Wahu Pahrekier Sapwekeika

On Monday, January 25, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, and First Lady Estle G. Oliver attended the opening ceremony for Education Day 2021 at the PIC High School Cafeteria Gym.   Opening remarks were made by Mr. Franky Edward from the Board of Education and Principal of Pohnpei Adventist High School.  He noted the hardships that students have felt in the last school year with the COVID-19 pandemic and temporary closures of schools.  He encouraged the students, staff, and parents to stand strong noting that trials and tribulations are part of life, and unity ensures victory.  The keynote speaker of the event next spoke.  T.H. Sonster Edgar, 10th Pohnpei State Legislature Senator (PSL) from U, Nansahu Ririn U and former schoolteacher and Principal, also Vice Chairman of the Education Committee.  Senator Edgar’s remarks started with a verse from the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, verse 1, counseling us all that there is a time for everything under the sun.  He shared the importance of Education, saying that Education makes one more valuable, allows one to grow, and that without an Education, life can be hard.  Senator Edgar also commented and praised the current accreditation system in place that ensures student achievement and success continues.  He praised the Education staff for coming up with this year’s theme, “Unity Strengthens our Unlimited Potentials to Achieve and Succeed – Ehupene Kakehlaka Sapwelimatail Pweidahkan”.  Senator Edgar said of the theme, that unity equals strength and closed by expressing gratitude for being a part of this rewards and recognition event.       After a song about Unity and Strength by the Nanpei Memorial High School Music Club, T. H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, delivered his remarks.  He thanked the Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, and his staff for arranging this event and inviting him and the First Lady.  Governor Oliver congratulated and challenged the students who were being recognized for their achievements.  “What’s next?”, Governor Oliver asked. “How will you use your achievements?” He noted the advances in technology today, that continue to take us forward making our lives better.  He advised the students that even with all the latest technology he encouraged all students to continue to read books.  He encouraged the students to also reflect and ask themselves how can they contribute to their family, their community, to Pohnpei, and the Nation at school and at their homes.  In saying this, he noted Mr. Edward’s remarks that when we take care of small things, bigger things can be taken care of as well.  Governor Oliver shared three virtues that he has shared on many occasions, across Pohnpei, for the students to remember and use as they continue their academic journey and beyond: Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty.  He closed by expressing gratitude to the teachers, principals, education staff, and parents of the students, including the Parent-Teacher Associations, once again referencing Education Day’s theme of Unity as a way to strengthen, achieve and succeed.  Closing remarks by the Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, started with thanks to all the staff who sacrificed their weekend to set up the Education Day event.  Thanks to the speakers for their words of inspiration, thanks to all the donors including the Diplomatic Corps for their support.  He invited everyone for next year’s Education Day 2022.  He shared a quote by Milton Hershey “Give them quality.  That’s the best form of advertisement in the world”, and closed by saying that providing quality is the best assurance for all stakeholders and education leaders moving forward to achieve and succeed.   Also present at the ceremony was Deacon Patrick Paul who opened the ceremony with a prayer and WP Hamilton Soar gave the benediction.  Chairman of the Board of Education, Mr. Grilly Jack, Board member, Phyllis Silbanuz, US Embassy Charge’ D’Affaires Sommers, Australian Embassy Charge’ D’Affaires, Mr. Takuro Steele, Acting FSM Secretary of Education, Mr. Wayne Mendiola, From 10th PSL: Senator T.H. Mitaro Simina, Senator T.H. Jayson Walter, Senator T.H. Ricky Carl, Nett District Administrator, T.H. Nelsin Iriarte, Kolonia Town Mayor, T.H. Beterigo Jacob, Acting Meninkeder Madolenihmw, Mr. John Rensle.  

