May 16, 2024

Kolonia, Pohnpei: April 8, 2024 — The management and Board of the Pohnpei Public Library recently paid a courtesy call on Governor Stevenson A. Joseph at the Governor’s Office. Led by Chairperson Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen and Chief Librarian Trueleen Albert, the delegation included Vice Chair Aaron Nighswander, Board member Vanslot Etse, Board member BeJay Obispo, and Assistant Librarian Emyleen Charley. During the courtesy call, Chair Gallen had the opportunity to share the rich history of the library and address longstanding concerns of the Board with Governor Joseph. She highlighted the library’s status as a semi-autonomous entity receiving support from the Pohnpei State Government through Compact Education Sector funds, as well as through their own initiatives such as passport photo services. Chair Gallen also provided updates on upcoming improvements, including the arrival of an Australian Volunteer to assist in updating Library services and a grant from the Australian Government earmarked for the purchase of new computers. Moreover, discussions centered around the library’s plans to expand or upgrade its infrastructure, which necessitate land designation or lease agreements. Governor Joseph expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the dedication of the Pohnpei Public Library’s Board and management. He shared his thoughts on the library’s purpose and mission, emphasizing potential intersections and complements with upcoming projects. Governor Joseph affirmed his full support for the library’s mission, underscoring its importance in serving the community. The courtesy call provided an invaluable opportunity for fruitful dialogue and collaboration between the Pohnpei Public Library and the Office of the Governor. Both parties are committed to working together to enhance educational and cultural resources for the people of Pohnpei.

Kolonia, Pohnpei: April 5, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph recently attended the retirement ceremony of Mr. Hermis Edmund, who dedicated 34 years of exemplary service as a Law Enforcement Officer. The ceremony, held to commemorate Mr. Edmund’s remarkable career, was a moving moment for reflection and appreciation. Mr. Hermis Edmund embarked on his journey in law enforcement in 1989, starting as a Police Officer and gradually progressing through various roles including Detective, Chief of Police, and ultimately Chief of the Division of Fish and Wildlife under the Department of Public Safety. His unwavering commitment and dedication throughout his tenure have left an indelible mark on the law enforcement landscape of our community. In his special remarks during the ceremony, Governor Stevenson A. Joseph, speaking on behalf of himself and Lt. Governor Ioanis, expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the exemplary service rendered by Chief Edmund over the span of three decades. Governor Joseph underscored the invaluable contributions made by Chief Edmund towards upholding law and order, ensuring public safety, and protecting the welfare of citizens. Furthermore, Governor Joseph announced his nomination of Mr. Hermis Edmund to serve as the Department of Public Safety Director in the Joseph/Ioanis administration, noting that his confirmation is still under review at Legislature. He called upon all present, including local chief executives and government officials, to extend their support towards confirming Mr. Edmund’s nomination, recognizing his competence and dedication to the cause of public service. In his closing, Governor Joseph emphasized the crucial mandate entrusted to law enforcement officers – that of maintaining peace and safeguarding the lives of citizens, often at the risk of their own. He acknowledged the inherent challenges and dangers associated with their profession. He extended sincere thanks and appreciation on behalf of himself and Lt. Governor Ioanis for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice. Among the guests in attendance were Associate Judge of Pohnpei State Court of Land Tenure Hon. Michael Nakasone, retired Law Enforcement Officers like IsoNahlaim Sokehs, Local Chief Executives, Chiefs of Local Police Departments, the Executive Director of the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, Mr. Eugene Joseph and local Representative of the OneReef a conservation NGO, Mr. Patterson Shed. The retirement ceremony served as a fitting tribute to the remarkable career of Mr. Hermis Edmund, marking the culmination of his dedicated service to the community and the law enforcement fraternity

Kolonia, Pohnpei: April 4, 2024 – Lt. Governor Francisco L. Ioanis recently convened a significant meeting at his office with members of the Local Chief Executive Association along with cabinet members from various governmental departments. The purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on crucial initiatives and address pertinent matters concerning the state of Pohnpei. Among the cabinet member attendees were Director Luciano Abraham from the Department of Land, Executive Officer Francisco Celestine from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Reynald Bardelas, Acting Commissioner of Pohnpei Transportation Authority, and Acting Director of Public Safety, Kehper Joel. The focal point of the discussion was an initiative spearheaded by the EPA aimed at the removal of abandoned vehicles lining the primary roads across Pohnpei. Lt. Governor Ioanis stressed the importance of this endeavor for the betterment of the community and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure its successful implementation. The local chiefs were duly apprised of their pivotal role in extending support and assistance towards this significant undertaking. In addition to deliberating on the EPA initiative, the agenda also included deliberations on the upcoming Micro Games scheduled to be held in June of this year in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The local chiefs raised Various concerns and queries about the event during the meeting. These questions will be addressed in a subsequent meeting with the Pohnpei Sports Council, as directed by Lt. Governor Ioanis. The meeting proved to be an important platform for fostering fruitful dialogues and initiatives aimed at the progress and prosperity of Pohnpei State.

