Wahu Pahrekier Sapwekeika

On October 17, 2020, Governor Oliver was updated by the Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, on a plane crash that occurred on Mwoakilloa Atoll. Director Carl advised Governor Oliver that on Friday, October 16, 2020, Caroline Islands Air (CIA) Islander aircraft skidded off the runway during landing into the ocean. Damages on the aircraft have not been specified. The aircraft had 2 pilots with no passengers on board during the flight. No injuries were reported. According to FSM’s Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure via CIA headquarters, high tide waves spilling onto the runway may have been a factor. No confirmed cause of the crash has been determined yet.

On Saturday, October 10, 2020, the Department of Public Safety’s 911 dispatch received a call at approximately 4:58 pm reporting a fire located in the Paideng Building across from the former public market area of Kolonia Town. State and Kolonia Town Police responded to the 911 call immediately. Upon their arrival, Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC) crews were already on scene, securing electricity to the location. Pohnpei Fire and Emergency Services personnel arrived approximately 10 minutes after the 911 call was made and contained the fire at approximately 5:42 pm. Firefighters remained on the scene until approximately 7:00 pm to make sure the fire was completely extinguished. It is fortunate that no one was hurt and the call to 911 was made quickly. At the moment, Police are investigating the incident and the cause of the fire is not known at this time. The Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, advises the public to call 911 immediately when a fire is noticed and not to fight or extinguish it themselves. Keep lighters and matches away from children at all times and do not leave cooking unattended.  For home electrical repairs, always call certified electricians. For business owners, ensure fire extinguishers are on the premises at all times and employees are trained in their use.       Thank you to the Men and Women of the Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety, Kolonia Town Police, and Pohnpei Utilities Corporation for their service. For more information on this press release, please contact the Public Information at 320- 2235 or email: patrick.pedrus@pohnpei.gov.fm.

  On Thursday, October 8, 2020, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State attended the UNICEF COVID-19 Book Launch at the Nett Elementary School Gymnasium.  The book, titled “The Virus-Stopping Champion: The Pacific Islands Edition” was produced in collaboration with UNICEF by NABU.  NABU is a New York, USA based non-profit organization with a mission to “solve the imbalance in children’s book creation and distribution, so all children can read and rise to their full potential”. Welcoming Governor Oliver to the book launch, was Mr. Cromwell Bacareza, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Micronesia, who presented a copy of the book to Governor Oliver before the beginning of the launch. Nett Elementary School students took the lead as Masters and Mistresses of Ceremonies to carry out the program of events, starting with a prayer and the Pohnpei Anthem.  Next, the Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanely Etse, gave his remarks.  He thanked Chief Bacareza and his staff for arranging the book launch.  Director Etse said he was proud to showcase the talents of Nett Elementary School students and staff, and was looking forward to the program.  He was especially proud to see their organization and preparedness for this event. UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Mr. Cromwell Bacareza, explained the role of UNICEF as an UN-mandated agency to protect the rights of Children. He asked three students what they wanted to be when they grew up and their responses ranged from Lawyer to Policeman to Doctor.  Mr. Bacareza explained that they must be educated and healthy to achieve these goals and UNICEF’s mandate is to assist the Government to help children achieve these goals.  He noted the important role of Children to combat COVID-19 and pledged to work with the Government to ensure that children are leading healthy, happy, and caring lives.   Governor Oliver congratulated the three children who shared their dreams and thanked Mr. Bacareza for his questions that brought back memories from his time as a schoolroom teacher at Nett Elementary School.  He said that Pohnpei needs Doctors, Lawyers, and Policemen, and so many different occupations including Teachers, Engineers, Architects, also Farmers, and Fishermen.  In explaining the importance of Farmers for food production he said that there is no job more important than the other, including the Governor.  We all have responsibilities, he said, some are different than others, but they are all important. Governor Oliver also spoke of a student takeover day as an opportunity to inspire and motivate students to greater responsibilities. Governor Oliver thanked UNICEF for the timely and creative release of “The Virus-Stopping Champion”, saying the book is a “creative way to engage our young children to be important messengers” to friends and family to teach basic prevention and proper hygiene practices.  He encouraged students in Pohnpei and hopefully throughout the nation to please read the book, follow what it says “and let others know too because we all want to see our families stay safe and happy during this very challenging time.”   Before the end of the ceremony, Nett Elementary School students performed a skit “The Virus-Stopping Champion” to illustrate the importance of prevention, preparation, and awareness when dealing with COVID-19.

