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Anti-Bullying Campaign and Christmas Tree Lighting

FROM THE POHNPEI STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY: ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN AND CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING PARADE. THEME: BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS TOGETHER FOR ANTI-BULLYING “The Department of Public Safety wishes to invite the general public, individual or group to join us in this year’s campaign and parade on Anti-Bullying scheduled on the 3rd of December 2021 at 5 p.m. from the Spanish Wall to the Executive Building where a short program and remark from the Director of the Department of Public Safety and Government Leadership, thereafter the Lighting of the Christmas tree to welcome the coming of the Christmas Season. Interested party may pick up Registration form from the Dept. of Public Safety Office or inbox us your email address and we’ll send you the form. Should you have any questions please feel free to comment or inbox our fb page or email pohnpeidetective@gmail.com     Visit the Department of Public Safety’s Facebook page for more information on how to register: https://www.facebook.com/pohnpeistatedps

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Governor Oliver attends Graduation Ceremony at the Department of Public Safety

Governor Oliver attended a graduation ceremony at the Department of Public Safety on Friday, November 5, 2021. The Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, delivered welcoming remarks and explained that 12 personnel were re-certified, 5 new certifications, and 3 volunteers completed an Emergency Responder Course taught by Instructor and Consultant from Guam, Mr. Darren Burrier. Additionally, a First Aid/CPR Instructor course was delivered with four instructors completing the course and teaching their first class to 10 Public Safety employees already. Click to view the ceremony: https://youtu.be/hCQoeuHkUDA Instructor and consultant, Mr. Darren Burrier, delivered remarks before presenting certificates of completion with Governor Oliver, Director Carl, and Chief of Fire &Emergency Services Joseph Ainstain. He spoke of the firefighter’s increased knowledge and confidence, noting that their skills and level of proficiency shown during their training is something for Pohnpei to be proud of. He made special note of the three volunteers who completed the training course. Governor Oliver commended the firefighters, policemen, and volunteers for their hard work and dedication to complete the course. He reminded them all that they are entrusted with the public’s trust for emergency services and on behalf of the people of Pohnpei expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for their service. He also made special note of the volunteer’s time and dedication and for the families’ patience and understanding. A special award of service was presented to Mr. Kenio Harry, now retired, for his years of service as an Ambulance Driver. Mrs. Norleen Oliver Deorio presented the award on behalf of the Director of the Department of Health and Social Services. Firefighter Jimmy Edward was the Valedictorian of the class with Firefighter Sergeant Josen Villazon as the Salutatorian. Emergency Response Course (EMR) re-certificate: 1. Director Patrick Carl 2. Chief Joseph Ainstain 3. Captain Wendolin Lainos 4. Lt. Jason Gonzaga 5. Sgt. Antricko Amor 6. Sgt. Joson Villazon 7. Sgt. Wesley Ferdinand 8. Firefighter I Alfred Damarlane 9. Ambulance Driver (AD) Kostan Primo 10. AD Dalfred Perez 11. AD Benites Ponapart 12. AD Welly John New EMR Certificate: 1. Firefighter (FF) I Mike Lucas 2. FF I Jimmy Edward 3. FF I Logan Daniel 4. FF I Alray Cantero 5. FF I Fernando Atles Volunteer EMR certificate: 1. Pentura Kariti 2. Dwayne David 3. Stivick Jacob First Aid/CPR Instructor Course Certificate: 1. Director Patrick Carl 2. Chief Joseph Ainstain 3. Lt. Jason Gonzaga 4. FF I Mike Lucas First Aid and CPR Certificate: 1. Sgt Jermis Noket 2. PO I Jerren Herson 3. Detective Alvin Martin 4. Detective Brenson Rodriguez 5. Correction Officer Kenray Maino 6. Correction Officer Releen Helgenberger 7. Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) Sgt. Antonio Mallarme Jr. 8. DFT Lucas Ifamilik Jr. 9. Patrol Officer Jason Moya 10. Patrol Officer Jeffrey Ponapart Special Award: Mr. Kenio Harry

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Mehn Kahpese Me Pidada Repatriation

