Author name: PIO

On Tuesday, September 22, 2020, Pohnpei State Local Chief Executives met at the Governor’s Conference Room at 10:00 AM. The main purpose of the meeting was to reorganize after the Chairman resigned from his post as Chief Executive of his municipality. The new Officers of the Pohnpei State Local Chief Executives Organization are as follows: Chairman: Antonio Sarapio, Luhkenmoanlap Kitti Vice-Chairman: Nelsin Iriarte, District Administrator of Nett Secretary: Michael Lieman, Chief Magistrate of Sokehs Treasurer: Smithy Clark, Mayor of Pingelap In addition to re-organization, Mr. Anthony Dainard from the State Budget Office updated the Local Chiefs on the status of the 30 percent revenue share to the Municipal Governments from the State Government. Ms. Michaela Saimon, Chief of Commerce and Industries and Co-Chair of the Pohnpei State COVID-19 subcommittee on Food Security also updated the Local Chiefs on Food Security plans to further align efforts with the State Task Force. Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen, further updated the Local Chiefs on Task Force financial plans to support Local Government COVID-19 response efforts. Part of the plan includes, rehabilitating or establishing public markets in each Municipality, with the help of the Island Food Community of Pohnpei. For more information on the Local Chief Executives, please contact the Local Liaison Representative at the Governor’s Office, Ms. Suannrita Ladore at 320-2235 or the Public Information Officer at patrick.pedrus@pohnpei.gov.fm.

The Pohnpei Public Office of the Auditor (POPA) will be closed all day Friday, September 25, 2020, for an offsite office function.  The POPA will resume normal working hours on Monday, September 28, 2020.  Apologies for any inconvenience.  Kalanghan.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Chairman of the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force has released the following guidelines and advisories to the general public to STOP the spread of COVID-19 in Pohnpei. Social & Physical Distancing Guidelines  1. Betelnut Advisory  2. Business Advisory 3. Funeral Advisory 4. Election Advisory 5. Human Remains Advisory  6. Mask Use Advisory  7. Office Visits Advisory  8. Public Gatherings Advisory 9. Restaurant Advisory  10. Sakau Advisory  11. Spitting Advisory  12. Takeout Advisory  13. Taxi Advisory  14. Travel Advisory  15. Worship Advisory  Click the link below to view and download the Guidelines and advisories located on the Department of Health and Social Services website: https://psdhs.fm/index.php/public-info/news-and-updates/137-guidelines-and-advisories-for-public-information Please note these advisories and guidelines are subject to change when new information becomes available. Thank you to to the following partners, advisers, and donors who made this possible:  FSM National Government, USAID, IOM-Micronesia, Micronesia Red Cross Society, Embassy of Japan in Micronesia, UNICEF, and WHO.

On September 15, 2020, Governor Reed B. Oliver, received the Committee to Wait on the Governor chaired by Senator Marvin Yamaguchi of Kolonia with members Senator Mitaro Simina of Sokehs and Senator Kasinda Ludwig of  Kapingamarangi. Chairman Yamaguchi, on behalf of the Speaker and 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, informed Governor Oliver that the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature started its third and final regular session for this fiscal year, on September 14, 2020, which will run for 30 days.  He further advised Governor Oliver that this regular session would focus mainly on the FY-21 budget.  Senator Simina highlighted the need for the new members of the Board of Education. Governor Oliver and the Committee discussed FY-21 Budget, COVID-19 continuing preparations and activities, Pohnpei State Government administration building renovations, Government housing renovations, and a briefing done by the members of the FSM Joint Committee on Compact Renegotiations. He emphasized the need to complete the nomination process of the remaining members of the Boards, Commissions, and Authorities including the Board of Education and several others for Legislature’s appropriate action. On the COVID-19 and repatriation updates, Governor Oliver advised the Committee that the Pohnpei State Government is working with the FSM National Government to repatriate Pohnpei medical referral patients and students from Guam.  There will be a pre-14 day quarantine in Guam with COVID-19 testing and additional 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Pohnpei with further COVID-19 testing.  The exact numbers of residents and date of arrival have not been confirmed but will be decided in conjunction with the FSM National Government. Governor Oliver thanked Chairman Yamaguchi and the Committee for their visit and the opportunity to share updates between the Legislative and Executive branches. For more information on this post please call the Public Information Officer at 320-2235 or email at patrick.pedrus@pohnpei.gov.fm

