May 29, 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.