Wahu Pahrekier Sapwekeika

Acting Governor, Hon. Christina Elnei, attended the Ohmine Elementary School graduation on Friday, June 3, 2022, at the Kolonia-China Friendship Gym. Acting Governor Elnei also delivered the keynote address. In her brief remarks, she spoke of education as a solid foundation and shared three virtues to help the graduates as they continue their journey in education and in life. These three virtues, shared with the youth of Pohnpei many times by Governor Oliver, are Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty. Congratulations to the Ohmine Elementary School graduating class of 2022! ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Acting Governor, Hon. Christina Elnei attended the commissioning ceremony for the FSS Tosiwo Nakayama at the FSM Police Maritime Wing dock, Dekehtik on Saturday, June 4, 2022. The FSS Tosiwo Nakayama is the first of two Guardian class vessels generously donated by the Government of Australia to the Federated States of Micronesia to replace the Pacific Patrol Boats, also donated by Australia. Joining Acting Governor Elnei were Pohnpei Port Authority Board member MaryAnn Eperiam, Ms. Meryda Inos from PDOE, and First Lady of Chuuk, Mrs. Lynn Narruhn.     For more photos, please visit the Office of the Governor’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PohnpeiStateGov  

Peilapalap, Kolonia, May 25, 2022: Responding to communications between the Pohnpei State Government and the FSM National Government regarding Pohnpei’s repatriation duty and responsibilities, Acting Governor Hon. Christina Elnei sent a letter to the President of the Federated States of Micronesia, H.E. David W. Panuelo, to address Pohnpei State Government concerns. In her letter, dated May 24, 2022, the Acting Governor referenced previous communications between the Pohnpei State Task Force, FSM Attorney General’s Office, and the National Task Force over repatriation concerns, specifically Pohnpei’s Certificate of Qualified Entry (CQE) form. Communications from the FSM Attorney Generals’ Office called into question the legality of the CQE as a document to regulate immigration into Pohnpei, which is under the authority of the FSM National Government. As a medical clearance form, recognized by the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, FSM Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure, and FSM National Task Force, and used for several repatriations, the CQE allows Pohnpei State not only to verify immunization and COVID-19 test status for incoming passengers but also determine priorities set forth in the Pohnpei’s Constitutional Emergency Order for disembarkation onto Pohnpei (i.e. medical referrals, stranded returning residents, students, essential workers, etc.), as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The CQE as a medical clearance form also allows Pohnpei State Health services to determine, before the repatriation flight arrives, their capacity to ensure the needs of returning repatriates (diet, disabilities, etc) and enough rooms are available in Pohnpei’s limited quarantine facilities. Hence, the need to have the CQE filled out prior to arriving in Pohnpei. The CQE as Acting Governor Elnei mentions in her letter is used by Pohnpei State to protect the health of its people. Acting Governor Elnei’s letter humbly requests the support and assistance of the President and the FSM National Government to address Pohnpei State’s concerns over the safe repatriation and quarantine of passengers into Pohnpei, highlights the constitutional mandate of unity over and above all else for both the FSM and Pohnpei State Government leaders, and requests that Pohnpei State continues to use the CQE for repatriation purposes to protect the health of its people. The letter in its entirety is posted below.

Constitutional Emergency Order (CEO) 20-18 was signed on May 21, 2022, by Acting Governor Hon. Christina Elnei, continuing the state of emergency for the State of Pohnpei due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Repatriation Update Kolonia, May 20, 2022 – 100 repatriates landed in Pohnpei on May 14, 2022, after five days of pre-quarantine in Guam. Two positive COVID-19 tests were discovered during testing in quarantine, further testing showed these positive cases to be historical cases. As an extra precautionary measure, the two passengers and their roommates/family members will be held in quarantine for an additional five days in the Medical Monitoring Area (formerly Misko Beach). Additionally, 11 repatriates remain in the Emergency Medical Unit (former China Star Hotel) in quarantine for an additional five days. These 11 people are children below five years of age (who are not able to be vaccinated) and their families. The remaining 83 passengers were released on the evening of Thursday, May 19, 2022. The public is advised to remain calm, continue with sanitary and hygiene measures and get your COVID-19 vaccination or booster if you have not already done so. Thank you to the repatriates and families for their understanding, patience, and cooperation.

