March 17, 2023

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.