The short ceremony was streamed LIVE online. Floor Leader Hudson Abraham was the Master of Ceremonies. Senator Mitaro Simina, also a member of the APIL opened the ceremony with a prayer of gratitude and blessing. Senator Ricky Carl delivered welcoming remarks. He welcomed Wasalapalap Isipahu, Nahnmwarki of Madolenihmw, Governor Oliver, Acting Chief Justice Nickontro Johnny, and all the honored guests, including the family of Senator Shelten to this very important event. After being sworn in by Acting Chief Justice Nickontro Johnny, with his wife Mrs. Evelynn Neth holding their family Bible, Senator Neth expressed his extreme appreciation and gratitude for the honor to serve as the President of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures. Speaker Yamaguchi congratulated Senator Neth on this important position and chose Vice Speaker McGarry Miguel to fill in the vacant spot that was created when Senator Neth became President for APIL. He explained that each Legislative body in the APIL provides two members. The other member from Pohnpei is Senator Simina. Congratulations to Senator Shelten Neth, APIL President. The APIL is a regional organization committed to working together on matters of mutual concern and interest. The APIL, formed in 1981, is comprised of legislative representatives from 12 island governments: American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Island of Guam, FSM State of Chuuk, FSM State of Kosrae, FSM State of Pohnpei, FSM State of Yap, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, The state of Hawaii, Republic of Nauru, Republic of Kiribati According to their website, the APIL meets regularly to consider matters in areas where regional cooperation, coordination, exchange, and assistance may help governments achieve their goals through collective action. More information on APIL can be found at their website: https://www.apilpacific.com/index.htm

Statement by Honorable Ieske K. Iehsi, Former FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs, on the The occasion of the Bestowal of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun upon him, at the Embassy of Japan, February 25, 2022.   In keeping with the traditional customs of our respective nations, please permit me to preface my statement by paying my OJIGI to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and my customary respects to the Traditional Chiefs of Pohnpei and the FSM.   Your Excellency MICHIGAMI, Hisashi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, Governor Oliver, President Haglelgam, Deputy Secretary Cantero, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.   I cannot begin to say how surreal an experience this is … a son of Micronesia was just being honored by a personal representative of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan–this is recognition beyond comprehension.   And for those of us who have Japanese ancestry – and are profoundly grateful for it – this is a particularly poignant moment. For me personally, I feel like the spirits of my MASAOKA family ancestors are at this very moment standing elatedly at attention, just as I am today. I am deeply grateful to His Majesty the Emperor and the Government of Japan for gracing me with this highest honor for a foreigner.   This Imperial honor makes the point that our two peoples have much in common.  We are both island peoples – we look to the sea for our sustenance, and for our future.  We both understand, cherish, practice and live the importance of tradition and ceremony.  We both place value on an individual’s honor and integrity. We understand that honor and integrity are truly a man or woman’s bond.  And we both are peoples with long memories. We do not forget who are our friends, even with the passage of time.   I have had the honor of serving my country in a number of leadership roles from the earliest days of independence. And whether it has been as an assistant and advisor to the president, or as foreign secretary, or in the private sector in recent years, it has always been with the knowledge that Japan is, one of our oldest, closest and truest friends.   Thus, it has been a natural instinct to look for ways to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two countries and peoples. In the process, kizuna or the relationships that bring our two nations together, cannot help but grow stronger.   Technically, we have had a formal diplomatic relationship since August 5, 1988. That was when we established formal ties. And it is a date I remember well, having served as Chief of Staff at the time to President John Haglelgam. In that position, I worked closely with the FSM Foreign Affairs Department to establish our government-to-government relationship.   I also made a modest contribution to our bilateral relations when I served as Vice Chairman of the Micronesian Maritime Authority (MMA) from 1988-1991. That was the organization that negotiated fisheries cooperative agreements with the Japanese fishing industry, and the predecessor of now NORMA. I believe both our countries mutually benefitted immensely from the implementation of a balanced approach to harvesting as well as conservation of our tuna fish resources in our waters. On this note, I must mention my appreciation in absentia, to my late Chairman of MMA who later became FSM Supreme Court Chief Justice, The Honorable Andon Amaraich, who led our FSM negotiating team and often successfully concluded our negotiations to the satisfaction of both sides, through a combination of his good personal attributes and finessed negotiation skills.   There were many other highlights. But I would rather focus on how both of our countries are better for strengthening our relations in so many ways to find common ground., I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge a Micronesian colleague who was the first citizen from our nation to be honored by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. He is, Ambassador Kasio Mida, who headed our diplomatic mission in Tokyo. We have been friends and colleagues since independence, and I can think of no person who better exemplifies the values of kizuna than Ambassador Mida.   I also offer my heartiest gratitude to five of our former Presidents – Nakayama, Haglelgam, Olter, Nena, and Falcam – for asking me to serve in their administrations for a total of 24 years. I gratefully share this honor with my family. It has been because of their support and infinite patience that I have been able to do the things that have led to this moment. I thank them and thank everyone here today for your unwavering friendship and support.   Finally, to mark this historic occasion, I present this memento to you Ambassador MICHIGAMI. This handcrafted souvenir will serve as a permanent reminder, of our mutually strong and growing relations between Japan and the Federated States of Micronesia. Domo arigato gozaimasu.   Thank you very much, Kalahngan en kupwur koaruhsie oh Kaselehlie!