Governor of the State of Pohnpei, Hon. Reed B. Oliver, departed today, May 16, 2022, for a medical referral off-island. The Governor was accompanied by First Lady, Mrs. Estle G. Oliver. Acting Lt. Governor, Hon. Christina Elnei has been designated by Governor Oliver. Congratulations to the First Acting Female Lieutenant Governor of Pohnpei, a historic occasion for Pohnpei. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and return to Pohnpei for Governor Oliver. Subsection (2) of section 2-102 of Title 3 of the Pohnpei Code reads, “(2) When the Lieutenant Governor is temporarily absent from the state, is temporarily disabled, or is constitutionally prohibited from exercising the powers and duties of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the powers and duties of the Office of the Lt. Governor shall devolve upon the Attorney General, the Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, the Director of the Department of Education, the Director of the Department of Health Services, the Director of the Department of Public Safety … (etc) in the order named.” Subsection (5) of Section 2-102 reads in pertinent part, “…No officer shall act as Governor or Lieutenant Governor under this section unless the officer has been appointed and confirmed prior to the time the powers and duties of the Office of Governor or Lieutenant Governor devolve upon the officer…” As the Office of the Attorney General is filled by an Acting Attorney General, an appointment that does not require legislative confirmation, the line of succession falls to the Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration. During the absence of the Governor and Lt. Governor, Ms. Elnei, as Acting Lt. Governor shall exercise the powers and duties of the Governor.

COVID-19 Response efforts The next repatriation flight into Pohnpei from Guam is scheduled for May 14, 2022. To be considered for the repatriation flight, all passengers repatriating to Pohnpei must complete the certificate of qualified entry.  This is an online application form that can be found at www.pohnpeistate.gov.fm. Pre-quarantine in Guam will be five days, followed by quarantine in Pohnpei for an additional five days.  Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, booster, and negative COVID-19 test is required.  Testing in Pohnpei will be on days 2 and 5.  If a positive case is confirmed, all in quarantine will be reset for an additional five days.   These precautionary measures are in place to ensure the safety and welfare of the people of Pohnpei. Pohnpei State is currently at 80% coverage for COVID-19 vaccinations, this includes 5 years old and above.  During the last cabinet meeting on May 2, 2022, Director Wincener David and Pandemic Readiness Response Commission Chairperson, Mrs. Norleen Deorio, set a target date of July 30, 2022, to reach 100%.  This is in anticipation of the announced opening of the borders in August by the President’s Office. Special Education students visit Governor’s Office Kalahngan to the Nine (9) Special Education students who visited the Governor’s Office on Thursday, March 28, 2022.  The visit is part of Special Education Week, observed this year from 25 – 29 April.  The theme for this year’s Special Education week is “It takes a village to raise a child” and includes visits to the Governor’s Office, Legislature, US Embassy, President’s Office, and FSM Congress. On behalf of Governor Reed B. Oliver, Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, welcomed the students, teachers, and parents to the Governor’s Office.  Presentations by the students included the demonstration of American Sign Language, an energetic dance exhibition, and remarks by staff and students who shared their goals and dreams for the future.  After their impressive presentations, Mr. Capelle congratulated and encouraged the students to achieve the dreams they have set before them. He commended the staff for their dedication and commitment to serving the students.  Before leaving, each student was presented with a backpack with school supplies and treated with some ice cream and cake. Mr. Jesse Solomon and Mr. Herry Wichep led the group of students and staff that included Gary Jimina, Juleen Manuel, Ailynda Micky, Maiuleen Gallen, Luden Robert, David Phillip, Jackson Paul, Reyo Reyo, and Ozimy Edward. Starting in 1991 with 120 students, today the Pohnpei State Special Education program continues to provide an important service for 621 students with special needs across Pohnpei. Cabinet updates – Cabinet meeting on Monday, May 2, 2022 Cabinet updates: From the Pohnpei Transportation Authority, Commissioner Berney Martin reported, that road projects continue with two major projects underway.  The capital road improvement project, paving the road up to the capital in Palikir, is underway.  Preparatory work has already been done.  Another project is a sidewalk project from Palikir elementary school to the College of Micronesia National campus in Palikir.  Both projects are funded by the FSM Congress. The Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, reported that payments at the cashier’s office will soon be accepting credit card and debit card payments.  This will be announced when available. The Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, shared upcoming events that include the 1st Micronesian Exposition, a trade fair, which will take place tentatively at the end of June. More information will be shared with the public when known. Election Commissioner, Mr. Heinrich Stevenson, reported that the Election Office is currently undergoing a Voter registration update project.  This project seeks to update voter registration accurately by working at the Kousapw level to list all registered voters present in Pohnpei and identify those who are deceased and those who have left the island. 98 repatriates released after 10 days of quarantine After 10 days of quarantine in Pohnpei, 98 repatriates were released on the evening of Tuesday, May 3, 2022.  All 98 repatriates tested negative for COVID-19 prior to their release.  The repatriates arrived in Pohnpei on April 23, 2022, after five days of pre-quarantine in Guam. After five days of quarantine on Pohnpei, a possible positive case was found.  This caused the repatriates to be kept for another five days. Thank you to the repatriates, and their families for their patience and cooperation.  Thank you to our health and security staff for their hard work and dedication.  

