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/
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