On September 3, 2020, Governor Oliver, Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, and Chief of Agriculture, Mr. Mark Kostka met with officials from Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MASHAV, on a Zoom virtual conference call. The purpose of the call was to follow up on the virtual launch of the Israel-Pacific Food Alliance that took place virtually on July 2, 2020, in which Governor Oliver as Honorary Consul for the State of Israel in FSM, Pohnpei State Department of Resources and Development’s Director, Mr. Hubert Yamada, and Chief of Agriculture, Mr. Mark Kostka, attended. In this follow up meeting, Agricultural experts, Danny Zonshine and Oded Halamit, from MASHAV spoke with Chief of Agriculture, Mr. Mark Kostka, and Director Yamada to better understand Agriculture and Food conditions in Pohnpei. Chief of Agriculture, Mr. Mark Kostka, advised the Israelis that most farming is subsistence farming and agroforestry, not for cash sales. Another condition is the high amount of rain, which can damage vegetable crops. Director Yamada reiterated Chief Kostka’s advice on farming in Pohnpei. He noted that consistency of supply is a challenge, as much of the food supply is imported. He said farming behavior, from subsistence to commercial farming, will help with increased production and was thankful for Israel’s expertise in these areas. Mr. Zonshine and Mr. Halamit stated MASHAV wants to assist by transferring proven agricultural technologies focusing on vegetable farming that can yield quicker results than bigger staple crops like wheat or rice. The idea is to develop and co-produce the same crop and plants in Pohnpei and Israel, providing online/virtual guidance with the Division of Agriculture and even the COM-FSM Land Grant program. At the conclusion of the meeting, H.E. Tibor Shalev-Schlosser, Israeli Ambassador to the FSM and Pacific Island States thanked Governor Oliver, for the continued cooperation and support of this food security alliance, and encouraged the other states to participate in this food alliance. FSM Department of Resources and Development (R&D) is the focal point for the Israel-Pacific Food Alliance in the country. Pohnpei State Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Hubert Yamada, coordinates all engagements with MASHAV through FSM R&D. For more information on this or any post, please contact the Public Information Officer at 320-2235 or pohnpeipublicinformation@gmail.com

