May 2022

Peilapalap, Kolonia, May 25, 2022: Responding to communications between the Pohnpei State Government and the FSM National Government regarding Pohnpei’s repatriation duty and responsibilities, Acting Governor Hon. Christina Elnei sent a letter to the President of the Federated States of Micronesia, H.E. David W. Panuelo, to address Pohnpei State Government concerns. In her letter, dated May 24, 2022, the Acting Governor referenced previous communications between the Pohnpei State Task Force, FSM Attorney General’s Office, and the National Task Force over repatriation concerns, specifically Pohnpei’s Certificate of Qualified Entry (CQE) form. Communications from the FSM Attorney Generals’ Office called into question the legality of the CQE as a document to regulate immigration into Pohnpei, which is under the authority of the FSM National Government. As a medical clearance form, recognized by the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, FSM Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure, and FSM National Task Force, and used for several repatriations, the CQE allows Pohnpei State not only to verify immunization and COVID-19 test status for incoming passengers but also determine priorities set forth in the Pohnpei’s Constitutional Emergency Order for disembarkation onto Pohnpei (i.e. medical referrals, stranded returning residents, students, essential workers, etc.), as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The CQE as a medical clearance form also allows Pohnpei State Health services to determine, before the repatriation flight arrives, their capacity to ensure the needs of returning repatriates (diet, disabilities, etc) and enough rooms are available in Pohnpei’s limited quarantine facilities. Hence, the need to have the CQE filled out prior to arriving in Pohnpei. The CQE as Acting Governor Elnei mentions in her letter is used by Pohnpei State to protect the health of its people. Acting Governor Elnei’s letter humbly requests the support and assistance of the President and the FSM National Government to address Pohnpei State’s concerns over the safe repatriation and quarantine of passengers into Pohnpei, highlights the constitutional mandate of unity over and above all else for both the FSM and Pohnpei State Government leaders, and requests that Pohnpei State continues to use the CQE for repatriation purposes to protect the health of its people. The letter in its entirety is posted below.

Constitutional Emergency Order (CEO) 20-18 was signed on May 21, 2022, by Acting Governor Hon. Christina Elnei, continuing the state of emergency for the State of Pohnpei due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Repatriation Update Kolonia, May 20, 2022 – 100 repatriates landed in Pohnpei on May 14, 2022, after five days of pre-quarantine in Guam. Two positive COVID-19 tests were discovered during testing in quarantine, further testing showed these positive cases to be historical cases. As an extra precautionary measure, the two passengers and their roommates/family members will be held in quarantine for an additional five days in the Medical Monitoring Area (formerly Misko Beach). Additionally, 11 repatriates remain in the Emergency Medical Unit (former China Star Hotel) in quarantine for an additional five days. These 11 people are children below five years of age (who are not able to be vaccinated) and their families. The remaining 83 passengers were released on the evening of Thursday, May 19, 2022. The public is advised to remain calm, continue with sanitary and hygiene measures and get your COVID-19 vaccination or booster if you have not already done so. Thank you to the repatriates and families for their understanding, patience, and cooperation.

Governor of the State of Pohnpei, Hon. Reed B. Oliver, departed today, May 16, 2022, for a medical referral off-island. The Governor was accompanied by First Lady, Mrs. Estle G. Oliver. Acting Lt. Governor, Hon. Christina Elnei has been designated by Governor Oliver. Congratulations to the First Acting Female Lieutenant Governor of Pohnpei, a historic occasion for Pohnpei. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and return to Pohnpei for Governor Oliver. Subsection (2) of section 2-102 of Title 3 of the Pohnpei Code reads, “(2) When the Lieutenant Governor is temporarily absent from the state, is temporarily disabled, or is constitutionally prohibited from exercising the powers and duties of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the powers and duties of the Office of the Lt. Governor shall devolve upon the Attorney General, the Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, the Director of the Department of Education, the Director of the Department of Health Services, the Director of the Department of Public Safety … (etc) in the order named.” Subsection (5) of Section 2-102 reads in pertinent part, “…No officer shall act as Governor or Lieutenant Governor under this section unless the officer has been appointed and confirmed prior to the time the powers and duties of the Office of Governor or Lieutenant Governor devolve upon the officer…” As the Office of the Attorney General is filled by an Acting Attorney General, an appointment that does not require legislative confirmation, the line of succession falls to the Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration. During the absence of the Governor and Lt. Governor, Ms. Elnei, as Acting Lt. Governor shall exercise the powers and duties of the Governor.

