January 2023

Governor Oliver met with Mr. Russell Figueras, Principal of Our Lady of Mercy High School (OLMCHS) on January 17, 2023. Governor Oliver, who is also the Honorary Consul for the State of Israel in the Federated States of Micronesia, congratulated Mr. Figueras and wished him the best as he departed for Israel to begin a training course in Israel on “Innovative Strategies” organized by the MASHAV Educational Training Center, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   The training course will provide among other things, innovative teaching methods for specific subject matters (science, language, etc.), as well as interdisciplinary subject areas, enabling participants to choose the methods and tools suitable to the particular needs of their environments. Accompanying Mr. Figueras from OLMCHS were Sr. Krista Namio and Sr. Paula Ishikawa. Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, Chief of Primary Schools, Mr. Peter Ramirez, and Public Affairs Officer Peteriko Hairens were also present.   Congratulations to Mr. Figueras!

On Friday, January 13, 2023, Governor Oliver welcomed the Mile A Day (MAD) Moms to the Governor’s Office for a turnover of donated items to the Pohnpei State Hospital pediatric and maternity wards.  Senator Brian Etscheit, Chairman of the Health Committee at the Pohnpei State Legislature was also present at the turnover, along with Senator Jayson Walter, Chief of Hospital Administration Mrs. Merihter Elias Etse, and Chief of Hospital Supply Mr. Salter Etse Jr.   Mrs. Sophia Pretrick represented the MAD Moms and delivered remarks during the turnover.  She shared the history of the MAD Moms group and a recent challenge called the RUNSTREAK challenge that garnered $7,582.25 in donations from sponsors.  These donations were used to purchase items that were then donated to the Pediatric and Maternity wards.  Mrs. Pretrick shared details of their RUNSTREAK challenge that started in November and ran for 39 days ending in December, covering the most tempting and busy times of the year.  The challenge was to walk a mile a day for 39 days and have sponsors pay $1 a day or more.  Mrs. Pretrick reminded everyone that one action can cause a ripple effect, and each of the participants of the RUNSTREAK challenge took action every day.   Governor Oliver expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the MAD Moms for their generous donations.  He praised their initiative to not only stay healthy during the holidays but also turn their efforts into something that benefits others.  Their donations not only included items for patients on the pediatric and maternity ward but also wheelchairs, thermoscans, and stethoscopes for healthcare providers.  Senator Brian Etscheit also delivered remarks to express his deep appreciation and gratitude.  He likened their efforts to the “butterfly effect” where one action affects many others.   Dr. Nora Liwy, Chief of the Medical Services Division at the Pohnpei State Hospital, also thanked the MAD Moms for their donations on behalf of the patients and staff of the hospital.  Dr. Liwy noted that the donations are exactly what mothers and newborns need in the pediatric and maternity wards.  On behalf of the Director of the Department of Health Services, Chief of Hospital Administration, Merihter Elias Etse, extended sincere gratitude to the MAD Moms for their generous donations.   