On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, T.H. Feliciano M. Perman, Lt. Governor of Pohnpei State, and Chairman of Pohnpei COVID-19 Task Force, Mr. Wincener David,  hosted a joint Pohnpei State/FSM COVID-19 Task Force meeting at the Governor’s conference room in Peilapalap.  T.H. Ausen T. Lambert, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, and T.H. Stevick Edwin, Vice Speaker also attended.  From the FSM National Government, T.H. Carlson Apis, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure,  T.H. Eugene Amor, Secretary of Finance and Vice-Chairman of the National Task Force, Acting Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, Mr. Marcus Samo led the National team. The meeting was called to discuss the arrival of the MV Chief Mailo from the Republic of Philippines and the repatriation of stranded medical referral patients in Guam. After a welcome by Governor Oliver, Secretary Apis started with an update on the MV Chief Mailo’s position and disposition of the crew.  He related the position of  MV Chief Mailo to be southwest of Pakin outside of Pohnpei’s 12 nautical miles boundary.  He said Chief Mailo reported being short on fuel, food, and in rough waters with a crew of 12, including two passengers.  He also shared that MV Chief Mailo had been in the Philippines for dry dock services but was unable to return as scheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Recently, they had been in isolation for two months in Manila prior to departing from General Santos City where they picked up a 10-year-old boy from Polowat who had been lost at sea. During the discussions, Secretary Apis said that the arrival of Chief Mailo was not communicated to the Pohnpei State Task Force initially, and this was a communication failure that is most unfortunate.  Vice Speaker Edwin expressed his disappointment in the sequence of events that placed Pohnpei State leadership in a position to deny access pending further information on Chief Mailo that was not provided before her arrival.  Governor Oliver thanked Secretary Apis and Vice Speaker Edwin for their frank and honest comments and expressed the need for continued open and honest communications during the meetings to find a solution for the care and provisioning of MV Chief Mailo.  Lt. Governor Perman also asked why the Chuuk State Government denied the MV Chief Mailo access to Chuuk when she is homeported in Chuuk State.  Mr. Tom Kostka from the FSM TC&I’s Marine Division noted that Chuuk State’s protocols place the crew of MV Chief Mailo in the category of non-essential personnel, and this along with the fact that three members of her crew being tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in 2020 was most likely their determining factors to deny access to MV Chief Mailo. Governor Oliver advised Secretary Apis, Secretary Amor, and the FSM COVID-19 Task Force that in a previous meeting of the Pohnpei Task Force the decision was made to assist the MV Chief Mailo, but this will require collaboration and cooperation from both State and National to render the proper assistance to Chief Maillo while observing and upholding the no disembarkation order instituted by Pohnpei’s Constitutional Emergency order. Pohnpei Port Authority Seaport Manager, Mr. Baron Mendiola requested FSM Patrol Boat assistance to guide the MV Chief Mailo into Pohnpei waters where they will then observe the pre-14 day quarantine requirements while onboard the vessel, similar to MV Caroline Voyager.  Chairman of Pohnpei State COVID-19 State Task Force, Mr. Wincener David, added that after the pre-14-day quarantine is complete, Pohnpei State Health personnel will administer COVID-19 tests to the crew and provisioning will commence.  The MV Chief Mailo departed the Philippines on December 24, 2020, where they were also administered two COVID-19 tests before departure according to Secretary Apis, with negative results. A joint working group will collaborate to ensure the proper steps are taken to ensure the MV Chief Mailo is brought into anchorage in Pohnpei waters, COVID-19 testing is completed for the crew, quarantine is enforced and provisioning is accomplished.  Pending confirmation by FSM National Government, the MV Chief Mailo is expected to be guided into Pohnpei waters on January 6, 2020, to complete her pre-14-day quarantine, and then undergo an additional 21 days quarantine in our waters while arrangements can be made to repatriate the crew members to Chuuk State. On the issue of medical referral repatriation, Secretary Apis expressed his personal opinion that Pohnpei State, as the readiest state in the FSM should take the lead to inform the national government of their readiness to repatriate their medical referrals.  Governor Oliver reiterated the cooperation and collaboration of both State and National Task Forces to accomplish the repatriation at the earliest date possible. Also present at the meeting were Dr. Eliaser Johnson, Assistant Secretary Moses Pretrick, and Mayson Fredrick from the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs.  Chief of FSM Immigration Division, Mr. David Wolphagen also accompanied the National team.  From Pohnpei State, Director of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, Director of Finance and Administration, Ms. Christina Elnei, Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation Commissioner, Mr. Peterson Sam, Special Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Petriko Hairens, Budget Office Mr. Leon Panuelo Jr. and Overseas Development Assistance Coordinator, Ms. Shirley-Ann Ligohr joined the meeting.

