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Groundbreaking Ceremony for Pohnpei’s First Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

Governor Oliver attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, for the Pohnpei State Emergency Operation Center (EOC) that will be located across from the Pohnpei Administrative Building at Peilapalap, Kolonia. Kevin Petrini, Deputy Resident Representative and Country Manager for the UNDP Pacific Office in the Federated States of Micronesia, in his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan for its generous support and contribution. He also expressed his appreciation to the Governor of Pohnpei State for deciding to cost-share the construction of the EOC, which helped greatly to move this project forward. Mr. Petrini also thanked the Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, for his leadership to implement this activity from the design phase till now. His Excellency, Michigami Hisashi, Ambassador of Japan to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), gave a brief overview of projects in the FSM that the Government of Japan has funded through the UNDP’s Enhancing Disaster and Climate Resilience in the FSM through improved Disaster Preparedness and Infrastructure project, and expressed his hope that construction of the EOC will be smoothly completed to provide a sense of security for Pohnpei. On behalf of the Governor of Pohnpei State, Director Patrick Carl pointed out that this is the first Emergency Operation Center to be built in Pohnpei. He thanked the Government of Japan for the funding of the EOC and UNDP for the important coordination to start this activity along with the Pohnpei State Legislature and Office of Insular Affairs for cost-sharing. He also thanked the FSM Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management (DECEM) for helping with Pohnpei’s request for this activity. He concluded by saying that with this building, Pohnpei’s emergency response will be effectively coordinated from one location. Jaap Van Hierden, UN Resident Coordinator, expressed his pleasure to see the coordination between the various agencies and departments to support this project. Mr. Max R. Iriarte, General Manager for contractor Black Sand Construction Corporation, gave the final remarks and thanked all the organizations and agencies involved for providing jobs for Pohnpei.

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Committee to Wait on Governor received by Governor Oliver

Governor Oliver received the Committee to Wait on the Governor on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ricky Carl was accompanied by members, Senator Herolyn Movick, Senator Stevenson Joseph, and Legislative Aide Stanley Sitan. Chairman Carl on behalf of Speaker Yamaguchi and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, informed Governor Oliver that the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature started its third and final regular session for this fiscal year, on September 13, 2022, which will run for 30 days. During the brief visit, areas of mutual interest and concern were addressed including budget calls for the next fiscal year, pending amendments to state election law, and pending infrastructure projects. Governor Oliver thanked Chairman Carl and Committee members for their visit and the opportunity to call attention to the important issues brought forth during the meeting.

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27 Police Officers graduate from Pohnpei State Police Academy

Governor Oliver attended the Pohnpei State Police Academy graduation on Friday, September 9, 2022, at the PICS High School cafeteria. 27 Police Officers from the Department of Public Safety and local municipal governments including Pingelap, Sapwaufik, Nukuoro, and Kapingamarangi completed the 13-week academy. Acting Chief Justice Mayceleen D. Anson swore in the graduates and family members pinned on their new badges. Major Bronson Martin, Academy Commander, congratulated the graduates for their hard work and dedication over the 13-week academy. Director Patrick Carl, on behalf of Governor Oliver, expressed appreciation for their commitment and advised them to remember the virtues of respect, responsibility, and honesty as they continue in their careers. He reminded the graduates that they are public servants. Also present during the graduation was Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Senator Jayson A. Walter, Hon. Rofino Primo Chief Minister of U, Hon. Michael Lieman, Chief Magistrate of Sokehs, Hon. Ricky Mudong, Keriau en Meninkeder Lapalap. The academy was 13 weeks long covering policing foundations, traffic offenses, property crime, crime against the person, evidence management, and lots of physical training. Congratulations to the graduates!!

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Governor Oliver receives Asian Development Bank Senior Representative in the Federated States of Micronesia

Governor Oliver welcomed Mrs. Maybelline Andon-Bing, Senior Representative for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Mr. Erick Paul, Assistant Secretary Treasury, FSM Department of Finance and Administration, and Mr. Alan Semens, ADB staff, to Peilapalap on Friday, September 9, 2022. During their discussions, Mrs. Andon-Bing provided an overview of ADB operations including current and proposed projects in Pohnpei. Governor Oliver thanked Mrs. Andon-Bing for her visit, and along with Assistant Secretary Paul, noted the benefits of having an ADB office in Pohnpei to ensure effective communications, coordination, and prioritization of projects for Pohnpei. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) supports projects in developing member countries that create economic and development impact, delivered through both public and private sector operations, advisory services, and knowledge support. The Federated States of Micronesia is represented on the ADB Board of Governors by FSM Secretary of Finance, Mr. Eugene Amor.

