October 27, 2024

KOLONIA, Pohnpei, FSM: October 22, 2024 –  Governor Stevenson A. Joseph, alongside Mr. Stuard Penias, Director of the Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services, warmly welcomed the visiting China Medical Team (CMT) to the Governor’s Office today. The team, which arrived in Pohnpei as part of a cooperative medical exchange program, made a courtesy visit before commencing their year-long medical service at the Pohnpei State Hospital. Accompanying the team was Second Secretary Mr. Richard Yang from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Federated States of Micronesia, who expressed the Embassy’s support for the continued partnership between China and Micronesia, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in healthcare. The China Medical Team consists of highly specialized professionals, including: Ear Nose Throat (ENT) Specialist Urologist Gastroenterologist Operating Room Nurse Chinese Traditional Medicine Practitioner Dentist Medical Translator During the meeting, Governor Joseph extended his deepest gratitude to the team for their dedication and willingness to serve the people of Pohnpei. He also highlighted Pohnpei State’s readiness to support the CMT and facilitate a smooth working relationship during their stay. Governor Joseph stated. “Pohnpei is ready to accommodate you and have our people served with your expert services.” To further assist with communication, Governor Joseph offered a local Pohnpeian translator to support the team, helping bridge any potential language barriers during their medical consultations and procedures. Second Secretary Yang echoed these sentiments, noting that the exchange will help both sides to learn from each other. The China Medical Team will be providing specialized services at the Pohnpei State Hospital for the next year, offering much-needed expertise to the island’s healthcare system.

KOLONIA, Pohnpei, FSM: October 23, 2024 — The Vice Chairman of the FSM/U.S. Joint Economic Management Committee (JEMCO) has extended his gratitude to the Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Mrs. Sihna N. Lawrence, for her diligent compliance with the provisions of the Compact of Free Association (COFA) regarding the management of fiscal year (FY) 2024 Compact Sector funding. In a letter addressed to the Director, the Vice Chairman commended the Department for adhering to JEMCO’s decision to not extend the obligation deadline for FY 2024 funds, despite recent legislative actions taken by the 11th Pohnpei Legislature that sought an extension. JEMCO had previously rejected the request to extend the obligation deadline. The Vice Chairman emphasized the importance of ensuring proper fiscal management and accountability in the use of Compact funds, a critical component of the financial partnership between the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the United States. The Director’s compliance with these provisions underscores the Pohnpei State Government’s commitment to maintaining transparency and responsible financial oversight under the Compact’s stipulations. The FSM/U.S. Joint Economic Management Committee oversees the management and expenditure of U.S. financial assistance provided under the Compact of Free Association, ensuring the funds are allocated effectively to meet the development goals of the FSM.

Pohnlangas, Madolenihmw, Pohnpei, FSM:  October 21, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph, accompanied by First Lady Dr. Aina Garstang, made his first official visit to the China Pilot Farm today, highlighting his administration’s focus on agricultural development and food security for Pohnpei. The Governor and First Lady were joined by the Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Mark Kostka, and officials from the China Pilot Farm, who guided them through the various sections of the farm. During the tour, Governor Joseph and Dr. Garstang viewed a wide range of crops being cultivated on the farm, including local staples such as yams, taro, and pepper, growing alongside introduced varieties such as Chinese cabbage, watermelons, dragonfruit, okra, beans, peanuts, corn, and chili peppers. The China Pilot Farm, a hub of agricultural innovation and collaboration, plays a vital role in demonstrating how traditional and modern farming techniques can be integrated to boost local food production. Governor Joseph took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the China Pilot Farm officials for their efforts and the important role they play in promoting agriculture in Pohnpei, reemphasizing his administration priorities of Food Security and NCD prevention that are tied in with growing and eating our local produce.  The China Pilot Farm has been an active partner in advancing agriculture in Pohnpei by providing training, seeds, and technical expertise to local farmers. Governor Joseph’s visit highlights his administration’s ongoing commitment to strengthening food security through the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and fostering partnerships that benefit the local farming community.

DEKEHTIK, Pohnpei, FSM: October 21, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph, together with First Lady Dr. Aina Garstang, made a courtesy visit to the U.S. Naval Research Vessel, Thomas G. Thompson, at Dekehtik Harbor. Governor Joseph was joined by Her Excellency Jennifer Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to the FSM, who was also visiting the vessel. The dignitaries were given a comprehensive tour of the vessel and its advanced research capabilities. The Thomas G. Thompson is owned by the U.S. Navy Office of Naval Research and operated by the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington. It is part of the University National Oceanographic Laboratories System (UNOLS) fleet and is currently conducting research to study the effects of typhoons on the seafloor. This research is critical to understanding how extreme weather events impact oceanic and coastal environments, particularly in typhoon-prone regions such as the Pacific. During the visit, Governor Joseph, First Lady Dr. Aina Garstang, and Her Excellency Jennifer Johnson were given an overview of the ship’s mission, its scientific capabilities, and the equipment being used to collect data on the seafloor. The tour provided an in-depth look at the vessel’s technology and the ongoing research that aims to better understand the environmental changes caused by typhoons. The Thomas G. Thompson’s visit to Pohnpei underscores the importance of scientific collaboration between the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and U.S. and International research institutions in addressing the challenges of climate change and ocean sustainability.

  PALIKIR, Pohnpei, FSM: October 21, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph and First Lady Dr. Aina Garstang proudly represented Pohnpei State at the opening ceremony of the 16th Pacific Island Tuberculosis Controllers Association (PITCA) Conference held at the College of Micronesia-FSM China Friendship Gymnasium in Palikir. This significant event gathered key health leaders, medical professionals, and policymakers from across the Pacific region to address the persistent issue of tuberculosis (TB) in island communities. In his welcoming remarks, Governor Joseph emphasized the importance of collaboration and active engagement throughout the conference. “Conferences like this are vital. They allow us to collaborate, cooperate, and engage with experts across the Pacific who share our goal of eradicating tuberculosis. The fight against TB requires all of us—medical professionals, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders—to come together, share our knowledge, and develop solutions that work for our unique island communities,” Governor Joseph stated, underscoring the critical need for regional cooperation in tackling public health challenges. The event was marked by the presence of high-level officials, including Vice President Aren B. Palik of the Federated States of Micronesia, Lt. Governor Mekioshy William from Chuuk State, and representatives from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reflecting the regional and international commitment to combatting TB. The PITCA Conference is a platform for Pacific Island nations to come together, share best practices, and discuss strategies for eliminating TB, a disease that continues to disproportionately affect island populations. Governor Joseph encouraged all participants to actively contribute, listen, and learn from each other, as the collective knowledge and expertise shared at the conference will play a crucial role in shaping future public health policies across the Pacific. The conference will continue for the next few days, featuring in-depth discussions and workshops aimed at improving TB control and prevention efforts throughout the Pacific region.

Part III of the PICS Media Club’s exclusive one one-on-one interview with Governor Joseph. This part was the fun part and we thank these wonderful students and their advisors: