Wahu Pahrekier Sapwekeika

Chief of Staff, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, represented Governor Reed B. Oliver during Education week activities at the Kolonia/China Friendship Gym. Elementary Schools from Kolonia and Sokehs were represented and academic awards for teachers and staff were presented during the activity. Ms. Phyllis Silbanuz was the keynote speaker for the event. Drawing on this year’s theme: “Navigating with passion, collaboration, and perseverance to succeed”, she spoke of passionate educators and success. During his remarks, Chief of Staff Capelle conveyed Governor Oliver’s gratitude and appreciation for the good work that has been carried out at the Department of Education and especially with Education week activities to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of Teachers and Students. He shared the importance of Education as a means to creating a better life, explaining that it is our responsibility to do so. Congratulations to all the Students, Teachers, and Principals for navigating the school year with passion, collaboration, and perseverance to succeed. Congratulations to Ohmine Elementary School for being awarded the Statewide Competition Winner of the Year!

On the morning of Sunday, January 23, 2022, Governor Oliver and First Lady of Pohnpei, Mrs. Estle G. Oliver attended the funeral services of the late Honorable John Ehsa, 5th Governor of Pohnpei at Alohkapw Church in Madolenihmw. The actual services were held in Wichita, Kansas, USA, and streamed live to Pohnpei via video. IsoNahnken of U, Mr. Ihlen Joseph, and IsoNahnken of Madolenihmw, Mr. John Adolph also attended the event. On behalf of the Pohnpei State Government, Governor Oliver conveyed sincere and profound gratitude for the life and service of the late Honorable John Ehsa. He paid special respect to the former First Lady of Pohnpei, Ms. Julilnida Weital. Governor Oliver noted that the late Honorable John Ehsa not only contributed to Pohnpei but also to the Federated States of Micronesia during his long and distinguished public service career. He spoke of the popular motto that Governor Ehsa started during his administration, Pohnpei Met, which later gave birth to Kairoihir Ehute, which in turn gave birth to Enginkehlap which continues today. Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle followed Governor Oliver and read the Executive proclamation signed by Governor Oliver in honor of the late Honorable John Ehsa. IsoNahnken of U, Mr. Ihlen Joseph also said a few words to memorialize and pay tribute to the late Honorable John Ehsa, noting their long friendship and relationship from the Trust Territory times to his selection as Governor Ehsa’s Chief of Staff and State Public Auditor. Rest in Peace, late Honorable John Ehsa, Fifth Governor of the State of Pohnpei.

Governor Oliver was joined by Speaker T.H. Marvin Yamaguchi, Senator Brian Etschiet, members of the Governor’s cabinet, and Governor’s Office staff to bid farewell to Budget Officer, Leon Panuelo Jr., on Friday, January 21, 2022, at the Governor’s Office, Peilapalap, Kolonia. Mr. Panuelo has been selected for the position of FSM Social Security Administrator. Before presenting Mr. Panuelo with a certificate of appreciation for his service to the people of Pohnpei as the State Budget Officer from July 2020 to June 2022, the Governor delivered remarks. He expressed his gratitude to Mr. Panuelo for his service to the people of Pohnpei in a challenging position and congratulated him on behalf of the Speaker and Pohnpei State Government for his selection to an important position as the FSM Social Security Administrator. Mr. Panuelo thanked Governor Oliver for the opportunity to serve as the State Budget Officer and praised the staff of the Budget Office for their hard work and dedication during their time together. Congratulations and Farewell to Mr. Leon Panuelo Jr.

On Friday, January 21, 2022, the keys to two brand new toilet facilities were turned over from the U Corona Volunteers (UCV) to Awak Elementary School, Pohnpei State Department of Education. The toilet facilities include two fully functional toilets, sinks, and showers. The toilet facilities are part of UCV and the U municipality’s COVID-19 response efforts. A second pair of toilet facilities will also be installed at Saladak Elementary School. Mr. Kennely Marquez, President of UCV, turned over the keys to the toilet facilities to the Pohnpei State Department of Education, Chief of Primary Schools, Mr. Peter Ramirez. Joining the ceremony to witness the handover was Vice Speaker of the FSM Congress, T.H. Esmond Moses, Chief Minister of U Municipality, T.H. Rufino Primo, Senators T.H. Stevenson Joseph, and T.H. Sonster Edgar of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature. The facilities were constructed with donations from the FSM Congress and the U Municipal Government. UCV is a group of local volunteers from U municipality who have dedicated their time and energy to help U’s COVID-19 response efforts. Their efforts have included addressing food security through the teaching and preparation of local foods like “mahr”, vaccination efforts, and this recent turnover of toilet facilities to Awak Elementary School and another set of toilet facilities for Saladak Elementary School that will be done soon. As part of UCV’s COVID-19 response plans, both elementary schools in U have been designated as quarantine sites in the event of community transmission of COVID-19.