Congratulations and thank you to the following participants and sponsors:   #FSMRunStreak22- Participants and SPONSORS: Kalangan LAP Amytz Tom Anna Pelep Ashley Leigh ($665.00)- Cheeney Ludwig, Snowii’s, Velisa/Derick Dainard, Cardi Joel, Alice Etse, Anonymous (4) Brandon Tarra, Nixon Higgins, Janet Gompers Belinda Bel Benny Henry ($40.00)- Joan Ching Brigeen Lawrence ($100.00)- Maiti Kepinle Celine Oliver- ($156.00)- Estelle Oliver, Pakalolo, Kuaine, Estein Oliver Charlene Abraham- Cheeny Ludwig- Different cause/(sponsor) Chris M Lebehn ($140.00)- Leilani Welly Biza, Dipwin Lih Cutelynn Eliou ($339.00)- Senator Herolyn Movick, Lovana Edward, Eugene Joshua, Melynda Irons, Rusen Eliou, Wetsin Pelep, Ryan Eliou, Stephanie E. Eliou Dwaila Falcam- Ehsa Jocy Anson- ($557.00)- Serlinda Soukon, Lorlain Oliver, Eileen Luda, Alvin, Keiki Nanpei, Myree Daniel Ehsa, Pedrus Ehsa Jr. Ricky, Corner Treats Clean Ice Cube, Corner Treat Retail, Rose, Dr, Nora Liwy, Junsuh Ehsa Else Rout and Team Young and the Breathless- ($39.00)- Brandon Tarra Ensyleen Johnson Erlyn Pelep Eutynijo Panuelo ($239.00) Maria Welch and Jordan Panuelo Ez Mar Flynn Boss ($40.00)- Rainbow Zumba Glenn Primoo (45.00)- Self Sponsored Irene Primo Yamada- ($39.00) -Char Neth Ivy Mariano- ($39.00)- Maria Mauricio Vengelynn Andon Amusten ($39.00)- Maria Mauricio Janelle Anson ($277.00)- Pelihda Anson, Sammy Moses, Clancy, Brad Philip, Wefonne, Kamile, Brandon Tarra Joan Ching- ($90.00) -Benny Henry, Self-Sponsored Joice Henry Peter ($219.00)- Char Neth, Dr. Santiago, Anonymous Jo Lynne Gallen ($231.00)- William Kostka, Niqui Peterson, Aline Hankey, Natalie Nimmer, Winfred Mudong, Santiago Joab, Jr. Jovee Philip- Julyn Shoniber Perman Kaping Hinga Korihna Carius Lane Zhu Julein w/Different cause Lane Jano Lapake Oalipip Lioanoai- ($50.00) Self-Sponsored Lynn Lohn Lynn Martin- ($80.00) Melora Albert, Dae Marie David, Mark David Maiti Kepinle- Maria Mauricio- ($122.00) Self-Sponsored Welensin and Leilane Marmelyn Panuelo ($44.00) Kyle Panuelo Marsy Maruame @McClain Gilmete ($100.00) Jared Morris & Tracy Ardos Mer-Jer Wendolin Melissa Ponens Wendolin- Melynda D Irons – ($129.25) Kyle Panuelo, Cindy David Iriarte, Jocy Anson Ehsa Merly Leopold- ($39.00) Self-Sponsored Mihla Mak Bexley Mei Mihne Pretrick- ($50.00) Glen Primo Minerva Milane Stephen Pablo- ($78.00) Dorothy Stephen and Celine Oliver Nanmadol Pohnpei- ($280.00) Joan Ching, Robert Weilbacher Jr., Troy Weilbacher, AAliya Weilbacher, Uni Yamase Lawrence, Sue Napo Donre Pauline E. Panuelo- ($100.00 & 100cups in-kind donation by FSM Bank) Leon Panuelo, Jr., Eula Panuelo Pearl Habuchmai Olter-Pelep Pedra Panuelo Archer – (150.00) Self-Sponsored Pelihda David- Roslinda Harris Ryan Edgar Sandra Anson- ($39.00) Kyle Panuelo Santos Cantero Serlihda Soukon- Suhle Weilbacher Tamara Greenstone-Alefaio Tarz N Lilly- ($500.00) Tindia Gisell Thelma P. Higgins – ($50.00) Fiona Isotoff Tracen Agrippa Olter Kemelios Huston Jim Verna- ($89.00) – Char Neth, Self-Sponsored Yolanda Yamada Nanpei- ($80.00)- Lynn Lel Yamada, Yoriko Nanpei Yolina Yamada Irons- ($80.00) Lynn Lel Yamada, Anonymous Yukleen Yoma Yuleen Nanpei Perman- ($2,228.00) Snowii’s, Cheeny Ludwig, Kyle Panuelo, Stephanie Ritland, William Kostka, Seni Hainrick, Shanty Sigrah Asher, Joella Joab-Olkeriil, the Baby Shop, Fiona Isotoff, Tamara Greenstone-Alefaio, Juleen Kai Kanai, Ikaika Isotoff, Phylicia Isotoff, Chelle Kamber, Quincy Perman aka Keanu Reeves, Casmira Mix, June Neth, Tish Abe, Lorrain William, Troy Travis Pelep, Eddie Musrasrik, Chelsea Rion, Jared Morris, Greg Reffner, Napo Donre, Maria Welch, Gustin Kohler, Rospein Marcella Peterson #sponsporsupdate #pediatricward #CharityMiles