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1st Junior Police Drill & Ceremony Competition

Congratulations to the following schools for their participation in the 1st Junior Drill & Ceremony Competition. Here are the results of the competition and the names of the participants: Drills & Ceremony 3rd – Nett 2nd – Kitti (Rohi & Wone) 1st – Kitti (Salapwuk & Seinwar) Uniform 3rd – Kitti (Pehleng) 2nd – Nett 1st – Kitti (Rohi & Wone) Cadence 3rd – Nett 2nd – U (Awak & Saladak) 1st – Kitti (Rohi & Wone) Visit our Facebook page for more information and pictures of the event:

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Outer Island Chief Executives receive presentation on brackish water

On Thursday, September 1, 2022, Governor Oliver attended a presentation that was given to the Outer Island Local Chief Executives in the Governor’s conference room.  The presentation given by Mr. David Calush was about providing sustainable water treatment systems focusing on brackish water (salty water)  that is common to the outer islands.  The system which does not need electricity, but uses solar panels, mainly uses chlorine to provide clean water in simple, low maintenance but high output capacity system.  The presentation was well received by the Outer Island Chief executives.  Mayor of Pingelap, Mr. Smithy Clark, who is also the Chairman of the Outer Island Chief executive association, was very interested in the sustainable water treatment system and thanked Mr. Calush for his presentation, along with the other local chief executives.   Mr. Calush is in Pohnpei, along with 6 other Engineers from Israel and China working with PUC to renovate their iron removal plant in Nett. 

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Governor Oliver meets US Embassy Charge d’affaires and Dr. Thane Hancock from US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

On Friday, August 12, 2022, Governor Oliver met with the U.S. Embassy’s Charge d’affaires, Alissa M. Bibb, and Dr. Thane Hancock from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guam Office.  This is Dr. Hancock’s second visit to Pohnpei in the last two years.  He has been working with Department of Health Services personnel, observing Pohnpei’s COVID-19 response efforts, and delivered a presentation on Pohnpei’s COVID-19 response efforts to Governor Oliver, Director of the Department of Health Services, Mr. Wincener David, Chief of Staff Kapilly Capelle, and Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens.  Alissa Bibb is the Charge D’Affaires at U.S. Embassy Kolonia and met with Governor Oliver during the meeting for the first time. Governor Oliver welcomed her and conveyed his appreciation to her and the US Government for their continued support with experts like Dr. Hancock and others, donations of supplies, vaccinations, therapeutics, and equipment that have helped Pohnpei’s COVID-19 response efforts in the last two years.   Dr. Hancock noted that Pohnpei experienced the Omicron BA.5 variant of COVID-19 with high numbers of infections spreading rapidly, with mild to moderate symptoms.  Dr. Hancock went on to say that while re-infections are likely to occur with a new strain or new virus, he believed that the recent, first surge of infections would likely be the worst surge of infections for Pohnpei.  Dr. Hancock noted that Pohnpei is in a great position due to the number of vaccinated people (over 75%) and our recent exposure to COVID-19 with numbers of new infections dropping every day.  He commended the health workers, front liners, and all who were involved in Pohnpei’s COVID-19 response.   Also joining Charge d’ Affaires Bibb was U.S. Navy CDR. Thomas Price, US Embassy Defense Attache’, Kyle Papish, Assistant Defense Attache’, LCDR Wes Saavedra from Joint Region Marianas and  Mr. Roger Gardner, USAID Country Program Manager.   

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School Opening Delayed to September 2022

Pakair ong weipokon en Pohnpei August 3, 2022 Pakair wet wiawidahr pwehn sekerehki tohn weipokon en Pohnpei me pwehki doupeseng en kepinsalehd COVID-19 eh wie lalaudla nan Pohnpei rahnpwukat oh irail toahkte oh semen kan en pali en roson mwahu arail kadehdedahr me doupeseng en kepinsalehd wet pahn kak reirei ki wihk pahieu (4) lel wihk waluh (8) sang ni rahn me e tepida, ah ohpis en Kepina, ohpis en Director en Kepahn Kamarain, oh weliepen COVID-19 Emergency Task Force en Pohnpei kan patohiengehr nan wie lamalam ehu ni August 02, 2022 oh koasonehdier me tepidahn skuhl ong nan pahr en skuhl 2022-2023 pahn kapwandala sang August 10, 2022 ong ni dahme pahn sansal pah: Irail pwihn laud kan (Seniors) en nan public high schools kan pahn tepida school ni September 5, 2022. Irail pwihn tikitik kan sang pwihn keisek ehu (Juniors) patohdi lel pwihn kaiahn (ECE) pahn tepida ni September 13, 2022. Kapwandala en rahn en tepidahn school me sansalehr powe poasondahsang pohn pepehm oh madamadau me doupeseng en kepinsalehd COVID-19 udahn pahn anahne tikitikla de uhdi mwohn skuhl ah pahn pwurehng tepida. Pil sang ni madamadau ohte, kapwandala wet pahn pil patowanehng irail tohn doadoahk oh tohn school kan koaros me saikinte iang ketki de patohwan dok en silasil en COVID-19, sapwelimarail de arail tungoal ansou mwahu pwe irail en kak iang dok en silasil oh kaunop mwohn tepida en skuhl en par wet. English translation: This announcement is made to inform the general public that due to the continuing increase in the COVID-19 infections in Pohnpei and advice from doctors and experts in the area of public health that the infection surge will last up to 4 or 8 weeks from its initial stage, a decision was made by the Governor’s Office, Office of the Director of the Department of Education, and the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Emergency Task Force during an August 2, 2022 meeting that opening date for the school year 2022-2023 will be delayed from August 10, 2022, to the following dates: All 12th-grade students in the public high schools will start school on September 5, 2022. 2. All lower graders starting from 11th grade down to Kindergarten (ECE) will start school on September 13, 2022. The above-stated change is based on a consensus belief and agreement that more time is needed to allow the infection surge to reach its peak and begin to slow or drop before school can start. Additionally, the delay on the starting date should provide ample time for teachers, students, and staff who have not gotten their vaccine shots to get vaccinated and ready to start school and work with everyone else on the dates specified above. Should there be questions or concerns regarding anything in this announcement, please feel free to call telephone number 320-2104. Stanley S. Etse Director, Pohnpei State Department of Education

