December 2022

Staff from the Governor’s Office led by Public Affairs Officer Peteriko Hairens trekked across Pohnpei via the main circumferential road to spread Christmas cheer and candy to children in Sokehs, Kitti, Madolenihmw, U, Nett and Kolonia.   Kalahngan to the children of all ages that came out to collect candy. Kalahngan to the Department of Public Safety for escorting this movement. Kalahngan to V6AH for your continuous updates that informed the public of the Christmas candy drop location. Special Kalahngan to Senator Jayson Walter for coming along to support this effort.      

Kalahngan lap to U.S. Embassy Kolonia Chargé d’affaires Alissa Bibb, Defense Attaché’ Commander Thomas Price, and the U.S. Navy Seabee team under the command of USAF Capt. Randall Draeger.   Governor Oliver hosted the U.S. Embassy and Seabees team for a Christmas Dinner at the Governor’s residence, Fort Richie, in Nan Pohn Mal, Nett. In his welcoming remarks, Governor Oliver acknowledged the strong bonds of cooperation and friendship between the U.S. Embassy and the Pohnpei State Government through the FSM National Government. He expressed his gratitude to the Seabees and the U.S. Embassy staff, who are all away from their homes during the holiday season, for their sacrifice, hard work and support of the Pohnpei State Government and people.   Governor Oliver also acknowledged the Director of the Department of Public Safety, Patrick Carl, Acting Director of Health Services, Dr. Nora Liwy, and Dr Kabe Vakadem for their hard work and dedication during an eventful year that included a COVID-19 outbreak.   Chargé d’affaires Alicia Bibb also delivered short remarks to thank Governor Oliver for his hospitality on behalf of the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Navy Seabee team. Capt. Draeger presented a command challenge coin to Governor Oliver on behalf of the Seabees team and thanked the Governor for inviting him and his team to a memorable Christmas Dinner.

Governor Oliver stopped by the Pohnpei State Special Education Center to visit students and wish them a Merry Christmas. During his visit, Governor Oliver addressed the students, teachers and family members present. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the programs that seek to support and encourage students with disabilities, praising their efforts and wishing them all a Merry Christmas. Gift bags were distributed to the students along with snacks for the students.     Also present during the visit were Mr. Nathaniel Lohn and Ms. Lola Helgenberger from the FSM Department of Health’s Social Affairs division. Mr. Lohn and Ms. Helgenberger presented gift certificates worth $100 redeemable at Ace Office Supplies, on behalf of the Secretary of the FSM Department of Health, Mr. Marcus Samo.     Mr. Jesse Solomon, Special Education Coordinator, ended the short program thanking the Governor, his staff, Mr. Lohn and Ms. Helgenberger for their support of Pohnpei Special Education Services.

PDF File with details of Election results can be found below:   Certification of Special Election Results December 21 2022

Governor Reed B. Oliver joined Director of the Department of Education, Stanley Etse, staff of DOE, a panel of judges and families for the 2nd annual Christmas Song Contest at the Pohnpei (PICS) Gymnasium on November 30, 2022.   In his remarks, Governor Oliver spoke of the importance of music and how every culture and society has some form of music. He explained that music brings people together, and when words are not enough, sometimes music can convey the feeling words are unable to express. Governor Oliver also spoke of the benefits of music to help one memorize, build confidence, and preserve our culture, history and language through music. He expressed gratitude to Director Etse and the Department of Education for their hard work putting the Christmas Song contest together for the second year in a year. Governor Oliver closed by saying that one day one of the singers in the competition could end up being a famous singer, and for all to remember this day well and how the music made them and others feel.   13 public and private elementary schools competed this year. The theme for this year’s contest was “Christmas Lullaby”. The teams were judged according to pitch, memory, stage presence, creativity and attire. Instruments were also used and many of the teams added some creative dance moves to their performances.     The panel of judges included: Mr. Santos Abraham from the Division of Social Services, Ms Meryda Inos, Chief of Personnel, Labor and Manpower Development, Mr. Denson David, Speaker of Madolenihmw Legislative Council and Mr. Kennedy Nedlec, Chief Justice of the Sokehs Municipal Government.   The Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Jerome Silbanuz from the Department of Education and both Director Stanley Etse, Director of the Department of Education and Mr. Peter Ramirez, Chief of Elementary Education delivered remarks.   Here are the teams that participated along with their standing: Wone Elementary School Pohnpei Catholic Elementary School Tie – Sapwalap Elementary School and Ohmine Elementary School Nanpei Memorial Elementary School Rohi Elementary School Temwen Elementary School Awak Elementary School Nett Elementary School Lukop Elementary School Pohnlangas Elementary School Palikir Elementary School The entire competition was captured on video and can be viewed on the Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corportion’s Youtube channel:  https://youtu.be/8pzZGe5HerQ

