May 2023

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: May 18, 2023 – Governor Oliver received the President of the Bank of Guam, Mr. Joaquin Cook and Vice President for Governmental Affairs, Mr. Asterio Takesy, former FSM Ambassador to the United States of America.   President Cook informed Governor Oliver that his visit to Pohnpei and the rest of Micronesia was to re-establish, solidify and build relationships with the communities.  He shared the position of the Bank of Guam as a member of the community, looking for ways to assist their fellow community members.   Governor Oliver thanked President Cook and Ambassador Takesy for their visit.  He spoke of his long relationship with the Bank of Guam, through the former President and current Governor of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero.  Both the Governor and President Cook discussed programs like the Bank’s scholarship for graduating seniors, the possibility of another ATM machine to be placed in the newly renovated Pohnpei Administration building, home loans in collaboration with FSM Development Bank, and future possible programs to help economic development.  President Cook noted that all Bank of Guam personnel are hired from the local community, utilizing local talent.   Governor Oliver closed with his sincere thanks to the President and his family for the services provided through the Bank of Guam, sending his regards to the Governor of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero.

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: May 16, 2023 – Governor Oliver attended the opening of the recent Law Day debate at the Pohnpei Legislature chamber where he delivered remarks thanking the organizers of the event for inviting him to attend the debate. He went on to encourage and congratulate the young debaters from Pohnpei High Schools whose debating topic was focused on whether or not land issues would be best resolved by the national or state courts. Congratulations to all the students and the two debate teams that will represent Pohnpei in the National Law Debate:   Our Lady of Mercy High School Pohnpei SDA High School

Governor Oliver bid farewell to Special Envoy for Compact negotiations Joseph Yun and Assistant Secretary Cantor on behalf of the people and government of Pohnpei for the significant work done during their brief visit.   From initialling certain provisions of the compact of free association between the Federated States of Micronesia and United States of America, and also presenting a check for over $28 million to the Government of Pohnpei for infrastructure projects (Palikir elementary 9 million, Lukop elementary $8 million and Pohnpei Primary Care Facility $11.4 million), their visit was important to FSM and Pohnpei.

Palikir, Pohnpei: May 22, 2023 – Governor Oliver paid a courtesy call on H.E. Wesley W. Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia and T.H. Aren B. Palik, Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia.   Governor Oliver reaffirmed Pohnpei State’s commitment to work in cooperation and collaboration with the FSM National Government. Governor Oliver also thanked the President for the quick response of the National Government for a medical evacuation request only one day into President Simina’s term.   President Simina thanked Governor Oliver for his visit. He expressed his appreciation for Pohnpei’s role in the development of the nation, including the use of land at the Palikir capital complex, for the benefit of the nation. He also expressed his appreciation for Pohnpei’s contribution during the Pandemic, and looked forward to working with Pohnpei State, noting that there are many exciting things on the horizon.   Vice President Palik also thanked the Governor for his visit. He said he wanted to forge very close relationships with the States and will reach out for courtesy visits in the coming weeks, starting with Pohnpei State.   Joining Governor Oliver was Mr. Patrick Carl, Director of the Department of Public Safety, Protocol Officer Emerson Eperiam and Public Information Officer, Patrick Pedrus. Attending from the FSM National Government, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Khandi Elieisar, Chief of Staff Jane Chigyal, Special Assistant to the Vice President Ari Skilling and Andrew Falcam from the FSM PIO office.  

Cliff Rainbow Hotel, Pohnpei: May 9, 2023 – Governor Oliver attended the opening of the USAID clean cities, blue ocean pilot project workshop. A courtesy call made on Governor Oliver, May 8, 2023, by Mr. Roger Gardner and Mr. Renee Acosta from USAID informed and invited Governor Oliver to the workshop, in collaboration with the Pohnpei State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Kolonia Town Government. Mr. Francisco Celestine, EPA Executive Officer delivered welcoming remarks U.S. Embassy Kolonia Charge’ d’Affaires, Ms. Alissa Bibb gave an overview of the clean cities, blue ocean program that aims to reduce plastic pollution in the Oceans and communities, develop capacities to improve solid waste management and help build behavioral change. The mayor of Kolonia Town, Hon. Betrigo Jacob, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Kolonia Town Government and advised all that Kolonia Town was locked and loaded to provide all the assistance required to move forward with the pilot project. Governor Oliver delivered the final remarks of the day. He noted that on his way to the workshop, he witnessed Ohmine Elementary fifth-grade students picking up trash on the side of the road, and was very encouraged to see students taking ownership of the cleanliness of their community. He thanked the U.S. Embassy and USAID for their continued support and assistance with important local issues at the municipal level with Kolonia Town Government. He noted that behavioral change was not enough, but behavioral upbringing is needed, starting in the households. Governor Oliver closed with a challenge to walk the talk, and not talk the walk when it comes to keeping our oceans and communities clean and safe.

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: May 8, 2023 – Caroline Fisheries Corporation (CFC) President and CEO, Marko Kamber, and former Governor of Pohnpei, Mr. Johnny David, representing the CFC Board of Directors, meet Governor Oliver. During their brief visit, Mr. Kamber and Governor David were updated by Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) Seaport Manager, Baron Mendiola, on current seaport fees and policies. Both Mr. Kamber and Governor David thanked Governor Oliver and Mr. Mendiola for the important updates and all parties look forward to continuing cooperation and collaboration as CFC continues to contribute to the economic development of Pohnpei. Pohnpei State Government owns 42 percent of CFC.

