September 15, 2022

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.

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.

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!!