October 2022

On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, Governor Oliver, Speaker Yamaguchi, and the Department of Education Acting Director, Mr. Pressler Martin hosted the PICS High School Robotics team and parents to a dinner reception held at South Park restaurant.  Also present were leaders of the Student Body Association from each public High School in Pohnpei, as well as the Principal of PICS High School and personnel from the Department of Education.   The PICS High School Robotics team recently returned from Geneva, Switzerland where they represented Pohnpei and the Federated States of Micronesia at the First Global Robotics Challenge, grabbing first place for small countries. Acting Director of Education, Pressler Martin noted that the aim of the challenge was to bring together teams from across the world in an Olympics-style robotics competition to work together and address climate change issues.     In his special remarks, the Governor congratulated and praised the Robotics team and their parents.  He expressed his deep pride and gratitude for their achievements in Geneva, which included building a new robot in under one day because the robot they brought from Pohnpei went missing during transit. He reminded them once again of the advice he gave them before they departed for Geneva, to use their skills in robotics to address the challenges we as Pohnpeians face in everyday life. He encouraged them to continue to learn more and more as they move forward in high school, college, and beyond.   Speaker Yamaguchi also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the team and parents for their representation of Pohnpei on the global stage.  He shared a quote by the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” comparing their steps as a team to Switzerland as a giant leap for all of Pohnpei.   Vice Speaker McGarry Miguel had the honor to deliver the last remarks of the night to congratulate and convey deep appreciation to the students and the parents of the students.  He praised the parents, noting the challenges of raising children and seeing them off to a faraway destination for the first time.  He announced a drone program that will be introduced to Pohnpei and wanted the Robotics team to be a part of this program that will look to enhance Pohnpei’s transportation and search and rescue capabilities.     Congratulations again to the PICS High School Robotics team for representing not only Pohnpei but the Federated States of Micronesia on the global stage in Geneva, Switzerland.  Each student was presented with a Samsung Tab A tablet. PICS High School Robotics team that went to Geneva was compromised of Mrs. Tekaeto Diopolous, Coach/Advisor, Mrs. Darla Ladore, Education Specialist, and PICS High School Seniors: Chennelle Cantero, Eberhard Salons, J.C. Curley, Einstein Halbert and Norman Pedrus.

On behalf of the government and people of Pohnpei, Governor Oliver delivered special remarks in honor of the late Hon Adelino Edmund.  In his speech, he noted the years of service and capacities that the late Hon Adelino Edmund served Nett and Pohnpei as a teacher, principal, legislator at the municipal level, Nett District Administrator, and a Senator in the Pohnpei State Legislature representing Nett Municipality.  He conveyed deep condolences and respect to the wife and family of the late Hon Adelino Edmund.    Following Governor Oliver’s remarks, Ms. Jenny Santos from the Governor’s Office read out an Executive Proclamation declaring a period of mourning in the State of Pohnpei due to the untimely passing of the late Hon. Adelino Edmund.  State flags were flown at half mast for a period of five days in honor of the late Senator.   Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi also delivered remarks on behalf of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature to convey condolences and respect to the family of the late Hon. Adelino Edmund, presenting a legislative resolution honoring the late Senator to the wife of the late Hon Adelino Edmund. Vice Speaker, McGarry Miguel delivered a moving eulogy, sharing the honorable life and character of the late Hon Adelino Edmund.       The brother of the late Hon Adelino Edmund, Mr. Hermis Edmund, delivered words of gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the wife and family of the late Senator.     Rest in Peace.     The state funeral can be viewed in full online: https://youtu.be/2aS_Jcw2mgA  

Governor Oliver was the keynote speaker at World Coconut Day 2022, held at the Kolonia-China Friendship Gym, on Friday, October 21, 2022.     During his keynote speech, Governor Oliver spoke of the history of coconut development in the Federated States of Micronesia, including FSM Public Law 18-68, signed by President Emmanuel Mori, which dissolved the FSM Coconut Development Authority and entrusted the responsibility of coconut development in the country with the FSM Petroleum Corporation.     He spoke of the importance of the coconut to Pohnpeians, and how the entire tree can be used for food, medicine, oil, soap, and many useful things. He also took part in an awards presentation for farmers in Pohnpei who have formalized their partnership with Vital as coconut suppliers under the Participant Guarantee System (PGS) model.     Governor Oliver joined FSM Secretary of Resources of Development, Elina Akinaga, and Speaker of Madolenihmw Council, Mr. Denson David to deliver remarks.  U.S. Charge d’affaires Alissa Bibb and Australian Charge d’affaires Matthew Holoway were also present to hand out awards to the farmers and PGS farming groups.     Governor Oliver closed the opening ceremony with a toast to the coconut and World Coconut Day 2022, opening the market area adjacent to the gym that had vendors selling coconuts and coconut-based products.     To view Vital/FSM Petrocorp’s line of coconut products, please visit their website: https://www.vitalenergy.fm/islanesia/   To view more pictures, please visit our Facebook page, and click below:  