These are news Excerpts from the Office of the Governor for the week of August 28 – September 4, 2020 Enginkehalp News Excerpts in the Pohnpeian language can be found at the foot of the page On August 31, 2020, Director of the Department of Education (DOE), Mr. Stanley Etse informed Governor Oliver, Lt. Governor Perman, and the COVID-19 Task Force that public school schedules have been modified, following the implementation of an action plan that was developed by DOE to address social distancing and put into action.  Following the implementation, teachers, administrators, and DOE personnel recommended the following changes to school schedules:               Grade Hours Early Childhood Education Centers (ECE) to 2nd Grade 8:00 am – 11:30 am 3rd to 4th Grade 8:00 am – 12:15 pm 5th to 8th Grade 12:15 pm – 4:30 pm   Grade School Day 9th Grade Monday/ Niehd 10th Grade Tuesday/Niare 11th Grade Wednesday/Niesil 12th Grade Thursday/Niepeng Period High School Time 1st 8:30 -10:00 A.M. 2nd 10:00 -11:30 A.M. Lunch 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. 3rd 12:30 – 2:00 P.M. 4th 2:00 – 3:30 P.M.   Students are provided email addresses and telephone numbers of their teachers and encouraged to contact their teachers for assistance with school assignments.  Computer labs are open for students to access during the week. 2. The Department of Public Safety, headed by Mr. Patrick Carl, is assisting the Madolenihmw Student Organization (MSO) in their community service activities for Fall 2020. MSO members have started a beautification program to clean and repaint nine (9) bus stops in Madolenihmw. MSO is also painting crosswalks.  With the help of Captain Ricky Rodriguez, Detective Jeffrey Ching, and Police Officer I Ronie Pablo to provide the required specifications for painting crosswalks, safety, and traffic control, MSO has already cleaned, repainted and beautified bus stops in Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Madolenihmw.  The activities will take place every Saturday until September 19, 2020. 3. Micronesia Clean-Up Day will be observed for one week from August 31 – September 12, 2020. Governor Oliver signed a Proclamation declaring Pohnpei’s participation in the Micronesia Clean Up campaign to be held on September 12, 2020.  Executive Officer of Pohnpei State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mr. Susaia and Governor Oliver discussed activities for this week to promote regular cleaning and maintenance of our resources and infrastructure. Activities included, at the state government level, to have a department or office “adopt” an area to clean and be allowed time to clean up this area with EPA inspecting and providing technical assistance.  Details on activities for Micronesia Clean-Up Day will be provided by EPA through the Governor’s Office in the coming week. 4. On September 1, 2020, Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman met with the Board of Directors and management staff of the Small Business Guarantee Finance Corporation (SBGFC). The purpose of the meeting was to update Governor Oliver and the executive branch on the current status of SBGFC. SBGFC is a state-owned subsidiary corporation situated under the Department of Resources and Development.  This was the first meeting between SBGFC and the Oliver/Perman administration.  Thomas Pablo, Executive Director of SBGFC led the update.  The SBGFC was created by state law to strengthen private sector development.  SBGFC not only provides or secures the financial capital needed for business development but also to build the capacity for business owners and entrepreneurs. 5. On September 3, 2020, Governor Oliver, Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, and Chief of Agriculture, Mr. Mark Kostka met with officials from Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MASHAV on a Zoom virtual conference call. The purpose of the call was to follow up on the virtual launch of the Israel-Pacific Food Alliance on July 2, 2020, and further work towards receiving technical assistance in Agriculture through virtual means.  Also, the Agricultural specialists asked questions to gain more information on Pohnpei’s Agricultural needs.   During this virtual meeting, H.E. Tibor Shalev-Schlosser, Israeli Ambassador to the FSM and Pacific Island States thanked Governor Oliver, who is also Honorary Consul for the State of Israel, for the continued cooperation and support of this food alliance. Department of Health and Social Services COVID-19 Situation Report # 42 September 1 – 4, 2020 COVID19 numbers/ Nempehkan Confirmed/ Kamehleler New/kapw Deaths/sipala de mehkilahr Global/Sampah 26,074,609 1,023,431 864,153 Hawaii 9,202 863 79 Guam 1,560 281 13 CNMI (Saipan) 57 1 2   In Guam, according to the Pacific Daily News, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has reported the14th COVID-related death on September 4, 2020, and stay-at-home order extended to Sept. 11, 2020, for all of Guam. In Hawaii, Honolulu Civil Beat reports that the Hawaii Civil Defense Authority reported On Thursday, 227 active cases — by far the most ever for the island at one time. Civil Defense has specifically raised concerns about large gatherings in East Hawaii, noting in an Aug. 23 bulletin that “health data shows the majority of these new cases have been identified as Hilo-based gatherings where people failed to practice preventive measures.” VIDEO VERSION IN POHNPEIAN:

On Monday, September 7, 2020, the Kitti COVID-19 Task Force (KCTF) presented its Protection and Emergency Preparedness Response Plan to Governor Oliver, Lt. Governor Perman, and members of Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force at the Governor’s Conference Room. Leading the presentation was KCTF Chairman, Mr. Herman Semes Sr., Nahmadau en Dehd, Kitti. KCTF was created by Executive Order No. 1-2020 signed by Luhken Moanlap on August 14, 2020. After providing a brief background and overview of the mission and vision of the Kitti Task Force, Chairman Semes shared their goals which included, consulting and partnering with relevant stakeholders, conducting awareness programs, creating a kousapw database, hand-washing, and accessibility to clean water 24/7, realistic approach to social distancing to be supported by leadership and people, Food security – long and short term, emergency contacts in all kousapws, curfew, quarantine, and funeral/human remains. Governor Oliver and Task Force Chairman David thanked Chairman Semes and members for presenting their plans and goals to the Pohnpei State Task Force. The importance of social distancing was highlighted by Governor Oliver. He encouraged and called on KCTF members and everyone present to support and comply with this very important basic sanitary preventative measure, so others can observe and follow. He said the members of these Task Forces will help lead and prepare everyone to safeguard our people from this threatening health crisis. He then asked, “Mah sohte kitail, ihs? Ma kaiden met, iahd?”. Accompanying Luhk En Moanlap Antonio Sarapio and Chairman Semes were Vice-Chairman Mr. Destry Tom, Secretary, Mr. Wagner David, and Kitti Task Force members Mrs. Benida David, Mrs. Belsipa Isom, and Mr. Herbertson Santos.

On September 1, 2020, Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman met with the Board of Directors and the Management staff of the Small Business Guarantee Finance Corporation (SBGFC). The purpose of the meeting was to update the Governor, Lt. Governor, and cabinet members present on the current status of this state-owned subsidiary/corporation. The meeting was significant because it was the first meeting the leadership of this corporation had with the new leadership of the Pohnpei State Government. It is a very important program created by state law to strengthen private sector development. SBGFC not only provides or secures financial capital needed for business development but equally important serves as a capacity-building outfit for entrepreneurial and business management skills for business owners. In attendance with Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman was Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, Director of Treasury and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, and State Budget Officer, Mr. Leon Panuelo, Jr. SBGFC was represented by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Salvason Salvador, Board Members Mr. Joseph Felix Jr., and Mr. Rullens Phillip with Mr. Thomas Pablo Administrator and Mr. Kerman representing the management. Governor Oliver thanked the Executive Director and Board for their presentation. Noting the presence of other lending institutions in Pohnpei, he asked what can SBGFC do, in addition to their lending programs, to help the people of Pohnpei realize economic goals and enhance their living standards. Specifically, Governor Oliver asked about providing financial education on how to start up a business, file taxes, read and prepare financial statements, book-keeping, and other business fundamentals. SBGFC’s mandate is to provide, promote, develop and widen in both scope and service reach, various alternative modes of financing for small enterprises including, but not limited to direct and indirect project lending, venture capital, financial leasing, secondary mortgage, and/or re-discounting of loan papers to small business. SBGFC is attached to the State Department of Resources and Development. For more information on SBGFC and their programs, call 320-2968.  

On Friday, August 28, 2020, Governor Oliver was paid a courtesy visit by Mr. Autry Waguk and three trainees from the Department of Education’s Workforce Development and Skills Training Program (WD & ST). Mr. Waguk and his trainees shared their recent harvest of vegetables with Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman. The harvest included cucumbers, eggplants, red and green peppers, green onions, and other vegetables. Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Waguk and the trainees for their visit highlighting the importance of agriculture to health. He encouraged and supported agriculture not only as a profession but also as an important skill for food security, especially during this global pandemic and for future generations. Mr. Waguk explained that he also teaches agriculture and farming skills to elementary school students across Pohnpei. The harvest yielded by Mr. Waguk and his trainees also supplement the school lunch program at all Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers in Pohnpei. Mr. Waguk was accompanied by trainees Relian Saimon, Jaylee Barnabas and Marlo Kallop The Workforce Development and Skills Training program train the youth to develop and acquire the skills for employment and to be self-sufficient. The services are designed and delivered in a manner that maintains focus and relevant career development, education alignment, and job placement. For more information please contact the Department of Education at 320-2103.