On January 22, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, and T.H. Feliciano M. Perman, Lt. Governor of Pohnpei State, attended a brief ceremony to acknowledge the receipt and transfer of four brand new school buses. The ceremony was held in front of the Pohnpei State Administration Government Building at Peilapalap Kolonia with three of the four buses available at the ceremony.   Wanpoaran Roddy Robert from the United Church of Christ Pohnpei (UCCP) Mand congregation opened the brief ceremony with a prayer. Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Rickson Higgins, Department of Education’s Public Information Officer.   Lt. Governor Perman’s remarks started with an explanation that this ceremony is not a handover ceremony, but rather a ceremony to acknowledge and appreciate the receipt of the new buses received through a request for proposal for school buses by the Department of Treasury and Administration. Lt. Governor Perman noted that only three school buses were present because one school bus sustained minor damage during shipment and is being repaired. What is important, Lt. Governor noted about the school buses, is that they will help transport Pohnpei’s school children to and from school. He wanted to ensure that the maintenance and care of these school buses are in place to drive Pohnpei’s schoolchildren safely and for a long time. The school buses each have a 52 passenger capacity and were made by the Cedar Bus Company.   Before the Director of the Department of Education closed the ceremony with his remarks, the keys to the school buses were presented to him by T.H. Feliciano M. Perman, Lt. Governor of Pohnpei. Director Etse thanked Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman, on behalf of the Department of Education, for their guidance and leadership. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of these school buses to carry out the Department’s responsibilities to provide transportation for Pohnpei’s school children. He expressed gratitude to Mr. Resio Moses Jr., representing RSM Imports, for his assistance in sourcing and shipping the school buses to Pohnpei. Director Etse acknowledged Lt. Governor Perman’s remarks to take care of the buses so they can be operated safely and for a long period of time. He also thanked the DOE Bus Drivers for sharing their concerns about having enough buses to transport Pohnpei’s schoolchildren safely and on time. He closed by referencing the Oliver/Perman administration’s motto of Enginkehalp as a reminder to work together and take care of the needs of not only the Department of Education but all Departments serving the people of Pohnpei.   The Department of Education currently has a total of 48 school buses with the additional four school buses received on January 22, 2021.

On January 13, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver and T.H. Feliciano M. Perman held a small ceremony at the Governor’s Cabinet Conference Room to observe the one year anniversary of their administration. Joining the Governor and Lt. Governor were staff from the Governor’s Office, some cabinet members, and three members of the Inauguration team: Former Chief of Staff, Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen, Mrs. Daisy N. Cantero, and Mr. Patterson Shed.   Lt. Governor Perman and Chairman of Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force congratulated Governor Oliver and everyone for completing one year. Lt. Governor Perman noted the challenge of this first year with COVID-19 and was grateful for the administration’s vision of Enginkehlap to work together for the good of the people of Pohnpei. Chairman David also spoke of the COVID-19 challenge this year and the teamwork that has helped keep Pohnpei safe during this first year and shared a scripture, Matt. 6:33 as a reminder moving forward.   Governor Oliver thanked both Lt. Governor Perman and Chairman David for their remarks. He reflected over the past year and even further back, paying his respects to Governors who came before recognizing their achievements that brought Pohnpei to the present. He also recognized the three members of the inauguration team that were present that day as well as all the others who helped in the lead up to the inauguration and even before. He encouraged all to continue to move forward serving the people of Pohnpei.