Welcome back to the PICS High School Robotics team from Pohnpei, representing the Federated States of Micronesia at the First Global Robotics Challenge in Geneva, Switzerland!     Governor Oliver joined Senator Jack Harris, Senator Mitaro Simina, Senator Jayson Walter, Senator Kikuo Apis Jr., Senator Steven Joseph, and the Acting Director of Education Pressler Martin, along with families, friends, and students of the PICS High School team to welcome them home on the afternoon of October 19, 2022.     Before the students deplaned, they were greeted and afforded a rare honor by the Pohnpei Port Authority, Aircraft Rescue, and Firefighting Trucks with a water salute.     Governor Oliver met the students and advisors in the VIP room at the airport to personally congratulate and thank them for their achievements on behalf of the Speaker, Legislature, government, and people of Pohnpei.  Advisor Tekaeto Diopolous and Darla Ladore told Governor Oliver of the many challenges that the students faced and overcame, including losing their robot built in Pohnpei and having to build a new robot in less than a day that was qualified for the competition.  Acting Director Martin advised Governor that the PICS High School placed first among small countries in the competition.     In his remarks, Governor Oliver said “You represented not only FSM but Pohnpei, specifically.  We thank you for representing us and representing us very well.  We are very, very proud of you.” He was happy to hear that one of the things they learned during this global competition beyond robotics, was unity, cooperation, and working together for a common goal.  He reminded them of the advice he gave them on their first visit to the Governor’s Office before they departed for Switzerland, to continue to use their knowledge and skills in robotics to tackle challenging issues at home.     The students were honored by a Pohnpei State Police escort back to PICS High School followed by family and friends.     Congratulations! PICS High School Robotics Team! Teacher/Advisor: Tekaeto Diopolous Education Specialist: Darla Ladore Students: Chennelle Cantero, Eberhard Salons, Einstein Halbert, J.C. Curley and Norman Pedrus

On Friday, October 14, 2022, Governor Oliver joined H.E. David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), T.H. Esmond Moses, Vice Speaker of the 22nd FSM Congress, T.H. Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature and his Royal Highness, IsoNahnken of Nett, Salvador Iriarte to open the new medical wing of the Pohnpei State Hospital.     Funded by the FSM National Government and the Asian Development Bank, the new medical wing, increases the 91-bed capacity of the Pohnpei State Hospital with an additional 16 beds.  The new private rooms are air-conditioned, comfortable, and spacious, with their own bathrooms, and furnished with couches, mini refrigerators, and flat-screen televisions. Each room is also connected to the Hospital’s electronic medical records system, there is a Nurse’s station, and the medical wing has its own backup generator.     In his welcoming remarks on behalf of the people and government of Pohnpei, Governor Oliver conveyed his gratitude to the traditional leadership of Nett for the use of the land, he thanked President Panuelo and the FSM Congress for their support to fund this project, which also came from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).  Governor Oliver thanked the Speaker and members of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support, also to Director Wincener David and the staff of the Pohnpei State Hospital.  He also expressed gratitude to the contractor, Black Sand Construction, for constructing such a beautiful structure.  Governor Oliver concluded his remarks by explaining that while these are private rooms, they are not for one group of people over another.  They are not just for Pohnpei or FSM residents, but for everyone who requires medical treatment and hospitalization at Pohnpei State Hospital.     The “key” to the new hospital wing, was turned over to Governor Oliver by President Panuelo.  Governor Oliver turned over the key to the Director of Health Services, Wincener David.       Both H.E. David W. Panuelo and His Royal Highness, IsoNahnken of Nett delivered remarks and the First Lady of FSM and Pohnpei cut the ribbon to officially open the new hospital wing    

