KPress Vol23 Iss 05 - 01 Feb 23

KASELEHLIE PRESS

President Panuelo visits the White House, brokers top-line deal

FSM planning to receive $2.8 Billion over 20 years and other benefits

FSM Information Services

PALIKIR, Pohnpei— In late January 2023, His Excellency David W. Panuelo—President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—visited Washington, D.C., and high-level officials at the U.S. White House, so as to strengthen diplomatic ties and conclude discussions and make decisions on the Nation’s top-level figures for economic assistance for the next iteration or extension of the Title II provisions of the Compact of Free Association. Over several meetings with senior White House officials, including Dr. Kurt Campbell, National Security Council Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific, Ambassador Joseph Y. Yun, Special

Presidential Envoy for Compact Negotiations, and Ambassador Carmen G. Cantor, Assistant Secretary for Insular & International Affairs, President Panuelo presented the FSM’s position for the extension and modification of economic assistance under the Compact, advocated the FSM’s rationale for its position, and confirmed with the White House team their broad agreement on top-line figures for annual sector grant assistance, injections into the Compact Trust Fund, continuation of U.S. Federal Programs & Services, and a provision in an agreement regarding the continuation of direct economic assistance beyond Fiscal Year 2044 on similar favorable terms.

President Panuelo’s objective during his trip to Washington, D.C., was to secure top-line figures for economic assistance to the FSM so that the U.S. Executive Branch can include the FSM’s figures in its submission of its annual budget to the U.S. Congress. This is not a trivial matter; the U.S. President’s budget is submitted

Jano and Weilbacher convicted on two counts acquitted on others in fraudulent Vessel Flagging scheme

By Bill Jaynes

The Kaselehlie Press

January 30, 2023

FSM—On January 17, 2023, the FSM Supreme Court convicted two local men on charges related to an illegal FSM vessel flagging operation. The Court also acquitted the men on a charge of Theft of National Government property.

The FSM National Government filed the charges on April 17, 2020. Associate Justice Larry Wentworth issued the decision on the charges from the bench and memorialized the ruling in writing on January 26.

The Court ruled that FSM prosecutors had presented enough evidence to convict local Attorney Martin Jano of

conspiracy to commit money laundering. The Court also ruled that FSM Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure, Lukner Weilbacher had committed the crime of Conflict of Interest. Both crimes carry the potential of jail terms and/or fines.

The Court acquitted Weilbacher on the charge of Exertion of Special Interest in the scheme. It also acquitted the men of the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Theft of National Government Property.

The initial filing of criminal charges with the court spanned 265 pages. Suniel K. Sharma was named in the majority of the charges. Sharma has been absent from the FSM’s jurisdiction for crimes related to a scheme that he allegedly conceived of and operated to issue false FSM marine vessel flags for pay. Sharma set up a company known as Micronesia International Ship Registry (MISR) and allegedly sold flags to vessels around the world that were not qualified to operate with the FSM flag under FSM law, which specifically bans issuance of the flags to non-domestic operators. $600,000 was

fraudulently collected under the scheme. Additionally, the scheme damaged the FSM’s international reputation, which took some time to rebuild.

Initially, Sharma, Jano, and Weilbacher were the defendants in Criminal Case 2020-501 but were severed from the case to be independently prosecuted due to his continued absence from the FSM’s jurisdiction.

Weilbacher and Jano were both charged with conspiring with Sharma to commit theft through the collection of fees for registration of foreign vessels under the FSM flag in an open ship registry (MISR) that Sharma, or one of his companies operated in the FSM’s name.

Dr. Kurt Campbell & H.E. David W. Panuelo pose for a photo

Governor Oliver receives MAD Moms donations to the Pohnpei State Hospital Pediatric and Maternity Ward

By Pohnpei Enginkehlap News

January 19, 2023

Pohnpei--On Friday, January 13, 2023, Governor Oliver welcomed the Mile A Day (MAD) Moms to the Governor’s Office for a turnover of donated items to the Pohnpei State Hospital pediatric and maternity wards. Senator Brian Etscheit, Chairman of the Health Committee at the Pohnpei State Legislature was also present at the turnover, along with Senator Jayson Walter, Chief of Hospital Administration Mrs. Merihter Elias Etse, and Chief of Hospital Supply Mr. Salter Etse Jr.

Mrs. Sophia Pretrick represented the MAD Moms and delivered remarks during the turnover. She shared the history of the MAD Moms group and a recent challenge called the RUNSTREAK challenge that garnered $7,582.25 in donations from sponsors. These donations were used to purchase items that were then donated to the Pediatric and Maternity wards. Mrs. Pretrick shared details of their RUNSTREAK challenge that started in November and ran for 39 days ending in December, covering the most tempting and busy times of the year. The challenge was to walk a mile a day for 39 days and have sponsors pay $1 a day or more. Mrs. Pretrick reminded everyone that one action can cause a ripple

effect, and each of the participants of the RUNSTREAK challenge took action every day.

Governor Oliver expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the MAD Moms for their generous donations. He praised their initiative to not only stay healthy during the holidays but also turn their efforts into something that benefits others. Their donations not only included items for patients on the pediatric and maternity ward but also wheelchairs, thermoscans, and stethoscopes for healthcare providers. Senator Brian Etscheit also delivered remarks to express his deep appreciation and gratitude. He likened their efforts to the “butterfly effect” where one action affects many others.

Dr. Nora Liwy, Chief of the Medical Services Division at the Pohnpei State Hospital, also thanked the MAD Moms for their donations on behalf of the patients and staff of the hospital. Dr. Liwy noted that the donations are exactly what mothers and newborns need in the pediatric and maternity wards. On behalf of the Director of the Department of Health Services, Chief of Hospital Administration, Merihter Elias Etse, extended sincere gratitude to the MAD Moms for their generous donations.

See https://pohnpeistate.gov.fm/2023/01/19/governor-oliverreceives-mad-moms-donations-to-the-pohnpei-state-hospitalpediatric-and-maternity-ward/ for a complete list of participants and sponsors.

Mastermind behind Bergeron murder found guilty

By Joyce McClure Pacific Island Times

January 27, 2023

Colonia, Yap--The Yap Supreme Court today rendered a guilty verdict on Francis Choay Buchun, one of the two defendants in the slaying of Yap’s acting Attorney General Rachelle Bergeron.

Chief Justice Cyprian Manmaw declared Buchun guilty of all charges with the exception of the lesser charges of manslaughter, negligent homicide, assault and aggravated assault. Nineteen charges in total were filed against the defendant.

Buchun was the “mastermind” behind the Oct. 14, 2019, murder that was carried out by his accomplice, Anthony Tun Teteeth, who has also been convicted in a separate trial of murder and other charges among the 19 filed. Sentencing for Tun has not yet been announced.

At the trial, witnesses said the murder was motivated by Bergeron’s filing in April 2019 of 27 charges against Buchun for sexual assault, 10 counts of sexual abuse, and one count of threatening to kill the victim, an underage family member, and on unrelated charges of weapons and ammunition possession filed in June 2019.

Buchun claimed he only wanted to “scare” Bergeron into leaving the island. She and her new husband, Simon Hammerling, a pilot at the time with Pacific Mission Aviation, were scheduled to leave Yap a couple of months later when Bergeron was to begin a new job in Wyoming.

The prosecution, led by FSM Assistant Attorney General Josephine Leben James, is asking for a sentence of 70 years and a fine of $43,900 for Buchun to be served in the Chuuk prison, a more secure facility than the small jail in Yap where both defendants have been incarcerated since being taken into custody soon after the murder.