MEHN KAPEHSE ME PIDADA WIEPEN REPATRIATION Pakair ong weipokon. Pohnpei COVID-19 Emergency Task Force men patohwen kapehse ong tohn wehi me pidada wiepen ketkihlong de patohwanlong application en CQE de Certificate of Qualified Entry. Koaros me men sapahldo de pwurodo Pohnpei sang nan wein maslikin FSM kan pahn anahene audehda CQE Application form online ni link me pato ni Ohpis en Kepina website pohnpeistate.gov.fm. Ong kalelapak de mengihtik kan, komw kak kadar email ong pohnpeicovid19taskforce@gmail.com de call 320-3109. Dahnge kan me anahne kapatapatieng nan application kan iei: 1. Kilel en Passport 2. Kilel en lahsin Passport Immigration stamp. 3. Kisin likoun doken silasil en COVID-19 ong irail akan me sounpar 18 patohda. 4. Kisin likoun kadehde sang skuhl ong irail tohn skuhl kan. 5. Me pil anahn ong me Medical Referral de soumwahu a) Kisin likoun seiloaki soumwahu, me rasehng LOA de Letter Of Authorization sang MiCare OH b) Kisin likoun imwenwini sang toahkte me kasalehda me kak kelehpw seiloak de me sohte kak kelehpw seiloak anahne en mie me pahn iangih pwehn sowese nan erein seiloak. En pil sansal me wiepen petehkpen CQE Application kan pahn idawehn koasoandi me pato nan Constitutional Emergency Order me wie manaman, ninduen eh keirekdi nan CQE Application pahn “Travel Category” de “Kahrepen Seiloak”. Mwurin application kan ahr pahn alahldi, Pohnpei COVID-19 Emergency Task Force pahn patohieng nan petehkpe kan oh patohwanda update kan nan email. See Translation

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Governor Oliver Administered Oath of Administration to Members of PTA and PPA

On Friday, November 5, 2021, Governor Oliver administered oaths of administration to Pohnpei Transportation Authority (PTA) Commissioner, Mr. Berney Martin, PTA board member, Mr. Baldesar Sardis and Pohnpei Port Authority board members, Mr. Mike Loyola and Mr. Joseph Saimon. Hon. Stevick A. Edwin, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature joined Governor Oliver to congratulate the Commissioner and Board members, reminding them of their important duties and responsibilities. Governor Oliver thanked the Speaker and Chairperson of the Public works, transportation and communication committee, Hon. Herolyn Movick for their support to confirm the Commissioner and new board members. Congratulations to the new Commissioner and board members!

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Special Election For Madolenihmw, Nett, Sapwuahfik ,and Pingelap

Governor Oliver hereby grants two (2) hours of administrative leave on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, to all legal residents of Sapwauhfik, Pingelap, Nett, and Madolenihmw who are Pohnpei State employees to cast their votes. Pohnpei State employees involved in the election will be granted eight hours of administrative leave. All Office Managers and Supervisors are to ensure that essential public services are not compromised.

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Nett Municipality Polling Place For Special Election on December 28,2021

NEMPEHN EDEN WASAHN USUHS KOHPWA BOX NO.1 IMWEN MATHIAS VICTOR PAREM BOX NO.2 IMWEN SALTER LOHN LENGER BOX NO. 3 IMWEN CLAUDIO LIGOHR PALIPOWE BOX NO. 4 IMWEN NELSIN IRIARTE BOX NO. 5 IMWEN MARIO WILSON PALIAIS BOX NO. 6 OHPIS EN WEIHN NETT BOX NO. 7 Nahs en Meitik BOX NO. 8 Imwen Rihda Sercy BOX NO. 9 Imwen Isihkio Padahk BOX NO. 10 Nahs en kousapw Doaroapoap BOX NO. 11 IMWEN DARO PLUHS SEVEN HOUSE