On Monday, January 11, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, and T.H. Feliciano M. Perman, Lieutenant Governor, met with the Director of the Department of Education (DOE), Mr. Stanley Etse, and members of his staff to discuss the upcoming proposed Student Takeover Day and Education Week.  Ms.Ilany Abraham, Student Specialist, gave a presentation explaining the process involved to make Student Takeover Day a reality.  Ms. Abraham said that host/employers have been contacted to participate.  This year, host/employers will be Government Offices and plans are to expand to the private sector in the following years.  Both public and private schools will be included, and DOE staff will visit high schools to recruit high school seniors based on academic performance and leadership qualities. Once the students are identified, consent letters will be sent to parents.  Principals will be advised of any updates leading up to Student Takeover Day, scheduled for February 23, 2021.   Mr. Anthony Ligohr, Acting Chief of Curriculum, shared that Education Week will be held from January 25 – 29, 2021.  During Education Week, teachers, students as well as DOE staff will be recognized and rewarded for their performance. Teachers and Principals of the Year will be recognized during Education Week as well.    Governor Oliver thanked Ms. Abraham, Director Etse, and staff for their presentations on Student Takeover Day and Education Week.  Governor expressed his thanks for programs that get our young people involved, to inspire them, and guide them to what their interests are, for their futures.  He noted that he met recently with the 10th Pohnpei State’s Legislature Committee to Wait on the Governor, and mentioned the Student Takeover Day, and expected that the Legislature will participate with this program. Also, he looked forward to making Student Takeover Day an annual occurrence endorsed through legislation.   Also joining Director Etse was the Chief of Secondary Education, Mr. Jolden Lipai, Chief of Elementary Education, Mr. Peter Ramirez, DOE Public Information Officer, Mr. Ricky Higgins, Chairman of Board of Education, Mr. Grilly Jack, Board members: Ms. Phyllis Silbanuz and Franky Edward.     

Please see below, official press release on NEGATIVE COVID-19 test results for four health workers in quarantine after boarding MV Chief Mailo to conduct COVID-19 tests. Ni wahu oh kalanghan.

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please click the play button below to listen to Governor Oliver’s radio address to the people of Pohnpei concerning the MV Chief Mailo:     Ni wahu oh kalanghan

PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On January 6th, 2021, the MV Chief Mailo—a cargo and passenger vessel owned by the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), typically homeported in Chuuk State, entered Pohnpei State’s anchorage, inside Pohnpei’s lagoon. The vessel had previously left the FSM in late 2019 for drydock-based repairs in the Republic of the Philippines. The crew have been strictly confined to the ship since September 22nd, 2020. On January 7th, twelve (12) crew were tested for COVID-19. One (1) individual was tested twice and, on both occasions, positive for COVID-19. The FSM National and Pohnpei State Governments confirm that the case is classified as an imported case, and does not present any immediate risk of the virus spreading to the broader community. Before any National or State mandates take effect, together or separately, His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the FSM, and the Honorable Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, will make certain all positive indications are validated. The MV Chief Mailois undergoing the same security protection regime as the MV Caroline Voyager did when it left Japan in early November 2020. The individual detected with COVID-19 was detected whilst in quarantine, and has had no contact with individuals in the community; thus, they do not present any immediate risk of the virus spreading to the broader Pohnpeian community. As of January 7th, 2021, the healthcare workers who performed the tests on the crew are quarantined at the Emergency Medical Unit (aka China Star Hotel) in Pohnpei State, and the crew remains in isolation on the MV Chief Mailo. The healthcare workers have been tested for COVID-19, and their results are negative. National and State law enforcement and border protection staff are maintaining the ship’s security on a 24/7 schedule. Citizens and residents of Pohnpei State are requested to remain distant from the MV Chief Mailo until further notice. The vessel itself is an isolation unit; no one is allowed to go on board, and the crew are not allowed to disembark at any time. The FSM and State Task Forces are ensuring that there is no contact with the vessel to keep the risk of exposure to bare minimum. The FSM National Government made the decision to return the MV Chief Mailo home in late December on the premise that the Government had two distinct choices: to see individuals in its skeleton crew leave their service in the Government, and thus force the Government to abandon the ship in the Philippines, which already was at high risk of piracy; or, to return the vessel to the FSM at the nearest opportunity. The Government chose for the vessel’s return to the Nation. The FSM National Government, having tested the crew of the MV Chief Mailo half a dozen times since September 22nd, 2020, with all results being negative, was of the view that such a return would be safe. At this time, there are no Government mandates regarding physical distancing, mask-wearing, etc. However, both the National and Pohnpei State Governments continue to encourage citizens to practice physical distancing, mask-wearing, and other precautionary measures such as frequently washing hands. Citizens and residents of Pohnpei State are encouraged to maintain a safe distance from the MV Chief Mailo, and the Emergency Medical Unit quarantine facility, until further notice. The FSM National & Pohnpei State Governments continue to collaborate together on approved processes and procedures to minimize further spread of the virus.    