“In observance of Kapingamarangi Constitution Day on January 25, 2022, Governor Oliver hereby authorizes administrative leave for all registered Kapingamarangi residents working with the Pohnpei State Goverment. PDF File Below: Kapinga Constitution Day 2022

Declaring a period of mourning for the untimely passing of the late former and the 5th Governor of the State of Pohnpei, the Honorable John Ehsa. Governor Reed B. Oliver proclaims a period of mourning in honor of the late former and 5th Governor, John Ehsa commencing on January 21, 2022, for five (5) consecutive days. The flag of the State of Pohnpei shall be displayed at half-mast on these five (5) consecutive days.

POHNPEI HIGH SCHOOL JEOPARDY COMPETITION Governor Oliver attended the first-ever high school jeopardy competition that took place at the PICS High School Gymnasium on January 12, 2022. Seven public and private high school teams competed against each other in subjects ranging from math, language, science to Pohnpei studies. Reverend Bruce Enicar blessed the opening of the event, and Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse welcomed Governor Oliver and all the high school students, teachers, parents, and family to the first-ever Pohnpei High School Jeopardy competition. In his brief remarks, Governor Oliver thanked Director Etse and the organizing committee for helping to motivate and inspire the future of Pohnpei through this competition. He expressed gratitude for being able to attend such an inspiring event among intelligent and bright students, saying “I know I will learn something new, today”. He reassured the students that their teachers, parents, school, and the Department of Education all share a common goal, to help each of them grow in mind, body, and spirit. He encouraged each of them to move forward with their education and remember to return home to help Pohnpei. Governor Oliver closed his remarks saying thanks and appreciation are just words, but our actions always express the greatest thanks and appreciation. After 50 questions and a 5-minute break in the middle of the competition, the team with the most points was Our Lady of Mercy High School. Our Lady of Mercy High School – 37 points Seventh-Day Adventist High School – 34 points PICS High School – 33 points Madolenihmw High School – 29 points Nanpei Memorial High School – 29 points Pohnpei Catholic High School – 27 points Calvary Christian Academy – 26 points Closing the event was Mr. Pressler Martin, Chief Curriculum & Instruction. He told the students that they are all winners for stepping up to compete today. He thanked them for their participation and advised them that this will be an annual event that will get better and better each year. Congratulations to all the students who competed in the first-ever Pohnpei High School Jeopardy competition.

Kalahngan to Mr. Patterson Shed, Mrs. Daisy Nanpei-Cantero, and Mrs. Suzanne Lowe Gallen for joining Governor Oliver, members of his cabinet, and the Governor’s office to mark the 2nd year of the Oliver/Perman administration.

Governor Oliver officially received and welcomed H.E. Hisashi Michigami, Japanese Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on Friday, January 14, 2022. The Governor was joined by the Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, and Chief of Staff, Mr. Kapilly Capelle. H.E. Michigami was joined by his Deputy Chief Mission, Mr. Kentaro Mizuuchi. During the courtesy call, Ambassador Michigami expressed his happiness over the projects that have been implemented through the Embassy of Japan’s grant aid assistance to help with Pohnpei’s development. He also thanked Governor Oliver and the Pohnpei State Government for their support and assistance with his arrival to Pohnpei. Ambassador Michigami said he was excited to see the rest of Pohnpei and visit the other states of the FSM. Governor Oliver thanked Ambassador Michigami for the Embassy of Japan’s continued support through their grassroots aid program, scholarships, and community projects. He mentioned projects like the Nan Madol Information Center, the new recycling center at Dekehtik, the Palikir elementary school renovation, and the upcoming seaport expansion that will greatly increase Pohnpei’s seaport capacity, as examples of Japan’s important contributions to development in Pohnpei. Governor Oliver looks forward to working with Ambassador Michigami and the Embassy of Japan to further the longstanding friendship and cooperation between our people. The Embassy of Japan is one of four resident Diplomatic missions in Pohnpei State and is located on the 2nd floor of One World Plaza in Kolonia Town.