On December 18, 2020, T.H. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, signed Legislative Bill No. 129-20 into Public Law: “A BILL FOR AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 6-205 OF PART J OF TITLE 26 OF THE POHNPEI CODE RELATIVE TO THE DESIGNATION OF TURTLE CONSERVATION ZONES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” In his brief remarks, Governor Oliver thanked Rohsa (Mr. William Hawley) and Rohspein( Mrs. Marcella P. Hawley) for their support and important contributions to the designation of turtle conservation zones in Pohnpei. He thanked everyone involved for the support and cooperation from the Pohnpei State Government to the Non-Governmental Organizations represented at the signing. Joining Governor Oliver to witness the signing of this important Bill into Law was Rohsa and Rohspein Kitti, Director of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, Administrator of the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mr. Dahker Abraham, Special Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, Mr. Eugene Joseph Executive Director of Conservation Society of Pohnpei, Wendolin Roseo Marquez, and Santiago Joab Jr. from Micronesia Conservation Trust and Ms. Elizabeth Derk, Director of Conservation and Planning from The Nature Conservancy.

Please click the play button above to hear Governor Reed B. Oliver’s Christmas message. You can also hear the message on V6AH’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pohnpeiradio Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  

On December 9, 2020, the Honorable Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, and the Honorable Feliciano M. Perman, Lt. Governor of Pohnpei State attended the Royal funeral of His Majesty Wasalapalap Iso-Sangoro, Nahnmwarki of U, Pedro Moses. Accompanying Governor Oliver and Lt. Governor Perman were the Honorable Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, Ausen T. Lambert, and the Honorable Chief Justice of Pohnpei State, Nelson Joseph. After attending traditional services in the Nahs of Vice Speaker of the FSM Congress, Esmond Moses, Governor Oliver attended the Royal burial with the Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety Honor Guard, where last respects were made with a gun salute and the presentation of the Pohnpei State Flag to the widow of the late Nahnwmarki Pedro Moses, Mrs. Antonia Primo Moses.

On November 17, 2020, Governor Oliver welcomed Micronesia Conservation Trust Executive Director, Mr. William Kostka, and Japanese Ambassador to the FSM, H.E. Hidenobu Sobashima at the Governor’s conference room for a handover ceremony of eight (8) 1,600-gallon water tanks totaling USD $20,000 for Kapingamarangi drought relief donated by the Association for the Promotion of International Cooperation (APIC) and over USD $13,000 worth of equipment from the U.S. Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) through a grant to MCT and the Invasive Species Taskforce of Pohnpei (ISTOP) to assist the conservation and invasive species eradication efforts in Pohnpei. Mr. Kapilly Capelle, the Special Assistant to the Governor, opened the ceremony with a prayer of giving thanks and blessings.  The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Billston Charley, then invited Mr. William Kostka for a remark afterward. Director Kostka stated that the purpose of the gathering was two-fold, one is to provide assistance to the people of Kapingamarangi for a drought relief that they are currently experiencing, through the eight (8) 1,600-gallon water tanks donation from the $20,000 APIC donation, the Association for Promotion of International Corporation (APIC) in Japan.  Second, MCT also donated $13,513.89, through the US Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) worth of equipment and supplies to assist Pohnpei State with invasive species eradication and conservation enforcement efforts. Japanese Ambassador to the FSM, H.E. Hidenobu Sobashima, delivered his remarks by first highlighting the historic bonds between the FSM and Japan, and the continuing assistance not only from the Government of Japan but also from private organizations in Japan wanting to help the people of FSM, like APIC.  APIC donated $20,000 to MCT for the procurement of the water tanks.  Ambassador Sobashima concluded by saying he hoped these donations will continue, like many others, as symbols of friendships between our two nations. Governor Reed B. Oliver conveyed his thanks on behalf of a grateful Pohnpei State and People to Executive Director Kostka and Ambassador Shobashima for the generous donations made.  He noted MCT’s donation through OIA to help maintain and enhance operations with the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Department of Public Safety, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Department of Resources and Development,  Division of Agriculture.  He called attention to a meeting before the ceremony where the Kapingamarangi Task Force and Assessment team provided reports on the outcome of a recent trip, the second, to provide much-needed food and water and supplies to Kapingamarangi, and thanked Ambassador Sobashima and Executive Director Kostka for the tanks that will help relief and recovery efforts.  He recognized and thanked the lead agency for the relief efforts, the Department of Resources and Development, Director Hubert Yamada, and Kapingamarangi Senator Kasinda Ludwig as well as the members of the recently returned assessment team.    