KOLONIA, POHNPEI – After a parade from the Spanish Wall, signaling the end of Public Safety week, First Lady of Pohnpei, Mrs. Estle G. Oliver assisted by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires Alissa Bibb, Mrs. Jaap Van Hierden, wife of the UN Resident Coordinator and Ms. Inomata Maho, Researcher/Adviser for the Japan Embassy, lit up the 2022 Pohnpei State Christmas Tree.     Youth groups, Government organizations, Non-Government organizations and community groups marched from the Spanish Wall under the theme of “Resilient to Cyber Crime through Education” to raise awareness of Cyber crimes.  After reaching the Governor’s Office, a short program was held before the lowering of the Pohnpei State flag and the lighting of the Christmas Tree. In his remarks, Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, related the history of the Department of Public Safety (DPS), separating from the Department of Justice in October of 1999 and eventually having four divisions (Police & Security, Fire & Rescue, Corrections and Rehabilitations and Fish and Wildlife) under DPS.  He gave an overview of the week’s events, explaining the importance of awareness efforts to prevent cyber crime.  He noted that anyone with a device is prone to committing or being a victim of cyber crimes, and that one of the unfortunate crimes is identity theft.  He wanted the public and especially the youth and parents to be aware of the dangers of cyber crimes. Special awards were also given to winners of the health and wellness event that was part of Public Safety week and a special lifesaving award was presented to Firefighter Mike Lucas for actions performed while off duty that resulted in saving the life of a child.   Governor Oliver echoed and acknowledged the need to raise awareness of cyber crimes.  He praised the efforts of Director Carl and the Department of Public Safety.  He noted that with technology advances, it is important to be careful online.  He shared the three virtues of respect, responsibility and honesty that can also be applied when online as well.  Governor Oliver also acknowledged the presence of the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Jaap Van Hierden, US Embassy Charge’ d’Affaires Alissa Bibb and Ms. Inomata Maho, Researcher/Adviser for the Japan Embassy.  He thanked everyone who helped with the Christmas Tree: PUC, PTA and Mr. Strickson Anson from the Facilities/Maintenance crew of the Office of the Governor.  Governor Oliver closed his remarks recognizing the participants and winners of the Christmas Tree contest, whose Christmas trees were also part of the Christmas Lighting Ceremony. Thank to all who supported and participated in this year’s Public Safety Week and Christmas Tree Lighting. Donors & Sponsors: FSM Congress Vice Speaker Esmond Moses Congressman Dion G. Neth Department of Education Pohnpei Transportation Authority Pohnpei Utilities Corporation Pohnpei Broadcasting Corporation Mr. Strickson Anson Ace Hardware Black Sand Store Genesis Hospital Pohnpei Hardware Pohnpei Arts & Craft Micro Printer Pohnpei Service Station Best Buy Island Security Agency Isamu Nakasone Store MCS Pohnpei Leo Etscheit Foundation SDA High School Seniors Kolonia Town Government Parade Participants 2022 Madolenihmw Junior Police 2022 Sokehs Junior Police 2022 Nett Junior Police Ohmine Elementary School Pohnpei Catholic School Our Lady of Mercy High School College of Micronesia Pohnpei Port Authority MCS Pohnpei US Veterans of Pohnpei Association Pohnpei Public Auditors Office Sokehs Community Youth Association Pohnpei Broadcasting Corporation Nanpei Memorial High School PICS High School FSM National Police Sokehs Municipal Police U Municipal Police Kitti Municipal Police Kolonia Town Police Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety