Governor of the State of Pohnpei, Hon. Reed B. Oliver, departed today, May 16, 2022, for a medical referral off-island. The Governor was accompanied by First Lady, Mrs. Estle G. Oliver. Acting Lt. Governor, Hon. Christina Elnei has been designated by Governor Oliver. Congratulations to the First Acting Female Lieutenant Governor of Pohnpei, a historic occasion for Pohnpei. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and return to Pohnpei for Governor Oliver. Subsection (2) of section 2-102 of Title 3 of the Pohnpei Code reads, “(2) When the Lieutenant Governor is temporarily absent from the state, is temporarily disabled, or is constitutionally prohibited from exercising the powers and duties of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the powers and duties of the Office of the Lt. Governor shall devolve upon the Attorney General, the Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, the Director of the Department of Education, the Director of the Department of Health Services, the Director of the Department of Public Safety … (etc) in the order named.” Subsection (5) of Section 2-102 reads in pertinent part, “…No officer shall act as Governor or Lieutenant Governor under this section unless the officer has been appointed and confirmed prior to the time the powers and duties of the Office of Governor or Lieutenant Governor devolve upon the officer…” As the Office of the Attorney General is filled by an Acting Attorney General, an appointment that does not require legislative confirmation, the line of succession falls to the Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration. During the absence of the Governor and Lt. Governor, Ms. Elnei, as Acting Lt. Governor shall exercise the powers and duties of the Governor.

COVID-19 Response efforts The next repatriation flight into Pohnpei from Guam is scheduled for May 14, 2022. To be considered for the repatriation flight, all passengers repatriating to Pohnpei must complete the certificate of qualified entry.  This is an online application form that can be found at www.pohnpeistate.gov.fm. Pre-quarantine in Guam will be five days, followed by quarantine in Pohnpei for an additional five days.  Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, booster, and negative COVID-19 test is required.  Testing in Pohnpei will be on days 2 and 5.  If a positive case is confirmed, all in quarantine will be reset for an additional five days.   These precautionary measures are in place to ensure the safety and welfare of the people of Pohnpei. Pohnpei State is currently at 80% coverage for COVID-19 vaccinations, this includes 5 years old and above.  During the last cabinet meeting on May 2, 2022, Director Wincener David and Pandemic Readiness Response Commission Chairperson, Mrs. Norleen Deorio, set a target date of July 30, 2022, to reach 100%.  This is in anticipation of the announced opening of the borders in August by the President’s Office. Special Education students visit Governor’s Office Kalahngan to the Nine (9) Special Education students who visited the Governor’s Office on Thursday, March 28, 2022.  The visit is part of Special Education Week, observed this year from 25 – 29 April.  The theme for this year’s Special Education week is “It takes a village to raise a child” and includes visits to the Governor’s Office, Legislature, US Embassy, President’s Office, and FSM Congress. On behalf of Governor Reed B. Oliver, Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, welcomed the students, teachers, and parents to the Governor’s Office.  Presentations by the students included the demonstration of American Sign Language, an energetic dance exhibition, and remarks by staff and students who shared their goals and dreams for the future.  After their impressive presentations, Mr. Capelle congratulated and encouraged the students to achieve the dreams they have set before them. He commended the staff for their dedication and commitment to serving the students.  Before leaving, each student was presented with a backpack with school supplies and treated with some ice cream and cake. Mr. Jesse Solomon and Mr. Herry Wichep led the group of students and staff that included Gary Jimina, Juleen Manuel, Ailynda Micky, Maiuleen Gallen, Luden Robert, David Phillip, Jackson Paul, Reyo Reyo, and Ozimy Edward. Starting in 1991 with 120 students, today the Pohnpei State Special Education program continues to provide an important service for 621 students with special needs across Pohnpei. Cabinet updates – Cabinet meeting on Monday, May 2, 2022 Cabinet updates: From the Pohnpei Transportation Authority, Commissioner Berney Martin reported, that road projects continue with two major projects underway.  The capital road improvement project, paving the road up to the capital in Palikir, is underway.  Preparatory work has already been done.  Another project is a sidewalk project from Palikir elementary school to the College of Micronesia National campus in Palikir.  Both projects are funded by the FSM Congress. The Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, reported that payments at the cashier’s office will soon be accepting credit card and debit card payments.  This will be announced when available. The Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, shared upcoming events that include the 1st Micronesian Exposition, a trade fair, which will take place tentatively at the end of June. More information will be shared with the public when known. Election Commissioner, Mr. Heinrich Stevenson, reported that the Election Office is currently undergoing a Voter registration update project.  This project seeks to update voter registration accurately by working at the Kousapw level to list all registered voters present in Pohnpei and identify those who are deceased and those who have left the island. 98 repatriates released after 10 days of quarantine After 10 days of quarantine in Pohnpei, 98 repatriates were released on the evening of Tuesday, May 3, 2022.  All 98 repatriates tested negative for COVID-19 prior to their release.  The repatriates arrived in Pohnpei on April 23, 2022, after five days of pre-quarantine in Guam. After five days of quarantine on Pohnpei, a possible positive case was found.  This caused the repatriates to be kept for another five days. Thank you to the repatriates, and their families for their patience and cooperation.  Thank you to our health and security staff for their hard work and dedication.  