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COVID-19 Situational Report Update

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find posted the latest COVID-19 situation report. Please note that each sitrep reflects the previous 24 hours’ numbers and cumulative numbers. 3 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. 8 deaths total since July 19, 2022. 306 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours. Down from 584 new cases reported the day before. CDC specialists are on the island and will meet with Task Force and Health staff over the next couple of days to offer their expert assistance to Pohnpei’s COVID-19 response efforts. Thank you to the CDC team for their time and assistance. Please continue to put into practice these simple but very effective ways to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus: 1. Please stay at home as much as possible. Maintain physical distancing if you are in public. 2. Get vaccinated or boosted. 3. Wear a face mask properly. 4. Wash your hands often. 5. Should you have any flu-like symptoms please visit the Test to Treatment sites at PICS Gym, Kolonia CHC/Dispensary, and Pohnlangas Gym. Early detection and treatment of COVID-19 are vital. The previous situation reports are also posted below: July 30, 2022 July 29, 2022 July 28, 2022 July 27, 2022 July 26, 2022 July 25, 2022 Kalahngan oh ni wahu.

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COVID 19 update as of July 23, 2022

COVID 19 update as of July 23, 2022: Cumulative testing since day 1 (July 19 – 22, 2022) 1,394 Cumulative positive since day 1 (July 19 – 22, 2022): 463 Hospitalizations: 3 We will continue to update with new information moving forward. Updates are also provided on V6AH radio. Please remember to do the following: 1. Avoid public gatherings as much as possible. 2. Wear a face mask at all times – properly. Wash your hands often. 3. Get vaccinated. 4. Should you have any flu-like symptoms, please visit the hospital or Pohnpei Public Gym (PICS) Test and Treatment Center. 5. All public services will remain open but the requirement of face mask use is in full effect Social and physical distancing guidelines:

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COVID 19 update: July 22, 2022

As of July 22, 2022, 152 cases were confirmed in Pohnpei, with no hospitalizations. We will continue to update with new information moving forward. Updates are also provided on V6AH radio. Please remember to do the following: 1. Avoid public gatherings as much as possible. 2. Wear a face mask at all times – properly & wash your hands. 3. Get vaccinated. 4. Should you have any flu-like symptoms, please visit the hospital or Pohnpei Public Gym (PICS) Test and Treatment Center. 5. All public services will remain open but the requirement of face mask use is in full effect. Please see below, the updated Social and Physical Distancing Guidelines for COVID-19 response: PDF FILE for download: Social Physical Distancing Guidelines v06032022 Please call 320-3109 or 320-2213 for questions or comments.    

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COVID-19 update – July 21, 2022

As of July 21, 2022, 42 cases were confirmed in Pohnpei, with no hospitalizations. We will continue to update with new information moving forward. Updates are also provided on V6AH radio. Please remember to do the following: 1. Avoid public gatherings as much as possible. 2. Wear a face mask at all times – properly. 3. Get vaccinated. 4. Should you have any flu-like symptoms, please visit the hospital or Pohnpei Public Gym (PICS) Test and Treatment Center. 5. All public services will remain open but the requirement of face mask use is in full effect. Please see below, the updated Social and Physical Distancing Guidelines for COVID-19 response: PDF file for download: Social Physical Distancing Guidelines v06032022 For any questions or comments please call 320-3109

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Enginkehlap News from the Office of the Governor 11.22