COVID-19 Response efforts The next repatriation flight into Pohnpei from Guam is scheduled for May 14, 2022. To be considered for the repatriation flight, all passengers repatriating to Pohnpei must complete the certificate of qualified entry.  This is an online application form that can be found at www.pohnpeistate.gov.fm. Pre-quarantine in Guam will be five days, followed by quarantine in Pohnpei for an additional five days.  Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, booster, and negative COVID-19 test is required.  Testing in Pohnpei will be on days 2 and 5.  If a positive case is confirmed, all in quarantine will be reset for an additional five days.   These precautionary measures are in place to ensure the safety and welfare of the people of Pohnpei. Pohnpei State is currently at 80% coverage for COVID-19 vaccinations, this includes 5 years old and above.  During the last cabinet meeting on May 2, 2022, Director Wincener David and Pandemic Readiness Response Commission Chairperson, Mrs. Norleen Deorio, set a target date of July 30, 2022, to reach 100%.  This is in anticipation of the announced opening of the borders in August by the President’s Office. Special Education students visit Governor’s Office Kalahngan to the Nine (9) Special Education students who visited the Governor’s Office on Thursday, March 28, 2022.  The visit is part of Special Education Week, observed this year from 25 – 29 April.  The theme for this year’s Special Education week is “It takes a village to raise a child” and includes visits to the Governor’s Office, Legislature, US Embassy, President’s Office, and FSM Congress. On behalf of Governor Reed B. Oliver, Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, welcomed the students, teachers, and parents to the Governor’s Office.  Presentations by the students included the demonstration of American Sign Language, an energetic dance exhibition, and remarks by staff and students who shared their goals and dreams for the future.  After their impressive presentations, Mr. Capelle congratulated and encouraged the students to achieve the dreams they have set before them. He commended the staff for their dedication and commitment to serving the students.  Before leaving, each student was presented with a backpack with school supplies and treated with some ice cream and cake. Mr. Jesse Solomon and Mr. Herry Wichep led the group of students and staff that included Gary Jimina, Juleen Manuel, Ailynda Micky, Maiuleen Gallen, Luden Robert, David Phillip, Jackson Paul, Reyo Reyo, and Ozimy Edward. Starting in 1991 with 120 students, today the Pohnpei State Special Education program continues to provide an important service for 621 students with special needs across Pohnpei. Cabinet updates – Cabinet meeting on Monday, May 2, 2022 Cabinet updates: From the Pohnpei Transportation Authority, Commissioner Berney Martin reported, that road projects continue with two major projects underway.  The capital road improvement project, paving the road up to the capital in Palikir, is underway.  Preparatory work has already been done.  Another project is a sidewalk project from Palikir elementary school to the College of Micronesia National campus in Palikir.  Both projects are funded by the FSM Congress. The Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, reported that payments at the cashier’s office will soon be accepting credit card and debit card payments.  This will be announced when available. The Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, shared upcoming events that include the 1st Micronesian Exposition, a trade fair, which will take place tentatively at the end of June. More information will be shared with the public when known. Election Commissioner, Mr. Heinrich Stevenson, reported that the Election Office is currently undergoing a Voter registration update project.  This project seeks to update voter registration accurately by working at the Kousapw level to list all registered voters present in Pohnpei and identify those who are deceased and those who have left the island. 98 repatriates released after 10 days of quarantine After 10 days of quarantine in Pohnpei, 98 repatriates were released on the evening of Tuesday, May 3, 2022.  All 98 repatriates tested negative for COVID-19 prior to their release.  The repatriates arrived in Pohnpei on April 23, 2022, after five days of pre-quarantine in Guam. After five days of quarantine on Pohnpei, a possible positive case was found.  This caused the repatriates to be kept for another five days. Thank you to the repatriates, and their families for their patience and cooperation.  Thank you to our health and security staff for their hard work and dedication.