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Nett Special Election

AKAIR OHNG KOAROS TOHN WEIN NETT Pakair wet wiawidahr pwehn sekerehki Isohko, Pwoud Lepen Nett, Oloiso/Serisoh kan, soumas en kousapw akan, Distad, Sounkopwung, Speaker oh amwail tungoal tohn dodohk kan, Delegation en Nett nan Legislature oh Congress, oh tohn Wein Nett District unsek me eh kosondier sapwenlimemwail Usuhs Tohror ieu en wiawi ni December 28, 2021, pwehn audehda sapwenlimemwail sehr me tehndar nan Mwomwohd en Legislature Ke-eisek. Sapwenlimemwail Ohpis en Usuhs en Wein Pohnpei me pahn apwalih usuhs tohror wet ohng wein Nett men pakairki kosondihn dodohk pwukat: IRE KEIEU: Nomination Petition de kisin likouhn peki ien iang wia candidate langadahr Nialem, October 22, 2021, oh pahn ritidi Nialem, October 29, 2021, Kulok 12 Nilukepenpwong. IRE KERIAUH: Tohn usuhs en Wein Nett men me koukousong nan wehi teikan likin Pohnpei me men wia ah tungol usuhs nan mail kakehr pekihdo ah tungol usuhs tepda Nikaunop, October 23, 2021, oh pahn lel Niepeng, November 18, 2021. Pekipek wiawiheng candidate kan oh peneinei ren iang sawas kairehki tohn wein Nett kan me koukouson likin Pohnpei ire wet. IRE KESILUH: Mwurin nomination petition kan ah ritdier, background check ohng emen emen candidate kan pahn wiawi oh dodohk wet pahn tepda Monday, November 01, 2021, oh pahn imwsekla Nialem, November 05, 2021. Mwoalen Koapwung Ileile en Pohnpei oh FSM me kin pahkida dodohk kesemwpwal wet. IRE KAPAHIEU: Printing de ntingda oh katohtohlahng official oh specimen ballot kan pahn wiawi Niare, November 23, 2021. IRE KELIMAUH: Me pahn usuhs pwehki irail pahn seilok oh sohte pwuredo Pohnpei mwohn rahn en usuhso pahn kakehr ren wia arail tungol usuhs Rahnsarawi, November 28, 2021. IRE KEWENEUH: Kaskuhl de workshop kan ohng irail me towe Election Board, Committee en Wadek oh Kilele Usuhs, oh Driver kan pahn tepda Niare, December 14, 2021. IRE KEISUH: Pekipek en usuhs en absentee nan Pohnpei pahn close de ritidi Nikaunop, December 18, 2021. Songen tohn usuhsda me qualify de kak peki en wia songen usuhs wet iei me (1) soumwahu mihmi nan imwen wini de ni arail tugol ihmw pwehki luwet en paliwar, oh ni kahrepeh ieu me elehieng ah sohte pahn mi ni ah wasahn usuhs ni rahn en usuhso. IRE KEWALUH: Sang November 28, kohla idihdahn irail me pahn towe election board, oh committee en wadek oh kilele usuhs pahn wiawi. Pakair oh radio program kan pil pahn kakehr kepwilpwilieng wei pokon, ahpw mehlel ohng tohn weihn Nett District. IRE KEDUWAUH: Iren pekipek sang ni Ohpis en Usuhs en State en Pohnpei: Se peki candidate kan, leadership, oh karos tohn wein Nett kitail en ketin ehupene oh kangongehki tohn usuhs kan ren kautihda oh iang usuhs. Ieremen itarkihla emen en pilada weliepei. Mehmen me wia candidate, Ohpis en Usuhs pahn anahne sang ih ire pwukat pwehn sewese ohpis wet ohng ni ireh kan me pahn kin anahne kapehse ohng kumwail candidate kan: Neihn candidate telephone no. Mobile de cellphone no., oh Email no. IRE KE-EISEK: Met wia pakair keieu nan kahngen pakair kei me pahn kak wiawi mwuhr me pid usuhs tohror wet. IRE KE-EISEK EHU, OH KEIMWSEKLAHN IRE: Eh kosondier me Usuhs Tohror me pahn pilada weliepen wein Nett pwehn audehda sapwenlimen wein Nett sehr ieu me tehndar pahn wiawi Niare, December 28, 2021. KALAHNGANG OH KASELEHLIE. HEINRICK STEVENSON ELECTION COMMISSIONER KOPERMENT EN POHNPEI

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Governor Oliver Administered Oath Of Administration To The Final Member Of Price Control Commission, Mr. Kanoberson Asher

Governor Reed B. Oliver administered the oath of administration to the final member of the Price Control Commission on Tuesday, October 20, 2021. Mr. Kanoberson Asher received the oath of office in the Governor’s cabinet conference room, Peilapalap, Kolonia. Hon. Senator Jayson Walter presented Mr. Asher his certificate of appointment. Both Governor Oliver and Speaker Edwin conveyed their appreciation and gratitude as the Price Control Commission is now fully staffed with the appointment of Mr. Kanoberson Asher. Click the link below to listen to Governor Oliver’s remarks: https://youtu.be/2mgUHPd61kM Immediately following the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Oliver, as the temporary Chairman of the Price Control Commission convened the first meeting of the Commission to organize the commission. The Price Control Commission is organized as follows: Chairman: Mr. Kohler Carl Vice-Chairman: Mr. Stuard Penias Secretary/Treasurer: Ms. Marstella Jack Member: Mr. Jordan Ardos Member: Mr. Kanoberson Congratulations to all.