The newly appointed Board of Land Trustees for the Administration of Public Lands held their inaugural meeting on August 25, 2020, 9:30 am at the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Hon. Peter Lohn (Wasahi Sokehs) and key staff were also present for the inaugural meeting. The purpose of this inaugural meeting was to organize the new Board as follows: Chairman – Mr. John Nakanaga Vice-Chairperson- Mrs. Antonia Primo Moses (Likend U) Secretary – Mr. Patterson Shed Trustee – Mr. Lewis Santos Trustee – Mr. Wayne Mendiola Jr. Trustee – Mr. Max Lebehn Trustee – Mr. Esirom Neth The Pohnpei State Public Land Trustee Board of Trustees is now set to conduct business with the first regular meeting scheduled for September 9, 2020. Photos: Courtesy of Mr. Patterson Shed

On August 27, 2020, Governor Oliver, Lt. Governor Perman, and Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Christina Elnei attended the Pacific Islands Development Bank (PIDB) Board of Governors Annual Meeting. It was conducted virtually. The agenda items for the meeting included Bank´s Operations, Strategic Initiatives, Budget and Financial Statements, Loan Portfolios, and Delinquency Reports. The PIDB Board of Governors is ultimately responsible for overseeing the Bank´s activities and administration, although, in practice, they delegate many of those responsibilities to the Board of Directors. The Pacific Islands Development Bank (PIDB) is a sub-regional financial institution established to assist member countries/island jurisdictions in their economic development endeavors through its lending and assistant programs. Current members include Pohnpei State, Chuuk State, Yap State, Kosrae State, Territory of Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. For more information, you can visit the PIDB website at https://pacificidb.com/ or contact the Public Information Officer at phone number: 320-2235 or email:pohnpeipublicinformation@gmail.com

On August 24, 2020, the Honorable Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State attended the opening ceremony for the Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety Police Academy 20-20, at the Pohnpei State Division of Fire and Rescue building. In his special remarks to the cadets of Police Academy 20-20, Governor Oliver thanked Director of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, for putting together the Police Academy this year. With 24 recruits from the state, national and municipal jurisdictions, Governor Oliver noted that this sort of cooperation strengthens existing agreements like the Joint Law Enforcement Agreement (JLEA) between state, national, and municipal Police forces. Governor Oliver shared three virtues with the cadets to help them during their training: Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty. Governor Oliver said these three virtues will not only help them during the Academy but also afterward in positions as Police Officers and in all areas. After the introduction of Academy Staff and Instructors, Police Academy 20-20 officially started, with the Instructors getting to know the cadets through an intense round of discipline and physical training. Police Academy 20-20 will run for 12 weeks. Good luck to the cadets! #Enginkehlap

On August 20, 2020, Lieutenant Governor Feliciano M. Perman represented Governor Reed B. Oliver at the Kahmar, Nett Bridge hand-over ceremony. In a symbolic hand-over of the Kahmar bridge from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM, Pohnpei State, and Nett Municipality), a framed photo of the bridge was presented by Mr. Wu of China Railway Construction Company to Ambassador Huang Zheng then to FSM Vice- President George then to Pohnpei State Lt. Governor Perman who finally handed over to the Nett District Administrator Hon. Nelsin Iriarte. H.E. Huang Zheng and T.H. Yosiwo P. George’s remarks highlighted the relationship between China and FSM founded on the bedrock of the One-China Policy. This relationship and the many infrastructure projects completed in the FSM. T.H. Yosiwo P. George, on behalf of President Panuelo, thanked Ambassador Huang and the Government of PRC for its generous assistance to the FSM. “The bridge will be a long-standing symbol of the friendship between the People’s Republic of China and the People of FSM,” he said. In his remarks, Lt. Governor Perman echoed similar sentiments expressed by Vice President George by thanking the Government of PRC for various programs and projects to Pohnpei State. In addition to Kahmar Bridge, the secondary roads and the Farm Pilot Project in Madolenihmw, the Pohnpei State Government Administration Building, and its expected renovation. Iso-Nahnken of Nett thanked Ambassador Huang Zheng and the China Railway Construction Company for the bridge on behalf of his people and his Kingdom of Nett. He noted that the completion and opening of the bridge is highly anticipated because ease of transportation is very important for the communities in Nett. Following the remarks made by the dignitaries, Nahnkeniei Nett led the spouses of the dignitaries to the Bridge and performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Dignitaries at the hand-over ceremony included His Royal Highness, Salvador Iriarte, Iso-Nahnken of Nett, His Excellency Huang Zheng, PRC Ambassador to FSM, Hon.Yosiwo P. George, Vice President of the FSM, Hon.Felciano M. Perman, Lt. Governor of Pohnpei State, Hon. Ausen T. Lambert, Speaker of 10th Pohnpei Legislature, Hon.Kandhi Eliesar, FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Carlson D. Apis, FSM Secretary of Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure, Nett District Administrator, Hon. NelsinIriarte and Nett Municipal Chief Justice and Soukahmar Hon. Inos Ponapart.

