Kalahngan lap to U.S. Embassy Kolonia Chargé d’affaires Alissa Bibb, Defense Attaché’ Commander Thomas Price, and the U.S. Navy Seabee team under the command of USAF Capt. Randall Draeger.   Governor Oliver hosted the U.S. Embassy and Seabees team for a Christmas Dinner at the Governor’s residence, Fort Richie, in Nan Pohn Mal, Nett. In his welcoming remarks, Governor Oliver acknowledged the strong bonds of cooperation and friendship between the U.S. Embassy and the Pohnpei State Government through the FSM National Government. He expressed his gratitude to the Seabees and the U.S. Embassy staff, who are all away from their homes during the holiday season, for their sacrifice, hard work and support of the Pohnpei State Government and people.   Governor Oliver also acknowledged the Director of the Department of Public Safety, Patrick Carl, Acting Director of Health Services, Dr. Nora Liwy, and Dr Kabe Vakadem for their hard work and dedication during an eventful year that included a COVID-19 outbreak.   Chargé d’affaires Alicia Bibb also delivered short remarks to thank Governor Oliver for his hospitality on behalf of the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Navy Seabee team. Capt. Draeger presented a command challenge coin to Governor Oliver on behalf of the Seabees team and thanked the Governor for inviting him and his team to a memorable Christmas Dinner.

Governor Oliver stopped by the Pohnpei State Special Education Center to visit students and wish them a Merry Christmas. During his visit, Governor Oliver addressed the students, teachers and family members present. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the programs that seek to support and encourage students with disabilities, praising their efforts and wishing them all a Merry Christmas. Gift bags were distributed to the students along with snacks for the students.     Also present during the visit were Mr. Nathaniel Lohn and Ms. Lola Helgenberger from the FSM Department of Health’s Social Affairs division. Mr. Lohn and Ms. Helgenberger presented gift certificates worth $100 redeemable at Ace Office Supplies, on behalf of the Secretary of the FSM Department of Health, Mr. Marcus Samo.     Mr. Jesse Solomon, Special Education Coordinator, ended the short program thanking the Governor, his staff, Mr. Lohn and Ms. Helgenberger for their support of Pohnpei Special Education Services.

PDF File with details of Election results can be found below:   Certification of Special Election Results December 21 2022

Governor Reed B. Oliver joined Director of the Department of Education, Stanley Etse, staff of DOE, a panel of judges and families for the 2nd annual Christmas Song Contest at the Pohnpei (PICS) Gymnasium on November 30, 2022.   In his remarks, Governor Oliver spoke of the importance of music and how every culture and society has some form of music. He explained that music brings people together, and when words are not enough, sometimes music can convey the feeling words are unable to express. Governor Oliver also spoke of the benefits of music to help one memorize, build confidence, and preserve our culture, history and language through music. He expressed gratitude to Director Etse and the Department of Education for their hard work putting the Christmas Song contest together for the second year in a year. Governor Oliver closed by saying that one day one of the singers in the competition could end up being a famous singer, and for all to remember this day well and how the music made them and others feel.   13 public and private elementary schools competed this year. The theme for this year’s contest was “Christmas Lullaby”. The teams were judged according to pitch, memory, stage presence, creativity and attire. Instruments were also used and many of the teams added some creative dance moves to their performances.     The panel of judges included: Mr. Santos Abraham from the Division of Social Services, Ms Meryda Inos, Chief of Personnel, Labor and Manpower Development, Mr. Denson David, Speaker of Madolenihmw Legislative Council and Mr. Kennedy Nedlec, Chief Justice of the Sokehs Municipal Government.   The Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Jerome Silbanuz from the Department of Education and both Director Stanley Etse, Director of the Department of Education and Mr. Peter Ramirez, Chief of Elementary Education delivered remarks.   Here are the teams that participated along with their standing: Wone Elementary School Pohnpei Catholic Elementary School Tie – Sapwalap Elementary School and Ohmine Elementary School Nanpei Memorial Elementary School Rohi Elementary School Temwen Elementary School Awak Elementary School Nett Elementary School Lukop Elementary School Pohnlangas Elementary School Palikir Elementary School The entire competition was captured on video and can be viewed on the Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corportion’s Youtube channel:  https://youtu.be/8pzZGe5HerQ