     1. COVID-19 updates The COVID-19 Emergency Task Force/Pandemic Readiness and Response Commission (PRRC), through their Medical Advisory Committee (MAC), has set the number of quarantine days upon arrival in Pohnpei to be five days.  Completed vaccination and boosters are still required.  Testing will still be done before they depart for Pohnpei, upon arrival, and prior to their release to the public.  The next tentative scheduled date for repatriation, recommended by the PRRC, is April 23, 2022.   EPA fee waived In the interest of the public, it is or (Governor) recommended that the new procedure of collecting 100$ fee levied by the Regulation for Littering Law, be temporarily recalled or put on hold until further notice, subject to legal guidance.” Executive Proclamation 4-22 In honor of the memory of the late Honorable Yoster Carl, Luhk Lehng Madolenihmw who passed away on April 15, 2022, Governor Reed B. Oliver proclaimed a state of mourning for a period of five days throughout the State of Pohnpei starting April 18, 2022.  All flags In Pohnpei State were flown at half-mast during the period of mourning.  The late Honorable Yoster Carl served the people and Government of Pohnpei honorably from June 1956 to December 2013 as Associate Chief Justice of the Pohnpei State Supreme court, Associate Judge for the Ponape District Court, District Prosecutor, and Clerk at the Department of Public Safety.  Mr. Peteriko Hairens, Public Affairs Officer, read the proclamation at the memorial services for the late Honorable Yoster Carl at Alohkapw Church on behalf of Governor Oliver.    

Kalahngan to the Saladak Elementary School 5th Graders who visited Governor Oliver and toured the Pohnpei Administrative Building on Friday, April 8, 2022. The students met briefly with Governor Oliver in his cabinet conference room and office. Governor Oliver thanked the students and teachers for their visit, encouraging them to study hard, learn as much as they can and ask as many questions as they tour the offices to learn about their Government. Recalling his time as a classroom teacher, Governor Oliver commended the teachers for their initiative to take their students out of the classroom and expose them to the actual subjects being studied. The students were escorted around the Pohnpei Administrative Building by Local Government Liaison Officer, Ms. Suannrita Ladore and Mr. Shane Celestine from the Public Information Office.

Friday, April 15, 2022, is a legal holiday in Pohnpei State. To celebrate and observe Easter week with our loved ones, Governor Oliver grants four (4) hours of administrative leave on the afternoon of Thursday, April 14, 2022. All Office Managers and Supervisors are to ensure that essential public services are not compromised.

