September 2022

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Department of Health Services receives donation from UNICEF

On behalf of the Governor of Pohnpei, the Director of the Department of Health Services, Mr. Wincener David, received a generous donation of medications and medical supplies from UNICEF Chief of Mission, Mr. Cromwell Bacareza on Friday, September 23, 2022, at the Pohnpei State Hospital conference room. Mr. Bacareza explained the supplies are part of UNICEF’s continued engagement with Pohnpei State and the FSM National Government, saying “UNICEF is your partner” and stands ready to help. He went on further to share UNICEF’s multi-country program in areas like water sanitation, health and nutrition, child protection, and education. On behalf of the Governor, Director David expressed gratitude and appreciation to Chief Bacareza and UNICEF for their longstanding support of Pohnpei State health services. He said that the Department of Health Services will do its best to utilize the generous donations. The donations consisted of medications including antibiotics, vitamins, cough syrup, and intravenous solutions, as well as bandages, needles, syringes, and administrative supplies. Also present during the turnover ceremony were Dr. Nora Liwy, Chief of Medical Services, Dr. Zahra Seid UNICEF medical Doctor and Public Health Specialist, and Mr. Marson Rosario, UNICEF National Officer for Social and Behavioral Change. Thank you to UNICEF for your generous donation.  

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Period of Mourning Declared for the late Honorable Feliciano M. Perman, Lieutenant Governor

Governor Reed B. Oliver declares a period of mourning over the untimely passing of the late Hon. Feliciano M. Perman, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Pohnpei. All State flags shall be flown at half-mast during the period of mourning. Sincere condolences to the family of the late Hon. Feliciano M. Perman. State Funeral services will be announced later this week.

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Governor Oliver welcomes New Zealand Consulate General Second Secretary, Matthew Broome

Governor Oliver welcomed Mr. Matthew Broome, Second Secretary, New Zealand Consulate General, Honolulu, HI to Peilapalap on Friday, September 23, 2022. During the introductory visit, Governor Oliver and Mr. Broome discussed various subjects of mutual interest and concern including Pohnpei’s political, social, and economic development and education. Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Broome for his visit and looked forward to continued cooperation with New Zealand through the FSM National Government. Governor Oliver was joined by Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, and newly hired Protocol Officer, Mr. Emerson Eperiam. Mr. Broome was accompanied by Deputy Assistant Secretary Kenmore Salvador, FSM Department of Foreign Affairs. The New Zealand Consulate General Office in Honolulu, HI is accredited to the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, and Republic of the Marshall Islands.

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Pohnpei State Social Services advises Governor Oliver of upcoming International Senior Citizens Day

On Wednesday, September 21, 2022, Governor Oliver met with the Chief of Pohnpei State Social Services, Noriekka Lekka, Senior Citizens Coordinator Santos Abraham, and FSM Assistant Secretary of Social Affairs, Mr. Stuard Penias. The meeting was to inform Governor Oliver of the upcoming International Senior Citizens Day, October 1, 2022, and proposed activities for the event, which will be shared soon. Governor Oliver conveyed his support for this important event, and thanked Chief Lekka, Asst. Secretary Penias and Mr. Abraham for their visit and their collaboration with Pohnpei’s Senior citizens.

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Rutgers Scientist meets with Governor Oliver

Governor Oliver received Ms. Lara Brindisi on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at Peilapalap. Lara Brindisi is completing her Ph.D. in plant biology and food systems and she is excited to be working and learning in Pohnpei on behalf of the Rutgers University holistic food system science team. Rutgers University recently sent a team of Scientists to Pohnpei to work with the Pohnpei State Government on a Food Security Project. Kalahngan to Ms. Lara Brindisi for your visit. More information on the Rutgers University team can be found here.

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Easing of Face Mask Requirement

Pali en Kempahn roson mwahu en wein Pohnpei men patohwen sekerehki tohn wehi me anahnepen doadoahki mask pahn ongete nimwen wini kan oh dispensary kan. Met sang ni ah meleileidier mehlel case kan en covid-19 me wie sansalehr nan report en covid-19 case nan ehu ehu rahn me met lelehr sounpwong riau (2).   Ahpw tohn wehi en pil mwahngih de patohwan me mie luhmwuhmw/kepinsalehd en wai (influenza) me rek ansouwet oh doadoahngki mask pahn inenen sawas ong perepehn Kepinsalehd/luhmwuhmw wet nan wasahn kapokon kan. Komw kak ketdo oh ketiki doken flu shot wet public health sang niehd lel nialem nan awa en doadoahk kan.   Ma mie sapwelimomwi iren keinemwe de kalelapak ah komw kak en mahsendo de eker delepwohn nempe 320-3144/or 320-3109.     KALAHNGAN!     Pohnpei State Department of Health Services would like to inform the general public that as it is seeing Pohnpei’s covid-19 cases dropped to its lowest numbers since the beginning of the outbreak, it is easing up on the requirement of wearing face mask. However, in certain places such as the hospitals and dispensaries, wearing of face mask is still strongly recommended.   Although wearing of face mask is not required, the dept. would like to inform the public that there is recently a surge of influenza and the wear of face mask can help protect the public from the flu. Flu shot is now available at public health. Kindly stop by and get your flu shot today.   Should you have any queries, please call 320-3144/ 320-3109.   Thank you!  