On Thursday, November 19, 2020, the FSM Vessel, MV Caroline Voyager, homeported in Pohnpei State arrived in Pohnpei waters from dry-dock in Japan where she was undergoing dry-dock operations.  Governor Oliver was officially informed by official communications from the Office of the President on November 5, that Caroline Voyager will be arriving in Pohnpei after observing a 14-day at-sea quarantine period from Japan. The crew will remain in their quarantine zone / onboard Voyager for an additional 14 days at anchorage. The general public is advised to stay away from Caroline Voyager while they are observing their quarantine at anchorage.  Public Health personnel will be conducting periodic checks with the crew of the Voyager/ onboard including temperature checks and COVID-19 testing prior to their release from quarantine on board Voyager. Initial checks by Pohnpei State Public Health reveals no fever or any signs/symptoms of COVID-19 detected in the crew. The Department of Public Safety and Pohnpei Port Authority will be conducting security patrols during the quarantine period to ensure no contact is made with the crew onboard while in quarantine at anchorage.

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find the latest Enginkehlap News Radio Program, aired on V6AH in Pohnpeian for the week of 9 – 13 November 2020. Ni wahu, Public Information Officer

On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at 7:00 AM, the Hon. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State attended the U.S. Veterans of Pohnpei (USVP) Fun Run opening ceremony at the Kolonia Town Gym. Governor Oliver was the keynote speaker for this all-day event that included a Fun Run/Walk, classes and games for youth, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pohnpei International Airport’s FSM Veterans Memorial, and a live band, to commemorate and celebrate FSM Veterans of Foreign Wars Day. In his remarks, Governor Oliver recounted the evolution of the holiday, from Armistice Day on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11:00 am, 11 November) in 1918 to mark the end of World War I, to the establishment of Veterans Day in the U.S. by President Eisenhower in 1954, and the formation of FSM Veterans of Foreign Wars Day by FSM Congress through Public Law 13-38 on June 23, 2004. He thanked the Officers of the USVP, President Kavika Edwin Duff, Vice President Strick Richardo, Secretary Richard Porter, Treasurer Merins Hadley Race, and Public Awareness Officer, Johnny Musrasrik for their efforts in organizing this important event. Governor Oliver expressed his sincere thanks to all “Veterans and family members, who gave their best and sacrificed their lives for the cause of World Peace, Freedom and Security”. He went on to recognize notable Veterans from Pohnpei including His Majesty Wasalapalap Isipahu, Nahnmwarki of Madolenihmw, Herbert Hebel, former Pohnpei State Governor, Hon. Marcelo Peterson who was present, Mayor of Kolonia Town Hon. Beterigo Jacob, FSM President’s Chief of Staff and Chief Compact Negotiator, Leo Falcam, Jr., and former Director of the Department of Public Safety, Mr. Benito Cantero among many others. He concluded his remarks and once again expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this important occasion of FSM Veterans of Foreign Wars Day with everyone “in the name of Peace and Security of everyone around the world.” Governor Oliver also joined the FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Kandhi Elieisar, U.S. Embassy Kolonia Charge d’Affaires Ms. Somer Bessiere-Briers, Pohnpei State Senator Hon. Helgena Johnson and Gold Star Families to lay wreaths at the Pohnpei International Airports FSM Veterans Memorial.

On October 30, 2020, Governor Oliver met with FSM Secretary of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure (TC&I), Mr. Carlson Apis, at the Governor’s cabinet room. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss communications, public projects, transportation, and other items to align and coordinate efforts in these areas.  Secretary Apis was accompanied by Mr. Takuro Akinaga from the FSM’s Telecommunications Regulation Authority (TRA), Mr. Jolden Johnnyboy, and Edward Albert from TC&I, Mr. Rob Solomon from FSM Department of Finance and joining via zoom, Mr. Mike Lott with FSM Open Access Entity (OAE) and Mr. Frank McLaughlin with FSM TRA.  Secretary Apis asked for Governor Oliver’s and the State of Pohnpei’s support with the liberalization of telecommunication services, listing a number of expected improvements and upgrades, including a short presentation by Mr. Mike Lott on Fibre optic access and benefits. Governor Oliver and Secretary Apis also discussed Pohnpei Transportation Authority’s potential development as a semi-autonomous entity, similar to PUC that can translate to improved service and delivery not just for Pohnpei but for the nation.  Finally, the Governor and Secretary spoke on the expected renovation of the Pohnpei State Government Administration building by China Construction Steel Structure Corporation. Secretary Apis agreed that Pohnpei’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure will take the lead on this project.  Governor Oliver thanked Secretary Apis for his visit and looked forward to the continued coordination and alignment of State and National communication, infrastructure, and transportation projects.

The Honorable Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, proclaims a period of mourning for three days commencing November 6, 2020. All flags shall be flown at half-mast during the period of mourning, to honor the untimely passing of the late Tadasy Yamaguchi, Former State Senator and Principal Judge of Pohnpei State Court of Land Tenure and Lepen Moar Madolenihmw.

On October 29, 2020, Governor Oliver received 1,500 hygiene kits from UNICEF in a handover ceremony at the Governor’s Conference Room. Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, thanked Mr. Cromwell Bacareza and UNICEF Micronesia for their continued support to the children of Pohnpei and the Department of Education.   In his remarks, Governor Oliver expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Pohnpei State Government for UNICEF’s generous donation of items that will help the health and well being of the children of Pohnpei. He recalled a recent book launch at Nett Elementary School where children were given a copy of the book “Virus Stopping Champions” to help spread awareness on hygiene and COVID-19 prevention. He asked Mr. Bacareza to convey his thanks to the staff and to UNICEF headquarters.   Before turning over the hygiene kits, Mr. Bacareza outlined UNICEF’s mandate to look out for the rights and welfare of children. He thanked Governor Oliver, Director Etse, and the Pohnpei State Government for their support and the five principals whose schools will be models for the hygiene kit donations:   Principal Darlington Lebehn from Sokehs Powe Elementary Principal Joseph Amor from Saladak Elementary Cecilia Martin from Rohi Elementary Rosalinda Siennes from Ohmine Elementary Jeremy Donre from Awak Elementary School For more photos of the event, please visit our Facebook Page: Pohnpei State Eningkehlap https://www.facebook.com/PohnpeiStateGov

On Monday, October 26, 2020, Mr. Tadasy Yamaguchi, Lepen Moar Madolenihmw, stopped by the Governor’s office for a courtesy visit.  Governor Oliver, Lt. Governor Perman, Director of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, and Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, welcomed Mr. Yamaguchi to Peilapalap.  Mr. Yamaguchi was also a Judge at the Court of Land Tenure for many years.   During his brief visit to the Governor’s Office, Mr. Yamaguchi was able to share recollections of Kolonia’s past.  He shared memories of Kolonia during the Japanese era, recalling the Japanese names of certain parts of Kolonia.  He also spoke of playing baseball in his younger years and then named members of his Kolonia baseball team that included past leaders of Pohnpei.  At shortstop, he recalled the late Itor Harris, at first base, the late Dr. Alex Panuelo, in the outfield the late Mr. Welson Lemuel, He mentioned the late Mr. Case Scaliem as a team member and their coach was the late Inoske Yamada.     Governor Oliver thanked Lepen Moar Madolenihmw, Mr. Tadasy Yamaguchi for his visit to Peilapalap and presented him with a small token of appreciation for his visit.  