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Governor Oliver And Director Of Department Of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse Paid a visit to Pastor Kalau

Governor Oliver paid a visit to Pastor Kalau at the Pohnpei International Airport. The airport visit is a follow-up on an initial meeting with the President/CEO of Pacific Missionary Aviation (PMA), Pastor Nobert Kalau to explore PMA’s services to Pohnpei State. Governor Oliver met pilot, Amos Collins, who gave him and the Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, a tour of the aircraft. The aircraft is a Beechcraft King Air 200 with seating for nine passe… See More

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Governor Oliver Visited Saladak, U Dispensary

On October 20, 2021, Governor Reed B. Oliver stopped by the Saladak, U Dispensary. The Dispensary is currently open to the public. Public health staff are on-site, the grounds are being cleared, furniture for the exam rooms and office spaces are available. An immunization office with an appropriate freezer and refrigerator is also available. Governor Oliver met with Mrs. Joice Peter and Ms. Malena Dannis who were staffing the Dispensary. The Saladak U Dispensary is one of five Medical Dispensaries located in Pohnpei. The other Dispensaries are located in Pohnlangas Madolenihmw, Wone Kitti, Sapwohn Sokehs, and the Kolonia Town Dispensary also known as Community Healthcare Center (CHC).

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Final Medal Tally Of Liberation Day Games

In a letter to Governor Oliver dated October 11, 2021, Chairman of the 2021 Liberation Day Games, Mr. Jose Joab shared the official medal tally of the 2021 Liberation Day Games.  10 out of 11 municipalities participated this year.  The Liberation Day Games official ending was delayed due to rains and ended October 1, 2021, at the conclusion of the baseball competition.    Here is the official medal tally as of October 1, 2021: 

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Governor Oliver Meets with US Embassy and Kapingamarangi Leadership to Discuss Kapinamarangi Channel Widening Project

On Thursday, October 8, 2021, Governor Oliver, Senator Kasinda Ludwig, and Kapingamarangi Chief Executive Edgar Lickaneth received US Navy Commander (CDR) Thomas Price, US Embassy Kolonia Defense Attache’ at the Governor’s cabinet conference room, Peilapalap, Kolonia.   CDR Price briefed Governor Oliver, Senator Ludwig, and Chief Lickaneth on the upcoming channel widening project that will be done at Kapingamarangi Atoll from October to December 2021.  This project had been originally scheduled for 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The widening of the channel will be accomplished by detonating explosive devices underwater that will only affect the targeted areas and leave little to no residue that can be harmful to marine or human life.  There will be no contact with the local population by the US Navy Underwater Construction Team (UCT), who will be arriving by Coast Guard cutter Sequoia (WLB-215) from Guam. Pohnpei State Government and Kapingamarangi Municipal Government will be working closing with US Embassy Kolonia to ensure that shipping schedules are not conflicting with the project and that the local population stays clear of the demolition zone at all times during the project.  There have been successful previous channel widening projects with the help of the US Navy Underwater Construction teams in Chuuk and Sapwuafik.    Accompanying CDR Price was US Army Captain Donahue and Staff Sergeant Tarsis Harper, part of a civil affairs unit from the US Army Pacific.  Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peteriko Hairens, and Local Liaison Officer, Ms. Suannrita Ladore joined Governor Oliver.   CDR Price attended a follow-up meeting on the same subject with members of the Kapingamarangi community on Sunday, October 10, 2021.  During the meeting with the Kapamarangi community at Riverside restaurant, CDR Price gave an overview of the project and answered questions relating to the project.  

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Administrative Leave For Sokehs Special Election

Governor Oliver authorizes two (2) hours of administrative leave for all Sokehs residents working with the Pohnpei State Government on Thursday, October 14, 2021, to participate in the Sokehs Special Election.   Eight (8) hours of administrative leave is authorized for Pohnpei State Government employees who are involved in conducting the special election on October 13 and October 14, 2021. PDF File: Sokehs Special Election

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Executive Proclamation 21-02

EXECUTIVE PROCLAMATION 21-02: Declaring a period of mourning over the untimely passing of the late Honorable Salter Loyola. Governor Reed B. Oliver proclaims a period of mourning for five days commencing October 8, 2021, to October 12, 2021, in memory of the late Honorable Salter Loyola, a respected statesman, Pohnpei State senator, and a traditional nobleman of the Kingdom of Nett. Rest in Peace.