On October 12, 2022, Governor Reed B. Oliver attended the opening ceremony for the 39th General Assembly of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL) at the Pohnpei State Legislature chamber. On behalf of the people and government of Pohnpei, Governor Oliver welcomed the APIL delegation to Pohnpei. He highlighted the importance of leaders gathering from every level of society to advocate continuously on behalf of their people, “to promote and progress the health of our people.” Governor Oliver noted the theme for this year’s General Assembly, “Health is wealth, social and economic well-being of our APIL Pacific community” is a fitting reminder of the reality of our times, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, challenging us to prioritize what matters most and reminding us that our most important resource is our people. He noted that a wise man once said that the first wealth is health and in today’s world, health is not always the priority but hoped that the APIL’s well-thought-out theme will be a guide to productive engagement and a successful general assembly. Also in attendance, delivering remarks were the Honorable Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature, and H.E. David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia. The 39th General Assembly was held from October 12 – October 14, 2022, and included delegations from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the State of Chuuk, the State of Yap, the State of Pohnpei, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Territory of Guam as well as the Pacific Island Development Bank (PIDB). After the opening ceremony, Governor Oliver joined PIDB CEO/President Lindsay Timarong and APIL delegates for a luncheon at Mangrove Bay, hosted by PIDB.

Governor Oliver and Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, welcomed Pacific Island Development Bank (PIDB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President Lindsay Timarong and Manager of Administration Rosa D.L.S. Weilbacher to the Governor’s Office.     Both President Timarong and Mrs. Weilbacher are in Pohnpei to attend the 39th General Assembly of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL), October 11 – 15, 2022.     During their brief visit, President Timarong presented Governor Oliver with a report on PIDB’s history and operations. They also briefly discussed administrative issues relating to the PIDB Board of Governors.  Governor Oliver, Director Elnei, and Mr. Carlos Villazon from the Pohnpei Legislature Budget Office are currently members of the Board of Governors, representing Pohnpei.     Joining Governor Oliver during the meeting were Public Affairs Officer Peteriko Hairens and Protocol Officer Emerson Eperiam.     “The mission and purpose of the Pacific Island Development Bank are to contribute to the acceleration of the process of economic and social development of the Member States and nations, individually and collectively, and to promote economic cooperation among them. Members are shareholders and consist of the governments of the Territory of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the four state governments of the Federated States of Micronesia, namely Chuuk State, Kosrae State, Pohnpei State, and Yap State, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Kwajalein Atoll Development Authority as an associate member. The bank has been and continues to be a catalyst for various credit needs and community programs that fit the diverse demands of our peoples.”     For more information on the PIDB, please visit their website at: https://pacificidb.com/

Governor Oliver recently attended a welcome ceremony for the new General Manager of the Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) at the PPA building in Dekehtik.     Chairwoman of the PPA Board of Directors, Mrs. Limanman Helgenberger delivered remarks to welcome Governor Oliver and congratulate the new General Manager of the Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) Mr. Grilly Jack.  She highlighted Mr. Jack’s essential responsibilities as General Manager, which includes overseeing almost all the access points to Pohnpei State, and on behalf of the board pledged to continue to work with the Governor and PPA staff to support the new General Manager.     In his remarks, Governor Oliver congratulated Mr. Grilly Jack on his position as the new General Manager of PPA. He noted the important role that PPA, including the board of directors,  has played at the airport and seaport, with transportation and especially during the last two years, in keeping the COVID-19 virus out of Pohnpei. He expressed gratitude for the important work that PPA has done and encouraged them to continue to move forward under the new leadership of  General Manager Grilly Jack.     General Manager Grilly Jack delivered remarks thanking Governor Oliver, the PPA Board of Directors, and staff for their support.  He asked for the board and employees to work together to support the ongoing important work of the Pohnpei Port Authority.     PPA is mandated by Pohnpei State Law to be responsible for the development, management, operation, and maintenance of Pohnpei ports and facilities. Furthermore, the law provides that “because of the distance between the islands of this State and their remoteness from large commercial centers of the world, transportation constitutes a vital link in the State’s efforts toward social development and economic self-sufficiency”.     Master of Ceremonies during the event was Mr. Joab Paul, Chief of Airport Police.     More information on PPA can be found on their website: http://ppa.fm/

Click link for absentee ballot form: https://pohnpeistate.gov.fm/pohnpei-state-election-commission/