Kalahngan to Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) for their participation in this year’s Student Takeover Day with four positions: Acting PPA General Manager – Isabella Sipos, Acting Marketing Manager – Jeffrin Saul, Airport Manager – Marmayon Santiago, and Seaport Manager – Jade Dawn Holiday. #studenttakeoverday2022 #Enginkehlap

On Friday, February 25, 2022, Governor Oliver joined former President John Haglelgam, H.E. Hisashi Michigami Japanese Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Deputy Secretary of FSM Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ricky Cantero, former FSM Ambassador to Japan, Kasio Mida and friends and family of Mr. Iehske Iehsi to honor him as he was bestowed with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from the Emperor and Government of Japan. Mr. Iehsi received this prestigious honor because of his many contributions to the strengthening of relations between Japan and the FSM. The decoration is awarded to individuals who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, this honor is one of the highest orders bestowed by the Japanese government. Mr. Iehsi is only the second citizen of the FSM, and first from Pohnpei, to be honored by the Emperor and Government of Japan for services to promote good relations with Japan. Ambassador Kasio Mida was bestowed with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2019.

Governor Oliver welcomed participants and members of the public to the Joint Leadership Meeting between Executive and Legislative branches of Pohnpei State Government and 4th FSM Constitutional Convention (ConCon) Delegates at the Pohnpei State Gymnasium on Monday, February 28, 2022. The event was streamed LIVE, and available for viewing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tup4gfIHPlg Pohnpei Delegation chair IsoNahnken of Nett Hon. Salvador Iriarte was joined by delegates Ricky Cantero, Dendy Liwy, Mason Albert, Berney Martin, and Secretariat Kapilly Capelle. They updated Pohnpei State leadership on the progress of the Constitutional Convention. Two proposed amendments have been approved and will now require the citizens of the FSM to decide in a national public referendum. The two approved amendments are: 1. Threshold (3/4 to 2/3) – Amending the required number of votes to approve an amendment to the Constitution from 3/4 of the votes cast in 3/4 of the states to 2/3 of the votes cast in 3/4 of the states. 2. Dual Citizenship Still pending: 1. Allottee of public funds shall be the executive branch (President, Governors) 2. FSM Laws that provide land ownership should be nullified 3. Limit annual aggregate salary and allowance for congress members, other purposes 4. Creation of an office of independent prosecutor 5. Direct election of President and Vice President 6. Not less than 40% of all revenues collected from fishing fees to be shared with the states A question and answer session was provided after the general overview by delegation members. Wasalapalap Isipahu Nahnmarki of Madolenihmw, Likend Kelekel, Vice Speaker of FSM Congress, Hon. Esmond Moses, Pohnpei State Senator Ricky Carl, who was MC of the event, Pohnpei State Senator Jayson, and Senator Jack Harris also joined the meeting. Vice Speaker of the Pohnpei State Legislature, Hon. McGarry Miguel delivered the closing remarks. For more information on the 4th FSM ConCon, please visit their webpage at: https://constitution.gov.fm/ YOUTUBE.COM Pohnpei Leadership Meeting with Pohnpei Delegation to 4th FSM Constitutional Convention_02282022