Sentencing for Buchun will take place on Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. in Yap State Court.

The federal trial for weapons and ammunition possession used in the murder will take place in FSM Supreme Court in Yap on Feb. 13 with Judge Larry Wentworth presiding.

Rachelle Bergeron

Governor Oliver congratulates Our Lady of Mercy High School Principal on Innovative Strategies course in Israel

By Pohnpei Enginkehlap News

January 23, 2023

Pohnpei--Governor Oliver met with Mr. Russell Figueras, Principal of Our Lady of Mercy High School (OLMCHS) on January 17, 2023. Governor Oliver, who is also the Honorary Consul for the State of Israel in the Federated States of Micronesia, congratulated Mr. Figueras and wished him the best as he departed for Israel to begin a training course in Israel on “Innovative Strategies” organized by the MASHAV Educational Training Center, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

...MISR Scheme

Continued from front page

The training course will provide among other things, innovative teaching methods for specific subject matters (science, language, etc.), as well as interdisciplinary subject areas, enabling participants to choose the methods and tools suitable to the particular needs of their environments.

Accompanying Mr. Figueras from OLMCHS were Sr. Krista Namio and Sr. Paula Ishikawa. Director of the Department of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, Chief of Primary Schools, Mr. Peter Ramirez, and Public Affairs Officer Peteriko Hairens were also present.

Francisco Ioanis sworn in as Pohnpei’s Lt. Governor

By Bill Jaynes

The Kaselehlie Press

January 27, 2023

Pohnpei—After reviewing the certification by Pohnpei’s Election Commissioner of the runoff election for Lt. Governor between Christina Elnei and Francisco L. Ioanis, Pohnpei’s Governor Reed B. Oliver today issued a declaration declaring Francisco L. Ioanis to be the winner. Ioanis garnered 4,469 votes for 52.29 percent of the vote while Christina Elnei had 4078 votes, or 47.71 percent. Ioanis was sworn into office shortly thereafter. He took his oath of office from his hospital bed where he is currently being treated.

The special election to elect a Lt. Governor to fill the remainder of the term vacated by the untimely passing of Feliciano Perman was held on December 20, 2022. Christina Elnei was the top vote getter in that election with 3,241 votes. Ioanis had 3,019. Neither had a majority of the votes from among the candidates.

Election Commissioner Heinrick Stevenson announced that because no candidate had garnered 50 percent plus one of the votes, a special election would need to be held. Elnei filed suit at Pohnpei State Supreme Court claiming that the constitution mandates special elections

only for general elections and not for special elections.

On January 10, 2023, Associate Justice Robert Nakasone a former colleague of Ioanis heard the arguments in a closed door hearing from which the Kaselehlie Press reporter was barred. He ruled that a special election was required under the constitution and ordered that the special election continue as scheduled by the Office of the Election Commissioner on January 17.

On January 13, Elnei’s attorney filed a motion for reconsideration alleging that the Court had misunderstood the relief sought in her petition for a declaratory judgment. The Court’s ruling seemed to be based on an understanding that Elnei was asking for the Court to declare her to be the winner and to be seated as Lt. Governor. In fact, the motion said, Elnei was asking for the Court to declare that a runoff election is not required by law for special elections. At press time, the court had not responded to the motion for reconsideration.

Before the election, Elnei’s attorney said that she intended to pursue the court filing no matter the outcome of the election in order to clear up the question once and for all regarding whether runoff elections are required for special elections.

The court wrote, “Sharma was able to set up and operate MISR and register 103 ineligible vessels and collect registration fees from their owners because of Secretary of Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure (“TC&I’’) Lukner Weilbacher’s October 2, 2015 letter of intent that was written to authorize MISR’s operation and which Sharma used to implement the MISR scheme.”

The FSM Government did not charge the defendants with Theft. They were more specific by saying that the theft was of property belonging to the Government. “the prosecution therefore had to prove in this case that the defendants conspired to commit theft of national government property; in other words, that the money collected by MISR in its admittedly illegal and unlawful ship registration scheme was national government property. The prosecution, however, has manifestly proven that those funds were not ever national government property. The prosecution proved that the FSM was not entitled to any of the funds Sharma collected because none of the ships that paid MISR registration fees could lawfully be registered to fly the FSM flag. The FSM national government therefore could not lawfully collect or possess any of those fees.”

The Court said that the taking of MISR ship registry fees was not the theft of government property but was theft of the shipowner’s property. “The FSM was well aware that it was not entitled to any of those funds. It even rejected a $100,000 check that was part of those funds because it was not entitled to those funds.”

The court declined to say that no theft or conspiracy existed. It said that the theft was not a theft of government property. The ruling said that if the FSM National government had instead characterized the property as that of the 108 shipowners, the court would not have been deprived of jurisdiction in the matter because the thefts were carried out in the national government’s name and with a claim of authority from the government, which would have made it a crime that is under the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction.

“Accordingly, since the prosecution cannot prove that the object of the theft

was national government property, the court must acquit Weilbacher on the charge in Count 121 and Jano of the charge in Count 122,” the ruling said. He suggested that the prosecution might be advised to file a “superseding information for the charges against Sharma so that it does not run into this same problem when prosecuting him.”

On the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, the court convicted Jano saying, “A conspiracy to commit money laundering charge does not require that each conspirator actually possess proceeds of the serious crime to establish criminal liability for the conspiracy - Sharma’s undisputed possession of the proceeds would be more than enough to meet the element of an overt act by one of the co-conspirators to further the conspiracy. (The creation of MISR would also suffice.)”

The Court ruled that the fact that Jano possessed a $100,000 check from MISR that he attempted to give to the FSM as the FSM’s “share” of the fraudulent ship registry fees, even after he had been told that the MISR scheme was illegal, eliminated his defense that he made a complete and voluntary renunciation of the scheme and withdrew. By later presenting the check to the FSM, he was still acting in furtherance of the conspiracy.

“If the FSM had accepted the $100,000 payment by check, Sharma could then argue that the FSM had retroactively ratified his MISR activities thus not only validating MISR’s previous unlawful acts and activities, but also making the revenue, the money, MISR generated “clean.” The FSM was probably wise to reject the $100,000 check,” the court ruled.

Count number 485 in the charges was that Weilbacher had violated the Conflict of Interest statute by willingly participating in the scheme, knowing that while MISR operated in Pohnpei, his son would continue to receive a salary from MISR for operating the company’s office. The court found that Weilbacher was guilty of this charge.

However, the charge that Weilbacher exerted special influence stemming from his position at TC&I in trade for MISR continuing to employ his son could not be proven, and the court found Weilbacher innocent of that charge.

The Court will sentence Jano and Weilbacher at a hearing in March.

Pohnpei Fire Department recruits tackle physical challenge test

By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press

January 20, 2023

Pohnpei—Passerbys on Pohnpei’s Dekehtik Causeway on January 20 may have noticed a fire truck and a large group of firefighters, some looking for all the world like they were trying to pound a large truck tire into submission

with a sledge hammer. According to Pohnpei Fire Department’s Lt. Alfred Damarlane, what was actually happening was a physical test for potential new fire department recruits.

Recruits first were required to don the full fire fighting gear complete with heavy oxygen tank and helmet. Their first test was to carry a full length of

rolled up fire hose on their shoulder while stepping up and down on a cement block. Next, they were required to pull the unrolled hose to a pylon. Next, they had to drag a heavy block behind them with a rope to the next pylon. From there they began their journey back with a heavy chain saw. Reaching the large truck tire, they had to pull another cement block hand over hand by a thin

rope. Only when that was complete could they begin bashing the truck tire with a sledge hammer until the tire crossed the finish line. It was a timed test in the sun.