KOLONIA, POHNPEI – After a parade from the Spanish Wall, signaling the end of Public Safety week, First Lady of Pohnpei, Mrs. Estle G. Oliver assisted by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires Alissa Bibb, Mrs. Jaap Van Hierden, wife of the UN Resident Coordinator and Ms. Inomata Maho, Researcher/Adviser for the Japan Embassy, lit up the 2022 Pohnpei State Christmas Tree.     Youth groups, Government organizations, Non-Government organizations and community groups marched from the Spanish Wall under the theme of “Resilient to Cyber Crime through Education” to raise awareness of Cyber crimes.  After reaching the Governor’s Office, a short program was held before the lowering of the Pohnpei State flag and the lighting of the Christmas Tree. In his remarks, Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, related the history of the Department of Public Safety (DPS), separating from the Department of Justice in October of 1999 and eventually having four divisions (Police & Security, Fire & Rescue, Corrections and Rehabilitations and Fish and Wildlife) under DPS.  He gave an overview of the week’s events, explaining the importance of awareness efforts to prevent cyber crime.  He noted that anyone with a device is prone to committing or being a victim of cyber crimes, and that one of the unfortunate crimes is identity theft.  He wanted the public and especially the youth and parents to be aware of the dangers of cyber crimes. Special awards were also given to winners of the health and wellness event that was part of Public Safety week and a special lifesaving award was presented to Firefighter Mike Lucas for actions performed while off duty that resulted in saving the life of a child.   Governor Oliver echoed and acknowledged the need to raise awareness of cyber crimes.  He praised the efforts of Director Carl and the Department of Public Safety.  He noted that with technology advances, it is important to be careful online.  He shared the three virtues of respect, responsibility and honesty that can also be applied when online as well.  Governor Oliver also acknowledged the presence of the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Jaap Van Hierden, US Embassy Charge’ d’Affaires Alissa Bibb and Ms. Inomata Maho, Researcher/Adviser for the Japan Embassy.  He thanked everyone who helped with the Christmas Tree: PUC, PTA and Mr. Strickson Anson from the Facilities/Maintenance crew of the Office of the Governor.  Governor Oliver closed his remarks recognizing the participants and winners of the Christmas Tree contest, whose Christmas trees were also part of the Christmas Lighting Ceremony. Thank to all who supported and participated in this year’s Public Safety Week and Christmas Tree Lighting. Donors & Sponsors: FSM Congress Vice Speaker Esmond Moses Congressman Dion G. Neth Department of Education Pohnpei Transportation Authority Pohnpei Utilities Corporation Pohnpei Broadcasting Corporation Mr. Strickson Anson Ace Hardware Black Sand Store Genesis Hospital Pohnpei Hardware Pohnpei Arts & Craft Micro Printer Pohnpei Service Station Best Buy Island Security Agency Isamu Nakasone Store MCS Pohnpei Leo Etscheit Foundation SDA High School Seniors Kolonia Town Government Parade Participants 2022 Madolenihmw Junior Police 2022 Sokehs Junior Police 2022 Nett Junior Police Ohmine Elementary School Pohnpei Catholic School Our Lady of Mercy High School College of Micronesia Pohnpei Port Authority MCS Pohnpei US Veterans of Pohnpei Association Pohnpei Public Auditors Office Sokehs Community Youth Association Pohnpei Broadcasting Corporation Nanpei Memorial High School PICS High School FSM National Police Sokehs Municipal Police U Municipal Police Kitti Municipal Police Kolonia Town Police Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety        

The UNICEF Pacific Representative, Mr. John Veitch, paid a courtesy call on Governor Oliver at the Governor’s office.   Mr. Veitch provided brief updates on UNICEF operations, explaining that a new country program for the Federated States of Micronesia is waiting to be approved.  He congratulated Governor Oliver and Pohnpei State for their COVID-19 response efforts, saying that immunizations played a major role in Pohnpei’s response.  He noted school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have affected learning outcomes for students, highlighting the benefits of Early Childhood Education (ECE) to help with adjustment of learning outcomes.  Mr. Veitch also spoke of the WASH – Water Sanitation and Hygiene program in public schools that helps provide safe drinking water, constructs water treatment tanks and toilets. He thanked Governor Oliver for hosting the UNICEF office in Pohnpei.     Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Veitch for his updates noting that the points he mentioned are in line with Pohnpei State priorities.  Governor Oliver said he is looking forward to continuing working with the UNICEF office, noting the good work that UNICEF Chief, Cromwell Bacareza, has done in Pohnpei raising awareness for WASH activities in public schools and helping the Pohnpei State Department of Health with COVID-19 response efforts.   Joining Mr. Veitch, was Mr. Cromwell Bacareza, Mr. Pius Attandoh, Dr. Farrah Seid, Dechen Zam and Marson Rosario. Joining Governor Oliver was Norleen Deorio, Chief of Public Health, Petetriko Hairens, Public Affairs Officer, Acting Director of Education, Mr. Pressler Martine, Francisco Celestine, Executive Officer of the Pohnpei State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Shirley Ligohr, Overseas Development Assistance Coordinator and Emerson Eperiam, Protocol Officer.     Mr. Jonathan Veitch, a citizen of the United Kingdom, was appointed to the position of UNICEF Pacific Representative in August 2021 and is based in Suva, Fiji. As the UNICEF Pacific Representative, he oversees UNICEF’s programs and operations in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Kalahngan to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) Elder Bill Davis, his wife Sister Wanda Davis, Elder John McCune and his wife Sister Debra McCune who came from Guam and Pohnpei Stake President William Rodriguez for their visit to Governor Oliver.   Governor Oliver thanked Elder Davis and McCune for the many contributions that the LDS Church has made to Pohnpei for many years.  He noted their donations of wheelchairs to the hospital, computers to schools and the postivie impact the LDS church has made in the lives of many Pohnpeian families.     Elder Davis and Elder McCune thanked Governor Oliver for his warm welcome.  Elder Davis noted that he has been visiting Pohnpei since 1986 and loves Pohnpei and her people.  They shared their activities in Pohnpei including an earlier visit to the Pohnpei Veterans Association where they donated a computer and printer, and also visits to PICS High School, a Women’s Disability group and Ohwa Christian Academy.  They also shared their continuing mission to help others inspired by the great commandment to love God and love thy neighbor as thy self.   Elder McCUne explained that the LDS church has over 17 million members worldwide and have provided over 100 million dollars worth of humanitarian aid across the world to not just members of their church but all in need.  Both Governor Oliver and the Elders discussed the benefit of providing long term benefits to help people be self reliant with dignity and respect, with Governor Oliver remarking that it is better to teach a man how to fish instead of giving him fish everyday. Governor Oliver thanked the Elders, their wives and Stake President Rodriguez again for their visit and support, including spiritual support offered to many Pohnpeian families.  

Kalahngan to the FSM Secretary of Education, Hon. Gardenia Aisek for her visit to Governor Oliver to seek support of and share the FSM Skills and Employability Enhancement Project, which aims to increase vocational and technical skills opportunities in Pohnpei and across the FSM. Joining Secretary Aisek was Education Advisor, Dr. Natalie Nimer and Career and Technical Education Coordinator, Ms. Rachel Salomon.     The project will be the first time the National Department of Education will work with the World Bank, who will be funding this human development project.     Dr. Natalie Nimer shared the background of this project which started at the 2018 Micronesian Presidents summit and later endorsed at the 2019 State and National Leadership Conference (SNLC).  The project will focus on 12th grade students, offering an intensive one year apprenticeship in areas like carpentry, electrical, IT/Computers, Culinary, Hospitality and book keeping.  The proposed location will be in a section of the former PATS High School in Madolenihmw.     Governor Oliver was very pleased to receive Secretary Aisek and her colleagues and was very happy to hear and support the project plans to increase vocational and technical skills for Pohnpeians and all youth in the FSM.

