KOLONIA, Pohnpei, FSM: August 21, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph convened a meeting with the local chief executives at the Lieutenant Governor’s Conference Room today, focusing on key development strategies for Pohnpei State. The meeting featured presentations and discussions aimed at aligning state and municipal development efforts.
The session began with a presentation by Mr. Churchill Edward, who briefed the attendees on the ongoing progress of Pohnpei’s Strategic Development Plan. Mr. Edward highlighted the importance of ensuring that municipal governments also formulate their strategic development plans in coordination with the broader state objectives. Local chief executives were invited to contribute their insights on the subject, and discussions centered on the necessity of harmonizing efforts to meet shared goals for sustainable development.
Mr. Jorg Anson, Administrator of the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture, addressed the group next. He sought the assistance of local leaders in improving data collection efforts regarding fish being caught and sold within their respective jurisdictions. Mr. Anson emphasized the economic importance of the fishing industry, citing an earlier study that estimated fish sold in Kolonia in one year was valued at approximately $1.2 million. He further shared data from Kitti, where one species of fish alone (pwulak) generated over $40,000 in sales over a year. Mr. Anson stressed that reliable data is essential for future policy decisions that can support both local fishermen and broader sustainability efforts.
Governor Joseph responded to these presentations by underscoring the challenges that had emerged during the recent State and National Leadership Conference (SNLC) regarding poor data collection and quality. He stressed that accurate data is crucial to making informed, data-driven decisions that impact all levels of government and affect development efforts across the state.
The meeting concluded with Governor Joseph presenting checks to the Municipal Chiefs for initial damage assessments following the El Niño weather conditions. The financial support, which totals $143,211.13, was made available through a Presidential Executive Decree administered by the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management (DECEM) in coordination with the Pohnpei State Government. The funds were allocated to help municipalities address damages caused by the El Niño event.
The breakdown of the funds dispensed is as follows:
Nett: $34,454.24
Sokehs: $19,149.95
Kitti: $37,123.99
U: $19,149.95
Madolenihmw: $26,909.68
Kolonia: $6,423.32
Governor Joseph expressed his appreciation for the ongoing collaboration with the local chiefs and emphasized the importance of continued partnership in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Pohnpei State.