“We take this very seriously,” Lt. Damarlane said. “What we do to get ready could save their lives.”

Conferment Ceremony of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun for Mr. Asterio R. Takesy

By the Embassy of Japan in the FSM

January 17, 2023

Pohnpei, FSM--On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, the conferment ceremony for Mr. Asterio R. Takesy, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, was held at the Ambassador’s Residence. He has received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, as 2022 Spring Conferment of Decorations for foreign recipients.

Mr. Takesy has contributed immensely to strengthening relations between Japan and the FSM. He contributed to develop bilateral ties, such as the establishment of diplomatic relations in December 1988 and the FSM embassy in Tokyo built in May 1989. By appointment of the first President Tosiwo Nakayama, he promoted telecommunication infrastructure through negotiations with Japanese telecommunication providers. As a Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs, he engaged in economic development including infrastructure projects and fisheries cooperation with Japan. As a Director of Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), he visited Fukuoka University to adopt a smart method of the waste management,

“Fukuoka Method”, to the FSM.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Michigami conferred the Decoration Diploma on Mr. Takesy and appreciated his contributions to Japan and the FSM relations, “Kizuna. In his reply, Mr. Takesy expressed his pleasure for the decoration. After a celebration speech by Emanuel Mori, former President of the FSM, the Hon. Kandhi Elieisar, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, gave a toast with his respect to Mr. Takesy.

The ceremony was attended by the Hon. Ieske Iehsi, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and 2022 Spring’s recipient of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, the Hon. Ilon Epel, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Andrew Yatilman, Secretary of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency, the Hon. Gardenia Aisek, Secretary of Education, the Hon. Elina Akinaga, Secretary of Resources and Development, and family of Mr.Takesy, and members of the Embassy of Japan in the FSM.

Embassy of the United States of America

Vacancy Announcement: VA2023.001

POSITION TITLE: Strategic Content Coordinator (Media and Alumni)

OPENING PERIOD: January 17, 2023, to February 17, 2023

SERIES/GRADE: FSN-8

SALARY: USD $17,453.00

FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND JOB DESCRIPTION VISIT:

• fm.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/ CONTACT THE HUMAN RESOURCES

OFFICE:

• KoloniaHumanResourceRequests@ state.gov

DUTIES: The Strategic Content Coordinator (Media and Alumni) works under the direct supervision of the Public AffairsOfficer (PAO) or PAO designee. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Monitors press and digital media coverage of issues of importance to the United States. Identifies and advises the PAO (or PAO designee) on strategies for promoting accurate and balanced FSM press and digital media coverage of U.S. foreign policy and American interests, correcting misinformation and countering disinformation. Maintains Mission flagship digital properties (social media, website content). Researches and analyzes audiences for Mission digital properties and customizes online engagement to promote Mission objectives. Builds productive relationships with working-level press and media professionals in person and online. Creates compelling visual content for all Mission outreach materials by assessing visual aspects of the FSM media environment, public preferences for visual content formats and dissemination channels, and the impact of Mission visual materials. Designs, plans, and implements a broad range of activities to maintain contact with alumni of all Emerging Voices (EV) and Established Opinion Leaders (EOL) activities and initiatives. Develops strategies for engaging alumni over the long term and analyzes the effectiveness of various exchange programs in achieving Mission goals; recommends adjustments accordingly.

EDUCATION: A university degree in Journalism, Communications, International Relations, Political Science, Marketing, or local equivalent is required.

EXPERIENCE: At least four years of progressively responsible experience in a media outlet, think tank, university, non-governmental organization (NGO), international organization, foreign embassy, government office, or corporation is required, with responsibility for public relations, public affairs, journalism, communications, marketing, outreach events, press conferences, and other media interactions as significant parts of the job.

Experience managing digital properties and with content creation in multimedia and traditional formats, including photography and videography, is required.

LANGUAGE: Level 4 (Fluent) Speaking/ Reading/Writing in English is required. (This may be tested.)

Selected applicant under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT

OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Learn about a Graduate Scholarship in Environmental Studies in Tokyo

Do you have an interest in expanding your knowledge of environmental issues that affect Micronesia? If you are a citizen of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or Republic of Palau and have an undergraduate college degree, then plan on joining an online information briefing on a scholarship program that will pay all expenses to earn a Master’s Degree in Global Environmental Studies from the prestigious Sophia University’s Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies in Tokyo, Japan.

The full-ride scholarship is offered by Sophia University, the Association for Promotion of International Cooperation, a private foundation based in Tokyo, and the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT).

To find out more about this exciting opportunity, please plan on joining the information briefing online via Zoom. Micronesian graduate students currently studying at Sophia as well as graduates of the program will share their experiences during the briefing. MCT staff will also be available to answer questions from participants.

The online information briefing will be on Friday, February 17 at the following times: 12 pm in the Marshall Islands; 11 a.m. in Kosrae, and Pohnpei; 10 a.m. in Chuuk and Yap; and, 9 a.m. in Palau.

The Zoom session:

• https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88297340

672?pwd=MDNieVFpQWVMNW9H

VWNoeFhZZGpEUT09

• meeting ID: 882 9734 0672

• passcode: 351669

The deadline for applying for the scholarship is fast approaching, as is the deadline to apply to Sophia University. The Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies is offered in English.

Sophia University is ranked as one of the top research universities in Japan.

College of Micronesia-FSM

CFE Receives WASH Leadership Award

The Center For Entrepreneurship, under the direction of Executive Director Timothy Mamangon, received the WASH Leadership Award for the Programme’s “...outstanding leadership and achievement in organizing activities related to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and educating young children and school WASH Clubs in the FSM” along with the support of the Australian Embassy and UNICEF.

The internship program is a leadership program that seeks to train students by immersing htem into activities that hones their communication, management, planning, budgeting, and other leadership skills. More than forty interns were given the chance to organize and execute events such as:

● The “2022 World Water Day”; which focused on raising awareness on the cleanliness of the schools’ drinking water sources, indoor plumbing, and other water related topics.

● The “2021-2022 Menstrual Hygiene Awareness” campaigns where the interns brought the sensitive discussions of menstrual cycles to the communities of Pohnpei (WASH clubs, high

schools,churches, and the municipals), and the significant importance on how to perform proper menstrual hygiene, as well as working together with UNICEF and Rotary Club to introduce and distribute a new-found product called the Reusable Sanitary Napkins to the highschools.

● The “2021-2022 Global Handwashing Day”, in which hand washing songs were created and catered to teaching children of all ages the proper way to wash their hands and the health risks it presents when ignored. The interns in collaboration with this schools host

From performing fun hand washing songs with the children to having serious discussions with the state and national governments as a result of their administration of surveys, the interns and coordinators showcase their flexibility in assembling events that would better benefit the country’s water, sanitation, and health conditions.

In the next several months, the interns will continue to champion the different advocacies of the project while developing their skills in leadership.

Yap | Chuuk | Pohnpei | Kosrae

TRADE MARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Nissan Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha (also trading as Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.) of No.2, Takara-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken, Japan, is the sole owner and proprietor in the Federated States of Micronesia and elsewhere of the trade mark below:

Are Marine Protected Areas effective for tuna conservation?

Pacific Community

17 January 2023

Noumea, New Caledonia – The first-ever quantitative evaluation of the contribution of no-take Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to the conservation of tropical tunas in the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) has been published in Frontiers in Marine Science.