  Special Cabinet Meeting   July 4, 2022, Peilapalap, Kolonia – Governor Oliver held a special cabinet meeting in the Governor’s conference room.  The special cabinet meeting is the first official meeting held by Governor Oliver since his return to Pohnpei and release from quarantine.  The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and First and Second Ladies of Pohnpei observed seven days of quarantine in the Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) in Dekehtik and were released on Saturday, July 2, 2022.   Ni July 04, 2022, Kepina en weihn Pohnpei, the Honorable Reed B. Oliver, patohwen mihting ohng eh tungoal  cabinet member kan mwurin eh pwurodohr Pohnpei oh kapidohi sang nan wasahn quarantine MMA Dekehtik ni July 02, 2022.  Kepina, Keriau en Kepina, First Lady en weihn Pohnpei oh Second Lady koaros pwurodohr Pohnpei oh patohlong nan quarantine rahn isuh.   Governor Oliver took the time before the meeting to thank the Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei for her hard work and dedication as the Acting Governor of Pohnpei State during his and Lt. Governor Perman’s absence.  Ms. Elnei served as the first female Acting Governor of Pohnpei State from May 16, 2022, to July 3, 2022.  Nan wie lamalam en rahno, Kepina patohwen wia eh tungoal kaping oh kalahngan ong director en Kempahn Mwohni, Ms. Christina Elnei, me wia Acting Governor ong ansou me Kepina oh Keriau en Kepina koaros sohte patohki Pohnpei oh pwehki doadoahk mwahu kan me Ms. Elnei patohwen wiahda.  Ms. Christina Elnei patohwen wia pwukoahn Acting Governor en weihn Pohnpei sang ni May 16 lel July 03, 2022, keieun lih nan Pohnpei me wia Kepina.  Part of the special cabinet meeting’s agenda included an update on the upcoming Micronesian Exposition planned for July 18, 2022, by the Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada. An update on the expected opening of borders by August 1, 2022, was made by Pohnpei Pandemic Readiness and Response Commission Chairperson (PRRC) Norleen O. DeOrio. Ireh kan me pwarada nan wielamalam en rahno iei me iangahki; kapwar tiahk me kosondier en wiawi ni July 18 lel 22 sang kempahn R&D oh kosondi en pwurehngehr langadahn seilokodo ong nan wehi kan en FSM me pahn tepida ni August 01 en par wet, nin duwen kosondi me mie sang FSM government.  Repwohtpen ire wet wiawi sang Pohnpei Task Force (PRRC) Chairperson Norleen O. DeOrio.  The lessons learned from countries that have re-opened their borders during the COVID-19 pandemic are being used for Pohnpei’s preparation in collaboration with FSM Health, WHO, and CDC. Here are some details on the preparation efforts: E pil sansal nan tuhpene en cabinet member kan rahno me Pohnpei ketin patehng FSM, WHO oh CDC oh tehk kaweid kan me sang wehi teikan me pwurehngehr ritingada arail tungoal kosondi en seilok nan irair en COVID-19 wet.  Eri iet iren kaunop kan me mie ong weihn Pohnpei:   Requirements for inbound travelers to Pohnpei: 1) Fully Vaccinated  plus booster 2) Test Negative for COVID-19 Ong me pahn seilokodohng Pohnpei anane sohng riau: 1) kanekelahr dok en silasil en COVID-19 iangahki booster; 2) Test negative ong COVID-19 Setting up two Treatment and Testing Centers (Pohnlongas gym and PICS gym) Pohnlangas gym oh PICS gym pahn kaunopada en wia wasahn test oh apwalih luhmwuhmw de kepinsalehd COVID-19 Mild cases will be treated and sent home for home isolation Luhmwuhmw de kepinsalehd marahra kan pahn epwel oh pwurala ni tehnpas akan Severe cases transported to the hospital Luhmwuhmw de kepinsalehd me luwet akan pahn peidaidla imwen wini Staffed by 23 with one ambulance at each center Tohn doadoahk 23 me pahn apwalih ehu ehu wasa kosondi pwukat oh ambulance pahn pil mie ong wasa pwukat; Pohnlangas oh PICS gym   Cabinet members were asked to align their respective department/office/agency to the new idea of managing COVID-19 and keeping services open with administrative controls like face masks, physical distancing, etc., and to also require patrons/customers to present COVID-19 vaccination cards and wear face masks.   Full details on the preparation for the expected border opening on August 1, 2022, will be shared with the public in the coming days and weeks. Nan mihting en rahno, kaweid wiawi ong irail cabinet kan en utungada kosondi oh kaweid kan me mie ong epwelpen luhmwuhmw de kepinsalehd COVID-19 me rasehng face mask (pere mese), physical distance (anahne dohsang meh teikan) oh kisin likoun kadehdehpen dok en silasil en COVID-19.  Ire me pid langadahn seilok ong nan sounpwung en August pahn sansal ong weipokon ni ansou me ire wet pahn sondi.   COVID-19 updates and news from Region/World Please get your COVID-19 immunization or booster if you have not done so already.  The FSM National Government intends to open the national borders in August 2022. Komwi kalahngan oh ketiki sapwelimomwi dok en silasil en COVID-19 ma komwi saik iang ketiki.  FSM patohwen mweidadahr seilok en pwurehng langada nan sounpwung en August. Nauru recently opened its borders this month and report 1 death from COVID-19 along with over 4,000 positive cases as of July 5, 2022.  The country of Niue in the South Pacific also recently opened its borders in June and has reported 10 community cases.  Sang nan weihn Nauru, seilok pwurehngehr langada nan sounpwung wet oh emen me kepinsalehdkilahr luhmwuhmw de kepinsalehd wet, ah pohnangin aramas 4,000 me kedierekdahr COVID-19 positive sang ni 05 en sounpwung wet, July.  Pil weihn Niue iang pwurehngehr langahda seilok nan sounpwung en June oh case en COVID-19 10 kedierekda miehier nan kouson akan en wehi wo. Source:https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/470265/covid-19-nauru-records-first-death-niue-records-10-community-cases Public health teams are offering vaccination and booster shots around the island.  Please call 320-3109 for the nearest location to you or visit the Division of Public Health across from Pohnpei State Hospital. Tohn doadoahk en Pohnpei Public Health wie patopatohwanda dok en silasil en COVID-19 wasa koaros nan Pohnpei. Komw eker telephone nempe 320-3109 pwe komwi en ketki kaweid en wasahn dok en silasil me kerenehng komwi de komw ketla public health pelipelian imwen wini.

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LETTER OF APPRECIATION FROM THE POHNPEI COVID-19 TASK FORCE / PRRC TO Senior Vice President/Chief Operation Officer OF THE BANK OF FSM MR. JAMES WILSON Jr.