     1. COVID-19 updates The COVID-19 Emergency Task Force/Pandemic Readiness and Response Commission (PRRC), through their Medical Advisory Committee (MAC), has set the number of quarantine days upon arrival in Pohnpei to be five days.  Completed vaccination and boosters are still required.  Testing will still be done before they depart for Pohnpei, upon arrival, and prior to their release to the public.  The next tentative scheduled date for repatriation, recommended by the PRRC, is April 23, 2022.   EPA fee waived In the interest of the public, it is or (Governor) recommended that the new procedure of collecting 100$ fee levied by the Regulation for Littering Law, be temporarily recalled or put on hold until further notice, subject to legal guidance.” Executive Proclamation 4-22 In honor of the memory of the late Honorable Yoster Carl, Luhk Lehng Madolenihmw who passed away on April 15, 2022, Governor Reed B. Oliver proclaimed a state of mourning for a period of five days throughout the State of Pohnpei starting April 18, 2022.  All flags In Pohnpei State were flown at half-mast during the period of mourning.  The late Honorable Yoster Carl served the people and Government of Pohnpei honorably from June 1956 to December 2013 as Associate Chief Justice of the Pohnpei State Supreme court, Associate Judge for the Ponape District Court, District Prosecutor, and Clerk at the Department of Public Safety.  Mr. Peteriko Hairens, Public Affairs Officer, read the proclamation at the memorial services for the late Honorable Yoster Carl at Alohkapw Church on behalf of Governor Oliver.    

Kalahngan to the Saladak Elementary School 5th Graders who visited Governor Oliver and toured the Pohnpei Administrative Building on Friday, April 8, 2022. The students met briefly with Governor Oliver in his cabinet conference room and office. Governor Oliver thanked the students and teachers for their visit, encouraging them to study hard, learn as much as they can and ask as many questions as they tour the offices to learn about their Government. Recalling his time as a classroom teacher, Governor Oliver commended the teachers for their initiative to take their students out of the classroom and expose them to the actual subjects being studied. The students were escorted around the Pohnpei Administrative Building by Local Government Liaison Officer, Ms. Suannrita Ladore and Mr. Shane Celestine from the Public Information Office.

Friday, April 15, 2022, is a legal holiday in Pohnpei State. To celebrate and observe Easter week with our loved ones, Governor Oliver grants four (4) hours of administrative leave on the afternoon of Thursday, April 14, 2022. All Office Managers and Supervisors are to ensure that essential public services are not compromised.