Marine Protected Areas have been established by many countries in the Pacific and have been targeted at a range of different conservation issues, but at least one significant argument for their establishment has often been that they would have a positive impact on the regional tuna stock. This study demonstrates that, at least for tuna, MPAs may not be a particularly effective management tool.

which is used in connection with the following services:

Class 35: Retail or wholesale services for land vehicles, structural parts and fittings therefor; Dealerships in the field of land vehicles; Sales promotion for others; Advertising and publicity services for land vehicles; Import-export agency services; Providing information about land vehicles, namely, consumer product information and price comparison information; Providing commercial information and advice for consumers in the choice of products and services; Administration of consumer loyalty programs; Showroom services; Organization of exhibitions for commercial or advertising purposes; Organization of trade fairs; Vehicle fleet (business management of a -) [for others]; Providing on-line showrooms for land vehicles for commercial purposes.

Class 36: Accident insurance underwriting; Credit and cash card services; Providing financial information; Financing services; Issuance of credit cards; Appraisal of used automobiles; Insurance services relating to land vehicles; Providing of comprehensive warranty services for land vehicles, structural parts and fittings therefor ; Extended warranty insurance services; Loans [financing]; Automobile lease financing; Lease purchase financing of vehicles; e-wallet payment services ; Providing insurance information.

Nissan Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha (also trading as Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.) claims all rights in respect to the above trade mark and will take all necessary legal steps against any person, firm or corporation counterfeiting, imitating, violating or otherwise infringing its rights in the Federated States of Micronesia.

JAMES & WELLS

Private Bag 3140 Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand

Email: attorney@jamesandwells.com www.jamesandwells.com

JAMES & WELLS

Co-authored by staff of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD), the paper found that one such MPA, the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), a 400,000 km2 no-take MPA in the central Pacific (see Figure) implemented by the Government of Kiribati since 2015, was having a negligible impact on the conservation of skipjack and bigeye tuna in the WCPO.

The lead author of the study, Dr John Hampton Chief Scientist at SPC’s Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Division, said “Tropical tunas such as skipjack and bigeye tuna have a wide distribution in tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Pacific, and are capable of spawning anywhere where the water temperature is greater than about 25°C. Their larvae drift in the surface water currents, and as they grow they are able to move widely through the region. So closing off one part of the area tends not to offer much if any protection to species like this.” In addition, “What we tend to see when areas like the PIPA are closed is that the vessels that would have fished there simply move their activities to adjacent areas, which again limits their conservation effectiveness, at least for tuna.” he said.

Co-author Kaon Tiamere Acting Director, Licensing and Compliance Division at the Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development noted that “Kiribati MFMRD has been concerned that, over the past eight years, the PIPA closure has been negatively impacting Kiribati foreign tuna vessel licence fee revenue which is a critical source of income for Kiribati. These losses are difficult to justify if, as these new analyses suggest, there is little tuna conservation benefit resulting from the PIPA. The Government has decided to re-open the PIPA to tuna fishing from January 2023, and that decision is supported by the results of this work.”

The study also analysed the likely tuna conservation efficacy of several much larger hypothetical MPAs, each constituting around 33% of the WCPO ocean area. While these larger areas may have a slightly greater impact on tuna stock conservation than the PIPA, and may also be targeted at a much broader range of conservation outcomes, the study concluded that they were unlikely to be effective frontline fisheries management tools for tropical tunas.

Paper co-author Dr Simon Nicol, Principal Fisheries Scientist (Fisheries & Ecosystem Monitoring & Analysis) at SPC explained that “large MPAs like these may provide benefits where fisheries exploit fairly sedentary species and impact habitats but provide only modest contributions to conserving stock-wide abundance of tuna. Additionally, they can disrupt benefits to Pacific Island countries with processing and service industries, whose competitive advantage relies on their proximity to fishing grounds for the vessels that supply their canneries or use their transhipment and service facilities”.

Dr Hampton noted that “Many countries in the Pacific region have implemented MPAs motivated in part by perceptions of how they would positively impact tuna stocks. This study shows that some of these perceptions were probably overly optimistic. We encourage evaluations like this one, based on the best scientific information on the biology of the stocks and fisheries concerned, be undertaken prior to MPAs being implemented.”

The western and central Pacific Ocean showing the Exclusive Economic Zones of coastal States (light blue), PIPA (yellow) and the three large oceanic Marine Protected Areas evaluated in the study.

TRADE MARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Nissan Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha (also trading as Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.) of No.2, Takara-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawaken, Japan, is the sole owner and proprietor in the Federated States of Micronesia and elsewhere of the trade mark below:

NISSAN

which is used in connection with the following goods and services:

Class 12: Vehicles for locomotion by land, air, water or rail; Automobiles; Electric vehicles; Waggons; Trucks; Vans [vehicles]; Sport utility vehicles; Motor buses; Recreational vehicles (RV); Sports cars; Racing cars; Lorries; Fork lift trucks; Tractors; Towing tractors; Trailers; Semi-trailers; Structural parts for automobiles; Engines for land vehicles; Motors for land vehicles; Bodies for vehicles; Vehicle chassis; Transmission mechanisms for land vehicles; Transmission shafts for land vehicles; Gearing for land vehicles; Clutches for land vehicles; Axles for vehicles; Vehicle suspension springs; Shock absorbers for automobiles; Vehicle wheels; Tires for vehicle wheels; Hubs for vehicle wheels; Adhesive rubber patches for repairing tire inner tubes; Brakes for vehicles; Brake pads for land vehicles; Windshields; Windshield wipers [vehicle parts]; Vehicle bumpers; Steering units for land vehicles; Horns for vehicles; Direction signals for vehicles; Vehicle seats; Safety belts for vehicle seats; Head-rests for vehicle seats; Reversing alarms for vehicles; Anti-theft devices for vehicles; Air bags [safety devices for automobiles]; Rearview mirrors; Tailboard lifts [parts of land vehicles]; Spoilers for vehicles; Luggage carriers for vehicles; Mudguards for vehicles; Anti-skid chains; Vehicle covers [shaped]; Seat covers for vehicles; Air pumps [vehicle accessories]; Ski carriers for vehicles; Cigar lighters for land vehicles; Safety seats for children; Hoods [folding roofs] for vehicles; Doors for vehicles; Space vehicles; Aeroplanes; Seaplanes; Aircraft; Carts; Motorcycles; Boats; Ferry boats; Ships; Yachts; Bicycles; Ashtrays for automobiles; Brake discs for vehicles; Driverless cars [autonomous cars]; Side view mirrors for vehicles; Engine mounts for land vehicles; Caps for vehicle petrol [gas] tanks; Torque converters for land vehicles; Autonomous land vehicles; Bearings [parts of vehicles].

Class 35: Retail or wholesale services for land vehicles, structural parts and fittings therefor; Dealerships in the field of land vehicles; Sales promotion for others; Advertising and publicity services for land vehicles; Import-export agency services; Providing information about land vehicles, namely, consumer product information and price comparison information; Providing commercial information and advice for consumers in the choice of products and services; Administration of consumer loyalty programs; Showroom services; Organization of exhibitions for commercial or advertising purposes; Organization of trade fairs; Vehicle fleet (business management of a -) [for others]; Providing on-line showrooms for land vehicles for commercial purposes.

Class 36: Accident insurance underwriting; Credit and cash card services; Providing financial information; Financing services; Issuance of credit cards; Appraisal of used automobiles; Insurance services relating to land vehicles; Providing of comprehensive warranty services for land vehicles, structural parts and fittings therefor ; Extended warranty insurance services; Loans [financing]; Automobile lease financing; Lease purchase financing of vehicles; e-wallet payment services ; Providing insurance information.