On Friday, November 4, 2022, Governor Oliver delivered welcoming remarks at the 2022 Joint Economic Management Committee (JEMCO) Meeting at Cantero Hall.  JEMCO Vice Chairman, Lorin Robert, introduced the Governor after U.S. Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs, Carmen Cantor, delivered opening remarks as the Chairwoman for JEMCO.       In his short remarks, Governor Oliver welcomed A/S Cantor and the JEMCO delegation from the U.S. and FSM. He welcomed and recognized the heads of the State delegations, Governor Narruhn from Chuuk, Lt. Governor Arthy Nena from Kosrae and Yap Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Francis Itimai.       He noted that as the last JEMCO meeting under the amended compact, it was fitting to be held in Pohnpei where the first JEMCO meeting was held in August 2003.  He highlighted JEMCO’s work to strengthen the management and accountability of economic assistance provided under the amended compact, noting that more can be done to continue doing this.  Governor Oliver expressed gratitude and appreciation for the longstanding bonds of friendship, cooperation and trust between the USA and each state in the FSM.     Presentations highlighting the Education, Health and Infrastructure sectors were given to the JEMCO members.  A presentation on Audits was also presented by FSM Public Auditor, Mr. Haser Hainrick.     At the conclusion of the meeting a resolution was shared that approved, among other things, the funding for the construction of the Pohnpei Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, Governor Oliver, Speaker Yamaguchi, and the Department of Education Acting Director, Mr. Pressler Martin hosted the PICS High School Robotics team and parents to a dinner reception held at South Park restaurant.  Also present were leaders of the Student Body Association from each public High School in Pohnpei, as well as the Principal of PICS High School and personnel from the Department of Education.   The PICS High School Robotics team recently returned from Geneva, Switzerland where they represented Pohnpei and the Federated States of Micronesia at the First Global Robotics Challenge, grabbing first place for small countries. Acting Director of Education, Pressler Martin noted that the aim of the challenge was to bring together teams from across the world in an Olympics-style robotics competition to work together and address climate change issues.     In his special remarks, the Governor congratulated and praised the Robotics team and their parents.  He expressed his deep pride and gratitude for their achievements in Geneva, which included building a new robot in under one day because the robot they brought from Pohnpei went missing during transit. He reminded them once again of the advice he gave them before they departed for Geneva, to use their skills in robotics to address the challenges we as Pohnpeians face in everyday life. He encouraged them to continue to learn more and more as they move forward in high school, college, and beyond.   Speaker Yamaguchi also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the team and parents for their representation of Pohnpei on the global stage.  He shared a quote by the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” comparing their steps as a team to Switzerland as a giant leap for all of Pohnpei.   Vice Speaker McGarry Miguel had the honor to deliver the last remarks of the night to congratulate and convey deep appreciation to the students and the parents of the students.  He praised the parents, noting the challenges of raising children and seeing them off to a faraway destination for the first time.  He announced a drone program that will be introduced to Pohnpei and wanted the Robotics team to be a part of this program that will look to enhance Pohnpei’s transportation and search and rescue capabilities.     Congratulations again to the PICS High School Robotics team for representing not only Pohnpei but the Federated States of Micronesia on the global stage in Geneva, Switzerland.  Each student was presented with a Samsung Tab A tablet. PICS High School Robotics team that went to Geneva was compromised of Mrs. Tekaeto Diopolous, Coach/Advisor, Mrs. Darla Ladore, Education Specialist, and PICS High School Seniors: Chennelle Cantero, Eberhard Salons, J.C. Curley, Einstein Halbert and Norman Pedrus.