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Governor Oliver Swears In New Members of Price Control Commission

On Tuesday, October 5, 2021, Governor Oliver administered oaths of administration to the newest members of the Price Control Commission: 1. Mr. Stuard Penias 2. Mr. Jordan Ardos Governor Oliver congratulated the new members, thanked Speaker Edwin and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, in particular the Chairman of the Resources and Development Committee, Senator Marvin Yamaguchi for their support to confirm these new members to the Price Control Commission. He noted that with the confirmation of these two members, the Price Control Commission can now hold meetings and move forward. Governor Oliver spoke of the importance of the commission to check consumer prices, especially during times of emergency to manage the affordability of goods and services. Hon. Senator Ricky Carl, representing Speaker Edwin, presented both members with their certificates of appointment. Hon. Senator Francisco Ioanis, spoke on behalf of Speaker Edwin to challenge the two new members to fulfill their duties and obligations to move this important commission forward. Mr. Jordan Ardos spoke on behalf of himself and Mr. Penias to express their gratitude to Governor Oliver, the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, and to commit to the work of the Price Control Commission.

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Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) Law Signed By Governor Oliver

On Thursday, September 30, 2021, Governor Oliver signed LB 199-21 into public law 10L-65-21 creating an Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) unit for the State of Pohnpei, headed by the External Assistance Coordinator, Ms. Shirley-Ann Lighor, under the direct supervision of the Governor of Pohnpei State. The many functions of the ODA unit include but are not limited to: – Identify and catalog potential sources of overseas assistance of    very kind; and – Serves as the routing channel for all overseas assistance by the government, its agencies, instrumentalities, and public corporations; and – Maintain records and vital statistics on all overseas grants; and – Catalog and monitor all overseas assistance Immediately following the signing, Governor Oliver attended an ODA inception workshop in the Governor’s conference room. The workshop was an introduction to the newly signed ODA Legislation, Policy, and the formulation of an ODA Committee that consists of division chiefs from Departments/Offices and Agencies of the Executive branch. In his remarks, Governor Oliver highlighted the importance of the ODA law and Unit, especially as the nation nears 2023 and compact negotiations are underway. He also spoke of the important work that has been done with strategic development (SDP) implementation plans at the Departmental and Divisional levels of the Executive branch. With the creation of the ODA unit and SDP plans, Governor Oliver encouraged the newly formed ODA Committee to commit to the work before them and follow through. Joining Governor Oliver and Ms. Shirley Ann-Lighor at the signing of the ODA Bill was Mr. Patrick Blank, Consultant, Ms. Yvette Johnny FSM ODA Office, Chief of Staff, Kapilly Capelle, Local Liaison Rep, Ms. Suannrita Ladore, and Acting Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Mark Kostka. Present at the ODA inception workshop: Pohnpei Port Authority General Manager, Mr. Pius Roby, Pohnpei Utilities Corporation General Manager, Mr. Nixon Anson, Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation Commissioner, Mr. Peterson Sam, Division Chiefs for the Department of Resources and Development, Division Chiefs for the Department of Public Safety, Division Chiefs for the Department of Land, Medical Division Chief Dr. Nora Liwy from the Department of Health and Social Services, representatives from the Offices of Transportation and Infrastructure, Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Election Commission, Housing Authority, and Public Affairs. The State Law creating the ODA Unit can be found in the link below: S.L. No. 10L-65-21

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Positive Travelers in Quarantine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    The Office of the Governor and Pohnpei COVID-19 Emergency Task Force would like to notify the public that of the eighty-five (85) repatriated travelers who arrived on September 16, 2021, two (2) tested positive for SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, on day 7 of quarantine, September 23, 2021.   As per protocol, the two (2) positive travelers were placed in isolation, along with their three contacts, who were tested negative.  Additional testing conducted the following day on September 24, 2021 confirmed that the two positive travelers are negative.    As a precautionary measure, the two travelers and their contacts will remain in isolation for 14 days, per protocol.    There still remains 33 repatriated travelers in quarantine who will be completing 14 days of quarantine.    We ask the public to remain calm and remind everyone to take every action to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19:       If you have not been vaccinated, please get vaccinated as soon as possible Wash your hands frequently and properly Practice proper hygiene and sanitation, including cleaning and disinfection of regularly touched surfaces   The Office of the Governor continues to work with the Department of Health Services and COVID-19 Emergency Task Force to keep the public updated on Pohnpei’s COVID-19 response efforts.  Please contact the COVID-19 hotline at 320-3109 for any questions or concerns.   

