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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE On March 7, 2022, the Fishing Vessel (FV) Marielle, an FSM-flagged Caroline Fisheries Corporation (CFC) vessel docked at Dekehtik Harbor, Pohnpei. Marielle had just completed a 16-day transit from Papua New Guinea. The crew of 18 was tested on March 8, 2022, for SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, with negative results. On March 11, 2022, three crew members were allowed to disembark. All three crew members had come to the end of their contract with CFC, were fully vaccinated, and had previously tested negative. On March 18, 2022, CFC requested an additional six local crew members to disembark to visit with families for three days before returning to sea. Before they were allowed to disembark, testing was conducted on the six crewmembers with four showing positive results. No crew members were allowed to disembark. Additional testing was conducted for the entire crew by public health staff revealing one positive case and four historical cases on board the FV Marielle. No other crew members have disembarked from the vessel. The FV Marielle has been moved to the anchorage point. The public is advised to avoid the vessel. Regarding the three crew members who disembarked the vessel on March 11, 2022, two are from Pohnpei and one is from Yap. The Pohnpeian crew members have been tested, with one historical case result and another with a negative test result. The Yapese crewmember departed Pohnpei for Yap and the authorities in Yap have been notified. Contact tracing for the two crew members has already started with their family members and contacts as a precautionary measure. Family members of the Pohnpeian crew members have been tested with negative results. Pohnpei State Outpatient and dispensary clinics will be conducting COVID-19 testing for anyone who presents with cold or flu-like symptoms for approximately one week, as a precautionary measure. The public is advised to remain calm, continue to practice social distancing and sanitary/hygiene measures like hand washing. The public will be updated on any further developments. For inquiries, please call 320-3109 www.pohnpeistate.gov.fm

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GOVERNOR OLIVER SWEARS IN MR. AURELIO JOAB TO POHNPEI PORT AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GOVERNOR OLIVER SWEARS IN MR. AURELIO JOAB TO POHNPEI PORT AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS In a short ceremony at the Governor’s cabinet conference room on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, Governor Oliver administered the oath of administration to Mr. Aurelio Joab as the newest member of the Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) Board of Directors. Mr. Joab was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Mary Joab who held the Bible during the swearing-in ceremony. In his remarks, Governor Oliver noted that Mr. Joab’s appointment completes the selection of the PPA Board of Directors. He thanked Speaker Yamaguchi and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support of his nomination and PPA for their ongoing work, especially during the present COVID-19 pandemic. He underscored the important work of PPA as the responsible agency for entrance into Pohnpei State. in Pohnpei’s transportation and economic sectors. Governor Oliver challenged Mr. Joab and the Board of Directors to review, update or amend current policies and practices as needed to continue the important work of serving the people of Pohnpei. Before presenting Mr. Aurelio with his certificate of appointment, Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi also delivered remarks to thank Governor Oliver for his nomination of Mr. Joab. He congratulated Mr. Joab on behalf of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, noting his previous work and experience as a former State Senator representing the Municipality of U will benefit the Board of Directors and PPA. Mr. Aurelio also delivered remarks to express his gratitude to the Governor, Speaker Yamaguchi, 10th Pohnpei State Legislature including Chairman of the Public Works, Transportation and Communication Committee, Senator Herolynn Movick, PPA Board Chairperson and fellow Board members, and PPA staff. He noted the importance of PPA’s responsibility with regard to transportation and economic development and pledged to collaborate with PPA management, executive, and legislative branches to carry out his duties and responsibilities as a member of the PPA Board of Directors. Also present for the oath of administration was Acting PPA General Manager, Mr. Zorro Donre, PPA Board members: Mr. Joseph Saimon, Mr. Brandon Tara and Ms. MaryAnn Eperiam, Acting PPA Marketing Manager Mr. Coltrick Albert, Facilities, Maintenance, and infrastructure development Manager Mr. Bronson Sam and Executive Secretary Josepha Felix, along with other PPA staff, family and friends of Mr. Aurelio Joab.