On Monday, October 26, 2020, Governor Oliver and Lieutenant Governor Perman welcomed the Legislative branch led by the Hon. Ausen T. Lambert, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature and Vice Speaker, Hon. Stevick Edwin, to the Governor’s Conference Room for a Joint State Leadership Meeting at 10:00 am. Lt. Governor Perman and Speaker Lambert provided opening remarks for the Executive and Legislative branches, respectively. Lt. Governor Perman welcomed Mr. Rob Solomon from the FSM Department of Finance, asking him to help explain the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA). Speaker Lambert thanked Governor Oliver for initiating this joint leadership meeting and also for the FSM Department of Finance for accepting the Governor’s invitation to provide a presentation on the PUA. Mr. Rob Solomon, represented the FSM Secretary of Finance, Mr. Eugene Amor. Mr. Solomon gave an overview of the program, including the prescribed amounts payable to qualified applicants, $166 per week, and added that from April – July 2020, an additional $600 was included in the weekly payments. He went on to add that the PUA is a U.S. Department of Labor regulated program and the FSM Department of Finance is following their rules and regulations and because FSM does not have an unemployment benefits program, the guidelines used are for the state of Hawaii. Since the start of the program, there has been $7 million paid out in PUA benefits, $4 million in Pohnpei alone. In explaining eligibility for PUA, Mr. Solomon said that everyone is encouraged to apply, but not everyone will be eligible for benefits. He said since there have been no positive COVID-19 cases in FSM, proving that COVID-19 is the reason for loss or reduction of income is crucial in the application process. During the question and answer session that followed Mr. Solomon’s presentation, Governor Oliver reiterated an offer that was made before the start of the PUA program in Pohnpei to provide assistance to the PUA office through a State Focal Point, to help Pohnpei residents properly fill out applications and provide the required documents to qualify. Mr. Solomon acknowledged that a challenge exists with applications being properly filled out and would take the Governor’s request to the FSM Secretary of Finance. Speaker Ausen T. Lambert asked that this very important benefit be managed carefully especially in light of the ongoing compact re-negotiations.

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOOD VENDORS TO PROVIDE MEALS FOR QUARANTINE SITES The Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force is seeking expressions of interests for restaurants or licensed food vendors to provide meals to quarantine sites.  Expression of interest should include an adult and child menu of nutritious and balanced meals, inclusive of vegetarian options and healthy snacks, the estimated cost of takeout per meal per person, and the maximum number of take-outs that can be made for each meal. GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK  To provide nutritious and balanced meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for quarantine sites  To ensure meals are ready in a timely manner prior to the delivery schedule, morning, lunch & dinner.  Provide three (3) meals for ten (10) days period QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS  Copy of valid business license  Copy of menu (breakfast/lunch/Dinner)  Copies of health certificates for all staff handling food  Copy of completed Business Registration Form (attached)  Copy of EPA certification (Sanitary Certification) To submit your interest or for questions, please contact: Ms. Michaela Saimon, Chief of the Division of Commerce & Industries, Pohnpei Department of Resources & Development, telephone 320-2712 or Email micks_0469@yahoo.com. The application form is posted below, please fill in and return to the email above:   TF Food Business Registry- Quarantine Meal Catering 10-27-2020

On Thursday, October 22, 2020, Governor Oliver and Lieutenant Governor Perman met with former Governor, Johnny David, Mr. Kiyoshi Phillip, and Ms. Christina Elnei representing the Board of Caroline Fisheries Corporation (CFC). The purpose of the meeting was to present Pohnpei State’s share of CFC dividends to Governor Oliver in the amount of $412,285.71. Pohnpei State owns 42% of CFC. Governor Oliver welcomed former Governor David to Peilapalap and thanked him and Mr. Phillip for their visit. Governor David provided a brief background of CFC operations and the current state of the CFC fleet in Pohnpei, highlighting the crucial role that Mr. Milan Kamber played for the current success of CFC. Governor Oliver thanked Governor David, Mr. Phillips, Ms. Elnei and the Management of CFC for the dividend check and their many contributions to Pohnpei State over the years. He also thanked Governor David for his leadership and mentorship in the past, allowing him to serve on various boards, gaining valuable experience and knowledge. Joining Governor Oliver at the meeting with CFC was Lt. Governor Perman, Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Kapilly Capelle, State Budget Officer, Mr. Leon Panuelo Jr., and Financial Consultant, Mr. Kelly Keller. For more information on this press release, please contact the Public Information Officer at 320-2235 or email: patrick.pedrus@pohnpei.gov.fm

On Friday, October 16, 2020, the Hon. Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State administered the oath of administration to Mr. Dahker Abraham, as the Administrator of the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture (OFA). Chairman of the Resources and Development Committee of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature, the Hon. Marvin Yamaguchi presented the new OFA Administrator his certificate of appointment. In his remarks, Governor Oliver congratulated Mr. Abraham and his wife for accepting this great responsibility as the new Administrator of OFA to provide oversight on all fisheries and aquaculture activities in Pohnpei. He thanked Speaker, the Hon. Ausen T. Lambert and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support to confirm Mr. Abraham to this important Office. Governor Oliver thanked the staff of OFA who have taken care of the office in the absence of a confirmed Administrator. He extended special thanks to the Director of Resources and Development, Mr. Hubert Yamada, and his Department for their support to OFA and encouraged continuing collaboration to ensure marine resources developments for the State of Pohnpei are economically robust and viable, and environmentally sustainable in the long run. Governor Oliver concluded by encouraging everyone to put in their best at work and be always mindful and vigilant in dealing with the implications caused by the uninvited COVID-19 pandemic. The Hon. Senator Marvin Yamaguchi, representing the Speaker and the Legislature, gave brief remarks congratulating the new Administrator and thanking Governor Oliver for nominating Mr. Abraham to this key position. He pledged continued support in the ongoing important work of OFA to oversee all fisheries and aquaculture activities in the State of Pohnpei. The newly appointed Administrator thanked the Governor, Speaker, and members of the Legislature for their trust, and asked for their support in the years to come in his new position.