KISIN LIKOUN KAPING SANG POHNPEI COVID-19 TASK FORCE / PRRC ONG Senior Vice President/Chief Operation Officer en Bank en FSM MR. JAMES WILSON Jr. June 14, 2022 Mr. James Wilson Jr. Senior Vice President/Chief Operation Officer Bank of the Federated States of Micronesia Kaselehlie Mr. Wilson, Mwohn meh koaros, kaping ong Samatail Koht pwehki kisakis en mour oh pwehki kisakis en kapai me e ketkihieng emen emen sapwelme aramas. Pohnpei ketin kasamwoh komwi ong soanomwi Pehi Sarawi wet. Pohnpei COVID-19 Emergency Taskforce / PRRC men patohwen kaping ong komwi pwehki kupwur mwahu oh kupwuren tohnmetei me komw patohwen kasalehda ni June 11, 2022. Ninduen omwi patohwan, repatriation me ahpwte wiawio mie mwesen COVID-19 kedierekda nan MMA oh ninduen koasoandihn epwel perehre kan, MMA wia wasa keper sangehr ansou me kosou kan wiawio leledohr ni June 11, 2022. Pwehki met, tohn doadoahk kan sohte kak tungoalenki ansou mwahu ren patohwen winiehda, kamwakelehda oh kaunopada mwahu MMA ong peidi sapahl en sompihr me koasoandier en wiawi ni June 11, 2022. Sang ni kahrepe wet, Pohnpei State Acting Governor Honorable Christina Elnei patohwen pekihda rehn FSM government en kapwandahla peidihn repatraition en ni June 11, 2022 ong ni June 15, 2022, oh ma FSM government patohwen pilada en sohte alehda pekpek wet, ah en sansal me aramas 38 te me kak ketlong/patohlong nan EMU. E sansal me irail kaun en FSM government kan sohte pohnese pekpen kapwandala wet oh irail meh 71 me ketdo/patohdo, oh e pil sansal me emen kaun en FSM government patohla ni ah tungoal ihmw pwehn home quarantine ah luhwe kan koaros ketla/patohla EMU de China Star pwe ren quarantine. Sang ni souitar en kaunopada kan, komw iang pein patohwen kasawih epwel souitar oh soh kesikpe kan. Ninduen eh sansal, komwi emen me koasoandier en iang ketdo de patohdo nan peidihn sompihr wet oh ket de pato nan EMU de China Star. Ahpw sang ni omwi patohwan me mie me likeilap oh mie peneinei kei me sapwelmanki de tungoalenki seri soakoahiek nan sahi wet, komw pein patohwen sapankihda pere me koasoandieng komwihier o ong me likeilap de peneinei kan me sapwelmanki de tungoalenki seri. Sang ni kupwur mwahu oh kupwuren sapan wet, Pohnpei COVID-19 Emergency Taskforce /PRRC men patohwen pohnese oh patohwen wia aht tungoal kaping lap pahn kupwuromwi. Kalahngan en kupwuromwi maing Mr. James Wilson Jr. oh ni wahu. *********************************************************************** LETTER OF APPRECIATION FROM THE POHNPEI COVID-19 TASK FORCE / PRRC TO Senior Vice President/Chief Operation Officer OF THE BANK OF FSM MR. JAMES WILSON Jr. June 14, 2022 Mr. James Wilson Jr. Senior Vice President/Chief Operation Officer Bank of the Federated States of Micronesia Kaselehlie Mr. Wilson, At the outset, sincere thanks and gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the gift of life and for all that HE has blessed upon each and every one of us. Welcome back to your home island of Pohnpei! The Pohnpei Covid-19 Emergency Taskforce / PRRC wishes to extend its appreciation to you for your act of kindness and selflessness during the arrival of the June 11, 2022 repatriation flight. As you may be aware, the repatriation flight prior to June 11, 2022, had one positive active COVID-19 that was set to be cleared on the day of the June 11th repatriation causing one of the quarantine facilities (MMA) to be on the red zone. This meant that MMA won’t be available as it needs to undergo disinfection and cleaning before it receives the next set of people for quarantine. As such, the Pohnpei State Acting Governor Honorable Christina Elnei requested that the FSM Government delayed the June 11, 2022 repatriation to June 15, 2022, or if it decided to bring in the flight, Pohnpei State could only accommodate 38 people in the quarantine facility at EMU. However, the FSM Government officials completely ignored the request and brought in 71 repatriates (one FSM government official was home quarantined). Consequently, the handling of the June 11, 2022 repatriation flight was the way it was as you personally witnessed it as one of the arriving passengers. You were one of the passengers that were assigned to the quarantine facility that was already prepared for the flight. Knowing that there were some elderly and some families with children that might not have a room for the night, you offered your room (should there be one reserved in your name) to be given to others. It is with this kind gesture that the Pohnpei COVID-19 Emergency Taskforce wishes to acknowledge and recognize. Again, thank you so much, Mr. James Wilson Jr.