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Governor Oliver joins First Lady of Pohnpei to celebrate International Womans Day

Governor Reed B. Oliver joined the First Lady of Pohnpei, Mrs. Estle G. Oliver, to celebrate International Women’s Day under the banner/theme: Break the Bias and Women in Leadership, achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world, at the Kolonia-China Friendship Gymnasium on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. In her welcoming remarks, the First Lady of Pohnpei, Mrs. Estle G. Oliver, acknowledged and welcomed all distinguished guests to the important event. She noted the passing of Public Law 10L-75-22, establishing March 8, Women’s Day, as a legal public holiday in Pohnpei, and recognized the introducers of the bill that became law, Senators Shelten Neth and McGarry Miguel. Other speakers who participated in the event included Mrs. Suwanna Lawrence who gave the keynote address and shared useful and empowering statistics around breaking the bias and women in leadership in Pohnpei. Mrs. Norleen O. Deorio, Chief of Primary Healthcare spoke on behalf of the Director of Health to update all on the current vaccination and COVID-19 response efforts in Pohnpei. Ambassadors H.E. Carmen Cantor and H.E. Joanne Cowley along with U.N. Resident Coordinator Jaap Van Hierden also spoke to congratulate and mark the special occasion with updates from their organization’s gender and social programs. Other speakers of the day included Ms. Monique Poll from the Pohnpei Consumer Organization and IsoNahnken of Nett, T.H. Salvador Iriarte. This year, a pageant was held to choose the International Women’s Day Queen. Contestants from each of the Women’s organizations were chosen to represent and compete for the title of Queen. This year’s International Women’s Day Queen was chosen to be Likend Kelekel Madolenihmw, Mrs. Merleen Martin Hebel. Congratulations Likend Kelekel Madolenihmw! Wasalapalap Isipahu Nahnmwarki of Madolenihmw, IsoNahnken of Nett, and Likend Kelekel Madolenihmw headed the list of honored guests that came out to observe and mark this historic occasion. Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Vice Speaker McGarry Miguel, Senator Ricky Carl, Senator Shelten Neth, and Senator Aisek Artui represented the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature. Kolonia Town Mayor T.H. Betrigo Jacob and the First Lady of Kolonia Rosa Maria Jacob also attended the event. From the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Huang Zheng, Chinese Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), H.E. Carmen Cantor, U.S. Ambassador to FSM, U.N. Resident Coordinator Mr. Jiaap Van Hierden, and H.E. Joanne Cowley, Australian Ambassador to the FSM joined the event.

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Governor Oliver Administered Oath of Administration to Ms. MaryAnn Eperiam

On Wednesday, March 2, 2022, Governor Oliver held the first-ever virtual oath of office administration for a board or commission member in the Pohnpei State Government. Ms. MaryAnn Eperiam was sworn into the Board of Directors for the Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA). She was sworn in from Yap where she is currently on duty-travel for her current position as Program Manager for the North Pacific, Australian Volunteers Program. Joining Governor Oliver in Pohnpei was Acting General Manager of PPA, Mr. Zorro Donre, Chairperson of the PPA Board of Directors, Mrs. Limanman Helgenberger, Seaport Manager Mr. Baron Mendiola, Airport Manager Mr. Ronald Reyes, Acting Marketing Manager, Mr. Coltrick Albert, and family members of Ms. Eperiam. Governor Oliver congratulated Ms. Eperiam on her nomination and members of her family for joining the event. Governor Oliver also noted the medium in which Ms. Eperiam’s swearing-in took place, a first for Pohnpei. He thanked Speaker Yamaguchi and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature and members of the PPA Board of Directors and Administration, for their support of Ms. Eperiam’s nomination and confirmation. Chairperson of the PPA Board of Directors, Mrs. Limanman Helgenberger delivered congratulatory remarks welcoming Ms. Eperiam to the Board of Directors and recognizing Ms. Eperiam’s important work with gender issues. Ms. Eperiam closed the virtual event with gratitude and appreciation to Governor Oliver, 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support.