On Monday January 10, 2022, Governor Reed B. Oliver and First Lady, Estle G. Oliver attended the joint inauguration ceremony for the newly elected Meninkeder Lapalap and Keriauhu en Meninkeder Lapalap. Under the theme: Promoting teamwork today for a better tomorrow, Meninkeder Lapalap, Mrs. Kiomy Albert was sworn into office by the Honorable Beauleen Carl-Worswick, Acting Chief Justice, FSM Supreme Court. Keriahu en Meninkeder Lapalap Mr. Ricky Mudong was sworn into office by the Honorable Erwihne Hadley-Nanpei, Associate Justice, Pohnpei State Supreme Court. Congratulations to Meninkeder Lapalap, Hon. Kiomy Albert and Keriahu en Meninkeder Lapalap, Hon. Ricky Mudong. Congratulations also to 11th Menintiensapw of Madolenihmw who were sworn in on January 11, 2022.

On Tuesday, January 11, 2022, Governor Reed B. Oliver and First Lady, Estle G. Oliver, attended the inaugural ceremonies of the 10th Nett District Legislature and District Administrator at the Nett District Government Offices. The organization and selection of Speaker Wendolin, Vice Speaker Hadley, and Floor Leader Augustine of the Nett District Legislature along with the Chairmen of the standing committees took place first in the Nett District Legislature chambers. The inauguration of the Nett District Administrator took place after the Legislature ceremony outside the Nett District Government office. In his inaugural address, District Administrator, the Honorable Daniel Edgar, welcomed all the dignitaries. He cited the constitution and laws of Pohnpei State and the Nett District Government as the basis for the work that has been done and will be done. He pledged to move forward with the work begun in the previous administration and to work for the benefit of the people of Nett. DistAd Edgar called for help, cooperation, and unity. IsoNahnken of Nett, Salvador Iriarte, closed the inaugural ceremony with a speech of guidance to the new administration to selflessly serve the people who elected them. Congratulations to the new DistAd of Nett and the 10th Nett District Legislature.

PDF file Below: Executive Declaration 22-01

The unofficial results of the Nett Special Election for Legislature on December 28, 2021, are as follows: Candidate Mike Loyola: 861 votes Candidate Peteriko Hairens: 838 votes The final official results will include absentee ballots.  By law, absentee ballot votes have 7 days from the day of election to be included.

All domestic and foreign corporations in Pohnpei must file an annual report with the State Registrar of Corporations between January 1 and March 1, each year.   Corporation kaoros me wia corporation en wein Pohnpei oh pil corporation teikan me wia ahn mehn likihkahn udahn pahn kapidelong de file annual repwoht rehn registrar en corporations en wein Pohnpei an pwungen senweri 1 oh mahs 1 en pahr ehu kaoros.   Please call 320-6689 for more information.

EXECUTIVE BRANCH CHRISTMAS PARTY Governor Oliver welcomed Speaker Edwin, Associate Judge Nickontro Johnny, IsoNahnken of Madolenihmw, Mr. John Adolph, Wasahi Sokehs, Mr. Peter Lohn, IOM-Micronesia Chief of Mission, Mr. Salvatore Sortino, FSMTC CEO, Mr. Fredy Perman, members of the Governor’s cabinet, members of the Economic Planning Commission, staff and family members to the Executive branch’s Christmas party on the evening of December 17, 2021, at Peilapalap, Kolonia. In his remarks, Governor Oliver, on behalf of Lt. Governor Perman, conveyed warm holiday greetings to everyone present. He noted that two years will soon pass, since the start of the Oliver/Perman administration. In those two years, many things have happened, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic. While Pohnpei remains COVID-19 free, something we can all be grateful for, Governor Oliver urged everyone to get vaccinated. He called for all employees to remember and uphold the responsibilities they have been entrusted with at work, in their communities, and in their respective families. He thanked the Departments/Offices and agencies for their hard work in the service of the people of Pohnpei. Governor Oliver closed with Christmas greetings and a reminder to everyone not to count the days or months left, but make each and every day count. Speaker Edwin also delivered remarks, thanking Governor Oliver for inviting him. He pledged to continue to work for the people of Pohnpei as the Speaker of the Pohnpei State Legislature, as the reorganization of the Pohnpei State Legislature draws near in January of 2022. He extended season’s greetings from the Legislative branch to Governor Oliver, the Executive branch, and all of Pohnpei.