Governor Oliver welcomed the PICS High School Robotics team to the Governor’s Office on the morning of October 7, 2022.   The PICS High School Robotics team will be participating in the First Global Robotics Challenge in Geneva, Switzerland representing the Federated States of Micronesia.   Governor Oliver congratulated each student for their hard work and dedication and expressed his pride in their accomplishments, especially in the field of robotics. He thanked the advisor/teacher Mrs. Tekaeto Diopolous for her guidance and hard work with the students. Governor Oliver wished the students all the best, expressing his gratitude and pride for the team, as they will not only represent their families and their school, but also the State of Pohnpei and the Federated States of Micronesia abroad.  He encouraged the students to continue with their interest in Robotics, and look towards finding solutions through robotics for the challenges we face in our islands.      The PICS High School team is compromised of Advisor Mrs. Tekaeto Diopolous, Education Specialist Darla Ladore, Chennelle Cantero, Eberhard Salons, J.C. Curley, Einstein Halbert, and Norman Pedrus.   The First Global Challenge is a yearly Olympics-style competition in Robotics, that was created to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education.  The 2022 First Global Challenge will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from October 13 – 16, 2022.  Over 180 countries will attend in the spirit of global purpose, unity, and collaboration, for the first time since 2019, because of the global pandemic.        

State funeral services for the late Honorable Feliciano Materne Perman were held, on October 3, 2022, at the Pohnpei State Legislature chamber.   A sincere and profound eulogy was delivered by Senator Francisco Ioanis who called the late Lt. Governor Perman a Statesman, his mentor, and teacher. As the most senior legislator, he shared fond memories of working with the late Lt. Governor who was also Speaker of the Pohnpei State Legislature. Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi spoke of the Lt. Governor’s legacy of service to the people of Pohnpei, dedicating his whole life to making our lives, in Pohnpei, better. On behalf of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, Speaker Yamaguchi presented a legislative resolution that was passed in honor of the late Lt. Governor to the Second Lady and family.   Governor Oliver on behalf of the people and state of Pohnpei conveyed deep condolences and sympathies to the Second Lady, Mrs. Maurine Perman, and the family of the late Hon. Feliciano Perman.  He spoke of his time with Lt. Governor Perman when they both served as delegates to the second Pohnpei Constitutional Convention.  Governor Oliver served as Vice Chairman on the committee of Finance under Lt. Governor Perman who was the Chairman.  Governor Oliver spoke of his integrity, honesty, and attention to detail not only during their time as delegates but also as the Lt. Governor of Pohnpei when he meticulously oversaw the Executive Budget Review Committee (EBRC).  He expressed his deep gratitude to the Lt. Governor for his wisdom, patience, and guidance during this eventful administration.     Governor Oliver also recognized and expressed gratitude on behalf of the people and State of Pohnpei to the many dignitaries present that included Wasalapalap Nan Pwutak Pikiniap, Nahnwarki of Sokehs, IsoNahnken of Madolenihmw, Rohsa Kitti, Vice President Aren Palik, Vice Speaker Esmond Moses, Senator Dion Neth, Secretary of Finance and Administration, Eugene Amor, Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, Marcus Samo, President’s Chief of Staff Jane Jimmy Chigiyal,  former Governor of Pohnpei, Johnny P. David, Chief Justice of Pohnpei, Hon. Nelson Joseph, H.E. Huang Zheng, Chinese Ambassador to the FSM, H.E. Hisashi Michigami, Japanese Ambassador to the FSM, U.S. Charge’ d’affaires Alissa M. Bibb, Australian Charge d’affaires Matthew Holloway,     The Governor’s representative, Mrs. Daisy Nanpei-Cantero, read out Executive Proclamation 22-09 declaring a period of mourning over the untimely passing of the late Hon. Feliciano M. Perman.  Among the many achievements and accomplishments that included being the Lieutenant Governor of Pohnpei, he was also one of the framers of the Sokehs constitution, Delegate to the 2nd Pohnpei Constitutional Convention, General Manager of the Pohnpei Utilities Corporation, Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Planning and Budget Advisor, State Program and Budget Officer, Tax Collector and Administrative Clerk.       Vice President Aren Palik, delivered a proclamation signed by H.E. David W. Panuelo to the family of the late Lieutenant Governor during the service. The proclamation was read out by Master of Ceremonies, Peteriko L. Hairens, along with letters of sympathy and condolences from the Japanese Embassy, U.S. Embassy, and Australian Embassy.       After the State Funeral, the body of the late Hon. Feliciano Materne Perman departed by motorcade, escorted by Pohnpei State Police Officers, to Cupid’s in Nan Pohn Mal.  The remains of the late Lt. Governor Perman were buried the following day, on October 4, 2022.     The full video of the State Funeral Service can be found here: https://youtu.be/b_8Yk5yvbWw