Class 37: Repair or maintenance of land vehicles, parts and fittings therefor; Providing information about repair or maintenance of land vehicles, parts and fittings therefor; Repair or maintenance of chargers for electrical vehicles; Repair or maintenance of batteries and cells; Repair or maintenance of telecommunication machines and apparatus; Vehicle breakdown repair services; Charging of electric vehicles; Tuning of bodies for automobiles; Custom installation of exterior, interior and mechanical parts of vehicles [tuning]; Rental of battery chargers; Vehicle greasing; Anti-rust treatment for vehicles; Roadside assistance services, in particular responding to calls for roadside assistance, flat tire changing, emergency fuel supplying, battery jump starting, and emergency battery supplying.

Nissan Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha (also trading as Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.) claims all rights in respect to the above trade mark and will take all necessary legal steps against any person, firm or corporation counterfeiting, imitating, violating or otherwise infringing its rights in the Federated States of Micronesia.

JAMES & WELLS

Private Bag 3140 Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand

Email: attorney@jamesandwells.com www.jamesandwells.com

JAMES & WELLS

TRADEMARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

Notice is hereby given that ABS Global, Ltd., O’Hara House, 3 Bermudiana Road, Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda, is the sole Owner and sole Proprietor of the following trademark:

ABS Global, Ltd. wishes to inform merchants and the public in the Federated States of Micronesia that singular importance is attached to the trademark depicted above and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of this trademark, who pass off their goods or services as that of ABS Global, Ltd. or who act in a manner likely to cause confusion or misunderstanding as to the source, sponsorship, approval or certification of such goods or services.

The trademark is used on and to distinguish the following products and services.

IC 38: Telecommunications services in the nature of satellite communication services, namely, satellite bandwidth services; telecommunications, namely, communications via multinational telecommunication networks and telecommunications via satellites; satellite telecommunications, namely, satellite transmission services and satellite communication services; radio broadcasting; television broadcasting; cable television broadcasting; Internet television broadcasting; Internet telecommunication services, namely, providing telecommunications connections to the Internet; mobile phone telecommunication services; mobile data network telecommunication services, namely, network transmission of data through local computer networks and network transmission of data through satellites; mobile Internet television broadcasting; mobile Internet telecommunication services, namely, Internet access provider services

Any inquiry regarding this Cautionary Notice may be directed to: Law Office of Michael J. Sipos, A Professional Corporation, P.O. Box 2069, Kolonia, Pohnpei FM 96941, telephone (691) 320-6450, MSipos@mail.fm

Australia, Japan, U.S. stand up multinational task force for Cope North 23

By Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs Pacific Air Forces

January 27, 2023

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBORHICKAM, Hawaii—Air forces from Australia, Japan, and the United States have begun arriving in Guam to establish the command and control multinational task force for Cope North 2023, which runs Feb. 8-24, 2023.

CN23 is a multilateral U.S. Pacific Air Forces-sponsored field training exercise focused on trilateral airborne integration for large-force employment, agile combat employment, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training.

Operations will take place at Andersen Air Force Base, Won Pat International Airport, and Northwest Field, Guam; Commonwealth Northern Mariana Islands including Rota, Tinian, and Saipan; Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia; Iwo To, Japan; and the Republic of Palau.

CN23 objectives aim to further integrate the contributions of allies and partners to enhance security and stability to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Specific tactics, techniques and procedures planned during the exercise include accomplish precise and challenging trilateral planning, execution, and debrief training in large force exercises; stress, validate, and improve U.S. and trilateral ACE capabilities in dispersed locations; enable combat air forces and ACE training requirements via seamless coalition airlift and logistics operations; and demonstrate safe and effective conduct of combined and synergistic HA/DR operations.

Approximately 1,000 U.S. Airmen, Marines, and Sailors will train alongside 1,000 combined Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and French Air and Space Force service members in CN23. About 100 aircraft from the United States, Australia, Japan, and France will fly 1,200 sorties across seven islands and 10 airfields.

The exercise concludes with a HA/ DR event that reinforces the militaries’ combined ability to support any type of disaster in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of Palau, and Yap in the Federated States

of Micronesia.

Established in 1978 as a quarterly bilateral exercise held at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Cope North moved to Andersen AFB in 1999. It is U.S. Pacific Air Forces’ largest multilateral exercise.

...Compact

Continued from front page

in early February, and not having these figures secured would mean delaying the FSM’s movement on Compact-related issues for another year at best. While the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands currently possess Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the United States Government, the FSM had not yet reached that point. President Panuelo was, and remains, monomaniacally concerned (i.e. singularly focused or obsessed) about ensuring the Nation’s continued wellbeing and future, and strengthening the FSMU.S. Enduring Partnership in a manner that genuinely benefits both countries.

“When I reflect on this administration and the vast responsibility of the Office of the President, I told myself,” President Panuelo said in a statement, “That, given the narrowing window on this, I must take decisive action for our people. I am willing to put it all on the line— and to risk my political career by taking bold action, focusing on my duty and the long-term impacts to our people —in order to secure a deal that is fundamentally in our Nation’s best interests, and the best interests of our citizens.”

Contemporary Sector Grant assistance under the Compact of Free Association is approximately $80,000,000 per year to the FSM, and is increased to approximately $93,000,000 per year if one includes the Supplemental Education Grant (SEG), which is technically an annual act of the U.S. Congress as opposed to funding secured through the treaty. President Panuelo successfully secured from the White House team their concurrence to seek to request from the U.S. Congress $140,000,000 per year in Sector Grant assistance, or a total of $2.8 Billion over a twenty-year period.

As the FSM’s Compact Sector Grant funding resides within the FSM’s States, and not at the FSM National Government, one of the impacts of

such an increase in funding would be a dramatic jump in financial support to the Yap State Government, the Chuuk State Government, the Pohnpei State Government, and the Kosrae State Government. “This is one of the ways that teachers get their salary increases so that we can retain talent and strike back at our 2% annual out-migration rate by improving student learning opportunities at home,” President Panuelo said, “And this is how we can provide better pay to doctors and nurses employed at the state level, all while better supplying our public education and health infrastructure throughout the Nation.”

Additionally, the President and the White House team agreed that they plan to include in an agreement a provision regarding the continuation of direct economic assistance beyond Fiscal Year 2044 on favorable terms, subject to mutual agreement. “In other words,” President Panuelo said, “There will not be a fiscal cliff now or in the future. Virtually everyone had the year 2023 as a weight on their shoulders, whether they were adults or children. We aim to remove that barrier for 2044 and beyond. The Compact, like our Partnership with the United States, is Enduring.”

President Panuelo articulated the FSM’s intention to continue and maintain the provision of U.S. Federal Programs and Services currently provided to the FSM. The President and the White House team agreed that they intend to continue and maintain in a new agreement the provision of U.S. Federal Programs and Services that are currently provided under the Federal Programs & Services Agreement. While it is beyond the scope of this release to quantify this assistance, it is the view of the FSM Government’s Executive Branch that this assistance is arguably as significant, if not more significant, than annual Sector Grant assistance. “Whether it’s PELL Grants or FAA regulations or the Post Office, the continuation of essential programs and services will make a key difference for our Nation’s future,” the President said.

Of supreme importance to the FSM Government’s long-term objectives include the health of the

FSM’s Compact Trust Fund. The FSM Government projects that it is increasingly plausible that the Compact Trust Fund’s dividends may, at some point in coming decades, serve as the Nation’s primary source of revenue from which to fund essential programming and services to the Nation’s citizens.