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Governor Oliver cuts ribbon on new Iron Removal Plant

Governor Oliver attended the completion ceremony for Pohnpei Utilities Corporation’s (PUC) Iron removal plant in Nett on Friday, September 16, 2022. Nett District Administrator, Hon. Daniel Edgar delivered the welcoming remarks acknowledging the presence of His Royal Highness, IsoNahnken of Nett, Governor Oliver, Secretary of the FSM Department of Transportation, Hon. Carlson Apis and US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Alissa Bibb. PUC General Manager, Mr Nixon Anson, provided a summary of the project. He thanked Governor Oliver for his support, the Contractor, Mr David Calush and his company KEDEM Infrastructure 1991 for designing a system that is specifically built for Pohnpei water conditions. He called the new Iron Removal Plant, the best in the Pacific providing clean water with increased capacity and output that is cost-effective with easy-to-use control systems. He also thanked and recognized the members of the PUC board of Directors who were present for their involvement with this important project: Mr Erick Paul, Mr Joseph Felix Jr and past members, Dr Josephine Saimon and Mr Antonio John as well as PUC Chief of Planning and Engineering, Mr Alex Nanpei and Mr Leeronson Hairens, Chief of water operations. Governor Oliver, on behalf of the government and the people of Pohnpei, expressed his gratitude to all who were involved in this important project that will provide clean water to the people of Pohnpei. He acknowledged the support of the Nett traditional leaders, the National Government – Secretary Apis and the US Government – Charge d’affaires Alissa Bibb and Ms Cheryl Burkindine for their crucial role to bring about the completion of this important project. He expressed a heartfelt “shalom” and thanks to contractor Mr David Calush and his team of Engineers from Israel and China. Secretary Carlson Apis on behalf of the FSM National Government and President David W. Panuelo, congratulated Governor Oliver and PUC General Manager Nixon Anson, the PUC Board of Directors and all involved in the project including the generous assistance of the US Government. He noted that the completion of this project is a tribute to the close collaboration and leadership of the traditional, state and national governments.  His Royal Highness, IsoNahnken of Nett, Salvador Iriarte provided the final remarks, conveying congratulations to all involved, and thanking Governor Oliver for his leadership. Speaking of the importance of water in everyday life of Pohnpei, IsoNahnken of Nett expressed his appreciation for what the General Manager of PUC noted in his remarks, as the best Iron Removal plant in the Pacific. A ribbon-cutting to officially open the plant was performed by His Royal Highness IsoNahnken of Nett, Governor Oliver, US Charge d’affaires Alissa Bibb and Mr David Calush, KEDEM Infrastructure (Contractor). The Iron Removal plant was funded through the U.S. Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) public infrastructure fund for $1.8 million.

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Courtesy Call by JICA Resident Representative

Governor Oliver welcomed Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Resident Representative, Mr. Keiichi Muraoka, and members of his staff, Toshikazu Nonaka, Project Formulation Adviser, Marie Utsumi, Volunteer Coordinator, and Trish Billen, Program Officer to Peilapalap on Friday, September 17, 2022, for a courtesy visit. During the visit, Mr. Muraoka provided an overview to Governor Oliver of JICA projects including the Pohnpei Port expansion project and the J-PRISM project for the promotion of regional initiatives on solid waste management. Mr. Muraoka also shared training opportunities available in areas like medical equipment management and maintenance, education in remote areas, and human resources development for creating tourism destinations among others. Governor Oliver expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Muraoka and his staff and to the Government of Japan for their ongoing support of Pohnpei’s development. Noting that JICA’s initiatives were placed on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was looking to move forward and continue with all the grants, training, and technical cooperation support from JICA for Pohnpei’s development. Joining Governor Oliver during the courtesy visit was Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens.

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Groundbreaking Ceremony for Pohnpei’s First Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

Governor Oliver attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, for the Pohnpei State Emergency Operation Center (EOC) that will be located across from the Pohnpei Administrative Building at Peilapalap, Kolonia. Kevin Petrini, Deputy Resident Representative and Country Manager for the UNDP Pacific Office in the Federated States of Micronesia, in his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan for its generous support and contribution. He also expressed his appreciation to the Governor of Pohnpei State for deciding to cost-share the construction of the EOC, which helped greatly to move this project forward. Mr. Petrini also thanked the Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, for his leadership to implement this activity from the design phase till now. His Excellency, Michigami Hisashi, Ambassador of Japan to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), gave a brief overview of projects in the FSM that the Government of Japan has funded through the UNDP’s Enhancing Disaster and Climate Resilience in the FSM through improved Disaster Preparedness and Infrastructure project, and expressed his hope that construction of the EOC will be smoothly completed to provide a sense of security for Pohnpei. On behalf of the Governor of Pohnpei State, Director Patrick Carl pointed out that this is the first Emergency Operation Center to be built in Pohnpei. He thanked the Government of Japan for the funding of the EOC and UNDP for the important coordination to start this activity along with the Pohnpei State Legislature and Office of Insular Affairs for cost-sharing. He also thanked the FSM Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management (DECEM) for helping with Pohnpei’s request for this activity. He concluded by saying that with this building, Pohnpei’s emergency response will be effectively coordinated from one location. Jaap Van Hierden, UN Resident Coordinator, expressed his pleasure to see the coordination between the various agencies and departments to support this project. Mr. Max R. Iriarte, General Manager for contractor Black Sand Construction Corporation, gave the final remarks and thanked all the organizations and agencies involved for providing jobs for Pohnpei.