On behalf of the government and people of Pohnpei, Governor Oliver delivered special remarks in honor of the late Hon Adelino Edmund.  In his speech, he noted the years of service and capacities that the late Hon Adelino Edmund served Nett and Pohnpei as a teacher, principal, legislator at the municipal level, Nett District Administrator, and a Senator in the Pohnpei State Legislature representing Nett Municipality.  He conveyed deep condolences and respect to the wife and family of the late Hon Adelino Edmund.    Following Governor Oliver’s remarks, Ms. Jenny Santos from the Governor’s Office read out an Executive Proclamation declaring a period of mourning in the State of Pohnpei due to the untimely passing of the late Hon. Adelino Edmund.  State flags were flown at half mast for a period of five days in honor of the late Senator.   Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi also delivered remarks on behalf of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature to convey condolences and respect to the family of the late Hon. Adelino Edmund, presenting a legislative resolution honoring the late Senator to the wife of the late Hon Adelino Edmund. Vice Speaker, McGarry Miguel delivered a moving eulogy, sharing the honorable life and character of the late Hon Adelino Edmund.       The brother of the late Hon Adelino Edmund, Mr. Hermis Edmund, delivered words of gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the wife and family of the late Senator.     Rest in Peace.     The state funeral can be viewed in full online: https://youtu.be/2aS_Jcw2mgA  

Governor Oliver was the keynote speaker at World Coconut Day 2022, held at the Kolonia-China Friendship Gym, on Friday, October 21, 2022.     During his keynote speech, Governor Oliver spoke of the history of coconut development in the Federated States of Micronesia, including FSM Public Law 18-68, signed by President Emmanuel Mori, which dissolved the FSM Coconut Development Authority and entrusted the responsibility of coconut development in the country with the FSM Petroleum Corporation.     He spoke of the importance of the coconut to Pohnpeians, and how the entire tree can be used for food, medicine, oil, soap, and many useful things. He also took part in an awards presentation for farmers in Pohnpei who have formalized their partnership with Vital as coconut suppliers under the Participant Guarantee System (PGS) model.     Governor Oliver joined FSM Secretary of Resources of Development, Elina Akinaga, and Speaker of Madolenihmw Council, Mr. Denson David to deliver remarks.  U.S. Charge d’affaires Alissa Bibb and Australian Charge d’affaires Matthew Holoway were also present to hand out awards to the farmers and PGS farming groups.     Governor Oliver closed the opening ceremony with a toast to the coconut and World Coconut Day 2022, opening the market area adjacent to the gym that had vendors selling coconuts and coconut-based products.     To view Vital/FSM Petrocorp’s line of coconut products, please visit their website: https://www.vitalenergy.fm/islanesia/   To view more pictures, please visit our Facebook page, and click below:  

Welcome back to the PICS High School Robotics team from Pohnpei, representing the Federated States of Micronesia at the First Global Robotics Challenge in Geneva, Switzerland!     Governor Oliver joined Senator Jack Harris, Senator Mitaro Simina, Senator Jayson Walter, Senator Kikuo Apis Jr., Senator Steven Joseph, and the Acting Director of Education Pressler Martin, along with families, friends, and students of the PICS High School team to welcome them home on the afternoon of October 19, 2022.     Before the students deplaned, they were greeted and afforded a rare honor by the Pohnpei Port Authority, Aircraft Rescue, and Firefighting Trucks with a water salute.     Governor Oliver met the students and advisors in the VIP room at the airport to personally congratulate and thank them for their achievements on behalf of the Speaker, Legislature, government, and people of Pohnpei.  Advisor Tekaeto Diopolous and Darla Ladore told Governor Oliver of the many challenges that the students faced and overcame, including losing their robot built in Pohnpei and having to build a new robot in less than a day that was qualified for the competition.  Acting Director Martin advised Governor that the PICS High School placed first among small countries in the competition.     In his remarks, Governor Oliver said “You represented not only FSM but Pohnpei, specifically.  We thank you for representing us and representing us very well.  We are very, very proud of you.” He was happy to hear that one of the things they learned during this global competition beyond robotics, was unity, cooperation, and working together for a common goal.  He reminded them of the advice he gave them on their first visit to the Governor’s Office before they departed for Switzerland, to continue to use their knowledge and skills in robotics to tackle challenging issues at home.     The students were honored by a Pohnpei State Police escort back to PICS High School followed by family and friends.     Congratulations! PICS High School Robotics Team! Teacher/Advisor: Tekaeto Diopolous Education Specialist: Darla Ladore Students: Chennelle Cantero, Eberhard Salons, Einstein Halbert, J.C. Curley and Norman Pedrus