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Governor Oliver Receives US Ambassador H.E Carmen Cantor

On Friday, March 4, 2022, Governor Oliver welcomed H.E. Carmen Cantor, U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and members of her staff, Defense Attache, U.S. Navy Commander Thomas Price, and Political Officer Roger Chuang to Peilapalap, Kolonia. During their discussions, Ambassador Cantor congratulated Governor Oliver on the recent signing of legislation to make March 8, a public holiday to mark and observe International Women’s Day. They also spoke briefly on repatriation activities and about vaccination levels in Pohnpei, with Ambassador Cantor inviting Governor Oliver to their next vaccination campaign on March 18, 2022, at the U.S. Embassy parking lot. Governor Oliver thanked Ambassador Cantor and the U.S. Government for their continuing support and assistance and invited her to the Governor’s State of the State message, on Thursday, April 10, 2022, at the Pohnpei State Legislature chamber. Joining Governor Oliver to welcome Ambassador Cantor was Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, Public Affairs Officer Peteriko Hairens, Public Information Officer Patrick Pedrus, and WD&ST Trainee Shane Celestine. Vaccination levels for Pohnpei can be found here: https://sites.google.com/…/moderna-vaccine-administration

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Congratulations to Senator Shelten Neth, APIL President.

On Monday, March 7, 2022, Governor Oliver attended the 57th day of the seventh regular session of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature to mark the swearing-in of Senator Shelten Neth as the President of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL) The short ceremony was streamed LIVE online. Floor Leader Hudson Abraham was the Master of Ceremonies. Senator Mitaro Simina, also a member of the APIL opened the ceremony with a prayer of gratitude and blessing. Senator Ricky Carl delivered welcoming remarks. He welcomed Wasalapalap Isipahu, Nahnmwarki of Madolenihmw, Governor Oliver, Acting Chief Justice Nickontro Johnny, and all the honored guests, including the family of Senator Shelten to this very important event. After being sworn in by Acting Chief Justice Nickontro Johnny, with his wife Mrs. Evelynn Neth holding their family Bible, Senator Neth expressed his extreme appreciation and gratitude for the honor to serve as the President of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures. Speaker Yamaguchi congratulated Senator Neth on this important position and chose Vice Speaker McGarry Miguel to fill in the vacant spot that was created when Senator Neth became President for APIL. He explained that each Legislative body in the APIL provides two members. The other member from Pohnpei is Senator Simina. Congratulations to Senator Shelten Neth, APIL President. The APIL is a regional organization committed to working together on matters of mutual concern and interest. The APIL, formed in 1981, is comprised of legislative representatives from 12 island governments: American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Island of Guam, FSM State of Chuuk, FSM State of Kosrae, FSM State of Pohnpei, FSM State of Yap, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, The state of Hawaii, Republic of Nauru, Republic of Kiribati According to their website, the APIL meets regularly to consider matters in areas where regional cooperation, coordination, exchange, and assistance may help governments achieve their goals through collective action. More information on APIL can be found at their website: https://www.apilpacific.com/index.htm

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Mr. Iehsi’s speech after conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun

Statement by Honorable Ieske K. Iehsi, Former FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs, on the The occasion of the Bestowal of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun upon him, at the Embassy of Japan, February 25, 2022.   In keeping with the traditional customs of our respective nations, please permit me to preface my statement by paying my OJIGI to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and my customary respects to the Traditional Chiefs of Pohnpei and the FSM.   Your Excellency MICHIGAMI, Hisashi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, Governor Oliver, President Haglelgam, Deputy Secretary Cantero, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.   I cannot begin to say how surreal an experience this is … a son of Micronesia was just being honored by a personal representative of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan–this is recognition beyond comprehension.   And for those of us who have Japanese ancestry – and are profoundly grateful for it – this is a particularly poignant moment. For me personally, I feel like the spirits of my MASAOKA family ancestors are at this very moment standing elatedly at attention, just as I am today. I am deeply grateful to His Majesty the Emperor and the Government of Japan for gracing me with this highest honor for a foreigner.   This Imperial honor makes the point that our two peoples have much in common.  We are both island peoples – we look to the sea for our sustenance, and for our future.  We both understand, cherish, practice and live the importance of tradition and ceremony.  We both place value on an individual’s honor and integrity. We understand that honor and integrity are truly a man or woman’s bond.  And we both are peoples with long memories. We do not forget who are our friends, even with the passage of time.   I have had the honor of serving my country in a number of leadership roles from the earliest days of independence. And whether it has been as an assistant and advisor to the president, or as foreign secretary, or in the private sector in recent years, it has always been with the knowledge that Japan is, one of our oldest, closest and truest friends.   Thus, it has been a natural instinct to look for ways to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two countries and peoples. In the process, kizuna or the relationships that bring our two nations together, cannot help but grow stronger.   Technically, we have had a formal diplomatic relationship since August 5, 1988. That was when we established formal ties. And it is a date I remember well, having served as Chief of Staff at the time to President John Haglelgam. In that position, I worked closely with the FSM Foreign Affairs Department to establish our government-to-government relationship.   I also made a modest contribution to our bilateral relations when I served as Vice Chairman of the Micronesian Maritime Authority (MMA) from 1988-1991. That was the organization that negotiated fisheries cooperative agreements with the Japanese fishing industry, and the predecessor of now NORMA. I believe both our countries mutually benefitted immensely from the implementation of a balanced approach to harvesting as well as conservation of our tuna fish resources in our waters. On this note, I must mention my appreciation in absentia, to my late Chairman of MMA who later became FSM Supreme Court Chief Justice, The Honorable Andon Amaraich, who led our FSM negotiating team and often successfully concluded our negotiations to the satisfaction of both sides, through a combination of his good personal attributes and finessed negotiation skills.   There were many other highlights. But I would rather focus on how both of our countries are better for strengthening our relations in so many ways to find common ground., I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge a Micronesian colleague who was the first citizen from our nation to be honored by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. He is, Ambassador Kasio Mida, who headed our diplomatic mission in Tokyo. We have been friends and colleagues since independence, and I can think of no person who better exemplifies the values of kizuna than Ambassador Mida.   I also offer my heartiest gratitude to five of our former Presidents – Nakayama, Haglelgam, Olter, Nena, and Falcam – for asking me to serve in their administrations for a total of 24 years. I gratefully share this honor with my family. It has been because of their support and infinite patience that I have been able to do the things that have led to this moment. I thank them and thank everyone here today for your unwavering friendship and support.   Finally, to mark this historic occasion, I present this memento to you Ambassador MICHIGAMI. This handcrafted souvenir will serve as a permanent reminder, of our mutually strong and growing relations between Japan and the Federated States of Micronesia. Domo arigato gozaimasu.   Thank you very much, Kalahngan en kupwur koaruhsie oh Kaselehlie!

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Student Takeover Day 2022

Kalahngan to Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) for their participation in this year’s Student Takeover Day with four positions: Acting PPA General Manager – Isabella Sipos, Acting Marketing Manager – Jeffrin Saul, Airport Manager – Marmayon Santiago, and Seaport Manager – Jade Dawn Holiday. #studenttakeoverday2022 #Enginkehlap

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Mr. Iehske Iehsi was bestowed with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from the Emperor and Government of Japan.

On Friday, February 25, 2022, Governor Oliver joined former President John Haglelgam, H.E. Hisashi Michigami Japanese Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Deputy Secretary of FSM Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ricky Cantero, former FSM Ambassador to Japan, Kasio Mida and friends and family of Mr. Iehske Iehsi to honor him as he was bestowed with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from the Emperor and Government of Japan. Mr. Iehsi received this prestigious honor because of his many contributions to the strengthening of relations between Japan and the FSM. The decoration is awarded to individuals who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, this honor is one of the highest orders bestowed by the Japanese government. Mr. Iehsi is only the second citizen of the FSM, and first from Pohnpei, to be honored by the Emperor and Government of Japan for services to promote good relations with Japan. Ambassador Kasio Mida was bestowed with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2019.