CELEBRATION OF CULTURE AT PICS HIGH SCHOOL Representing Governor Reed B. Oliver, Public Affairs Officer Mr. Peteriko Hairens attended cultural presentations at PICS High School on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, to mark and celebrate Pohnpei Cultural Day. Mr. Shane Celestine, WD&ST Trainee at the Office of the Governor accompanied Mr. Hairens to the cultural celebration event. #Pohnpei #Enginkehlap #Culturalday2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from the Pohnpei State Pandemic Readiness and Response Commission (PRRC)/Task Force Update on FV Marielle – March 29, 2022 The Fishing Vessel (FV) Marielle, an FSM-flagged, Caroline Fisheries Corporation (CFC) vessel remains at the anchorage point, off the coast of Pohnpei. No crew have disembarked the vessel since March 11, 2022, when three FSM citizens who tested negative, were fully immunized and reached the end of their employment contract disembarked. All three crewmembers and their contacts in Pohnpei and Yap have tested negative for Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. On March 26, 2022, a team from the Pohnpei State Public Health division conducted repeat COVID-19 (PCR) tests for the entire crew as recommended by a previous report from medical authorities. The results showed seven positive results. Further testing is required to identify the variant, and samples will be sent off-island for confirmation. Isolation for the seven individuals onboard has been recommended by the Task Force/PRRC Medical Advisory Committee, with re-testing to occur on April 5, 2022. Those Pohnpei Public Health staff who will be conducting the testing onboard will be placed in quarantine at MMA – Dekehtik for three days and tested before their release as an extra precautionary measure. FV Marielle’s Captain and CFC are aware of the situation and the vessel has confirmed its capacity to isolate the seven positive cases onboard. In spite of the positive results, all crew members are reported to be asymptomatic, or without any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. The public is advised to remain calm, stay away from the FV Marielle at anchorage and continue to practice sanitary hygiene practices, like hand washing and staying at home if you are sick. Visit the COVID-19 Information Center for vaccine resources. Get Vaccine Info

Governor Oliver and First Lady of Pohnpei, Estle G. Oliver attended memorial services at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Kolonia for the late Senator Mayleen Shoniber Scaliem on March 25, 2022. Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, on behalf of the Executive branch of the Pohnpei State Government, read out Executive Proclamation 22-03, proclaiming a period of mourning for three (3) days commencing March 25, 2022, thru March 27, 2022, in memory of the late Hon. Mayleen S. Scaliem. All flags shall be flown at half-mast during the period of mourning.

Governor Oliver attended the opening ceremony for the newly renovated Department of Land building in Kolonia on Friday, March 25, 2022. Director of Land, Wasahi Sokehs, Mr. Peter Lohn welcomed all to the opening ceremony. He expressed his thanks to Governor Oliver, Speaker Yamaguchi, cabinet members, and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support to renovate the building that provides an important service for all Pohnpeians. In Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi’s remarks, he spoke of the importance of land in the culture of Pohnpei and congratulated the Department of Land on behalf of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature emphasizing the importance of Enginkehlap or working together moving forward. Governor Oliver gave the final remarks noting the previous state of condition of the building and spoke of the importance of the Department of Land to have a secure and safe building to serve the people of Pohnpei. He also noted that while the Department of Land has renovated their building, other Departments and Offices are also in the process of renovating their office buildings, like the Department of Public Safety and the Office of the Attorney General. He congratulated Director of Land, Wasahi Sokehs, on the completion of the much-needed renovation of the Department of Land building, thanking FSM Congress, Pohnpei State Legislature, Board of Public Lands, and the construction company Gonzalez construction for the renovation of the building. An oversized key, symbolizing the key to the new building was turned over to Governor Oliver by Acting Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Administrator, Mr. Ricky Lebehn, and Engineer Mr. Sam Orejudos. Governor Oliver then presented the key to Director Lohn. Vice-Chairman of the Board of Public Lands and Chief Justice of U Mrs. Antonia Primo-Moses, and Mrs. Mary Lohn, Director Lohn’s wife, cut the ribbon opening the new Department of Land building. Director of Land/Wasahi Sokehs Peter Lohn then gave Governor Oliver and Speaker Yamaguchi a guided tour of the newly renovated building Also present during the ceremony was the Chairman of the Board of Public Lands Trust, Mr. John Nakanaga, member Mr. Max Lebehn, Member Mr. Patterson Shed, Chairman of Board of Land Surveyors Examiners, Mr. Marcelino Actoucka, Pohnpei Transportation Authority Commissioner Mr. Berney Martin, Senator Ricky Carl, Chief of Staff Kapily Capelle, Acting Attorney General Mona Abello-Pangelinan.