Governor Oliver swore in members of the Police Commission at the Governor’s Conference room, Peilapalap, Kolonia on December 16, 2021. Four new members of the Commission were nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature: Wensper Raymond Baron Mendiola Joab Paul Patrick Pedrus In his remarks, Governor Oliver expressed gratitude to Speaker Edwin and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their cooperation and support to confirm the commission members. He also thanked the Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, and the Attorney General’s office for their support. Governor Oliver noted that the Police Commission’s duties and responsibilities are unique because they are dealing with law enforcement. He urged the committee members to work with the Department of Public Safety, Legislative Counsel, and AG’s office to review and affirm their duties and responsibilities as prescribed by Pohnpei State law. He thanked the spouses and family members of the committee members for their valuable support. Speaker Edwin and the Vice Chairman of the Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee, Senator Dahker Abraham, congratulated and issued the commission members their certificates of appointment. Speaker Edwin also spoke of the unique duties and responsibilities of the commission, acknowledging the need for oversight of law enforcement officers to maintain their bearing and professionalism. Mr. Wensper Raymond, spoke on behalf of the committee members to thank Governor Oliver, Speaker Edwin, 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, and Director Carl for the opportunity to serve on the commission. Deacon William Ioanis, who is also a Police Captain, gave the opening prayer. Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peterkio Hairens, was the master of ceremonies. According to 16 PC 1-119, it shall be the responsibility of the commission to: Oversee the activities of the Division of Police and Security and make periodic reports to the Governor and the Legislature as to the operations of the Division and its effectiveness in enforcing the laws of the state; (2) Receive and investigate complaints from the general public on any matter relative to the jurisdiction and activities of the Division; and (3) Advise the Director and the Chief as to corrective action where necessary. Source: S.L. No. 4L-139-99 §20, 11/22/99

