March 2023

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: March 17, 2023 – Governor Oliver met Mr. Serizawa Shinichiro, Director, Country Assistance Division, and Mr. Yosuke Ishikawa from the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS). Mr. Serizawa and Ishikawa are in Pohnpei to oversee site preparation for a press machine at the Pohnpei State Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new recycling center in Dekehtik. The press machine is provided through Japan’s Grant Aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme. Thank you to the Government of Japan for their ongoing support and cooperation.

Thank you to the following organizations and businesses that helped make the Governor’s Office Christmas Drop program a success in 2022:   1. Ace Hardware 2. Black Sand Enterprises 3. Moylan’s Insurance Company 4. CITC 5. National Fisheries Corporation 6. Caroline Fisheries Corporation 7. Bank of FSM 8. FSM Telecommunications 9. Pohnpei Hardware 10. XIX Store 11. Ace Office Supply 12. Kaselehlie Diner 13. PUC   Your generosity and compassion are truly appreciated and made a significant impact in the lives of those who benefitted from your donation. Your contribution to this worthy cause demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impact in our community.

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: March 17, 2023 – Fifteen (15) High School Seniors and four (4) adult chaperones from Kwajalein High School on U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands paid a courtesy call to Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Ioanis. Governor Oliver welcomed the students and chaperones to the Governor’s Office and to Pohnpei. He encouraged the students to continue their education, pointing out their potential as leaders in their country and around the world. Governor Oliver also spoke on harmony and unity among people and nations.  A short question and answer session was followed by a photo session and gifts presented to the Governor by the students. Governor Oliver encouraged each student to return to Pohnpei with their families to experience more of the beauty and culture of Pohnpei. Kwajalein Jr./Sr. High School is a secondary school in Kwajalein, Marshall Islands on U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll. The school serves families in the US military and civilians working for the US government in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The students and chaperones are on a school sponsored senior trip.

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: March 16, 2023 – Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Ioanis welcomed Mr. Ledua Vakaloloma from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in Fiji and Mr. Herman Semes from the Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. Vakaloloma is on the island to consult with local businesses through the Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce and across the Federated States of Micronesia to raise awareness on climate change funding for the private sector. Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Vakaloloma and Mr. Semes for their visit.  He noted that the private sector is the engine of development for the economy and asked Mr. Vakaloma that whatever plans are made as a result of consultations consider the unique needs of Pohnpei.  Mr. Richie Adams from the Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Smith Sigrah from the Kosrae Chamber of Commerce were also present during the meeting.

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: March 14, 2023 – Governor Oliver met with the Cultural Day Committee recently to discuss the upcoming Cultural Day celebrations.   Committee Chairman, Santos Abraham, provided an overview of the proposed schedule to Governor Oliver. The Cultural Day celebrations will take place at PICS Track & Field on Friday, March 31, 2023, a public holiday. Further awareness, including a radio program on V6AH, is expected in the coming week. Updates will also be shared on this page.   Joining Chairman Abraham was Vice Chairman, Soulik en Pohn Dien, Mr. Salter Pluhs, members Suannrita Ladore and Anthony Dainard and Acting Director of R&D, Michaela Saimon.   Cultural Day, a public holiday is observed annually on March 31 to celebrate and showcase Pohnpei’s unique culture and tradition.  