On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Recycling Center at the Dekehtik landfill. The Recycling Center is part of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) project made possible through the Embassy of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects and support from the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, administered by the Office of Transportation & Infrastructure and contractor: Pacific Landscaping.   Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, related the project details and background noting that today’s ground-breaking ceremony is the culmination of collaborative efforts that began in 2012. He mentioned the grant assistance by Japan in the amount of U$87,609.00 and the complementing funds of approximately U$12,000.00 through the Pohnpei State Government. In addition to this facility, a waste metal compressor is on its way to Pohnpei to equip the facility. This equipment is funded by Japan Government through its non-project grant aid for Environment and Disaster prevention programs in the Pacific. The estimated cost of that equipment is in excess of USD165,000.00.   H.E. Hidenobu Sobashima, Japanese Ambassador to FSM, said the current Recycling Center in Kolonia, also funded through the Embassy of Japan, “plays an important role in reducing the volume of waste and even generating income.” He said that since 2017 approximately 15 million cans have been recycled at the current location. However, the location and size of the current center are not ideal for collecting large amounts of cans properly and causes traffic congestion during collection times, he said. The new center will have increased capacity, recycling 4 million more cans, the location will cause less congestion, and the habit of recycling, hopefully, will be ingrained in future generations discouraging littering, he said.   Governor Oliver in his remarks conveyed, on behalf of the Government and State of Pohnpei, his sincere thanks and appreciation for the Embassy of Japan’s generous support. He thanked the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support and the work done by EPA and the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure. Governor Oliver said this recycling center will help in the cleanup of Pohnpei so it is “imperative as well as very, very critical that we take care of this plant.” He challenged the Executive Director of EPA and his staff to continue looking for further ways to help Pohnpei’s environment including recycling of plastic and other materials used in Pohnpei.   After remarks were made, Governor Oliver, Lt. Governor Perman, and Ambassador Sobashima were joined by the Executive Officer of EPA, Mr. Henry Susaia, Administrator of the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, Iso-Nahnken of Madolenihmw, Mr. John Adolph, and Vice Speaker Stevick Edwin of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature as they performed the ceremonial ‘ground-breaking’ on the new EPA Recycling Center.   For more information on this press release, please call the Public Information Officer at 320-2235 or email: patrick.pedrus@pohnpei.gov.fm.

On September 30, 2020, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, signed into law, State Law No. 10L-32-20:   “PROVIDING FOR THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF POHNPEI STATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021; APPROPRIATING MONIES, THEREFORE; PROVIDING CERTAIN AUTHORIZATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE BUDGET TRANSMISSION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 RELATIVE THEREOF; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.” State Law No. 10L-32-30 was then officially transmitted to T.H. Ausen T. Lambert, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature on the same day. The total appropriation for FY2021 per S.L. No. 10L-32-20 is $41,401,420.00. This amount includes an authorized amount of $1,382,485 in special grants(non-compact grants) for the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Social Services. Please refer to the link below for breakdown of funding sources: Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriation(S.L. No. 10L-32-20)

In observance of Nett and Pingelap Municipal Governments 35th Constitution Day Governor Reed B. Oliver hereby grants eight (8) hours of administrative leave on Friday, October 9, 2020, to Nett and Pingelap registered residents who are Pohnpei State Government Employees. Memorandum from the Office of the Governor is posted below: Nett Constitution Day 2020 Pingelap Constitution Day 2020