A minimum wage forum was held in the Governor’s Conference room, Peilapalap, Kolonia on Friday, December 9, 2021. The forum was hosted by the newly formed Pohnpei State Economic Planning Commission and funded by SPC through a grant to Micronesia Care Foundation. The forum, the first of its kind, drew members of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature (PSL), Economic Planning Commission (EPC), Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce (PCC), Price Control Commission, and members of the public. Prior to the open panel discussion on the proposed legislation for an increase in the Pohnpei State minimum wage law, Governor Oliver welcomed everyone to the forum, including the former Governor of Pohnpei State, Marcelo Peterson. Governor Oliver spoke of the EPC’s mandate to establish overall strategic direction and mobilization in Pohnpei State’s planning and development efforts to restructure the government and the economy. He noted that the forum is part of this strategic direction and mobilization. Governor Oliver later introduced the members of the EPC: Mr. Mason Albert, Mr. Richie Adams, Acting Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Mark Kostka, Camille Movick-Inatio, Mr. Kelly Keller, Mr. Leon Panuelo, Jr., and the EPA’s Secretariat under the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) Unit, Ms. Shirley-Ann Ligohr. Governor Oliver, by law, is the Chairman of the EPC. Senator Stevenson Joseph, Chairman of the 10th PSL Finance Committee, gave remarks on proposed legislation for an increase in the minimum wage to $2.50 per hour. He noted that increasing the minimum wage will have positive effects like enlarging the tax base and wage tax for the government. He also raised concerns that in doing so, operating expenses for businesses will increase which will, in turn, increase the prices of goods and services to cover increased labor costs. Ms. Michaela Saimon, Chief of the Division of Commerce and Industries under the Department of Resources and Development gave a presentation on minimum wage policy and history. She referenced the Pohnpei Code and state law that requires a minimum wage review by the Chief of Personnel, Labor, and Manpower Development every three years or when deemed appropriate. In her presentation, she noted that the last increase to the present minimum wage was passed by the Pohnpei State Legislature in 2011 from $1.35 to $1.75 per hour. Quoting FSM Immigration statistics, she shared that over 8,000 people have left Pohnpei since 2019 to seek opportunities abroad. She also shared some pros and cons of a minimum wage increase, that included the following: Higher wages means increased living standards Increased employee retention, reduce hiring and training costs More money in the pockets of workers will flow to the businesses Increased wages will increase the costs of goods and services for businesses, which will, in turn, be passed to the consumer Businesses will be forced to cut jobs to maintain profitability The current pandemic situation is not the best time to address this issue An open dialogue to discuss the issue was also provided with members of the business community, legislature, and members of the public sharing their views on the minimum wage. Mr. Richie Adams from the Pohnpei Chamber of Commerce spoke of the rising business costs due to shipping and availability of goods as a result of pandemic conditions. Speaking on behalf of the Price Control Commission, Ms. Marstella Jack, said the commission is also looking into the prices of goods and shipping costs, and their findings may contribute to future discussions on raising the minimum wage. Mr. Tendy Liwy spoke on behalf of the youth. He asked for the support and assistance of the Government and the private businesses to raise wages and employee benefits to keep the youth from leaving Pohnpei for opportunities abroad. In Governor Oliver’s closing remarks, he went over what was presented and discussed during the forum, briefly. He expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the cooperation and support of all parties involved to bring forth this public forum. The forum was noted by many who attended as a good start to addressing this long-standing issue of raising the minimum wage. The forum was also broadcast live by V6AH. The full video broadcast can be found online: https://youtu.be/xecjKXhIjYA Further public discussion on this issue will be shared from the Governor’s Office and EPC Secretariat.

Governor Oliver delivered remarks this evening (December 3, 2021) at Peilapalap, Kolonia at the conclusion of a parade held to mark the end of Public Safety week and their anti-bullying campaign. Over 10 different groups participated in the parade that started at the Spanish Wall and ended at the Governor’s Office. Director of Public Safety, Patrick Carl, kicked off the event with opening remarks explaining that the parade and Christmas Tree lighting is the end of their weeklong public safety week and anti-bullying campaign. Captain Ricky Rodriguez was the MC of the event and Captain Ioanis gave the opening prayer. In his remarks Governor Oliver said that what was learned during the weeklong anti-bullying campaign does not stop here, instead what was learned and the support of this issue will continue. He thanked the Director of Public Safety, Patrick Carl for his leadership in overseeing the anti-bullying campaign and the Christmas Tree Lighting program. To the members of the diplomatic corps and local leadership, which included the US Ambassador, Australian Ambassador, Embassy of Japan Deputy Head of Mission, UN Resident Coordinator, IsoNahnken of Madolenihmw, John Adolph, Acting Speaker McGarry Miguel and Senator Shelten Neth, he noted that while the world is going through a pandemic it was appropriate to share a message of peace, harmony and unity in the name of humanity and thanked them for their presence. He closed by encouraging the children who participated in the parade and the anti-bullying campaign to continue to do their best in school and take what they have learned and apply it at school, in their homes and communities. Governor Oliver noted the presence of US Embassy Kolonia Defense Attaché’ US Navy Commander Thomas Price and his US military colleagues. First Lady of Pohnpei, Estle G. Oliver, with H.E. Carmen Cantor, US Ambassador and H.E. Joanne Cowley, Australian Ambassador, turned on the Christmas Tree and all the Christmas lights at the Governor’s Office, following a 10-second countdown.

Sharing the gratitude and appreciation expressed by the Department of Public Safety to all the participants of the Public Safety Parade, Anti-bullying campaign. #enginkehlapchristmas2021

Kalahngan Lap to Mr. Kyoshi Goto and Yoshie Enterprises for their generous donations, valued at over $13,000, consisting of 265 bags of 40 lbs rice and individual gift bags. The donations were delivered to the Governor’s Office on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, and will be delivered with the assistance of the Department of Education to special education students.