Governor Oliver welcomed Counsellor Pooja V. Vernekar from the Embassy of India to Peilapalap on Monday, March 13, 2023. During the introductory meeting with Governor Oliver, Counsellor Vernekar was accompanied by Deputy Assistant Secretary Kalvin Ehmes from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Foreign Affairs. Counsellor Vernekar shared training and funding opportunities from the Government of India and listened to the Governor and members of his cabinet who were present share their needs for Pohnpei State. Governor Oliver expressed his appreciation to Counsellor Vernekar for her visit. He looks forward to continued aid and cooperation from the Republic of India, noting India’s recent grant assistance to Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC) through the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs for the procurement of water well materials to construct two new wells. Joining Governor Oliver to welcome and meet Counsellor Vernekar was the Director of Education Mr. Stanley Etse, the Director of the Department of Public Safety Mr. Patrick Carl, Acting Director of Resources and Development Ms. Michaela Saimon, Public Affairs Officer Mr. Peteriko Hairens, Overseas Development Assistance Coordinator Ms. Shirley Ligohr and Protocol Officer Mr. Emerson Eperiam. The Government of India established diplomatic relations with the Federated States of Micronesia in November 1996. The Embassy of India is located in Metro Manila, Republic of the Philippines.

Congratulations to all the future leaders who took part in the 3rd annual Student Takeover Day 2023. Over 30 students from public and private schools in Pohnpei participated this year. The Governor’s Office was happy to receive Student Lt. Governor from Madolenihmw High School, Mr. Keola Johnny Silbanuz. The idea behind student takeover days with government offices and other organizations is simple: to expose students to the working world and to give them a glimpse of what it’s like to work in different fields. Students have the opportunity to work alongside professionals in their chosen fields, learning about the challenges, rewards, and day-to-day tasks involved in various jobs. This provides students with a unique opportunity to explore different career paths, discover their passions, and build valuable networks. Acting Governor, the Honorable Francisco L. Ioanis delivered remarks on behalf of the Governor conveying his appreciation and congratulations to all the students, employers, and the Department of Education for undertaking another successful student takeover day.

The Pohnpei State Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Surveillance Laboratory has been re-certified by the U.S. Freely Associated States Laboratory Certification Program. Ms. Edna L. Buchan, a USEPA Lab Certification Officer, certified the laboratory and four lab staff members: Laboratory Supervisor Fermin Scaliem (in absentia) certification as Level III Analyst, Acting Laboratory Supervisor Brad Soram certification as a Level III Analyst, Senior Analyst Quinton Lawrence as a Level III Analyst, and new Analyst Elson Elias as a Level I Analyst. Acting Governor T.H. Francisco L. Ioanis attended the recertification program at the Pohnpei EPA office. He delivered remarks on behalf of the Governor and the Pohnpei State Government to congratulate Executive Officer Francisco Celestine, the re-certified Analysts, and Ms. Edna Buchan for their strong work and collaboration. The EPA laboratory has been certified since 2008 to produce scientifically valid and legally defensible data on water quality in Pohnpei.   Congratulations to EPA Executive Officer and Analysts for a job well done!

Congratulations to Nanpei Memorial High School (NMHS)! The winners of the 2nd annual Jeopardy High School competition. NMHS won with 100 points in an academic competition that included subjects like math, social studies, writing, and Pohnpei studies.  Other high schools that participated included PICS High School, Madolenihmw High School, PCS High School, SDA High School, Our Lady of Mercy High School, and Calvary Christian Academy (CCA). The Honorable Herolyn Movick, Pohnpei State Senator and Chairperson of the Public Works, Transportation, and Communication Committee delivered remarks during the opening ceremony.  She noted that while the students are competing in a game today but the same principles they are using to win the competition are the same principles that apply in the real world, “the foundation is built upon from elementary to high school and college and then to the real work: hard work, dedication, and determination.” The Honorable Reed B. Oliver, Governor of the State of Pohnpei also delivered remarks before the competition. He spoke of timing and being punctual as being a way to show respect. Governor Oliver told the students that whatever the students achieve in the competition, they are all great and the best of their schools. He noted that education is a lifetime process and is very proud of each of the students, hoping that this competition will continue in the coming years. After the competition which was held at the Pohnpei Gymnasium (PICS gym), the students were treated to a luncheon where trophies were awarded along with a banner to the winning team to hang proudly at their school.   1st Place: Nanpei Memorial High School 2nd Place: SDA High School 3rd Place: Our Lady of Mercy High School