On Friday, October 2, 2020, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, administered oaths of office to the new members of the Price Control Commission and Pohnpei Transportation Authority Board at the Governor’s Conference Room. Chairperson of the Committee on Public Works, Transportation and Communication Committee for the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, Hon.Herolyn Movick, represented Speaker Ausen T. Lambert and joined Governor Oliver to initiate the new members to their respective boards.  Pastor Depster Paul of the UCCP Kepihlang, Kitti congregation gave the benediction. The following members were sworn in to:   Price Control Commission:   Marstella Jack Pohnpei Transportation Authority Board:   Midion Neth Nixon Anson Daniel Isaac Dahker Abraham       After congratulating the newly appointed board members and paying respects to the traditional, government, and church leaders present, Governor Oliver delivered his remarks.  He noted that the Price Commission Board has been long overdue and will assist to provide a balance of purchasing power between businesses and consumers.  Governor Oliver said he is confident that the remaining members of the Commission will be approved with the support of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature.  On the Pohnpei Transportation Authority (PTA) Board, Governor Oliver noted the importance of their responsibility to direct and regulate the activities of PTA with the help of Commissioner Welson Panuel, Governor Oliver empowered the board to make the right decisions for the good of the people of Pohnpei. Before presenting the new members their certificates of appointment, Chairperson Movick congratulated them and emphasized the importance of their support and guidance to the PTA management headed by Commissioner Panuel. Ms. Marstella Jack and Mr. Midion Neth, representing their respective boards and extended their collective gratitude to Governor Oliver, Speaker Lambert, Chairperson Movick, and the 10th Pohnpei Legislature for their trust and support in appointing them to oversee these important responsibilities for the betterment of the People of Pohnpei State.   The ceremony in its entirety can be viewed online at the following link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwjUIeAI1f4  

On Wednesday, September 30, 2020, Hon. Senator Sonster Edgar, Nahnsau Ririn U, hand-delivered 1,000 face masks that were donated to Pohnpei State Government by Yoshie Enterprises (Mr. Kyoshi Goto and Mrs. Hiromi Goto-Hadley). Governor Oliver, Executive Secretary, Mrs. Tracy Lawrence-Olter, and Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen received the donations on behalf of the Pohnpei State Government. Governor Oliver thanked Senator Edgar for the special delivery and Yoshie Enterprises for their generous donations.

1.On Monday, September 14, 2020, Governor Oliver received the Committee to Wait on the Governor from the third regular session of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Marvin Yamaguchi of Kolonia was joined by Senator Mitaro Simina of Sokehs and Senator Kasinda Ludwig of Kapingamarangi. Chairman Yamaguchi advised Governor Oliver that the Legislature has started their third and final regular session for this fiscal year that will run for 30 days and the focus of this session will be on the FY21 budget.  Governor Oliver thanked Chairman Yamaguchi and the Committee for their visit and shared updates from the Executive branch including the FY21 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.   2.  On Wednesday, September 16, 2020, Governor Oliver met with the Board of the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture.  Mr. Donald David is the Chairman, and he was accompanied by acting Administrator, Mrs. Herleen Cheida, and OFA Staff member, Mrs. Memory Route. Chairman David updated Governor Oliver on the successful deployment of four Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) around Pohnpei and And Atoll.  Chairman David noted the assistance from NGOs, community fishing groups, and regional organizations, like the Pohnpei Fishing Club and the Tuna Commission in the deployment of the FADs which are yielding daily catches ranging from 300 to 1000 lbs.  He asked Governor Oliver for his support and endorsement to purchase more FADS to deploy around Pohnpei, mentioning the increase in awareness and support from local fishermen.  Governor Oliver was happy to hear of the successful deployments and advised Chairman David and the OFA staff that he will be working with his staff to transmit a request to Legislature for additional funding to support this activity. 3. On Wednesday, September 16, 2020, the Department of Health and Social Services Director and Chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force, Mr. Wincener David, approved the release of 16 guidelines and advisories for the general public.  The guidelines and advisories include social and physical distancing guidelines, spitting advisory, worship advisory, sakau advisory, office visit advisory, travel advisory, taxi, and ridesharing advisory, funeral advisory, human remains advisory, business advisory, take out advisory, election advisory, restaurant advisory, and face mask guidelines.  These are guidelines and advisories to help stop the spread of COVID-19.  The guidelines and advisories can be found on the Department of Health and Social Services website at this link: https://psdhs.fm/index.php/public-info/news-and-updates/137-guidelines-and-advisories-for-public-information    4. On Thursday, September 17, 2020, Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman attended a presentation on the PRIME Project: Environmental and Social Safeguards Assessment and Instruments.  PRIME stands for Prioritized Road Investment and Management Enhancement.  This $40 million project is financed by the World Bank through Argo Environmental consultants from New Zealand, with consultations across the FSM including in Pohnpei with the FSM Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure (T, C & I ) and Pohnpei State Office of Transportation and Infrastructure (T & I).  In his remarks, Governor Oliver advocated for Pohnpei’s transportation infrastructure to be prioritized as the capital of FSM.  He shared two examples that highlight the importance of road investment and management.  He spoke of a small cement culvert that wasn’t properly maintained and broke, causing transportation problems for up to eight hours into and out of Madolenihmw.  He also spoke of the contrast of a having a deteriorating bridge next to the newly renovated Kahmar Bridge that was recently renovated in Nett.   Argo environment was represented by Mr. Eugene Joseph from Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) who gave an overview of the project during this initial stakeholder consultation that included the Governor’s Office, the Pohnpei State Department of Resources and Development, Division of Social Services, Environmental Protection Agency, FSM Finance, and the Pohnpei Senior citizens group.  According to Mr. Joseph and FSM Finance’s Mr. Wilmer Kilmete, the Awak bridge has been identified as a priority project to be replaced for now.  Priority projects have been identified across the FSM by Argo Environmental and FSM TC & I. During the question and answer session that followed the presentation, the Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, provided some feedback on the project objectives, echoing Governor Oliver’s remarks to prioritize Pohnpei’s road investment and infrastructure.     5. On September 13, 2020, Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, happily informed Governor Oliver that two fishermen who did not return as scheduled were found at Ahnd Atoll, safe and sound the following day.  The fishermen were not lost at sea, but instead had diverted their course to Ahnd Atoll, the closest piece of land, due to bad weather. Please remember to never go fishing alone, always take a partner.  It is always good practice to take a cell phone when fishing in case you may need to call for assistance.  It’s also recommended that you advise family and friends when and where you are fishing and what time to expect your return.  Other safety items, if available, include a flashlight, flotation devices, first aid kit, whistle, and extra fuel and water.  You can also call the weather station before going fishing for the latest weather forecasts at 320-5788 in English and 320-5789 in Pohnpeian.  