Governor Oliver joined Speaker Yamaguchi for the burial of the late Senator Mayleen Shonniber Scaliem in Kolonia on Saturday, March 26, 2022. An honor guard detail from the Department of Public Safety paid final respects to the late Senator along with the presentation of the Pohnpei State Flag to the son of the late Senator by Speaker Yamaguchi. Rest in Peace, late Senator Mayleen S. Scaliem.

World Bank Representative, Ms. Degi Young, paid a courtesy call on Governor Oliver at the Governor’s cabinet conference room, Peilapalap, Kolonia on, Thursday, March 24, 2022. Ms. Degi Young was accompanied by Ms. Senny Phillip, Assistant Secretary, Investment and International Finance, FSM Department of Finance and Administration. As the World Bank’s Representative to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Ms. Young will establish a sub-regional office for the three countries here in Pohnpei. Degi Young thanked Governor Oliver for hosting the World Bank in Pohnpei and shared, in general, her role as World Bank Representative. Those roles include looking at plans and priorities of the three countries to see how the World Bank can support those plans and priorities, coordination and facilitation of projects within and among the countries, and capacity building and training. Governor Oliver thanked Ms. Young and Ms. Phillip for their courtesy visit, expressing his delight that Pohnpei State can host World Bank’s sub-regional office. Governor Oliver looked forward to Ms. Young’s observations and comments in the coming months. Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Acting Administrator of the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, Mr. Ricky Lebehn, Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) Coordinator, Ms. Shirley Ligohr joined Governor Oliver during the courtesy call. The World Bank is an international organization that provides financing, advice, and research to developing nations to help advance their economies. ·Some ongoing projects in the FSM and Pohnpei are the Prioritized Road Investment and Management Enhancement (PRIME) Project and Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP), which aims to strengthen the management of oceanic and coastal fisheries and the habitats upon which they depend, and specifically to strengthen the National Oceanic Resource Management Agency (NORMA) responsible for the management of oceanic fisheries. For more information on the World Bank, visit their website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/home

The Pohnpei Catholic High School Debate team met Governor Oliver on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at the Governor’s cabinet conference room, Peilapalap, Kolonia. The debate team is preparing for the annual state competitions for the FSM law day debates. State competitions will take place on April 5 and 27 and the final National debate will take place on July 12, 2022. The debate topic this year is whether or not the FSM Congress should establish a national minimum wage. Principal Yolanda Nanpei accompanied the eight students who are a mix of juniors and seniors to the meeting with Governor Oliver. The students asked a series of questions to gain more knowledge on the debate topic from the affirmative and negative perspectives. Governor Oliver thanked Principal Nanpei and the students for their visit. He wished them the best in the upcoming debate and encouraged them, as the future of Pohnpei, to continue with their education, stay positive, and not let anyone discourage them in the pursuit of their goals. Joining Governor Oliver to meet with the students was Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, Public Information Mr. Patrick Pedrus, and WD&ST Trainee, Mr. Shane Celestine. Thank you Principal Yolanda Nanpei and the PCS High School Debate team: 1. Sean Troy Moses 2. Nathaniel Mongkeya 3. Kealoha Loyola 4. Deavonie David 5. Jacy Lukan 6. Kaela Talley 7. Tiara Lebehn 8. Jovanee Irons