CELEBRATION OF CULTURE AT PICS HIGH SCHOOL Representing Governor Reed B. Oliver, Public Affairs Officer Mr. Peteriko Hairens attended cultural presentations at PICS High School on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, to mark and celebrate Pohnpei Cultural Day. Mr. Shane Celestine, WD&ST Trainee at the Office of the Governor accompanied Mr. Hairens to the cultural celebration event. #Pohnpei #Enginkehlap #Culturalday2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from the Pohnpei State Pandemic Readiness and Response Commission (PRRC)/Task Force Update on FV Marielle – March 29, 2022 The Fishing Vessel (FV) Marielle, an FSM-flagged, Caroline Fisheries Corporation (CFC) vessel remains at the anchorage point, off the coast of Pohnpei. No crew have disembarked the vessel since March 11, 2022, when three FSM citizens who tested negative, were fully immunized and reached the end of their employment contract disembarked. All three crewmembers and their contacts in Pohnpei and Yap have tested negative for Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. On March 26, 2022, a team from the Pohnpei State Public Health division conducted repeat COVID-19 (PCR) tests for the entire crew as recommended by a previous report from medical authorities. The results showed seven positive results. Further testing is required to identify the variant, and samples will be sent off-island for confirmation. Isolation for the seven individuals onboard has been recommended by the Task Force/PRRC Medical Advisory Committee, with re-testing to occur on April 5, 2022. Those Pohnpei Public Health staff who will be conducting the testing onboard will be placed in quarantine at MMA – Dekehtik for three days and tested before their release as an extra precautionary measure. FV Marielle’s Captain and CFC are aware of the situation and the vessel has confirmed its capacity to isolate the seven positive cases onboard. In spite of the positive results, all crew members are reported to be asymptomatic, or without any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. The public is advised to remain calm, stay away from the FV Marielle at anchorage and continue to practice sanitary hygiene practices, like hand washing and staying at home if you are sick. Visit the COVID-19 Information Center for vaccine resources. Get Vaccine Info

Governor Oliver and First Lady of Pohnpei, Estle G. Oliver attended memorial services at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Kolonia for the late Senator Mayleen Shoniber Scaliem on March 25, 2022. Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, on behalf of the Executive branch of the Pohnpei State Government, read out Executive Proclamation 22-03, proclaiming a period of mourning for three (3) days commencing March 25, 2022, thru March 27, 2022, in memory of the late Hon. Mayleen S. Scaliem. All flags shall be flown at half-mast during the period of mourning.

Governor Oliver attended the opening ceremony for the newly renovated Department of Land building in Kolonia on Friday, March 25, 2022. Director of Land, Wasahi Sokehs, Mr. Peter Lohn welcomed all to the opening ceremony. He expressed his thanks to Governor Oliver, Speaker Yamaguchi, cabinet members, and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support to renovate the building that provides an important service for all Pohnpeians. In Speaker Marvin T. Yamaguchi’s remarks, he spoke of the importance of land in the culture of Pohnpei and congratulated the Department of Land on behalf of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature emphasizing the importance of Enginkehlap or working together moving forward. Governor Oliver gave the final remarks noting the previous state of condition of the building and spoke of the importance of the Department of Land to have a secure and safe building to serve the people of Pohnpei. He also noted that while the Department of Land has renovated their building, other Departments and Offices are also in the process of renovating their office buildings, like the Department of Public Safety and the Office of the Attorney General. He congratulated Director of Land, Wasahi Sokehs, on the completion of the much-needed renovation of the Department of Land building, thanking FSM Congress, Pohnpei State Legislature, Board of Public Lands, and the construction company Gonzalez construction for the renovation of the building. An oversized key, symbolizing the key to the new building was turned over to Governor Oliver by Acting Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Administrator, Mr. Ricky Lebehn, and Engineer Mr. Sam Orejudos. Governor Oliver then presented the key to Director Lohn. Vice-Chairman of the Board of Public Lands and Chief Justice of U Mrs. Antonia Primo-Moses, and Mrs. Mary Lohn, Director Lohn’s wife, cut the ribbon opening the new Department of Land building. Director of Land/Wasahi Sokehs Peter Lohn then gave Governor Oliver and Speaker Yamaguchi a guided tour of the newly renovated building Also present during the ceremony was the Chairman of the Board of Public Lands Trust, Mr. John Nakanaga, member Mr. Max Lebehn, Member Mr. Patterson Shed, Chairman of Board of Land Surveyors Examiners, Mr. Marcelino Actoucka, Pohnpei Transportation Authority Commissioner Mr. Berney Martin, Senator Ricky Carl, Chief of Staff Kapily Capelle, Acting Attorney General Mona Abello-Pangelinan.

