KPress Vol23 Iss 12 - 12 May 23

FSM Congress elects Senator Simina and Senator Palik to head up the FSM Executive Branch

By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press

May 11, 2023

FSM—A standingroom-only crowd at the FSM Congress chambers witnessed the seating in and swearing of the 23rd Congress and the subsequent election of the FSM’s new leadership to succeed outgoing President David W. Panuelo and other leadership positions.

Congress elected Senator Robson Romolow of Chuuk as the Vice Speaker of the 23rd Congress. It elected freshman Senator Quincy Lawrence of Pohnpei as the Floor Leader. Senator Esmond B. Moses, also of Pohnpei, was elected to

be the new Congress Speaker.

In yet another break with the gentleman’s agreement that has long been rumored to exist in Congress that would rotate the highest offices of the FSM Government among the states, Congress again chose former Vice President Aren B. Palik of Kosrae to return to his position as FSM Vice President. Kosrae has never had

a full-term presidency in the history of the FSM. Kosrae’s representatives have only ever been selected to have taken the office of Vice President, which they have

done numerous times. A Kosraean did once serve as President of the FSM, but

After WHO warning, FSM Health pulls potentially deadly cough medicine from FSM shelves

Four FSM citizens have currently reported adverse health effects—recall operation still in process

By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press

May 10, 2023

FSM—On May 3, 2023, the Pohnpei State Department Health Services issued an SMS medical alert by cell phone. It said medicine “TRILLIUM Guaifenesin Syrup, TG Syrup, 100 mg/5ml” dispensed by the Pohnpei State Hospital Pharmacy and Dispensaries between August 2022 and April 2023 was found to be contaminated. It warned people who had received the medicine to “disregard” it as soon as possible. An hour and a half later FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs issued a similar SMS message but with

the more clearly worded warning that the medicine with batch number SL-429 should be “discarded” immediately, and with good reason.

According to Reuters, “the new (World Health Organization alert issued on April 26) follows three similar warnings issued last year by the WHO about contaminated cough syrups for children. These syrups, made by different manufacturers in India and Indonesia, have been linked to the deaths of more than 300 children – mainly aged under 5 – from acute kidney injury in Gambia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan.”

For some unexplained reason, it took

several days for the FSM to decide to publicly issue an alert about the medicine. “The substandard product referenced in this alert is unsafe, and its use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death,” the WHO alert said. “Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.”

7500 bottles of the medicine, manufactured by India’s QP Pharmachem based in Punjab and marketed by Haryana, India-based Trillium Pharma, were received in the

USAID supports food security and climate resilience in Pohnpei, FSM through US$150,000 grant

U.S. Embassy Kolonia

May 9, 2023

Pohnpei, Federated States Micronesia– The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has awarded US$150,000 to Enimwahn Development Association (EDA) “Enhancing the Climate Resilience of Community Food Systems through Closed-Loop Agriculture and Livestock” project.

The grant will support EDA to promote food security and climate resilience in vulnerable coastal communities in Pohnpei, FSM, through the introduction of dry litter piggeries, which also assist in promoting water security and

agricultural development, as the organic compost will be used for fertilizer to grow crops and resupply the soil with important nutrients.

Through USAID's five-year grant program, the Pacific American Fund, this grant will enable EDA to work with local farmers on techniques required for closedloop farming for dry litter piggeries and ensure that there is a comprehensive approach to piggery production and management and conduct peer learning and exchange sessions for communities to share lessons learned.

"Supporting the Enimwahn Development Association (EDA) “Enhancing the Climate Resilience of Community Food Systems through Closed-Loop Agriculture and Livestock project is another example of the U.S. commitment to the FSM'' said U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Alissa Bibb. "I am excited about what this project will mean for coastal communities in Pohnpei and across the FSM in the near future!”

In addition to dry piggeries and training, EDA will also develop and support policy design for the Pohnpei State Government by using the experience, data generated, and results from the project to develop a program to scale up activities, including access to financing for individuals to invest in climate resilient community food production systems.

Launched in 2020, USAID’s Pacific American Fund awards grants on an open and competitive basis to qualifying local, national, and internationally operating civil society organizations, including private small-and-medium enterprises, non-governmental organizations and institutions, universities, and faith-based organizations.