On September 22, 2020, Governor Oliver attended the memorial mass of Mr. Peter Sitan at the Catholic Mission Church in Kolonia. Mr. Sitan was the President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FSM National Fisheries Corporation (NFC).  He was reported missing while fishing on July 11, 2020. His remains were recovered 160 miles away on Pingelap Atoll on Saturday, September 19, 2020, more than two months after he was reported missing at sea near Pohnpei. Governor Oliver offered his sincere condolences to the family of the late Mr. Peter Sitan on behalf of Lt. Governor Perman, Speaker Ausen T. Lambert, Vice Speaker Stevic Edwin, who were present, and the leadership of Pohnpei State Government. Governor Oliver acknowledged the late Mr. Sitan’s accomplishments and contributions to the State of Pohnpei and the FSM in his capacities as a former Congressman, 4th FSM Constitutional Convention Delegate, and President/CEO of NFC, headquartered here in Pohnpei. He was a resident of Pohnpei, married to Mrs. Elihter Edgar Sitan, and they had two children together, two adopted and one from his previous marriage. His traditional title from Pwoud Lepen Nett and Serihn Serihn Iso Nahnken in Nett was Nahnwahn Dolen Katau Nett.   Later in a separate meeting, Governor Oliver thanked all the Agencies and Departments who took part in the search, rescue, and recovery efforts including the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Health and Social Services, the Office of Fisheries, and Aquaculture, and the Pohnpei Port Authority.