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Committee to Wait on Governor received by Governor Oliver

Governor Oliver received the Committee to Wait on the Governor on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ricky Carl was accompanied by members, Senator Herolyn Movick, Senator Stevenson Joseph, and Legislative Aide Stanley Sitan. Chairman Carl on behalf of Speaker Yamaguchi and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, informed Governor Oliver that the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature started its third and final regular session for this fiscal year, on September 13, 2022, which will run for 30 days. During the brief visit, areas of mutual interest and concern were addressed including budget calls for the next fiscal year, pending amendments to state election law, and pending infrastructure projects. Governor Oliver thanked Chairman Carl and Committee members for their visit and the opportunity to call attention to the important issues brought forth during the meeting.

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27 Police Officers graduate from Pohnpei State Police Academy

Governor Oliver attended the Pohnpei State Police Academy graduation on Friday, September 9, 2022, at the PICS High School cafeteria. 27 Police Officers from the Department of Public Safety and local municipal governments including Pingelap, Sapwaufik, Nukuoro, and Kapingamarangi completed the 13-week academy. Acting Chief Justice Mayceleen D. Anson swore in the graduates and family members pinned on their new badges. Major Bronson Martin, Academy Commander, congratulated the graduates for their hard work and dedication over the 13-week academy. Director Patrick Carl, on behalf of Governor Oliver, expressed appreciation for their commitment and advised them to remember the virtues of respect, responsibility, and honesty as they continue in their careers. He reminded the graduates that they are public servants. Also present during the graduation was Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Senator Jayson A. Walter, Hon. Rofino Primo Chief Minister of U, Hon. Michael Lieman, Chief Magistrate of Sokehs, Hon. Ricky Mudong, Keriau en Meninkeder Lapalap. The academy was 13 weeks long covering policing foundations, traffic offenses, property crime, crime against the person, evidence management, and lots of physical training. Congratulations to the graduates!!

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Governor Oliver receives Asian Development Bank Senior Representative in the Federated States of Micronesia

Governor Oliver welcomed Mrs. Maybelline Andon-Bing, Senior Representative for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Mr. Erick Paul, Assistant Secretary Treasury, FSM Department of Finance and Administration, and Mr. Alan Semens, ADB staff, to Peilapalap on Friday, September 9, 2022. During their discussions, Mrs. Andon-Bing provided an overview of ADB operations including current and proposed projects in Pohnpei. Governor Oliver thanked Mrs. Andon-Bing for her visit, and along with Assistant Secretary Paul, noted the benefits of having an ADB office in Pohnpei to ensure effective communications, coordination, and prioritization of projects for Pohnpei. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) supports projects in developing member countries that create economic and development impact, delivered through both public and private sector operations, advisory services, and knowledge support. The Federated States of Micronesia is represented on the ADB Board of Governors by FSM Secretary of Finance, Mr. Eugene Amor.

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1st Junior Police Drill & Ceremony Competition

Congratulations to the following schools for their participation in the 1st Junior Drill & Ceremony Competition. Here are the results of the competition and the names of the participants: Drills & Ceremony 3rd – Nett 2nd – Kitti (Rohi & Wone) 1st – Kitti (Salapwuk & Seinwar) Uniform 3rd – Kitti (Pehleng) 2nd – Nett 1st – Kitti (Rohi & Wone) Cadence 3rd – Nett 2nd – U (Awak & Saladak) 1st – Kitti (Rohi & Wone) Visit our Facebook page for more information and pictures of the event:

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Outer Island Chief Executives receive presentation on brackish water

On Thursday, September 1, 2022, Governor Oliver attended a presentation that was given to the Outer Island Local Chief Executives in the Governor’s conference room.  The presentation given by Mr. David Calush was about providing sustainable water treatment systems focusing on brackish water (salty water)  that is common to the outer islands.  The system which does not need electricity, but uses solar panels, mainly uses chlorine to provide clean water in simple, low maintenance but high output capacity system.  The presentation was well received by the Outer Island Chief executives.  Mayor of Pingelap, Mr. Smithy Clark, who is also the Chairman of the Outer Island Chief executive association, was very interested in the sustainable water treatment system and thanked Mr. Calush for his presentation, along with the other local chief executives.   Mr. Calush is in Pohnpei, along with 6 other Engineers from Israel and China working with PUC to renovate their iron removal plant in Nett. 

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