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Joint Leadership Meeting

Governor Oliver welcomed participants and members of the public to the Joint Leadership Meeting between Executive and Legislative branches of Pohnpei State Government and 4th FSM Constitutional Convention (ConCon) Delegates at the Pohnpei State Gymnasium on Monday, February 28, 2022. The event was streamed LIVE, and available for viewing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tup4gfIHPlg Pohnpei Delegation chair IsoNahnken of Nett Hon. Salvador Iriarte was joined by delegates Ricky Cantero, Dendy Liwy, Mason Albert, Berney Martin, and Secretariat Kapilly Capelle. They updated Pohnpei State leadership on the progress of the Constitutional Convention. Two proposed amendments have been approved and will now require the citizens of the FSM to decide in a national public referendum. The two approved amendments are: 1. Threshold (3/4 to 2/3) – Amending the required number of votes to approve an amendment to the Constitution from 3/4 of the votes cast in 3/4 of the states to 2/3 of the votes cast in 3/4 of the states. 2. Dual Citizenship Still pending: 1. Allottee of public funds shall be the executive branch (President, Governors) 2. FSM Laws that provide land ownership should be nullified 3. Limit annual aggregate salary and allowance for congress members, other purposes 4. Creation of an office of independent prosecutor 5. Direct election of President and Vice President 6. Not less than 40% of all revenues collected from fishing fees to be shared with the states A question and answer session was provided after the general overview by delegation members. Wasalapalap Isipahu Nahnmarki of Madolenihmw, Likend Kelekel, Vice Speaker of FSM Congress, Hon. Esmond Moses, Pohnpei State Senator Ricky Carl, who was MC of the event, Pohnpei State Senator Jayson, and Senator Jack Harris also joined the meeting. Vice Speaker of the Pohnpei State Legislature, Hon. McGarry Miguel delivered the closing remarks. For more information on the 4th FSM ConCon, please visit their webpage at: https://constitution.gov.fm/ YOUTUBE.COM Pohnpei Leadership Meeting with Pohnpei Delegation to 4th FSM Constitutional Convention_02282022

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Kalangahn to the SDA High School Debate Team

Kalahngan to the SDA High School Debate Team. Vice Principal and Advisor, Leighton Edward and six members of the team, visited Governor Oliver on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, to ask questions relating to this year’s Law Day debate theme: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia shall enact legislation establishing a minimum wage for the FSM. The students asked questions relating to the current minimum wage in Pohnpei and any future plans on raising the wage in preparation for their upcoming debate. Governor Oliver and Ms. Shirley-Ann Ligohr, who heads Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and secretariat for the Economic Planning Commission (EPC), advised the students that formal communications have been submitted to the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature requesting an increase to the minimum wage from $1.75 to $2.00. Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Edward and the students for their visit and their continued quest for knowledge, he congratulated the previous SDA team for winning last year’s debate and encouraged this year’s team to do their best. The first debate is scheduled for April 5, 2022, with the next debate scheduled for April 21, 2022. The team members who accompanied Mr. Edward to the Governor’s Office: Sharlynn Sakios Sophia Bacalando Sean Ruepong Noah Hadley Caitlin Nanpei

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The 2nd Annual Student Takeover Day

The 2nd annual Student Takeover Day successfully concluded at the PICS gymnasium on Wednesday, February 24, 2022, with a ceremony to recognize the student leaders and employers. This year also saw more student participation including special remarks at the closing ceremony by Student Governor, the Honorable Ian Perman, student reflections by July-O Saimon, Prinet Richard, Isabella Sipos, JD Nelper, Jade Dawn Holiday, Kachaena Tolenoa, and Kathleen Dacanay, and closing remarks by the Student Director of the Department of Education, Ja’cy Wes Lukan. In his closing remarks, Student Governor Perman said it was his honor to speak on behalf of Governor Oliver and conveyed gratitude and appreciation to the Department of Education for arranging the Student Takeover Day. He said the future of our country depends on the youth and this Student Takeover Day has helped to inspire, motivate and encourage the youth to be the best they can be. He closed by saying that he believed like him, most of the students that participated in this year’s Student Takeover Day will take the experiences they had to help them decide on a career path. Congratulations to all the students and employers who participated in the 2nd annual student takeover day.

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Congratulations Pohnpei Women’s Council and all who supported this important undertaking!