“From Climate Change resulting in the migration of tuna from the FSM’s oceanic territory

to other countries, to the unknown geopolitical scenarios in coming decades—and the problems we’ve identified, such as out-migration, to the problems we’re less able to quantify, such as low literacy and mathematics scores, having a stable and secure source of revenue will be essential to our Nation’s prosperity. We have seen other Pacific Islands and other countries enjoy being wealthy today only to become poor tomorrow—and the impact that has on families and communities. It is in our strategic interest to ensure that, no matter what the future brings, we can collectively, and always, count on the Trust Fund to be a source of revenue for our people.”

Thus, President Panuelo secured from the White House team their agreement that the U.S. will intend to request a mandatory appropriation for annual installments of $250 Million to be deposited into the Trust Fund for the People of the Federated States of Micronesia for two years, beginning in Fiscal Year 2024, for a total of $500 Million invested in the first two years of a new agreement. This will help ensure the FSM reaches its financial goals for 2044 and beyond, and the Trust Fund is conservatively projected to reach a total value of $4 Billion or above by 2044.

Immediately after the meetings with the White House team—late at night in his hotel room— President Panuelo urgently called the Honorable Wesley W. Simina, Speaker of the FSM Congress, so as to brief him on the conversations, and to solicit his views. After receiving the Speaker’s total support, President Panuelo sought to engage with the Honorable Isaac V. Figir, Chair of the Congressional Committee on Ways & Means, among other members of the Joint Committee on Compact

Review & Planning (JCRP), who also advised of his total support for the President’s engagements with the United States. As of this release, President Panuelo has concluded his briefing with Asterio R. Takesy, Chair of the JCRP, and Leo A. Falcam Jr., Chief Negotiator, on the FSM’s next steps forward, such as signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in early to mid February.

At the time of this release, the FSM has not yet signed an MOU with the US Government—though it is the FSM Government’s understanding that the topline funding for the Compact is secured for the purposes of the U.S. President’s budget submission to the U.S. Congress. It is President Panuelo’s intention to determine a date in the coming weeks for signing the MOU with the U.S., and for the FSM-side to dedicate the month of February and the beginning of March towards finalizing the few remaining elements of the negotiations, such as the Fiscal Procedures Agreement. President Panuelo intends to ensure the total conclusion of the entire negotiation process, inclusive of signing a completed agreement, before the end of administration on May 11th, 2023.

“In the first ten days of my administration I went to Washington D.C.,” President Panuelo said. “The result of that visit at the beginning of my administration was to get the greenlight to start the Compact negotiations. I promised every citizen in this country that we would start that process— and it is my responsibility as your public servant, as your President, to see to it a successful conclusion. That is what we have accomplished in Washington D.C. at the end of January, achieving

an estimated combined $7 Billion in programs and resources from Sector Grants and Trust Fund gains, not even counting all Federal Programs & Services, over the 20 years period; focusing on finishing this important work will remain my priority so that the next administration—regardless of who they are—will know that the Compact is secured for our Nation’s prosperity. This is about taking actions today for our Nation’s prosperity tomorrow.”

Australian Embassy to the FSM commemorates Australia Day at reception in Pohnpei

By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press

January 27, 2023

Pohnpei, FSM—235 years after Captain Arthur Phillip aboard the HMS Sirius along with 10 other vessels arrived at Sydney Cove on January 26, 1788, the Australian Embassy in the FSM commemorated Australia Day in Pohnpei FSM at Cliff Rainbow Hotel and Restaurant. Invited guests were treated to the music of Kihmo Kanohoe Satiris Roby who was a finalist in the 2022 Pacific Break music competition. The Pacific Break is the Pacific’s biggest music competition, the winner of which gets a recording contract and big exposure; indeed, a big break for Pacific Islands musicians. Kihmo did not win the competition but was a finalist which is a huge achievement as competition is fierce.

In addition to the musical entertainment, Australian Ambassador to the FSM, Jo Cowley and FSM Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs Kandhi A. Elieisar delivered Australia Day addresses.

Ambassador Cowley during her remarks said that FSM and Australia, who are good friends and partners, share common values as democratic countries. Both are dedicated to peace, a rich spiritual life, and prosperity for all of each country’s people.

Australia has a 60,000-year history and admittedly, the indigenous people have been under represented in the 235year history since the first colonists arrived. Each year many protests occur from indigenous people objecting to “Australia Day”. Ambassador Cowley said that this year, the people of Australia will go to the polls in a plebiscite vote to ensure that indigenous people have rightful representation in the Australian government.

She said that FSM are good friends and partners as evidenced by the visit in December of last year by the Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and a bipartisan parliamentary delegation to the FSM. She said that visit was an opportunity for Australia to say in person that Australia’s commitment to the FSM is bipartisan and unwavering and that Australia will take real action on climate change, the FSM’s biggest security threat. It was at that meeting that President David Panuelo titled the relationship, the “Trusted Pacific Partnership” after 35 years of diplomatic relations between the FSM and Australia.

Ambassador Cowley told the gathered crowd that education is a powerful connector and that last week the Embassy “farewelled” three FSM scholars who departed for Fiji under the Australian Fellowship program. The scholars will pursue politics, tourism, and computer science. Two more will shortly go to study medicine and engineering.

The Ambassador spoke of recent and ongoing Australian assistances in the FSM beginning with increased air service in Pohnpei, significant funding in conjunction with the United States and Japan for the East Micronesia telecommunications for Kosrae, recovery of oil from sunken vessels in the Chuuk lagoon, and a new volunteer in Yap.

She said that soon to come will be a new patrol boat for the FSM.

Lastly, Ambassador Cowley announced that Takuro Steele of the Australian Embassy would in four weeks’ time, be departing for a new assignment in Myanmar. Lt. Commander David Perry who has served as the Micronesia Surveillance Advisor in the FSM will also in the beginning a new assignment in the FSM. She welcomed Lt. Commander Perry’s replacement, Nigel Williams who was present at the Australia Day commemoration.

Secretary for Foreign Affairs followed Ambassador Cowley’s remarks with remarks of his own. He said that Australia has grown as a diverse nation and have accomplished a great deal as they have grown. He said the Australian achievements have ranged from protecting human rights, and advancing gender equality, to helping to alleviate world poverty, and venturing into philanthropy to aid the disadvantaged with education and health. The country has grown to helping countries to enhance capacity building for sustainable development. They have pursued nuclear disarmament and nuclear nonproliferation, and have addressed environmental pollution and transnational crime prevention.

He said that Australia has not simply aided Australians for Australia but has reached out and touched lives in many parts of the world including the FSM and has become a Trusted Pacific Partner.

He also referenced the visit by Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and the scaling of assistance to the FSM through what he called a “litany of recent bilateral support”, all of which

were referenced in Ambassador Cowley’s remarks.

He called the Australian Patrol Boat and expert Marine Surveillance Advisers program a “flagship” assistance program of Australia considered to be one of the best in the region. The Patrol Boat program has enabled the FSM to identify illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in order to try to put a stop to it. It has assisted in guarding against seaborne transnational crime, has assisted in search and rescue efforts, and has supported disaster relief efforts.

He thanked Australia for the leadership role through funding and leadership Pacific Islands Forum which he called the highest political body in the region. He said that Australia has had significant impact in the “Forum Family’s” maintaining solidarity, stability, and unity.

He said that the FSM applauds Australia strength in policy in terms of tackling climate change and that the FSM full supports their hosting of COP31. He said that Australia’s climate change policy has “turned the corner” recently.

Lastly, he announced that the FSM will be working closed with the Australian Embassy in the FSM as it seeks to open its first Embassy in Australia which will be located in Canberra.