Peilapalap, Pohnpei May 8, 2023 – Governor Oliver received the Commanding Officer of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment, CAPT Dean Allen, USN for a courtesy call. LT Adam Bossom, India Company Commander, Detail Pohnpei OIC, Liaison Officer, Federated States of Micronesia introduced CAPT Allen to Governor Oliver. LT Bossom also shared project updates with Governor Oliver including the completion of a school project in Pohnlangas, Madolenihmw next month. Upcoming exercises with the U.S. Armed Forces were also discussed including the upcoming Koa Moana exercise in the summer. Governor Oliver thanked CAPT Allen, his Officers, and Sailors for their visit. He welcomed CAPT Allen to Pohnpei, who is here for the first time, commending the Seabees teams for all the important projects undertaken that have benefitted Pohnpei, and looked forward to the strong and enduring cooperation of the Seabees and U.S. Government. CAPT Dean Allen was accompanied by Command Master Chief Allen Johnson, USN, LT William Pelger, LT Adam Bossom, USN, Senior Chief Daniel Shaver, USN, Capt Theodore Donahue, USA, SSG Tarsis Harper, USA, PO1 John Eckert, USN and PO2 Kristen Olofson, USN.

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: May 8, 2023 – Governor Oliver met with USAID Country Manager, Roger Gardner, and USAID project Officer Mr. Herman Semes, Jr., who introduced Renee Acosta and Jasmin Tutor from the USAID Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program. Mr. Acosta and Ms. Tutor are based in the Philippines and are here to facilitate a workshop to pilot the USAID Clean Cities, Blue Ocean project with Kolonia Town Government. The project aims to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans, directly at its source. The project develops capacities to improve solid waste management and helps build behavior change. Governor Oliver welcomed Mr. Gardner, Mr. Semes, and Mr. Acosta warmly to the Governor’s Office. He was happy to hear of the project’s purpose and expected outcomes. Governor Oliver noted and agreed that behavioral change is very much needed to address these issues. Governor Oliver related the change starts at home and we all need to take ownership to reduce pollution in our communities. He pledged the support of the Pohnpei State Government through the Environmental Protection Agency. Executive Officer of EPA, Mr. Francisco Celestine also joined Governor Oliver to welcome the USAID team, looking forward to the training and working with the local government and students on environmental issues like Earth Day. Mr. Roger Gardner thanked Governor Oliver and ExO Celestine for their support. He stated that it is important for us to learn from each other, through pooling our resources and collective energy. Thank you to U.S. Embassy Kolonia and USAID.

Lower Town, Kolonia: May 5, 2023 – Lieutenant Governor Francisco L. Ioanis attended the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture’s (OFA) new office space opening ceremony.   After an opening prayer by Deacon Edmund, OFA Administrator Mr. Dahker Abraham delivered welcoming remarks.  He conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to all present, recognizing the presence of Lieutenant Governor Ioanis and the various cabinet members present.  He thanked the contractor J&B Construction construction for their good work and also thanked the land owner of the adjacent lot, the Honorable Beauleen Carl-Worswick for her assistance and support during the construction of the office building and the parking area.  Administrator Abraham related the condition of the old OFA building and expressed his gratitude once again to the administration, cabinet, and OFA advisory board for their support and assistance.    The Chairman of the OFA Advisory Board, Mrs. Patricia Jack-Jossien, cut the ribbon to officially open the new office space assisted by Administrative Officer Memory Route.  A key turnover was done in the Office Space by Lieutenant Governor Ioanis.     Congratulations to the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture on their new office space.  The construction of the new office space amounted to $202,380.09.  The new office space construction was possible with funds available under the amended Compact for Infrastructure Maintenance Fund (IMF) sector grants.      OFA is made up of four divisions: 1) Aquaculture Division 2: Hatchery Division 3) the Fisheries Statistics Division and 4) the Maintenance Division. OFA is responsible for the following: (1)To improve the health of the offshore marine ecosystem within Pohnpei’s Exclusive Economic Zone for sustainable environmental and economic benefits. (2)To improve the health of the inshore marine ecosystem. Enacting and implementing sustainable inshore fisheries policies and minimizing the negative impacts of land-based activities on lagoons and reefs are essential for the health of the inshore fishery ad the ecosystem upon which it relies. (3)To strengthen and improve Pohnpei State’s fisheries management policies, programs, and operations. Long-term ocean and lagoon health depends on prioritizing policies that will lead to sustainable long-and short-term fisheries management programs and operations. (4)To increase aquaculture activities in a sustainable manner. Sustainably operated aquaculture businesses can provide supplemental revenue-producing opportunities and related employment for Pohnpeians.    

The U.S. Defense Attaché Office, Oceania Engagement Team, and Pohnpei Veterans Association met with Governor Reed Oliver late last month to discuss the furthering of the Micronesian Youth Leadership Academy (MYLA) Pilot Program. The goal of the program is to teach high school seniors skills that will enable them to become the leaders of tomorrow. MYLA will conduct training focused on academic development, leadership development, life skills development, and community development, and will be directed by members of the Department of Defense, and the Pohnpei Veterans Association. Next academic school year, 15 students will participate in the MYLA Pilot Program. The program hopes to expand in future years to come. Governor Oliver thanked the U.S. Defense Attaché Office and the U.S. Embassy Kolonia for their continued support, friendship, and cooperation with the people of Pohnpei, and was happy to support this important program for the Youth of Pohnpei. Joining Governor Oliver during this important meeting was the Acting Defense Attache, Mr. Kyle Papish, Captain Ted Donahue, Staff Sergeant Gary Likiak, Staff Sergeant Tarsis Harper, YN1 Patrick Howard, and Mr. Herman Semes, Jr., President of the U.S. Veterans of Pohnpei (USVP) association. Prepared in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Kolonia Defense Attache Office.