May 16, 2023

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.