Governor Oliver joined Speaker Yamaguchi for the burial of the late Senator Mayleen Shonniber Scaliem in Kolonia on Saturday, March 26, 2022. An honor guard detail from the Department of Public Safety paid final respects to the late Senator along with the presentation of the Pohnpei State Flag to the son of the late Senator by Speaker Yamaguchi. Rest in Peace, late Senator Mayleen S. Scaliem.

World Bank Representative, Ms. Degi Young, paid a courtesy call on Governor Oliver at the Governor’s cabinet conference room, Peilapalap, Kolonia on, Thursday, March 24, 2022. Ms. Degi Young was accompanied by Ms. Senny Phillip, Assistant Secretary, Investment and International Finance, FSM Department of Finance and Administration. As the World Bank’s Representative to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Ms. Young will establish a sub-regional office for the three countries here in Pohnpei. Degi Young thanked Governor Oliver for hosting the World Bank in Pohnpei and shared, in general, her role as World Bank Representative. Those roles include looking at plans and priorities of the three countries to see how the World Bank can support those plans and priorities, coordination and facilitation of projects within and among the countries, and capacity building and training. Governor Oliver thanked Ms. Young and Ms. Phillip for their courtesy visit, expressing his delight that Pohnpei State can host World Bank’s sub-regional office. Governor Oliver looked forward to Ms. Young’s observations and comments in the coming months. Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, Director of the Department of Treasury and Administration, Acting Administrator of the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, Mr. Ricky Lebehn, Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) Coordinator, Ms. Shirley Ligohr joined Governor Oliver during the courtesy call. The World Bank is an international organization that provides financing, advice, and research to developing nations to help advance their economies. ·Some ongoing projects in the FSM and Pohnpei are the Prioritized Road Investment and Management Enhancement (PRIME) Project and Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP), which aims to strengthen the management of oceanic and coastal fisheries and the habitats upon which they depend, and specifically to strengthen the National Oceanic Resource Management Agency (NORMA) responsible for the management of oceanic fisheries. For more information on the World Bank, visit their website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/home

The Pohnpei Catholic High School Debate team met Governor Oliver on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at the Governor’s cabinet conference room, Peilapalap, Kolonia. The debate team is preparing for the annual state competitions for the FSM law day debates. State competitions will take place on April 5 and 27 and the final National debate will take place on July 12, 2022. The debate topic this year is whether or not the FSM Congress should establish a national minimum wage. Principal Yolanda Nanpei accompanied the eight students who are a mix of juniors and seniors to the meeting with Governor Oliver. The students asked a series of questions to gain more knowledge on the debate topic from the affirmative and negative perspectives. Governor Oliver thanked Principal Nanpei and the students for their visit. He wished them the best in the upcoming debate and encouraged them, as the future of Pohnpei, to continue with their education, stay positive, and not let anyone discourage them in the pursuit of their goals. Joining Governor Oliver to meet with the students was Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, Public Information Mr. Patrick Pedrus, and WD&ST Trainee, Mr. Shane Celestine. Thank you Principal Yolanda Nanpei and the PCS High School Debate team: 1. Sean Troy Moses 2. Nathaniel Mongkeya 3. Kealoha Loyola 4. Deavonie David 5. Jacy Lukan 6. Kaela Talley 7. Tiara Lebehn 8. Jovanee Irons

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

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.

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.

Governor Reed B. Oliver delivered his third State of the State message, on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the Pohnpei State Legislature chamber. Click the link below to view the entire message: https://youtu.be/jZQ9H9ZBpX4