Each of the country’s representatives offered toasts to the other at the close of their speeches.

Kihmo entertained guests as they queued up for the marvelously spread dinner.

TRADEMARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

Notice is hereby given that Fila Luxembourg S.a.r.l., a Joint Stock company organized under the laws Luxembourg, Boulevard Royal 26 L – 2449 LUXEMBOURG, Manufacturers and Merchants, are the sole Owners and sole Proprietors of the following two trademarks:

Young endangered trees on Guam find new home

Fila Luxembourg S.a.r.l. wishes to inform merchants and the public in the Federated States of Micronesia that singular importance is attached to the two trademarks depicted above and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of those trademarks, who pass off their goods as goods of Fila Luxembourg S.a.r.l., or who act in a manner likely to cause confusion or misunderstanding as to the source, sponsorship, approval or certification of such goods.

The two trademarks are used on and to distinguish the following Fila Luxembourg S.a.r.l. products.

int. class 3 - Soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotion, dentifrices.

int. class 9 - Spectacles, spectacle frames, sunglasses and other spectacles of any kind, including parts and fittings thereof.

int. class 12 - Bicycles, including parts and accessories.

int. class 14 - Watches, wrist watches, jeweller, chronometric instruments.

int. class 16 - Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials not included in other classes, printed materials; bookbinding material; photographs; stationary; adhesives for stationary or household purposes; artists’ material; paintbrushes; typewriters and office requisites; instructional teaching materials (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging, not included in other classes, playing cards; printers’ types; printing blocks.

int. class 18 - Leather and imitations of leather, and goods made from these materials not included in other classes; animal skins and hides; trunks and traveling bags; umbrellas; parasols and walking sticks; whips, harness and saddlery.

int. 25 - Clothing, footwear, headgear.

Int. 28 – Games and playthings, gymnastic and sporting articles, not included in other classes

Any inquiry regarding this Cautionary Notice may be directed to: Law Office of Michael J. Sipos, A Professional Corporation, P.O. Box 2069, Kolonia, Pohnpei FM 96941, telephone (691) 320-6450, email msipos@mail.fm.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helped to plant endangered trees for the Guam National Wildlife Refuge at Ritidian Point on January 14, 2023.

Kawika Davis, an employee for the Guam National Wildlife Refuge at Ritidian Point, did a great job in overseeing the planting of 25 endangered trees. He took the time to describe the type of tree that was being planted and also the need for them on the island.

He explained, “The tree species is called Tabernaemontana Rotensis. The hope of the Refuge

is to help reduce these trees from being endangered.” Downpouring rain couldn’t keep the service-oriented missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints from helping with the planting of these trees.

The Church encourages the missionaries and members to help with activities that will help the communities they live in; in this case, it helps the island as a whole. The rain lessened as they began planting except for an occasional sprinkling. Everyone worked together well and the trees were planted fairly quickly. These trees are considered to be medium size and will grow to be between 26 and 33 ft. tall. They will be an important part in the Wildlife Refuge.

The Federated States of Micronesia signs Joint Communique with the Republic of Nauru & the Republic of Kiribati on implementing the East Micronesia Cable Project

FSM Information Services

PALIKIR, Pohnpei—In Honolulu, Hawaii, after a series of discussions between officials from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of Nauru, and the Republic of Kiribati, and representatives from Australia, Japan, and the United States of America, the Honorable Carlson D. Apis—Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Communications, & Infrastructure—signed a Joint Communique with the Honorable Pyon Deiye, Minister of Communications for Nauru, and the Honorable Tekeeua Tarati, Minister of Communications of Kiribati, so as to advance the building of the East Micronesia Cable (EMC) Project that will link the three nations together.

The EMC Project is a forthcoming fiber optic submarine cable funded by the Governments of the United States of America, Japan, and Australia, so as to provide safe, secure, and reliable internet capacity to the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru, and the FSM State of Kosrae.

Secretary Apis, Minister Deiye, and Minister Tarati agreed that the FSM, Nauru, and Kiribati—through the EMC—will strengthen ties and make possible future connections and upgrades; that securing the EMC is an important first step that will make it possible for future cables to connect to Kiribati, Nauru, and the FSM which would add further resiliency to the region; that the three countries will continue to work together to explore opportunities for the region and share relevant learnings; and to commit to supporting one another during the implementation of the EMC, so as to ensure that the Project’s ultimate intention is met on schedule.

Secretary Apis, Minister Deiye, and Minister Tarati also agreed that the next immediate step is to brief the wider Micronesian sub-region on the benefits of the Project, and opportunities for future cooperation at the Micronesian Island Forum and Micronesian Presidents Summit to be held in Pohnpei, FSM, in February

“The Panuelo – Palik Administration attaches priority and importance to their flagship project called ‘the Pave the Nation Initiative’ which focuses on building roads and bridges to connect our people and our communities,” Secretary Apis said in a statement. “The East Micronesia Cable (EMC) Project is another road under the Initiative which will connect Pohnpei to Kosrae, and thereby completing the submarine fiberoptic cable network that will connect all four states in the Nation. It will also bring the rest of the world closer to us as we connect the FSM to the world through Guam, Kiribati, and Nauru allowing for improved communications connections and providing widespread services of tele-health, tele-education and e-commerce to all citizens and residents in our country, including our remote islands. We thank Kiribati and Nauru for joining us in this effort which will bring the whole Micronesian region closer together, and give special thanks to the United States, with whom we share an Enduring Partnership, to Japan, with whom we share a Kizuna or special bond, and to Australia, with whom we share a Trusted Pacific Partnership, for their support for this essential project.”

Manaaki New Zealand Tertiary Scholarship – Applications for FSM Students Opens 1st February 2023

Are you interested in studying overseas at some of the world’s best universities? Then a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship may be for you. Students who study in New Zealand receive a world-class education and return home with great memories, skills and career prospects.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity and the application process please visit the Manaaki Scholarships Website: nzscholarships.govt. nz and follow the New Zealand Embassy’s Facebook page for updates: www. facebook.com/NZinHawaii

Applications for the 2024 academic year will open on the 1st of February 2023 and will close at 12 noon (New Zealand Time) on the 28 February 2023. Any further questions can be emailed to manaaki@enz.govt.nz

For inclusivity and equality, State of Kosrae takes a step forward disability accessibility program

Pacific Community

The State of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia has successfully developed and drafted its Disability Act implementation program titled the Kosrae Disability Program.

The Government and State Legislature of Kosrae passed the Kosrae Disability Act (Bill 191) on 3 December 2021, following which they were mandated to produce the Disability Accessibility Program to ensure the implementation of this law on the ground for persons with disabilities.

From 18 to 20 January, a team from the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Human Rights and Social Development Division (HRSD) conducted a workshop with the Bill 191 Committee members and one of SPC’s grantee partners, the Kosrae Special Parenting Network (KSPN) to draft the Kosrae Disability Program.

According to the Governor of Kosrae, Honourable Tulensa Palik, after passing the Kosrae Disability Act the State is now aware of its duties to provide equal opportunities to promote respect and inclusivity for all people with disabilities.

“We are therefore very grateful for the support of SPC in helping the State to develop this implementation plan which will help us to slowly but surely implement some of the things listed in our law which we passed in December of 2021,” Hon. Palik said.

“We are hoping this implementation plan will guide us to put in place some very practical measures to ensure our disabled persons in the community are able to enjoy a wholesome and meaningful life,” he added.