In a short ceremony held at the Governor’s Conference Room on August 17, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., four members of the Pohnpei State Contract Review Board were sworn-in by the Governor of Pohnpei State, Hon. Reed B. Oliver.  Fr. Dave Andrus, S.J., blessed the occasion with an opening prayer.  In attendance was Iso Nahnken of Madolenihmw, Hon. John Adolph, as Administrator of the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure (T & I), Hon. Ausen T. Lambert, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, Lt. Governor Perman, Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC) General Manager, Nixon Anson, spouses of members, relatives, T & I  and Governor’s Office staff. After the administration of the oath, ISO Adoph and Speaker Lambert presided over the presentation of certificates of appointments to the members as follows: 1. Mr. Quirino Loyola 2. Ms. Josephine Carl 3. Mr. Stanley Etse 4. Mr. Alex Nanpei   Governor Oliver gave brief remarks by congratulating the new Board Members and thanked Speaker Lambert and all members of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature for their blessing and support in the confirmation process. He also thanked and recognized those who were in attendance especially spouses and relatives of the members.   Speaker Lambert congratulated the members and offered an aide-memoire or memory aid as “food for thought” to help them while discharging their important duty of reviewing and awarding contracts for the State of Pohnpei.   Mr. Quirino Loyola represented his colleagues and thanked the Governor, Speaker, and Members of 10th Pohnpei Legislature for their trust, support, and the opportunity to serve the People the best they can in that capacity.     Congratulations to the new Board members! #Enginkehlap

On Friday, August 14, 2020, Pohnpei State Governor Hon. Reed B. Oliver administered oaths of office to newly confirmed members of the Board of Land Surveyors Examiners and Public Lands Trust, Board of Trustees at the Governor’s Conference Room. In attendance at this important occasion were Waslapalap Sahngoro, 10th Pohnpei Legislature, Speaker Hon. Ausen T. Lambert, Lt. Governor Felciano M. Perman, Director of Land/WahsahiSokehs Peter M. Lohn, Senior Pastor/Former FSM Congress Speaker Bethwel Henry, several honorable members of the legislature, cabinet members, spouses and relatives of the Board members, friends and government employees. In his opening remarks, Governor Oliver welcomed everybody and extended his special thanks to Speaker Lambert, Chairman of Committee on Land, and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their cooperation and support to confirm the members of these two important Boards. He highlighted the crucial roles both Boards play in the service and management of our most valuable resource/possession; our land. Speaker Lambert echoed similar sentiments on the importance of their roles and encouraged proper discharge of the duties and responsibilities called for in the administration of public lands held in trust by the government. The Board of Land Surveyors Examiners are: 1. Mr. Alex Nanpei 2. Mr. Kuhmer Biza 3. Mr. Marcelino Actoucka 4. Mr. Rensper Alpet For the Public Lands Trust, Board of Trustees they are: 1. Mrs. Antonia Primo-Moses, Likend U 2. Mr. Esirom Neth 3. Mr. John Nakanaga 4. Mr. Patterson Shed 5. Mr. Max Lebehn 6. Mr. Wayne Mendiola, Jr. 7. Mr. Lewis Santos Mr. Alex Nanpei represented the Board of Land Surveyors Examiners and Likend U, Mrs. Antonio Primo-Moses represented the Public Lands Trust in giving short remarks thanking Governor Oliver, Speaker Lambert and Legislature for the opportunity to serve on these Boards. Congratulations to the newly sworn-in Board members! The full ceremony on video will be available on Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation’s Facebook page and Youtube Channel.