On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, T.H. Feliciano M. Perman, Lt. Governor of Pohnpei State, and Chairman of Pohnpei COVID-19 Task Force, Mr. Wincener David,  hosted a joint Pohnpei State/FSM COVID-19 Task Force meeting at the Governor’s conference room in Peilapalap.  T.H. Ausen T. Lambert, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, and T.H. Stevick Edwin, Vice Speaker also attended.  From the FSM National Government, T.H. Carlson Apis, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure,  T.H. Eugene Amor, Secretary of Finance and Vice-Chairman of the National Task Force, Acting Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, Mr. Marcus Samo led the National team. The meeting was called to discuss the arrival of the MV Chief Mailo from the Republic of Philippines and the repatriation of stranded medical referral patients in Guam. After a welcome by Governor Oliver, Secretary Apis started with an update on the MV Chief Mailo’s position and disposition of the crew.  He related the position of  MV Chief Mailo to be southwest of Pakin outside of Pohnpei’s 12 nautical miles boundary.  He said Chief Mailo reported being short on fuel, food, and in rough waters with a crew of 12, including two passengers.  He also shared that MV Chief Mailo had been in the Philippines for dry dock services but was unable to return as scheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Recently, they had been in isolation for two months in Manila prior to departing from General Santos City where they picked up a 10-year-old boy from Polowat who had been lost at sea. During the discussions, Secretary Apis said that the arrival of Chief Mailo was not communicated to the Pohnpei State Task Force initially, and this was a communication failure that is most unfortunate.  Vice Speaker Edwin expressed his disappointment in the sequence of events that placed Pohnpei State leadership in a position to deny access pending further information on Chief Mailo that was not provided before her arrival.  Governor Oliver thanked Secretary Apis and Vice Speaker Edwin for their frank and honest comments and expressed the need for continued open and honest communications during the meetings to find a solution for the care and provisioning of MV Chief Mailo.  Lt. Governor Perman also asked why the Chuuk State Government denied the MV Chief Mailo access to Chuuk when she is homeported in Chuuk State.  Mr. Tom Kostka from the FSM TC&I’s Marine Division noted that Chuuk State’s protocols place the crew of MV Chief Mailo in the category of non-essential personnel, and this along with the fact that three members of her crew being tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in 2020 was most likely their determining factors to deny access to MV Chief Mailo. Governor Oliver advised Secretary Apis, Secretary Amor, and the FSM COVID-19 Task Force that in a previous meeting of the Pohnpei Task Force the decision was made to assist the MV Chief Mailo, but this will require collaboration and cooperation from both State and National to render the proper assistance to Chief Maillo while observing and upholding the no disembarkation order instituted by Pohnpei’s Constitutional Emergency order. Pohnpei Port Authority Seaport Manager, Mr. Baron Mendiola requested FSM Patrol Boat assistance to guide the MV Chief Mailo into Pohnpei waters where they will then observe the pre-14 day quarantine requirements while onboard the vessel, similar to MV Caroline Voyager.  Chairman of Pohnpei State COVID-19 State Task Force, Mr. Wincener David, added that after the pre-14-day quarantine is complete, Pohnpei State Health personnel will administer COVID-19 tests to the crew and provisioning will commence.  The MV Chief Mailo departed the Philippines on December 24, 2020, where they were also administered two COVID-19 tests before departure according to Secretary Apis, with negative results. A joint working group will collaborate to ensure the proper steps are taken to ensure the MV Chief Mailo is brought into anchorage in Pohnpei waters, COVID-19 testing is completed for the crew, quarantine is enforced and provisioning is accomplished.  Pending confirmation by FSM National Government, the MV Chief Mailo is expected to be guided into Pohnpei waters on January 6, 2020, to complete her pre-14-day quarantine, and then undergo an additional 21 days quarantine in our waters while arrangements can be made to repatriate the crew members to Chuuk State. On the issue of medical referral repatriation, Secretary Apis expressed his personal opinion that Pohnpei State, as the readiest state in the FSM should take the lead to inform the national government of their readiness to repatriate their medical referrals.  Governor Oliver reiterated the cooperation and collaboration of both State and National Task Forces to accomplish the repatriation at the earliest date possible. Also present at the meeting were Dr. Eliaser Johnson, Assistant Secretary Moses Pretrick, and Mayson Fredrick from the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs.  Chief of FSM Immigration Division, Mr. David Wolphagen also accompanied the National team.  From Pohnpei State, Director of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, Director of Finance and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation Commissioner, Mr. Peterson Sam, Special Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Petriko Hairens, Budget Office Mr. Leon Panuelo Jr. and Overseas Development Assistance Coordinator, Ms. Shirley-Ann Ligohr joined the meeting.