The Bill 191 Committee includes representatives from the Department of Transport and Infrastructure, Department of Security/Safety (Police), Department of Education and the Department of Health Services, Civil Society Organisations as well as key members from the Kosrae State Legislature.

The Kosrae Disability Program includes practical measures to ensure persons

with disability in Kosrae have access to the following:

• Disability-friendly parking spaces,

• Disability-friendly and accessible building facilities,

• Inclusive educational services,

• Equal employment opportunities, and

• Supportive and inclusive social services.

The Department of Health Service are the custodian of the Kosrae Disability Program and tasked with the implementation on the ground.

Acting Director for the Department of Health Services, Kun Mongkeya said his team had already requested for an amendment of the State Code to create a new division under the Department which will be called the Division of Social Services. This new division will look after the wellbeing of persons with disabilities, gender, youth, and other marginalised groups.

“This new division will work with all other government departments to help move things forward in terms of implementing the Kosrae Disability Plan,” Dr Kun said.

He added there is an approved budget to get a staff to head the new Division of Social Services and hopes that the amendment to the State Code

will be approved by the Kosrae State Legislature during their first sitting in February of 2022.

Senator Ruth Jonah, the first ever female senator elected to the 13th Kosrae State Legislature said that the amendment requested by the Department of Health to form the new Division of Social Services is a priority for the legislature.

The Kosrae Disability Program will now be submitted by the Director of Health Services to the Governor and the Kosrae State Legislature for endorsement before implementation begins.

KSPN is a grantee funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its “Promoting, Just, Engaged, CivicMinded and Transparent Governance program” (PROJECT Governance). USAID, through PROJECT Governance, also funded the workshop to develop the Kosrae Disability Plan to ensure inclusive governance for all.

In 2020, KSPN, received the grant from HRSD’s Pacific People Advancing change program and KSPN played a critical role in drafting Bill 191 title the Kosrae Disability Act and lobbied the 12th State Legislature to pass the Bill.

TRADE MARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that American International Group, Inc. of 175 Water Street, New York, NY 10038, USA, is the sole owner and proprietor in the Federated States of Micronesia and elsewhere of the trade mark below:

which is used in International classes upon or in connection with the following services:

Class 36: Financial services; monetary services; insurance services; real estate services

American International Group, Inc. claims all rights in respect to the above trade mark and will take all necessary legal steps against any person, firm or corporation counterfeiting, imitating, violating or otherwise infringing its rights in the Federated States of Micronesia.

MUNRO LEYS

Lawyers & Notaries Public, Pacific House, Butt Street, PO Box 149, Suva, Fiji

Email: trademarks@munroleyslaw.com.fj

www.munroleyslaw.com

MUNRO LEYS

GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

Department of Transportation, Communications & Infrastructure

P O Box PS-2, Pohnpei, FM 96941

Te l.: (691) 320-2865 Fax (691) 320-5853

UOG looks to facilitate mango research, improve production

Office of the Secretary

INVITATION FOR BIDS

20 January 2023

FSM/ DTC&I/ Pohnpei/ 002-23

FSMCHIEFJUSTICERESIDENCEREPAIR & IMPROVEMENT

1. The FSM Department of Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure (DTC&I) of the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia in collaboration with FSM Supreme Court is soliciting sealed Bids from eligible bidders for the FSM Chief Justice Residence Repair & Improvement Project.

2. Competitive bidding will be conducted in accordance with FSM regulations and is open to all eligible bidders.

3. Interested eligible Bidders may obtain further information from the Department of Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure (DTC&I) of the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia and inspect the Bidding Document at the address given below,

Mr. Carlson D. Apis

Secretary FSM DTC&I

P.0. Box PS-2 Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941

Telephone: (691)320-2865

Federated States of Micronesia

4. Bidding Documents can be obtained from the following sources:

A) Electronic copies of the bid documents can be obtained from the office of Mr. Dickson Wichep, Assistant Secretary of Transportation, Communication and Infrastructure by writing or by e-mail or calling at his office with a request letter giving the details of the company, company name and address, e-mail address, contact person name, telephone and fax number.

B) Hardcopies of the bid documents can be obtained thru payment of non-refundable deposit of US$25.00 payable to the FSM Treasury if the bidder cannot provide his email

to print the documents. Hard copies of the bid documents are readily available at FSM Department of TC&I, Palikir, Pohnpei.

5. Pre-bid will be on February 20, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at the FSM Chief Justice Residence, Officials' Residences Compound, Palikir, Pohnpei. All interested bidders are requested to proceed to the said location for project briefing. Pre-bid Meeting and Site visit are MANDATORY.

6. Submission of Bids:

a) Bids must be received by FSM DTC&I on 3:00 p.m. of March 17, 2023. Late submissions will not be accepted and will be returned to the Bidder unopened.

b) Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked: "FSM DTC&I/FSM Supreme Court/ FSM Chief Justice Residence Repair & Improvement Project" and addressed to:

Mr. Carlson D. Apis

Secretary FSM DTC&I

P.O. Box PS-2

Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941

Federated States of Micronesia Telephone: (691) 320-2865

7. Bidders are required to submit their bid security in the amount of US$100.00 in the form of cashier's cheque/check or postal money order payable to the FSM Treasury. Bid/s without bid security will not be read aloud, that is, outright rejection of bid. The bid security of nonwinning bidder is refundable after the execution of the contract with the successful bidder. The bid security of the successful bidder shall be released after acknowledgment of the Notice to Proceed.

8. The Employer will not be responsible for any cost or expense incurred by the Applicants in connection with the preparation and / or delivery of their bids.

University of Guam

A 30-year-old mango tree orchard on the University of Guam’s Ija Research & Education Center and two newly published guidebooks are ready for people who want to help improve mango production in Guam.

Despite the fruit’s popularity among residents and farmers’ interest in growing more of it, mango production in the last agricultural census was reported from only 700 of the more than 200,000 mango trees on island.

Yields are often erratic and unsuccessful, constrained by climate, disease, and a lack of varieties that do well in these conditions.

Planted throughout the 1990s, the Ija orchard now contains 29 varieties of mango that include some of the most successful commercial varieties in the world, such as Haden and Carabao.

With the orchard recently trimmed to a more accessible height, it will be easier to utilize for research, providing knowledge about mango varieties that are best adapted to Guam’s climate and are resistant to or tolerant of fungal diseases.

Additionally, the orchard can improve the availability on island of the more desirable varieties of mangoes. “Most mangoes on Guam are ‘boonie dogs,’” said Bob Bevacqua, a horticulturist at UOG who authored the new guidebooks.

“They’re mixed heritage — uncertain DNA.”

In about a year’s time after its new growth, the orchard can be a source of budwood for farmers and nurserymen. Grafting budwood from a desired variety onto a rootstock of another tree will produce true-to-type mangoes.

Procuring budwood locally would also be cheaper and safer than importing materials, which must undergo strict inspection as they commonly have pests and plant diseases, according to state entomologist Chris Rosario with the Biosecurity Division of the Guam Department of Agriculture.

Published this month, the “Mango Varieties at Ija Research & Education Center” booklet, authored by Bevacqua, Kaya Taitano, and Adrian Ares, details the seed types, characteristics, and principal disease threat of each mango at the research station.

The second publication — “Mango Production Guide for Guam,” authored by Bevacqua, Jonae Sayama, and Ares — outlines the best practices for producing mangoes sustainably.

Both guides, along with a “Mango Tree Care on Guam” publication from 2016, are available for download at www. uog.edu/wptrc/technical-reports. Hard copies are available from the Western Pacific Tropical Research Center by calling (671) 735-2060.

Carlson D. Apis

Secretary, FSM DTC&I