August 4, 2023

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: July 31, 2023 – In a significant step towards strengthening Pohnpei’s economic development through assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Mr. Alton Kimura, Program Director for U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands conducted a courtesy call with the Governor of the State of Pohnpei, Reed B. Oliver, and key cabinet members. The meeting served as a platform to discuss and share information about USDA programs in the areas of water, environment, public facilities and the private sector.     During the call, Mr. Kimura emphasized the USDA’s commitment to support key areas that can benefit from the range of impactful USDA initiatives available to the Federated States of Micronesia. He noted that his visit is part of the USDA’s aim to increase their focus in the region. Along with discussing available programs, Mr. Kimura shared updates on financing and funding assistance schemes. Governor Oliver expressed his appreciation for the longstanding support of the USDA in Pohnpei State, and introduced key members of his cabinet representing areas that can benefit from USDA programs. Among the Departments represented during the courtesy call was the Department of Resources and Development, the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Department of Public Safety, Department of Treasury and Administration, Department of Health Services, Pohnpei Housing Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency.     The courtesy call concluded on a positive note, with Governor Oliver and Mr. Kimura expressing a shared commitment to explore the implementation of various initiatives discussed during the meeting.

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: July 27, 2023 – The Commander of Joint Forces, Marianas, Rear Admiral Gregory Huffman, paid a courtesy call on Governor Oliver. Joining Rear Admiral Huffman was Kyle Papish, Acting Defense Attache, US Embassy Kolonia. Welcoming the Rear Admiral with Governor Oliver were the Administrator of the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Dahker Abraham, Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Hubert Yamada, Director of the Department of Public Safety, Patrick Carl, Overseas Development Assistance Coordinator, Shirley Ligohr, and Protocol Officer, Jordan Torres.     Rear Admiral Huffman is on Pohnpei, attending the Joint Presidential Inauguration of President Simina, Vice President Palik, Speaker Moses and member of the 23rd FSM Congress. In addition to overseeing installation management functions for both U.S. Naval Base Guam and Anderson Air Force Base on Guam, the Commander of Joint Region Marianas, also serves as Commander U.S. Naval Forces Marianas and Defense representative to Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).     During the cordial introductory exchange at the Governor’s Cabinet Conference Room, Rear Admiral Huffman conveyed his appreciation for the courtesy call and expressed his enthusiasm to continue to work with Governor Oliver and the Pohnpei State Government to further expand on the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the U.S. Government and the FSM. Governor Oliver warmly welcomed Rear Admiral Huffman acknowledging the significance of enhancing ties and furthering cooperation with the U.S., particularly with Joint Region Marianas in areas of security and law enforcement.     Both Governor Oliver and Rear Admiral look forward to the next Joint Committee meeting where the issues of security, law enforcement and maritime law enforcement will be formally discussed.

Dekehtik, Pohnpei: July 27, 2023 – Governor Oliver attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Pohnpei State International Airport arrivals hall. The ceremony was held in honor of fallen service members from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ten framed photographs of fallen U.S. Armed Forces members from the FSM are posted in the arrivals hall of the Pohnpei International Airport. Also known as the Hall of Heroes, this special area highlights the unique and enduring partnership between the United States of America and the Federated States of Micronesia. Vice President of the Federated States, Aren B. Palik, delivered remarks sharing close connections with some of the fallen members, highlighting the interconnectedness and intimacy of the close-knit communities in the FSM. U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland delivered moving remarks, speaking of her connection with the military, having a Father who served as a Marine in the Vietnam War. Both Vice President Palik and Secretary Haaland, thanked Governor Oliver for attending the solemn ceremony of remembrance and both highlighted the importance of the enduring USA-FSM partnership. The Hall of Heroes pays tribute to service members from the FSM who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Four of the ten fallen are from Pohnpei: US Army Sergeant, Skipper Soram, died September 22, 2004, Operation Iraqi Freedom. US Army Specialist, Derence J. Weilbacher Jack, died October 31, 2005, Operation Iraqi Freedom. US Army Specialist, Henry Paul, died September 26, 2006, Operation Iraqi Freedom. US Army Sergeant Youvert Loney, died September 5, 2009, Operation Enduring Freedom.

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: July 24, 2023: Governor Oliver attended the opening ceremony for the Department of Public Safety’s Police Academy, General Inspection and awards ceremony held at the Kolonia-China Friendship Gym. Also attending with Governor Oliver was Ms. Cheryl Burkindine, Grants Management Specialist from the U.S. Department of Interior Office of Insular and International Affairs and a member of the Pohnpei State Police Commission, Ms. Phyllis Silbanuz.     This is the third Police Academy held during the Oliver/Ioanis Administration. The recruits will undergo a 14-week course of instruction that includes lots of physical training delivered this year with the assistance of Marines from Task Force Koa Moana ’23. The recruits will also learn policing foundations, traffic management and enforcement, property crimes, crimes against a person and applied policing tasks.     Director of the Department of Public Safety, Patrick Carl, delivered remarks on behalf of Governor Oliver to highlight the good work the Department has undertaken leading up to the Police Academy. He also introduced U.S. Marine Corps Captain Lucas Walters who thanked Director Carl for allowing the Marines to be a part of the training. Captain Walters advised the Officers to train hard and to “relish the opportunity” to train and suffer because that will better prepare them to meet the challenges of being Police Officers.     You can view the follow their progress and find updates on the Department of Public Safety’s Facebook page: Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety. Thank you to the Marines of Task Force Koa Moana for their help, thank you to the U.S. Government’s Capacity building fund for their generous support to the Department of Public Safety’s Police Academy.