  The Pohnpei State Government wishes to update the general public on efforts to repatriate citizens and residents from abroad. These efforts have been progressing since travel restrictions were established in March and as of last week, have been focused on the prioritization of repatriating medical referral patients and students stranded on Guam. The Pohnpei State and National COVID-19 Task Forces have been working hard to ensure that any inbound travel is done with minimal risk to all involved. This has included requiring COVID-19 testing with negative results, a pre-departure 14-day quarantine at a designated facility in Guam with daily monitoring, and additional negative-result testing prior to being allowed to board the plane to Pohnpei. Upon arrival, an additional 14-day quarantine would be required, with further testing on day 7 and day 14, with negative results prior to release. In a letter to the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force Chairman, Director Wincener David, dated September 23, 2020, Secretary and National Task Force Chairman Dr. Livingston A. Taulung conveyed that the FSM National Government has decided to shift repatriation efforts, to begin with, the COVID-19 free jurisdictions. “This will enable us to practically and fully exercise our emergency preparedness capacities, capabilities, protocols, standard operating procedures (SOP) and facilities prior to repatriation from Guam and other COVID-19 affected countries/areas,” he stated. In his response, Chairman David thanked the FSM National Government for being supportive of the Pohnpei State Task Force’s pending request to prioritize repatriation from COVID-19 free areas. Chairman David noted, “While the request to begin with the RMI repatriation was meant to supplement the Guam repatriation, it was not meant to supplant what we have collectively been working towards.” In regard to the initially proposed first group to be repatriated from Guam, i.e. the medical referral patients, he further noted, “the longer we keep them out there, the more at risk they are because of their underlying medical conditions.” Chairman David further conveyed that the Pohnpei State Task Force understands the concerns regarding Pohnpei’s readiness and agreed that starting the repatriation process in COVID-free jurisdictions will not only help test our preparedness capacities but also identify and address any remaining gaps in the process. The Task Force has been working hard to close gaps that were identified in the most recent simulation exercise, including ensuring the quarantine site has essential equipment available, facilities are wheelchair accessible, there is a triage and testing area, additional PPE donning area designated, and sufficient staff has been identified. On the issue of staffing shortages and capacities, nurses have received additional infection prevention and control training and will be rostered for the full 14 days of quarantine, with a physician on standby, and upon entry into quarantine, no one will be allowed out until the full 14 days are completed, provided that there are no positive cases. Other capacity building has included workshops on contact tracing, refreshers on the appropriate use of PPEs, and ventilator training. The Governor’s Office wishes to assure the people of Pohnpei that the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force will continue working with the FSM National Government to ensure that our citizens and residents are repatriated at the right time and in the safest and most responsible manner while ensuring that the public is confident in our efforts and process. Further updates will be issued as the situation develops. For more information on this news release or on repatriation efforts, please contact the Public Information Officer (publicinformation@pohnpei.gov.fm).      

On Wednesday, September 23, 2020, Governor Reed B. Oliver officially received the donated equipment from H.E. Hidenobu Sobashima, Japanese Ambassador to the FSM. Over USD $714,000.00 worth of equipment was donated to various Departments and Offices throughout Pohnpei State Government. After an opening prayer by the Director of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, the program was introduced by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen. She noted that the donated equipment was received through a non-project aid from the Government of Japan from 2016. Chief of Staff Gallen called attention to the format and venue of this ceremony, as opposed to previous ceremony locations, due to the social and physical distancing guidelines currently in place. H.E. Hidenobu Sobashima expressed his sincere appreciation to the leadership of the Pohnpei State Government for all the efforts made in the fight against COVID-19. He was happy to note that the excavators have already been utilized in the fight against COVID-19 while preparing the Medical Monitoring Area in Dekehtik for quarantine. Other equipment, he said, will be used to strengthen Pohnpei’s infrastructure in their respective areas. Governor Oliver in his remarks conveyed his gratitude for the handover of the equipment, acknowledging the previous administration’s efforts in this handover. He noted that through the collaborative efforts of the Departments and Offices receiving the donated equipment, the people of Pohnpei will benefit greatly from these generous donations. Governor Oliver said he was also looking forward to the completion of projects made possible by the assistance of the Government of Japan including the new recycling center in Dekehtik and the Nan Madol Visitor Information Center in Temwen, Madolenihmw. He ended his remarks in Japanese to Ambassador Sobashima with a heartfelt “Domo Arigato Gozaimasu” Equipment donated to the Pohnpei State Government: -One biological coagulation analyzer to the Department of Health and Social Services -Two water tank trucks to the Department of Public Safety -Two wood chippers to the Environmental Protection Agency and the    Department of Resources and Development -Two dump trucks and four excavators to the Pohnpei Transport Authority For more information on this press release, please contact the Public Information Officer at 320- 2235 or email: patrick.pedrus@pohnpei.gov.fm.