On December 18, 2020, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, signed Legislative Bill No. 129-20 into Public Law: “A BILL FOR AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 6-205 OF PART J OF TITLE 26 OF THE POHNPEI CODE RELATIVE TO THE DESIGNATION OF TURTLE CONSERVATION ZONES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” In his brief remarks, Governor Oliver thanked Rohsa (Mr. William Hawley) and Rohspein( Mrs. Marcella P. Hawley) for their support and important contributions to the designation of turtle conservation zones in Pohnpei. He thanked everyone involved for the support and cooperation from the Pohnpei State Government to the Non-Governmental Organizations represented at the signing. Joining Governor Oliver to witness the signing of this important Bill into Law was Rohsa and Rohspein Kitti, Director of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, Administrator of the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mr. Dahker Abraham, Special Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, Mr. Eugene Joseph Executive Director of Conservation Society of Pohnpei, Wendolin Roseo Marquez, and Santiago Joab Jr. from Micronesia Conservation Trust and Ms. Elizabeth Derk, Director of Conservation and Planning from The Nature Conservancy.

Please click the play button above to hear Governor Reed B. Oliver’s Christmas message. You can also hear the message on V6AH’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pohnpeiradio Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  

On December 9, 2020, the Honorable Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, and the Honorable Feliciano M. Perman, Lt. Governor of Pohnpei State attended the Royal funeral of His Majesty Wasalapalap Iso-Sangoro, Nahnmwarki of U, Pedro Moses. Accompanying Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman were the Honorable Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, Ausen T. Lambert, and the Honorable Chief Justice of Pohnpei State, Nelson Joseph. After attending traditional services in the Nahs of Vice Speaker of the FSM Congress, Esmond Moses, Governor Oliver attended the Royal burial with the Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety Honor Guard, where last respects were made with a gun salute and the presentation of the Pohnpei State Flag to the widow of the late Nahnwmarki Pedro Moses, Mrs. Antonia Primo Moses.