Calvary Christian Academy students earn Honor Society status for high grades

Calvary Christian Academy

May 4, 2023

Pohnpei—On Thursday, May 4th, thirty-five Calvary Christian Academy students were recognized for having achieved Honor Society status for school year 2022-23. CCA holds an induction ceremony following the end of third quarter to recognize and honor those high school students who have achieved an academic average of 87 or above in their core subjects for two consecutive quarters of the school year. In addition, no subject may have a grade of less than 77 for the entire year. There are eighty-two students in the CCA High School. Of those eighty-two, thirty-five were inducted meaning that 43% of the high school have achieved Honor Society status.

Honor Society advisor Mrs. Lihna Padock, Principal Virginia John, and Pastor Salomon David awarded each member with a membership certificate and gold Honor Society stole during the ceremony. After receiving their certificates and stoles, the Honor Society members were led in the Honor Society pledge by Pastor Clayton Eliam. Pastor Rickson Kihleng gave a brief challenge from God’s Word at the end of the ceremony.

Congratulations to the following 2023 CCA Honor Society members. 12th grade class of 2023

Keavae Adams, daughter of Richard and Mae Adams

Aisha Abraham, daughter of Xavier Yarofmal and Shirley Abraham

Veronica Helgenberger, daughter of Bernie and Liman Helgenberger

Elizabeth Sorto-Sienes, daughter Mori Sorto and Christina Sienes

Nicole Peterson, daughter of Benjie and Naihila Peterson

Jubilan Dred Yuson, son of Faustino and Araceli Yuson

Cathleen Mudong, daughter of Winfred and Tina Mudong

Obed Castro, son of Edper and Grace Castro

Nathan Eliam, son of Pastor Clayton and Linda Eliam

Daiana David, daughter of Donald David and Marcia Albert

Davelyn Hadley, daughter of the late David Hadley and Karlain Gilmete

Susaia

Cyrus Susaia, grandson of Akillino and Mihpel

Alec Alosima, son of Alan and Justleen Alosima

Sophia Actouka, daughter of Marcelina and Martha Actouka

11th grade Class of 2024

Noelani DeOrio, daughter of Mark and Norleen Oliver Deorio

Daphne Ehmes, daughter of Dennis and Delihna Ehmes

Venessa Helgenberger, daughter of Bernie and Liman Helgenberger

Arthisha Mallarme, daughter of Hilaro Bermanis II and Melinda Mallarme

Joyce Dakanno, daughter of Larry and Genevieve Dakanno

Chanteyl Ekiek, daughter of Daniel and Stephanie Ekiek

10th grade Class of 2025

DeAnne Ehmes, daughter of Dennis and Delihna Ehmes

Leona Santos, daughter of Leoney and Resihna Santos

Shalela Shiloh Susaia, granddaughter of Wayne and Marie Bricknell

Avigayle Cornelius, daughter of Jerson and Glenda Cornelius

Diva Ekiek, daughter of Daniel and Stephanie Ekiek

Elain Nakasone, daughter of Michael and Erlain Nakasone

9th grade Class of 2026

Ian Boylan, son of Robert and Denise Boylan

Naybolanda David, daughter of Pastor Salomon and Davelyn David

Hadessah Elaim, daughter of Pastor Clayton and Linda Eliam

Ramielle James, daughter of Venessa James & granddaughter of Jane Albert

Marlynn Kim, daughter of Bernie Suzuki and Tulpe Kim

Yonalynn Linny, daughter of Yonder and Arlynn Linny

Gradilia Radford, granddaughter of Edgar and Adlina Likeneth

Triseania Rasug, daughter of Ruotpong Pongliyab & Quintina Letawerpiy

Recognizing in absentia, Alyanna Alosima, daughter of Alan & Justleen Alosima

Pohnpei Kids Soccer Club holds second annual tournament to close season

By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press

May 6, 2023

Pohnpei— The Pohnpei Kids Soccer Club closed its second season with a tournament at the PICS High School track and field. The Pohnpei Kids Soccer Club is for children 14 and under and, during the season, meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the PICS field.

The club was started by Liz Terk Mudong and Adele Haigh, whose elementary school children were interested in soccer. “We just started showing up at the field with some soccer balls, and now we have over 60 kids that come to play every week,” said Mudong.

Organizers say that the children in the club represent all four FSM states, several countries outside of the FSM, and most of the elementary schools in the Kolonia and Nett areas.

“It’s great to see all these different kids come together to play soccer and support each other,” said Mudong. “We have received a lot of support from the Fijian community, who supported coaching and refereeing when we first started. Especially coach Penaia Seruvakula.”