Wahu Pahrekier Sapwekeika

Acting Governor Elnei responds to FSM President Decree on home quarantine for traditional leaders

In a letter dated June 14, 2022, to the FSM Secretary of Justice, Hon. Joses Gallen Sr. Esq., Acting Governor, Hon. Christina Elnei officially responded to the FSM National Government, particularly the President of the FSM’s June 12, 2022, Decree “directing that high traditional leaders are permitted to home quarantine upon repatriation into Pohnpei and other FSM states”.   In her letter, Acting Governor Elnei expressed her regret that the Decree assigns fault to Pohnpei for not preparing the Pohnpei quarantine units prior to the recent repatriation of June 12, 2022.  Her letter references consultations between Pohnpei State Government and the FSM National Government to delay repatriation, and that only 38 rooms were ready to receive repatriates when over 70 passengers arrived. The result was what Acting Governor Elnei called “chaos upon arrival”.   Acting Governor Elnei’s letter summarizes the legal action that FSM National Government has taken against the Pohnpei State Government regarding the use of the certificate of qualified entry (CQE) form. She said while the court agreed with the FSM National Government that only FSM has the power to admit people into the FSM, the court went further:   “…….although once admitted, the state has full police powers including those over health and public safety, and can require arrival to quarantine for whatever length of time is medically necessary.”   Acting Governor Elnei asked the National Government to allow Pohnpei State the liberty to carry out its constitutional responsibilities and continue to handle incoming passengers to Pohnpei in constant collaboration with the National Government.  In closing, Acting Governor Elnei requested “As Pohnpeians, let us work together amicably in serving our people.”   The letter in full is posted below:  

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Repatriation delay request to June 15, 2022 submitted, 71 passengers arrive on June 11, 2022

Peilapalap, Kolonia, June 12, 2022 – After an official request to the FSM National Government by Acting Governor, Hon. Christina Elnei, to delay repatriation to June 15, 2022 due to insufficient time to properly prepare quarantine facilities, 71 passengers arrived on June 11, 2022. The Acting Governor’s request to delay repatriation was based on the fact that the Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) quarantine facility housed two positive cases up until June 11, 2022. This prevented health personnel from entering MMA to properly disinfect the facility and prepare for the next group of repatriates. The quarantine facility at EMU or the former China Star does not have enough rooms to properly accommodate all the repatriates. As a result, many of the passengers who arrived on June 11, 2022, have to wait in the lobby of the former China Star until their accommodations are ready. We apologize to the repatriates and their families for this inconvenience. Their safety, the safety of our health and security staff, and the safety of our people are paramount. This was the reason for the official request to the FSM National government to delay or postpone the repatriation from June 11, 2022, to June 15, 2022, after receiving the expert advice and recommendations of the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) of the Pandemic Readiness Response Commission (PRRC) and the Quarantine facility manager, Mrs. Marcy Lorrin. We are working hard to safely provide accommodations to all passengers as soon as possible. —————————————————————————————————————————————– ROHNG SANG POHNPEI PANDEMIC READINESS AND RESPONSE COMMISSION (PRRC) DE POHNPEI COVID-19 EMERGENCY TASK FORCE. Peilapalap, Kolonia. Mwurin Acting Governor Honorable Christina Elnei eh patohwen kadarehng FSM National Government pekpek ehu ni June 11, 2022 ong peidihn irail akan me ketket de patopato nan prequarantine nan wein Guam en kapwandala sang ni June 11, 2022 ong ni June 15, 2022, oh pekpek wet sang ni wasahn quarantine kan eh saik kaunopada mwahu, irail passenger de me ketin/patohwen seiloakodo sang nan wein Guam meh Isiakan Emen peidi ni June 11, 2022. En Acting Governor ah tungoal pekpek ong kapwandala wet sang ni wasahn quarantine nan MMA eh saikinte kaunopda mwahu pwehki positive case me patpato nan MMA o eh patohieisang nan MMA ni June 11, 2022, elehda eh sohla itar ansou mwahu irail tohn doadoahk kan en patohwen winiehda, kamwakelehda oh kaunopada mwahu wasahn quarantine wet. En Acting Governor ah tungoal pekpek ong kapwandala wet pil sang ni eh sansal me EMU de China Star sohte itar en apwalih irail akan me pahn ketdo de patohdo kan. Pwehki soh kaunopada mwahu pwukat, ekei irail me ketin/patohwen peidi ni June 11, 2022 anahne ketket de patpato nan China Star lobby o lau sapwelmarail de arail tungoal wasa nan MMA pahn kaunopda mwahu. Sakar misik lap pahn kupwuren irail akan me ketin/patohwen peidi ni June 11, 2022 ong soansued oh souitar akan koaros. Sapwelmarail de arail tungoal rosonmwahu, en irail tohn doadoahk kan arail tungoal oh sapwelmen tohn wehi unsek rosonmwahu kesemwpwalsang meh koaros. Ih kahrepe kesemwpwal pwukat me pekpek wiawihkilahng FSM National Government en kapwandehla seiloak wet sang ni June 11, 2022 ong ni June 15, 2022, sang ni kaweid oh repwoht en irail toahkte kan nan PRRC de Pohnpei Task Force oh Quarantine Manager Mrs. Marcy Lorrin. Sapwelmamwail tohn doadoahk kan patohwen nannantihieng pwe wasahn quarantine kan en kaunopada mwahu oh onopehng apwalih kupwur akan koaros.