On November 17, 2020, Governor Oliver welcomed Micronesia Conservation Trust Executive Director, Mr. William Kostka, and Japanese Ambassador to the FSM, H.E. Hidenobu Sobashima at the Governor’s conference room for a handover ceremony of eight (8) 1,600-gallon water tanks totaling USD $20,000 for Kapingamarangi drought relief donated by the Association for the Promotion of International Cooperation (APIC) and over USD $13,000 worth of equipment from the U.S. Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) through a grant to MCT and the Invasive Species Taskforce of Pohnpei (ISTOP) to assist the conservation and invasive species eradication efforts in Pohnpei. Mr. Kapilly Capelle, the Special Assistant to the Governor, opened the ceremony with a prayer of giving thanks and blessings.  The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Billston Charley, then invited Mr. William Kostka for a remark afterward. Director Kostka stated that the purpose of the gathering was two-fold, one is to provide assistance to the people of Kapingamarangi for a drought relief that they are currently experiencing, through the eight (8) 1,600-gallon water tanks donation from the $20,000 APIC donation, the Association for Promotion of International Corporation (APIC) in Japan.  Second, MCT also donated $13,513.89, through the US Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) worth of equipment and supplies to assist Pohnpei State with invasive species eradication and conservation enforcement efforts. Japanese Ambassador to the FSM, H.E. Hidenobu Sobashima, delivered his remarks by first highlighting the historic bonds between the FSM and Japan, and the continuing assistance not only from the Government of Japan but also from private organizations in Japan wanting to help the people of FSM, like APIC.  APIC donated $20,000 to MCT for the procurement of the water tanks.  Ambassador Sobashima concluded by saying he hoped these donations will continue, like many others, as symbols of friendships between our two nations. Governor Reed B. Oliver conveyed his thanks on behalf of a grateful Pohnpei State and People to Executive Director Kostka and Ambassador Shobashima for the generous donations made.  He noted MCT’s donation through OIA to help maintain and enhance operations with the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Department of Public Safety, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Department of Resources and Development,  Division of Agriculture.  He called attention to a meeting before the ceremony where the Kapingamarangi Task Force and Assessment team provided reports on the outcome of a recent trip, the second, to provide much-needed food and water and supplies to Kapingamarangi, and thanked Ambassador Sobashima and Executive Director Kostka for the tanks that will help relief and recovery efforts.  He recognized and thanked the lead agency for the relief efforts, the Department of Resources and Development, Director Hubert Yamada, and Kapingamarangi Senator Kasinda Ludwig as well as the members of the recently returned assessment team.    

On Thursday, November 19, 2020, the FSM Vessel, MV Caroline Voyager, homeported in Pohnpei State arrived in Pohnpei waters from dry-dock in Japan where she was undergoing dry-dock operations.  Governor Oliver was officially informed by official communications from the Office of the President on November 5, that Caroline Voyager will be arriving in Pohnpei after observing a 14-day at-sea quarantine period from Japan. The crew will remain in their quarantine zone / onboard Voyager for an additional 14 days at anchorage. The general public is advised to stay away from Caroline Voyager while they are observing their quarantine at anchorage.  Public Health personnel will be conducting periodic checks with the crew of the Voyager/ onboard including temperature checks and COVID-19 testing prior to their release from quarantine on board Voyager. Initial checks by Pohnpei State Public Health reveals no fever or any signs/symptoms of COVID-19 detected in the crew. The Department of Public Safety and Pohnpei Port Authority will be conducting security patrols during the quarantine period to ensure no contact is made with the crew onboard while in quarantine at anchorage.

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find the latest Enginkehlap News Radio Program, aired on V6AH in Pohnpeian for the week of 9 – 13 November 2020. Ni wahu, Public Information Officer

On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at 7:00 AM, the Hon. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State attended the U.S. Veterans of Pohnpei (USVP) Fun Run opening ceremony at the Kolonia Town Gym. Governor Oliver was the keynote speaker for this all-day event that included a Fun Run/Walk, classes and games for youth, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pohnpei International Airport’s FSM Veterans Memorial, and a live band, to commemorate and celebrate FSM Veterans of Foreign Wars Day. In his remarks, Governor Oliver recounted the evolution of the holiday, from Armistice Day on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11:00 am, 11 November) in 1918 to mark the end of World War I, to the establishment of Veterans Day in the U.S. by President Eisenhower in 1954, and the formation of FSM Veterans of Foreign Wars Day by FSM Congress through Public Law 13-38 on June 23, 2004. He thanked the Officers of the USVP, President Kavika Edwin Duff, Vice President Strick Richardo, Secretary Richard Porter, Treasurer Merins Hadley Race, and Public Awareness Officer, Johnny Musrasrik for their efforts in organizing this important event. Governor Oliver expressed his sincere thanks to all “Veterans and family members, who gave their best and sacrificed their lives for the cause of World Peace, Freedom and Security”. He went on to recognize notable Veterans from Pohnpei including His Majesty Wasalapalap Isipahu, Nahnmwarki of Madolenihmw, Herbert Hebel, former Pohnpei State Governor, Hon. Marcelo Peterson who was present, Mayor of Kolonia Town Hon. Beterigo Jacob, FSM President’s Chief of Staff and Chief Compact Negotiator, Leo Falcam, Jr., and former Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Benito Cantero among many others. He concluded his remarks and once again expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this important occasion of FSM Veterans of Foreign Wars Day with everyone “in the name of Peace and Security of everyone around the world.” Governor Oliver also joined the FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Kandhi Elieisar, U.S. Embassy Kolonia Charge d’Affaires Ms. Somer Bessiere-Briers, Pohnpei State Senator Hon. Helgena Johnson and Gold Star Families to lay wreaths at the Pohnpei International Airports FSM Veterans Memorial.

