August 23, 2023

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: August 22, 2023 – Governor Oliver, who is also the Honorary Consul of the State of Israel in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), extended a warm welcome to two Israeli brothers visiting Pohnpei. Shai Afsai, who lives in Rhode Island, USA, met his brother, Amir Afsai, who lives in Jerusalem in Guam, and they both flew to Pohnpei last week. Governor Oliver welcomed the Afsai brothers to his office at Peilapalap and also at the Honorary Consul of Israel’s office for a visit and hosted the brothers along with other visitors and state officials at his residence for a dinner reception. As a nation that has consistently supported and advocated for Israel’s interests at the United Nations, the Afsai brothers were happy to not only visit Pohnpei, FSM, but also to meet the Honorary Consul of the State of Israel in the FSM, Governor Reed B. Oliver. They spent their short time in Pohnpei, visiting tourist attractions like Nan Madol and Kepirohi waterfall, visiting the College of Micronesia and even the mass grave of the Sokehs Rebellion with Governor Oliver. Thank you to Shai and Amir Afsai for visiting Pohnpei!

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: August 8, 2023 – Governor Oliver received Dr. Natalie Nimmer, Ms. Ivey Yeung and Mr. Pressler Martin from the National Department of Education. They paid a courtesy call on Governor Oliver at the Governor’s cabinet conference room to share the Pacific master’s in education (PACMED) program, with him.     There are currently 31 teachers and education specialists undertaking the PACMED, master’s degree Program in Education under the auspices of the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Dr. Nimmer described the PACMED program as a place- based culturally sustaining program that is currently funded through FSM scholarships and has a STEM focus. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The program is also supported by the College of Micronesia – with classroom space. Classes are online and after school hours with some Instruction done by local Instructors. Dr. Nimmer also shared that, Mr. Pressler Martin, is the In-Country Coordinator for the program.     Governor Oliver extended a warm welcome to Dr. Nimmer, Ms. Yeung and Mr. Martin, calling the program “wonderful news”. He expressed hope that this program and others like it will help more of our residents to stay and work in Pohnpei. Governor Oliver also asked if the program can be broadened to include degrees in other fields of study to help other employees in public service.     Pohnpei State is looking at 31 employees graduating next year with master’s degrees in education. We look forward to congratulating them and seeing more professional development programs delivered to our public service force.