On Friday, October 14, 2022, Governor Oliver joined H.E. David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), T.H. Esmond Moses, Vice Speaker of the 22nd FSM Congress, T.H. Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature and his Royal Highness, IsoNahnken of Nett, Salvador Iriarte to open the new medical wing of the Pohnpei State Hospital.     Funded by the FSM National Government and the Asian Development Bank, the new medical wing, increases the 91-bed capacity of the Pohnpei State Hospital with an additional 16 beds.  The new private rooms are air-conditioned, comfortable, and spacious, with their own bathrooms, and furnished with couches, mini refrigerators, and flat-screen televisions. Each room is also connected to the Hospital’s electronic medical records system, there is a Nurse’s station, and the medical wing has its own backup generator.     In his welcoming remarks on behalf of the people and government of Pohnpei, Governor Oliver conveyed his gratitude to the traditional leadership of Nett for the use of the land, he thanked President Panuelo and the FSM Congress for their support to fund this project, which also came from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).  Governor Oliver thanked the Speaker and members of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support, also to Director Wincener David and the staff of the Pohnpei State Hospital.  He also expressed gratitude to the contractor, Black Sand Construction, for constructing such a beautiful structure.  Governor Oliver concluded his remarks by explaining that while these are private rooms, they are not for one group of people over another.  They are not just for Pohnpei or FSM residents, but for everyone who requires medical treatment and hospitalization at Pohnpei State Hospital.     The “key” to the new hospital wing, was turned over to Governor Oliver by President Panuelo.  Governor Oliver turned over the key to the Director of Health Services, Wincener David.       Both H.E. David W. Panuelo and His Royal Highness, IsoNahnken of Nett delivered remarks and the First Lady of FSM and Pohnpei cut the ribbon to officially open the new hospital wing    

On October 12, 2022, Governor Reed B. Oliver attended the opening ceremony for the 39th General Assembly of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL) at the Pohnpei State Legislature chamber. On behalf of the people and government of Pohnpei, Governor Oliver welcomed the APIL delegation to Pohnpei. He highlighted the importance of leaders gathering from every level of society to advocate continuously on behalf of their people, “to promote and progress the health of our people.” Governor Oliver noted the theme for this year’s General Assembly, “Health is wealth, social and economic well-being of our APIL Pacific community” is a fitting reminder of the reality of our times, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, challenging us to prioritize what matters most and reminding us that our most important resource is our people. He noted that a wise man once said that the first wealth is health and in today’s world, health is not always the priority but hoped that the APIL’s well-thought-out theme will be a guide to productive engagement and a successful general assembly. Also in attendance, delivering remarks were the Honorable Marvin T. Yamaguchi, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature, and H.E. David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia. The 39th General Assembly was held from October 12 – October 14, 2022, and included delegations from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the State of Chuuk, the State of Yap, the State of Pohnpei, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Territory of Guam as well as the Pacific Island Development Bank (PIDB). After the opening ceremony, Governor Oliver joined PIDB CEO/President Lindsay Timarong and APIL delegates for a luncheon at Mangrove Bay, hosted by PIDB.