PICS High School, Pohnpei: April 4, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph attended a momentous handover ceremony at PICS High School today, where five greenhouses were generously donated by the People’s Republic of China through the Pilot Farm project. The ceremony, held at the Principal’s Office, was marked by the presence of Mr. Yang Zuoyuan, Counselor representing Mr. Wu Wei, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Federated States of Micronesia. In his address, Mr. Yang highlighted the successful completion of 11 phases of technical assistance provided by the Chinese Pilot Farm in Pohnlangas, focusing on various agricultural aspects such as piggery, vegetable farming, and biogas production. He emphasized the importance of imparting agricultural knowledge to locals, sharing the old adage of teaching others how to fish instead of giving out fish, and expressed hopes for continued cooperation. Governor Joseph expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador Wu Wei, Mr. Yang, and the Chinese Government for the invaluable gifts bestowed upon the students of Pohnpei. He acknowledged the significance of teaching sustainable agricultural practices, aligning with his administration’s priority on agriculture and food security policy to reduce dependency on imported foods. Governor Joseph spoke of the advent of processed foods to our islands that brought convenience and drew us away from growing our own food, with a call to revisit eating our own grown foods. Furthermore, Governor Joseph recognized Mr. Konrad Englberger, who also attended the handover as a guest, for his longstanding contributions to Pohnpei’s agriculture sector. He reiterated the importance of disseminating agricultural skills and knowledge throughout the municipalities, starting from schools and extending to communities, which was discussed earlier in a meeting with officials from the China Pilot Farm at the Governor’s Office. Governor Joseph concluded by assuring Mr. Yang of Pohnpei’s commitment to cherish and maintain the donated resources for the benefit of the community. Following the formal proceedings, Governor Joseph toured the greenhouses, accompanied by representatives from the Chinese media, to whom he granted an impromptu interview. The greenhouses showcased an impressive array of produce, including cucumbers, lettuce, Chinese cabbage, and watermelons, exemplifying the fruitful collaboration between the Pilot Farm project and PICS High School. The handover of the greenhouses marks a significant milestone in promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering the youth of Pohnpei with valuable skills for the future.

Kolonia, Pohnpei: April 3, 2024 – In a gesture of appreciation and collaboration, Acting Area III Director of the Office of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, Berley O. Araceley, accompanied by Rural Development staff member Mr. Elmer Cuasay, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Joseph. The visit marked a significant opportunity to express gratitude for the steadfast support and assistance extended by the Pohnpei State Government to Rural Development employees amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic to the present. At the onset of the courtesy call, Mr. Aracely conveyed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Joseph and the Pohnpei State Government for their unwavering assistance in accommodating Rural Development personnel at Pohnpei State Government facilities when Rural Development offices were forced to close due to the pandemic. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the State Government in ensuring the continuity of essential services during unprecedented times. During the meeting, Mr. Aracely shared with Governor Joseph the forthcoming reopening of Rural Development offices, underscoring that essential services, including housing loans and grants, are already accessible at their temporary offices located in the old Peace Corps building. This development signifies a significant step towards revitalizing community development efforts and fostering economic resilience across the region. Governor Joseph welcomed Mr. Aracely and expressed his strong support for the continuation of Rural Development’s valuable services, particularly emphasizing the importance of extending support to vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and individuals with disabilities in accessing housing assistance. Moreover, discussions also revolved around the prospect of eligibility for housing programs, including those accessible to Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces residing in the Federated States of Micronesia, further highlighting the commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to housing resources. The courtesy visit exemplified the spirit of partnership and collaboration between USDA Rural Development and the Pohnpei State Government, aimed at advancing the well-being and prosperity of communities in Pohnpei State. It underscored the shared commitment to navigating challenges and working together towards sustainable development and prosperity for all residents.