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Pohnpei State Government Employees complete Project Management Course

Four employees of the Pohnpei State Government, including the Director of Treasury and Administration, Christina Elnei, Acting Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Francisco Celestine, Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) Coordinator, Shirley-Ann Ligohr, and Strickson Silbanuz from the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, graduated from a five-month online course on Thursday, September 15, 2021, in a short graduation ceremony that was held at Island Palms restaurant in Kolonia. The five-month course, entitled “Project management course” was held online and funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with the FSM Government through a partnership between the College of Micronesia-FSM (COM-FSM), and the University of South Pacific/Pacific TAFE (USP/Pacific TAFE). The course delivered project management skills to participants involved in the management of climate change adaptation projects at State, National, and/or community levels. Successful participants were awarded a USP/Pacific TAFE Certificate IV in Project Management Practice. Representing the Governor of Pohnpei, T.H. Reed B. Oliver at the graduation ceremony was Mr. Peteriko Hairens, Public Affairs Officer, who joined H.E. Carmen Cantor, US Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and FSM Secretary of Finance, T.H. Eugene Amor to congratulate and present certificates of completion to the participants. Congratulations to all the participants!

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Gratitude for compliance with COVID-19 prevention protocols

On Thursday, September 16, 2021, another group of repatriated residents and citizens arrived in Pohnpei after 10 days of pre-quarantine in Guam. They are now in quarantine at Dekehtik. A new and deadly COVID-19 virus strain, Delta Variant, is spreading at an alarming rate, affecting the world, across the US including Hawaii and Guam, our gateways to Pohnpei and our islands. Our only sure safeguard from this deadly variant to our families, friends, communities, states, and the nation is to fully comply with the established medical procedures to ensure protection through proper management of a quarantining process. Doctors and medical experts have credited Pohnpei’s success so far in preventing the virus from entering Pohnpei to its quarantine operation and process in Dekehtik. The basic premise of Pohnpei’s quarantine success so far has been the hearts of those people who care and comply with the established procedures and rules. We thank you all for your patience and understanding. For the latest group, Pohnpei State Government leadership extends reverence and sincere gratitude to Wasalapalap Isipahu, His Majesty Herbet Hebel, for his exemplary deeds and unspeakable humility that speaks volumes to the premium he exacts on the value of humanity – the safety of the very lives of his own people here in Pohnpei. As the Paramount Traditional Chief of Pohnpei, His Majesty not only humbly complies with the quarantine rules so he can help save the lives of his people but exemplifies what a true leader should do in times of hardship and difficulty. These rules and procedures are His, made specifically to protect his kingdom from being decimated by this deadly virus. With the COVID -19 delta variant on the rise, particularly in Guam, the risk of bringing this deadly virus to Pohnpei on any vessel by air or sea any day now is a real threat. It is very important to know that the delta variant spreads faster and has a shorter incubation period. The people of Pohnpei as a community are asked to be mindful to support what the COVID-19 Task Forces and supporting agencies are doing. They are tirelessly working on prevention. Preventing that deadly variant from entering our Island and infecting our communities. Thanks to Isipahu, for supporting these unrelenting efforts with his example to comply with prevention efforts. Right now, no one, including medical experts and scientists, can be 100% certain that the variant will not enter Pohnpei and FSM. Therefore, we need to, again and again, emphasize and urge everyone who can be vaccinated to please get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. At the same time, we all should remain steadfast with the health and sanitary habits of simple hand washing and other appropriate health practices and etiquettes. Our vaccination efforts focus on everyone eligible to receive the vaccine. Yes, it is your choice, but we implore everyone to please think of it as a way to protect yourself and others, especially your very own loved ones. This is crucial at this point, because of the imminent threat of the delta variant. Our records are still showing a significant number of residents that are eligible for vaccination remain unvaccinated at this point. The higher the percentage of vaccination in Pohnpei the safer our families and our people will be. Thanks to our Paramount Chief, Wasalapalap Isipahu, His Majesty Herbet Hebel, and Likend Kelekel. Let us pray for their safe passage, and the rest of the repatriates, through this process and pay respect to his leadership by example. When every resident and citizen follows this example, Pohnpei will be blessed and remain safe from COVID-19 for a long time to come.

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