On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 11:00 AM, the Honorable Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State administered the oaths of office to seven new members of the Pohnpei Sports Commission in the Governor’s Conference Room, Peilapalap, Kolonia. Chairman of the Committee on Health, Hon. Senator Shelten Neth represented the Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature to initiate the new members of the Sports Commission. Wahnparoan Kohne Ramon, Senior Pastor for UCCP Saipan presided over the Invocation. The following were sworn in as members of the Pohnpei Sports Commission representing their municipalities: ● Mr. Tadasy Shelten- Madolinihmw ● Mr. Jose Jacob- U ● Mr. Derrick Iehsi- Pingelap ● Mr. Omar Hadley- Kolonia ● Mr. Juity Hainrich- Nukuoro ● Mr. Joesen Habuchimai- Sokehs ● Mr. Nickson Dickepa- Kapingamarangi Governor Oliver congratulated the new members, thanked Speaker Ausen T. Lambert and the members of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature for their support to confirm the new members of the Sports Commission. He thanked the staff of the Sports and Recreation Division for their work. Governor Oliver reiterated what Wahnparoan Ramon recited in his opening prayer, that sports are not just about playing but being healthy for a better life. He noted that sporting events have been affected due to the COVID19 pandemic, even the September 11 Liberation Day games and is looking forward to what these new Commission members will do to promote and highlight sports and health activities for the people of Pohnpei. Chairman of the Pohnpei State Legislature’s Committee on Health, Senator Neth reminded all that health is wellness and was also looking forward to the Sports Commission work in the coming months. In handing out certificates of appointment, Senator Neth solicited the assistance of his fellow Senators, Senator Hudson Abraham, Senator Jayson Walter, Senator Ricky Carl, Senator Mitaro Simina, Senator Marvin Yamaguchi, Senator Helgena Johnson, and the Mayor of Pingelap, Hon. Smithy Clark to present the certificates. Mr. Joab Jose represented his colleagues to thank Governor Oliver for his trust in nominating them and Speaker Lambert, Chairman Neth, and the members of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature for their support in confirming them as new members of the Pohnpei Sports Commission.

On October 20, 2020, at 10:00 AM, the Honorable Reed B. Oliver, Governor of Pohnpei State, administered the oaths of office to the new members of the Board of Education in the Governor’s Conference Room, Peilapalap, Kolonia. Vice-Chairman of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Senator Sonster Edgar represented the Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature to initiate the new members of the Board of Education. Director of the Department of Education and Wahnpahroan, Mr. Stanley Etse, gave the Invocation. The following were sworn in as members of the Board of Education: ● Mr. Grilly Jack ● Mr. Franky Edward ● Mr. Diaz Joseph ● Ms. Phyllis Silbanuz ● Mrs. Alice Bridge Ehmes In his remarks, Governor Oliver congratulated the members of the fully constituted Board of Education. He extended his thanks to Speaker Ausen T. Lambert and the members of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature for their support to confirm these new members. He thanked members of the previous Board of Education for their hard work, dedication, and decisions made during the last few months. He thanked the new members of the Board and entrusted them to work with the Director of Education to provide guidance, oversight, and support to the important work of educating the children who are the future of Pohnpei State. Before presenting their certificates of appointment, Vice Chairman Edgar gave a brief remark. He thanked Governor Oliver and Board members for accepting this very important duty. He likened the new Board to the current legislature, with a mix of old and new members. He encouraged the experienced members to help the new members to make decisions and support the Director of Education. Mr. Grilly Jack represented his fellow Board members to thank Governor Oliver for his trust and confidence in renominating some of them and nominating the rest to this new Board. He extended similar sentiment to the Speaker and members of the 10th Pohnpei Legislature for their support to confirm all of their nominations. He closed by asking everyone for support and prayers for success in their work as members of this very important Board.