On August 11, 2020, Governor Oliver and Lieutenant Governor Perman received the FSM National Government’s assessment team for repatriation efforts at the Governor’s conference room. The FSM team, led by Dr. Eliaser Johnson and Dr. Ko, met Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force led by Chairman/Director Wincener J. David, to discuss areas of improvements/gaps identified by the team during its simulation exercise conducted on August 6, 2020, receiving, processing and handling repatriated citizens and residents upon arrival from COVID-19 infected areas in accordance with CEO 20-03 as amended by LR 40-20. In his opening remarks, Governor Oliver thanked the team on behalf of the people of Pohnpei and reaffirmed collaboration between the team and the State and National Task Forces. He further called for the FSM Government’s assistance with technical expertise and fiscal resources as needed to address and correct the identified gaps at the earliest time possible. Dr. Eliaser Johnson outlined the next steps in the process to address the gaps. The National Assessment team will be working with their state counterparts to formulate action plans to address the gaps. A full report to the Task Force will be expected by next week.  

The Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force application for a certificate of qualified entry and application for importation of human remains is posted below/available for download. Please note that admittance for travelers, including attendants of human remains, will be allowed on a case-by-case basis, subject to all screening, detection, quarantine & isolation procedures/protocols. Please fill out the application(s) entirely and send to email: WDavid@fsmhealth.fm Application for a Certificate for Qualified Entry CQE Application Application for Importation of Human Remains HR Application A1

On July 24, 2020, the Tenth Pohnpei State Legislature adopted Legislative Resolution (LR) 30-20 amending Pohnpei Constitutional Order 20-03.  The resolution, under paragraph 6, subparagraph iii allows exceptions with respect to international travel granted on a case by case basis into the state of Pohnpei  from “Pacific Insular areas determined by the Governor to be very low-risk jurisdictions for COVID-19 infection.”  These are the exceptions listed in the resolution:   Certified health experts, technicians and workers assigned to assist the Pohnpei Government or the FSM National Government with respect to COVID-19;   Stranded Pohnpei resident students who have been studying abroad   Stranded Pohnpei resident medical patients referred abroad, including if applicable, their medical or family attendants;   Crew members of open-sea fishing vessels who are citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia   The remains of deceased Pohnpeians and deceased residents of Pohnpei who may be accompanied by not more than five members of the immediate family of the deceased.   Admittance into Pohnpei shall be recommended by the Pohnpei COVID19 Task Force in consultation with the FSM National Task Force and shall be subject to all screening, quarantine, and isolation procedures and protocols of Pohnpei State.   All travelers shall first obtain a Certificate of Qualified Entry into the State of Pohnpei, which shall be issued by the Director of Health Services.  The certificate may be issued over a secured internet server. The Director shall ensure there is sufficient room at the Medical Monitoring Area in Dekehtik to accommodate incoming travelers.   The Public will be updated when the certificate of qualified entry will be made available.   LR 20-30 further allows interstate travel for the following categories:   Essential personnel People returning to the state of residence/employment As long as there are no confirmed cases of COVID19 within the state traveling from and where the traveler will be disembarking If there are confirmed cases, then requirements will be the same as international travel. To view the full Legislative Resolution, please click the link below: L.R. No. 30-20 For further information please call the Public Information Officer at 320-2235 or email: pohnpeipublicinformation@gmail.com