President demands resignations from three cabinet membersrecalls FSM Ambassador to the U.S.

By Bill Jaynes

The Kaselehlie Press

March 10, 2023

FSM— On March 8, the day following the FSM’s General Elections, President David W. Panuelo “instructed” two of his cabinet members, an undersecretary, and the FSM Ambassador to the FSM to submit their resignations effective immediately, and to do so within “the next 24 hours”. The Office of the President did not release any of its customary and ubiquitous press releases regarding his decision, and none of the letters provided a reason. The President did include a short line in a letter regarding the forced resignations (see front page article). But that letter was intended to be read ONLY by FSM’s top elected officials. He provided no reasons, and even the line mentioning the terminations was cryptic, leaving the readers to decide which one or how many of the four the line applied to.

On the list of those who received instructions to tender their resignations were Secretary for the Department of Justice Joses Gallen, Postmaster General Ginger Mida, and Deputy Secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs Ricky Cantero. The President also recalled FSM Ambassador to the United States Akillino Susaia. All of the positions required advice and consent of the Congress, but each one served at the pleasure of the President.

In addition to his position as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Cantero is the appointed Co-Chair of the 4th Constitutional Convention Public Education Task Force. In his letter to Cantero, the President relieved him also of that position.

Deputy Secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ricky Cantero

“I am not certain why and was surprised this morning,” Cantero wrote on the morning of March 9. “Perhaps people tend to make… drastic decision under emotional stress…after 23 years (of) dedicated service, I just thought a little bit of honor and respect would be okay.”

His resignation letter to the President was full of exactly that—honor and respect. “Please allow me this opportunity to also submit to you my sincerest personal gratitude and profound gratefulness for the opportunity you have given me to serve our people and our country under you able and visionary leadership. Over the 23-years of service for our country and people

as a diplomat, I will attest that I have performed to the best of my abilities to provide the best possible service that is deserving of our country and our people. I thank you so much for your support and confidence.” The letter went on to detail 10 remarkable accomplishments of the department during the Panuelo administration, prefacing each accomplishment with the words, “under your leadership, the Department…”.

Secretary for the Department of Justice Joses Gallen

Attorney General Joses Gallen, who at the time of our communication was returning from Chuuk where he was to have been representing the FSM at a hearing regarding criminal charges against Korean National, Pyung Soo Gong and Seasco, Company also only had kind words to say to the press regarding his forced resignation. “I serve at the pleasure of the President. He can fire me, release me however and whenever. That is his authority. I am grateful to the President for the opportunity to serve him a nd the people of the FSM.”

Postmaster General Ginger Mida FSM Ambassador to the United States

Former Post Master General Ginger Mida had a similar response that came at the very last minute before press

time. “I want to thank H.E.David W. Panuelo for his wise decision to lock down the country when he did to prevent the spread of the pandemic to our shores,” she wrote. While his decision created some temporary challenges for our people, his decision did save lives and delayed the introduction of the COVID-19 until we were better prepared to respond to it effectively.

“I further want to thank His Excellency for appointing me to the FSM Postmaster General’s post during his administration, and for all the support he had provided over the years to me during my tenure. Without his support, and the support of the Congess and our people it would have been very difficult for me to fulfill the mission of the FSM Postal Service for our people and country. I also would like to thank the US Postal Service for its generous assistance and support over the years. Their partnership with us made all the difference in the success of our work.

I must also recognize the support and partnership from United Airlines and Matson in our effort for the effective movement of the mail into and out of our county.

“Lastly, I must thank President Mori for initially appointing me to be the first woman Postmaster General and President Christian for keeping me on during their administration.

“I welcomed the decision of President Panuelo regrading my continued employment as the FSM Postmaster General, and appreciated very much the opportunity to serve him, our people and the country. While I was ready to continue to serve, I accept the President’s power in the matter as the ultimate authority.

“I pray for our people and Nation that we will be united as one and continue to support the development and improvement of our Nation and our constituent states.

“Thank you, Mr President, and I hope the best for you and your family.

At press time, former FSM Ambassador to the United States Akillino Susaia still had not seen the message we sent to him on Thursday morning, and we have been unable to contact him.

FSM Ambassador to the United States, Akillino Susaia