On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, Governor Oliver signed L.B. No. 02-20 into State Law 10L-75-22, amending 1 PC 7-101 of the Pohnpei Code by creating a new Holiday to be known as “International Women’s Day” in recognition of Women’s Day celebrated throughout the world on March 8. Joining Governor Oliver to witness this historic occasion from the Pohnpei Women’s Council, President: Mrs. Emy Musrasrik-Carl, Vice President, Maria Donre, Secretary – Bernolina Hedson, Treasurer – Judy Shoniber Perman Mauricio, and from the Women’s Program Coordinator from the Division of Social Services, Ms. Katsandra Shed. Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, Public Affairs Officer, Peteriko Hairens, and Mrs. Elsy Santos, Legislative Liaison from the Governor’s Office were also present. Congratulations Pohnpei Women’s Council and all who supported this important undertaking!

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Student Takeover Day 2022

STUDENT TAKEOVER DAY 2022 Governor Oliver welcomed students, Mr. Ian Perman from Calvary Christian Academy and Ms. Destiny Rose Gallen from Pohnpei Adventist High School to the Governor’s Office along with Department of Education personnel, Mr. Benjie Phillip, and Mr. Remenster Johnna on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. The students are participating in the upcoming Student Takeover Day, on February 23, 2022, and stopped by for an orientation to what will be their offices for a day. Mr. Perman is the student Governor and Ms. Gallen is the student Lt. Governor. This is the second year for Student Takeover Day. Employers from the State, National, and Non-Governmental Organizations will allow High School Seniors from public and private schools across Pohnpei to takeover, participate and experience what it is like to be in the workforce. Thank you to the following offices and organizations for their support and participation: FSM Telecommunications Corporation Department of Land Department of Treasury and Finance Pohnpei Port Authority Office of Public Auditor Pohnpei Housing Authority Environmental Protection Agency Budget Office Pohnpei FSM Social Security branch FSM Development Bank Department of Public Safety Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation (V6AH) Department of Health and Social Affairs National Oceanic Resources Management Authority (NORMA) Micronesian Conservation Trust Weather Station Department of Education Division of Tourism, Department of Resources and Development Micronesian Legal Services Corporation Pohnpei Transportation Authority Ohmine Elementary School Kolonia Elementary School Pohnpei Community Health Center Dispensary UNICEF Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Pohnpei Sports Development Office

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Governor Oliver attends Palikir Elementary School project turn-over from the Embassy of Japan

On Thursday, February 10, 2022, Governor Oliver joined the Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, at Palikir Elementary School for the official handover of the Japan-funded Project for Palikir School facilities. The project renovated three restrooms with over 15 toilets, 14 handwashing sinks, and draining ditch covers. Additionally covered walkways to the restrooms were also constructed. The project was funded through grant aid from the people and Government of Japan as a token of friendship and cooperation. Welcoming remarks were provided by Mr. Kasner Aldens, Palikir Elementary School PTA President. Opening prayer was provided by Deacon Mike Ioanis. H.E. Hisashi Michigami, Japanese Ambassador to the FSM, officially declared the project complete and presented a key to Governor Oliver, who then presented the key to Director Etse, Director of the Department of Education. Ambassador Michigami stated that it was an honor to help with the education of Pohnpei’s children. He spoke of Japanese culture and tradition to do your best regardless of who is watching and to respect ancestors, seniors, teachers, and traditional skills. In his remarks, Governor Oliver conveyed his deep appreciation to the people and Government of Japan for the renovated bathrooms, toilets, sinks and constructed walkways. He translated the Ambassador’s speech to the Palikir Elementary school students to explain the similarities in our cultures which include respect for our elders, and to take ownership of the contributions generously donated to the school, at all times, encouraging the students to take care of these important and generous contributions to their school. He thanked the Pohnpei State Legislature and the Department of Education for their assistance to bring forth these generous contributions to the people of Pohnpei. Also present during the handover ceremony: Principal: Francisco Ifamlik Education Committee Chair: Senator Kasinda Ludwig, Vice-Chair: Senator Mitaro Simina, and Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle

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