On January 10, 2023, Governor Oliver received the Committee to Wait on the Governor.  On behalf of the Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature, Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Stevenson Joseph called on Governor Oliver to inform him that Legislature started their first regular session of 2023 on January 9, 2023, for 60 days and to discuss areas of mutual interest and concern.  Accompanying Chairman Joseph were Committee member Senator Sendilina Lekka and Legislative staff Serleen Hadley Walliby.     Governor Oliver and Chairman Joseph briefly discussed items including the compact of free association negotiations, run-off election, election law amendments, and awareness efforts of the eight proposed constitutional amendments.       Governor Oliver informed Chairman Joseph that awareness efforts for the constitutional amendments will begin shortly at the community level. He shared outcomes of recent meetings with Constitutional Convention (ConCon) delegates, Noahs U Mason Albert, and Mr. Tendy Liwy to discuss strategies moving forward.  Governor Oliver advised Chairman Joseph that he looks forward to hearing from Pohnpei’s representatives on the Joint Committee on Compact Review and Planning for compact negotiations, whom he has already contacted to provide an update to both the executive and legislative branches.     Governor Oliver advised Chairman Joseph that a run-off election for the Lt. Governor’s seat is scheduled for January 17, 2023.  He also wanted to follow up on transmitted requests for proposed amendments to the election law to allow early voting times and closing of polling stations at 5 pm vs. 7 pm.       Governor Oliver thanked Chairman Joseph, Senator Lekka, and Ms. Walliby for their visit and the opportunity to share updates between the Legislative and Executive branches.  

On January 5, 2023, Governor Oliver attended a ceremony at the Embassy of Japan in Kolonia for the turnover of a $252,000 cheque from the Embassy of Japan to the Pohnpei State Government, Department of Education.  The amount which was sourced from the Embassy of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots human security project will go towards the construction of a gymnasium at the Saladak Elementary School in U.     In his remarks, the Ambassador of Japan to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), H.E. Hisashi Michigami expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity through this project to contribute to the economic development and welfare of the people of the FSM, particularly in U.  Ambassador Michigami noted that in addition to having a place for children to play during the rain, the gymnasium will also benefit the community as a site for meetings and emergency shelter.  Ambassador Michigami ended his remarks with the good news that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers will be returning soon to the FSM to assist with other projects and technical assistance and hoped that exchanges between our people will be back to normal.     Governor Oliver delivered closing remarks for the ceremony echoing Ambassador Michigami’s remarks on the great benefits of the gymnasium to the people of U and Pohnpei.  He expressed his sincere gratitude to Ambassador Michigami and the staff of the Japan Embassy for all their work and assistance to the people of Pohnpei over the years including the Palikir Elementary School project and for upcoming projects like the Pohnpei Port expansion and Nan Madol Information Center projects.  He acknowledged the work of the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) Coordinator, Ms. Shirley Ann Ligohr, and her counterparts at the Japanese Embassy for their coordination and cooperation on this project.     Also present for the ceremony was the Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature, Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Secretary of the FSM Department of Finance Administration, Hon. Eugene Amor, Pohnpei Senator Sonster Edgar, and  Pohnpei Senator Stevenson Joseph, Chief Minister of U, Rofino Primo and his wife, Speaker of U Council Olter Andon, Principal of Saladak Elementary School, Mr. Joseph Amor, Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, Acting Director of the Department of Education Mr. Peter Ramirez, Public Affairs Officer Mr. Peteriko Hairens, Local Government Liaison Officer Ms. Suannrida Ladore, Protocol Officer and Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Emerson Eperiam.  

Governor Reed B. Oliver has declared Welfred H. Edmund as receiving the most votes in the special election for Nett’s delegation to the Pohnpei Legislature. The announcement comes after the Election Commissioner’s certification of the results of the 2022 special election. According to the Election Commissioner, Mr. Edmund received a majority of the votes cast in the special election, which was held to fill a vacancy in the Nett delegation. The special election was conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of Pohnpei, and the results were certified as accurate and legitimate.