Governor Oliver and Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, welcomed Pacific Island Development Bank (PIDB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President Lindsay Timarong and Manager of Administration Rosa D.L.S. Weilbacher to the Governor’s Office.     Both President Timarong and Mrs. Weilbacher are in Pohnpei to attend the 39th General Assembly of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL), October 11 – 15, 2022.     During their brief visit, President Timarong presented Governor Oliver with a report on PIDB’s history and operations. They also briefly discussed administrative issues relating to the PIDB Board of Governors.  Governor Oliver, Director Elnei, and Mr. Carlos Villazon from the Pohnpei Legislature Budget Office are currently members of the Board of Governors, representing Pohnpei.     Joining Governor Oliver during the meeting were Public Affairs Officer Peteriko Hairens and Protocol Officer Emerson Eperiam.     “The mission and purpose of the Pacific Island Development Bank are to contribute to the acceleration of the process of economic and social development of the Member States and nations, individually and collectively, and to promote economic cooperation among them. Members are shareholders and consist of the governments of the Territory of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the four state governments of the Federated States of Micronesia, namely Chuuk State, Kosrae State, Pohnpei State, and Yap State, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Kwajalein Atoll Development Authority as an associate member. The bank has been and continues to be a catalyst for various credit needs and community programs that fit the diverse demands of our peoples.”     For more information on the PIDB, please visit their website at: https://pacificidb.com/

Governor Oliver recently attended a welcome ceremony for the new General Manager of the Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) at the PPA building in Dekehtik.     Chairwoman of the PPA Board of Directors, Mrs. Limanman Helgenberger delivered remarks to welcome Governor Oliver and congratulate the new General Manager of the Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) Mr. Grilly Jack.  She highlighted Mr. Jack’s essential responsibilities as General Manager, which includes overseeing almost all the access points to Pohnpei State, and on behalf of the board pledged to continue to work with the Governor and PPA staff to support the new General Manager.     In his remarks, Governor Oliver congratulated Mr. Grilly Jack on his position as the new General Manager of PPA. He noted the important role that PPA, including the board of directors,  has played at the airport and seaport, with transportation and especially during the last two years, in keeping the COVID-19 virus out of Pohnpei. He expressed gratitude for the important work that PPA has done and encouraged them to continue to move forward under the new leadership of  General Manager Grilly Jack.     General Manager Grilly Jack delivered remarks thanking Governor Oliver, the PPA Board of Directors, and staff for their support.  He asked for the board and employees to work together to support the ongoing important work of the Pohnpei Port Authority.     PPA is mandated by Pohnpei State Law to be responsible for the development, management, operation, and maintenance of Pohnpei ports and facilities. Furthermore, the law provides that “because of the distance between the islands of this State and their remoteness from large commercial centers of the world, transportation constitutes a vital link in the State’s efforts toward social development and economic self-sufficiency”.     Master of Ceremonies during the event was Mr. Joab Paul, Chief of Airport Police.     More information on PPA can be found on their website: http://ppa.fm/

Click link for absentee ballot form: https://pohnpeistate.gov.fm/pohnpei-state-election-commission/

Governor Oliver welcomed the PICS High School Robotics team to the Governor’s Office on the morning of October 7, 2022.   The PICS High School Robotics team will be participating in the First Global Robotics Challenge in Geneva, Switzerland representing the Federated States of Micronesia.   Governor Oliver congratulated each student for their hard work and dedication and expressed his pride in their accomplishments, especially in the field of robotics. He thanked the advisor/teacher Mrs. Tekaeto Diopolous for her guidance and hard work with the students. Governor Oliver wished the students all the best, expressing his gratitude and pride for the team, as they will not only represent their families and their school, but also the State of Pohnpei and the Federated States of Micronesia abroad.  He encouraged the students to continue with their interest in Robotics, and look towards finding solutions through robotics for the challenges we face in our islands.      The PICS High School team is compromised of Advisor Mrs. Tekaeto Diopolous, Education Specialist Darla Ladore, Chennelle Cantero, Eberhard Salons, J.C. Curley, Einstein Halbert, and Norman Pedrus.   The First Global Challenge is a yearly Olympics-style competition in Robotics, that was created to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education.  The 2022 First Global Challenge will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from October 13 – 16, 2022.  Over 180 countries will attend in the spirit of global purpose, unity, and collaboration, for the first time since 2019, because of the global pandemic.        