Wahu Pahrekier Sapwekeika

Repatriation Delay request by Acting Governor Elnei to FSM National Government

ROHNG SANG POHNPEI PANDEMIC READINESS AND RESPONSE COMMISSION (PRRC) DE POHNPEI COVID-19 EMERGENCY TASK FORCE ONG PEKPEK ME PIDADA KAPWANDALAHN REPATRIATION DE PEIDIHN IRAIL AKAN SANG NAN PREQUARANTINE NAN WEIN GUAM. Peilapalap, Kolonia. Nan mehn kapehse me pekeder ni June 11 pahr 2022 ong Vice President en FSM Honorable Yosiwo George oh Attorney General Honorable Joses Gallen, me patohwen pwukoahki apwalih pwukoahn Ohpis en President ong lepin ansou, Acting Governor Honorable Christina Elnei patohwen peki peidihn irail akan me ketket de patpato nan prequarantine nan wein Guam en kapwandala sang ni June 11 pahr 2022 ong ni June 15 pahr 2022. Nan ah tungoal kisin likou, Acting Governor patohwen sakarkihda repoht de mehn kapehse riau sang irail toahkte kan nan PRRC de Pohnpei Task Force oh Quarantine Manager Mrs. Marcy Lorrin. Nan repoht me sang irail toahkte kan patohwen kaweid kapwandala wet sang ni eh miehte me patpato nan MMA ni June 11 pahr 2022 oh saik sansal me ira clear ehr de kakehr patohieisang nan MMA, oh en mie ansou mwahu irail tohn doadoahk kan en kaunopada mwahu MMA ni arail pahn kamwakelehda oh winiehda mwahu pere kan koaros oh lopworada tehi, kidipen uluhl ape oh kaunopolong dipwisou me anahn kan nan pere kan koaros. Nan repoht me sang Mrs. Lorrin patohwen kalipwe anahnepen ansou mwahu pwe wasahn quarantine kan en epwelda mwahu. PRRC de Pohnpei Task Force kin ansou koaros patohwen alkaweid sang irail semen kan, mehlel toahkte kan, oh irail akan me kin apwahpwalih nan wasahn quarantine kan pwehn sowese doare oh pere tohn wein Pohnpei unsek sang mwesen kepinsalehd COVID-19. ********************************************* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DELAY QUARANTINE REQUEST IN POHNPEI Peilapalap, Kolonia, June 11, 2022 – In an official communication to the Vice President of the FSM, Hon. Yosiwo George, and the FSM Attorney General, Hon. Joses Gallen, who has also been designated to be in charge of routine and administrative matters of the Executive branch in the absence of President Panuelo, Acting Governor, Hon. Christina Elnei requested to delay or postpone the June 11, 2022 repatriation to June 15, 2022. Acting Governor Elnei cited two reports from the Pohnpei Pandemic Readiness and Response Commission’s (PRRC) /Pohnpei COVID-19 Emergency Task Force Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) and Quarantine Manager, Mrs. Marcy Lorrin in her official request. In the MAC report, the recommendation for the delay was to give the quarantine staff ample time to prepare facilities given the two (2) active cases still in the Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) as of June 11, 2022, and allow the proper process of disinfection (infection, prevention, and control measures). The report from Mrs. Lorrin also echoed the MAC report’s recommendation to allow enough time to properly disinfect the quarantine units. The PRRC /Task Force continues to rely on the expert advice of the Medical Advisory Committee and the well-grounded guidance of the frontline workers to ensure Pohnpei is kept safe and protected from the COVID-19 virus Acting Governor Elnei request to delay repatriation  