On October 30, 2020, Governor Oliver met with FSM Secretary of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure (TC&I), Mr. Carlson Apis, at the Governor’s cabinet room. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss communications, public projects, transportation, and other items to align and coordinate efforts in these areas.  Secretary Apis was accompanied by Mr. Takuro Akinaga from the FSM’s Telecommunications Regulation Authority (TRA), Mr. Jolden Johnnyboy, and Edward Albert from TC&I, Mr. Rob Solomon from FSM Department of Finance and joining via zoom, Mr. Mike Lott with FSM Open Access Entity (OAE) and Mr. Frank McLaughlin with FSM TRA.  Secretary Apis asked for Governor Oliver’s and the State of Pohnpei’s support with the liberalization of telecommunication services, listing a number of expected improvements and upgrades, including a short presentation by Mr. Mike Lott on Fibre optic access and benefits. Governor Oliver and Secretary Apis also discussed Pohnpei Transportation Authority’s potential development as a semi-autonomous entity, similar to PUC that can translate to improved service and delivery not just for Pohnpei but for the nation.  Finally, the Governor and Secretary spoke on the expected renovation of the Pohnpei State Government Administration building by China Construction Steel Structure Corporation. Secretary Apis agreed that Pohnpei’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure will take the lead on this project.  Governor Oliver thanked Secretary Apis for his visit and looked forward to the continued coordination and alignment of State and National communication, infrastructure, and transportation projects.

The Honorable Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, proclaims a period of mourning for three days commencing November 6, 2020. All flags shall be flown at half-mast during the period of mourning, to honor the untimely passing of the late Tadasy Yamaguchi, Former State Senator and Principal Judge of Pohnpei State Court of Land Tenure and Lepen Moar Madolenihmw.

On October 29, 2020, Governor Oliver received 1,500 hygiene kits from UNICEF in a handover ceremony at the Governor’s Conference Room. Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, thanked Mr. Cromwell Bacareza and UNICEF Micronesia for their continued support to the children of Pohnpei and the Department of Education.   In his remarks, Governor Oliver expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Pohnpei State Government for UNICEF’s generous donation of items that will help the health and well being of the children of Pohnpei. He recalled a recent book launch at Nett Elementary School where children were given a copy of the book “Virus Stopping Champions” to help spread awareness on hygiene and COVID-19 prevention. He asked Mr. Bacareza to convey his thanks to the staff and to UNICEF headquarters.   Before turning over the hygiene kits, Mr. Bacareza outlined UNICEF’s mandate to look out for the rights and welfare of children. He thanked Governor Oliver, Director Etse, and the Pohnpei State Government for their support and the five principals whose schools will be models for the hygiene kit donations:   Principal Darlington Lebehn from Sokehs Powe Elementary Principal Joseph Amor from Saladak Elementary Cecilia Martin from Rohi Elementary Rosalinda Siennes from Ohmine Elementary Jeremy Donre from Awak Elementary School For more photos of the event, please visit our Facebook Page: Pohnpei State Eningkehlap https://www.facebook.com/PohnpeiStateGov