State funeral services for the late Honorable Feliciano Materne Perman were held, on October 3, 2022, at the Pohnpei State Legislature chamber.   A sincere and profound eulogy was delivered by Senator Francisco Ioanis who called the late Lt. Governor Perman a Statesman, his mentor, and teacher. As the most senior legislator, he shared fond memories of working with the late Lt. Governor who was also Speaker of the Pohnpei State Legislature. Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi spoke of the Lt. Governor’s legacy of service to the people of Pohnpei, dedicating his whole life to making our lives, in Pohnpei, better. On behalf of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, Speaker Yamaguchi presented a legislative resolution that was passed in honor of the late Lt. Governor to the Second Lady and family.   Governor Oliver on behalf of the people and state of Pohnpei conveyed deep condolences and sympathies to the Second Lady, Mrs. Maurine Perman, and the family of the late Hon. Feliciano Perman.  He spoke of his time with Lt. Governor Perman when they both served as delegates to the second Pohnpei Constitutional Convention.  Governor Oliver served as Vice Chairman on the committee of Finance under Lt. Governor Perman who was the Chairman.  Governor Oliver spoke of his integrity, honesty, and attention to detail not only during their time as delegates but also as the Lt. Governor of Pohnpei when he meticulously oversaw the Executive Budget Review Committee (EBRC).  He expressed his deep gratitude to the Lt. Governor for his wisdom, patience, and guidance during this eventful administration.     Governor Oliver also recognized and expressed gratitude on behalf of the people and State of Pohnpei to the many dignitaries present that included Wasalapalap Nan Pwutak Pikiniap, Nahnwarki of Sokehs, IsoNahnken of Madolenihmw, Rohsa Kitti, Vice President Aren Palik, Vice Speaker Esmond Moses, Senator Dion Neth, Secretary of Finance and Administration, Eugene Amor, Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, Marcus Samo, President’s Chief of Staff Jane Jimmy Chigiyal,  former Governor of Pohnpei, Johnny P. David, Chief Justice of Pohnpei, Hon. Nelson Joseph, H.E. Huang Zheng, Chinese Ambassador to the FSM, H.E. Hisashi Michigami, Japanese Ambassador to the FSM, U.S. Charge’ d’affaires Alissa M. Bibb, Australian Charge d’affaires Matthew Holloway,     The Governor’s representative, Mrs. Daisy Nanpei-Cantero, read out Executive Proclamation 22-09 declaring a period of mourning over the untimely passing of the late Hon. Feliciano M. Perman.  Among the many achievements and accomplishments that included being the Lieutenant Governor of Pohnpei, he was also one of the framers of the Sokehs constitution, Delegate to the 2nd Pohnpei Constitutional Convention, General Manager of the Pohnpei Utilities Corporation, Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Planning and Budget Advisor, State Program and Budget Officer, Tax Collector and Administrative Clerk.       Vice President Aren Palik, delivered a proclamation signed by H.E. David W. Panuelo to the family of the late Lieutenant Governor during the service. The proclamation was read out by Master of Ceremonies, Peteriko L. Hairens, along with letters of sympathy and condolences from the Japanese Embassy, U.S. Embassy, and Australian Embassy.       After the State Funeral, the body of the late Hon. Feliciano Materne Perman departed by motorcade, escorted by Pohnpei State Police Officers, to Cupid’s in Nan Pohn Mal.  The remains of the late Lt. Governor Perman were buried the following day, on October 4, 2022.     The full video of the State Funeral Service can be found here: https://youtu.be/b_8Yk5yvbWw