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ENGINKEHLAP 9-22 News

Acting Governor Elnei attends 8th graduation of Ohmine Elementary School Acting Governor Elnei pato ni kesepwil en Ohmine Elementary School On June 3, 2022, Acting Governor, Hon. Christina Elnei, attended the Ohmine Elementary School graduation at the Kolonia-China Friendship gym.  In her brief remarks as the Keynote speaker, Acting Governor Elnei acknowledged the solid foundation that education provides to the youth.  She also shared three virtues, that have been shared many times before by Governor Oliver, of respect, responsibility and honesty.  She spoke of respecting yourself and others, being responsible for what you have been entrusted with, however big or small, and always being honest in all you do.  She reminded the Ohmine class that they are the future of Pohnpei and congratulated all of them on reaching a milestone in their young lives.   Ni June 3, 2022, Weliepen Kepina Ong Lepin Ansou de Acting Governor, Hon. Christina Elnei, patohwen iang towehda kesepwil en irail pwihn kewaluh kan en Ohmine Elementary School me wiawi nan Kolonia-China Friendship Gymnasium.  Nan eh tungoal sakarada en rahno, Acting Governor Hon. Christina Elnei patohwen kapingehng Kempahn Kasukuhl oh kaweidki irail serih kan me kesepwil rahno, irail en kin poahsonehkin irail wahu, pwukoah oh mehlel.  Hon. Christina Elnei pil patohwen kaweidki ong irail pwihn kewaluh kan rahno, ren kin wauneki pein irail oh iangahki mehtei kan.  Irial en pil kin kesempwaliki sohng koaros me re pahn kin wia oh mehlel ieng.  Hon. Christina Elnei patohwen wia eh tungaol congratulations ong irail serih kan me kesepwil rahno oh katamankin irail me iei irail me pahn uhd apwalih Pohnpei ehu rahn. Acting Governor attends welcoming ceremony of the FSS Tosiwo Nakayama Acting Governor patehng koasoamwpen sohp FSS Tosiwo Nakayama On June 4, 2022, Acting Governor, Hon. Christina Elnei, attended the welcoming home ceremony for the FSS Tosiwo Nakayama.  The Nakayama is a Guardian class patrol boat that has been generously donated by the Australian Government under Australia’s Maritime Security Program.  The Nakayama is the first of two Guardian class patrol boats that will replace the FSS Palikir, FSS Independence and FSS Micronesia.  Also attending the event was Wasalapalap Isipahu, Nahnmwarki of Madolenihmw and Likend Kelekel who cut the ribbon at the gangplank of the FSS Tosiwo Nakayama officially welcoming her home and operational.  Accompanying Acting Governor Elnei was Pohnpei Port Authority board member Ms. MaryAnn Eperiam, Ms. Meryda Inos from PDOE and First Lady of Chuuk, Mrs. Lynn Narruhn.  Ni June 4, 2022, Weliepen Kepina Ong Lepin Ansou, Hon. Christina Elnei, patohwen iang towehda kasarawi ehu ong koasoamwpen sohp FSS Tosiwo Nakayama me wiawi Dekehtik weihn Nett.  Sohp en patrol wet donated sang Kapworment en Australia Maritime Security Program.  Iei kerioapwoat en sohp  wet me pahn patohwen welianda FSS Palikir, FSS Independence oh FSS Micronesia.  Me ketdi ong ni kasarawi en rahno iei, Wasa Lapalap Isipahu, Nahnmwarki en Madolenihmw, oh Likend Kelekel me ketin wia ribbon cutting de lopuk mwein likou ong langadahn mweimweilongodo en sohp FSS Tosiwo Nakayama.  Ah me iang, patehng Hon. Christina Elnei, iei PPA Board member MaryAnn Eperiam, Ms. Meryda Inos sang PDOE oh First Lady en weihn Chuuk, Mrs. Lynn Narruhn.  U.S. Navy Seabees and FSM National Government employees in quarantine at the Island Palms Hotel U.S. Navy Seabees oh tohn doadoahk en FSM patohwen quarantine nan Island Palms Hotel On June 4, 2022, 13 U.S. Navy Seabees and two FSM National Government Employees landed in Pohnpei and entered quarantine at the Island Palms Hotel.  The 15 individuals have all tested negative and received their COVID-19 immunizations and boosters before landing in Pohnpei.  They will undergo quarantine at Island Palms along with Island Palms staff for five days.  The entire operation has been paid for by the U.S. Government including overtime for Pohnpei State employees.  The Island Palms was fully assessed by both the Pohnpei and FSM National Task Forces and met the requirements to safely house and staff quarantine operations.  The use of Island Palms to accommodate the U.S. Navy Seabees, who will contribute greatly to our local public infrastructure, allows scheduled repatriation movements to continue without interruption or delay.   Ni June 4, 2022, U.S. Navy Seabees ehk silimen (13) oh tohn doadaohk en FSM government 2 patohwen peidi ong weihn Pohnpei oh patohlong quarantine nan Island Palms Hotel.  Irail meh 15 pwukat patohwen test ehr oh sohte mwesen COVID-19 rehrail oh re pil patohwen kanekelahr arail tungoal dok en silasil en COVID-19 mwohn arail peidi ong weihn Pohnpei.   Irail pwukat pahn patopatohki nan quarantine, Island Palms Hotel, rahn 5 kapatahieng irail tohn doadoahk kan en hotel wet.  Kapworment en weihn US me sawaski epwelpen quarantine wet, iangahki overtime ong tohn doadoahk en Pohnpei state government kan.  Pohnpei oh FSM Task Force me patohwen tehk anahn akan iangahki tohn doadoahk mwohn irail pwukat eh patohlong nan quarantine, Island Palms Hotel.  Wasa wet doadoahk ong irail pwukat pwehn dehr kalohmwat de kapwanda sapwelimen Pohnpei kosondi en repatriation de ketkihlongodo irail akan me tengalahr weihn liki kan nin duwen me miehier. Irail akan me quarantine Island Palms Hotel kapidohi sangehr nan wasahn quarantine ni June 9, 2022 mwurin keriau en test ah keimwiseklahr oh koaros negative. On June 9, 2022 after testing negative twice (day 2 and day 5) the 13 U.S. Navy Seabees and 2 FSMNG employees were released from quarantine.   Ni June 9, 2022, U.S. Navy Seabees 13 oh tohn doahdoahk en FSM government 2 patowen kapidohi ehr sang nan quarantine me patpato Island Palms hotel.  Iraihl Seabees oh tohn doadoak en FSM government patowen test ehr pak riau nan quarantine oh sansal me sohte mwesen COVID-19 rehrail.     President Panuelo leaves during quarantine President Panuelo patohdahsang Pohnpei nan eh tungoal ansoun quarantine On Sunday, June 5, 2022, the Chairman of the Pohnpei Readiness and Response Commission (PRRC) Norleen Deorio received an official communication from the Acting Secretary of Health, Moses Pretrick, that FSM President, H.E. David W. Panuelo, who was undergoing home quarantine at the time would be leaving for Fiji on the same day for an important

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