This is the second season of running the club over the course of 2 years. The Pohnpei Kids Soccer Club is now part of the Pohnpei Soccer Association and is receiving additional support for coaching and refereeing from Albert Carlot and Vasantha Senarathgoda, who run the Pohnpei Soccer Association.

The tournament for under 14 group of members was round-robin style, with each of the six teams consisting of nine players playing each other in 20-minute games. The third-place team was the orange team, second place went to the turquoise team, and the gray team took

first place.

There were only two teams for the under-seven-year-old members, so they played three games against each other for the best of three games. The red team won that series.

The winning teams each received gift certificates to Ace Office Supply, and the second and third-place winners received umbrellas from the College of Micronesia FSM.

The club also handed out special awards for outstanding players of the season. For the seven-and-under teams, Viliame Delai scored the most goals, Kenoi Mori was the Most Improved Player, and Levi Hawley was the Most Valuable Player.

The fourteen and under players had several awardees. Gelo Silbanuz was the most dedicated.

Travis Henly scored the most goals. Deshone Sebastian was the best offensive player. Freddie Pelep was the best defensive player. Isaiah Duff was the best team player. The best goalie was Ronie Chigiyal. The Most Improved player was Eroni Cinavi, and Genuine Isom was the most valuable player.

The Rotary Club donated gear, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community FSM donated eight soccer balls.

“The Ahmadiyya Muslim community believes that the kids of today are the leaders of tomorrow,” Imam Serjeel Ahmed said. “Islam teaches its adherents to always be of service to humanity, and the community hopes that more opportunities will continue to arise for the betterment of the community at large. As the Prophet Muhammad has taught, ‘love of nation is part of faith’, and the community seeks peace amongst all.”

Mudong’s husband, one of the “soccer dads”, built a second set of goals for

the club, and several soccer families also donated so that the club could purchase balls and other equipment.

Several people and organizations provided much-needed assistance to the club, including Volunteer Referees and coaches, The Micronesia Challenge, Congressman Ferny Perman, FSM Department of Health and Social Services, the College of Micronesia FSM, United Nations Development Program, 7 Stars Store, LP Gas, Turn

Leaf, Dr. And Mrs. Padwick Gallen, Dr. Merlyn Abello-Alfonso, Mr. Brandon J Tara, Mrs. Miyuki Perman, Mrs. Sophia Pretrick, Mr. Mathew Chigiyal, Mr. Youky Susaia Jr., Mr. Dan Gilmete, Mr. Bradley Phillip Jr, Micro Printers, the Lowe and Hawley families for helping the club to raise additional funding, several anonymous donors, and all of the soccer families for their donations and support with logistics.

INVITATION TO BID

Date : 02 May 2023

...Congress

Continued from front page

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1951 and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits both migrants and society.

In the framework of Typhoon Wutip Reconstruction Project, the IOM invites interested eligible Suppliers to submit A Bid for the Supply and delivery of construction materials for 9 Repairs of Public Infrastructure and Utilities, Northwest, Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia

More detailed information on this Invitation to Bid is posted on the following website: https://www.iom.int/supply-anddelivery-construction-materials-9repairs-public-infrastructure-andutilities-northwest-chuuk-federatedstates-micronesia

Bids must be submitted by email to skushchak@iom.int and sshrestha@iom.int with subject ‘ITB 4200460463 Supply and delivery of construction materials for 9 Repairs of Public Infrastructure and Utilities, Northwest, Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia’

Bids must be submitted on or before 26 May 2023 before 1700 hours Pohnpei time. Late Bids will not be accepted.

Bids shall be valid 60 days after deadline for submission.

IOM reserves the right to accept or reject any Bids, and to cancel the procurement process and reject all Bids at any time prior to award of Purchase Order or Contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Supplier/s or any obligation to inform the affected Supplier/s of the ground for IOM’s action.

Very truly yours,

Salvatore Sortino

Chief of Mission IOM Micronesia

only after then FSM President Bailey Olter of Pohnpei died while in office.

Congress lastly chose former Speaker Wesley W. Simina of Chuuk to be the new FSM President.

During the opening day session, Congress also appointed its own leadership of standing committees. The new Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means is Senator Isaac V. Figir of Yap. The new Chair of the Committee on Judiciary & Government Operations (J&GO) is Senator Tiwiter Aritos of Chuuk. The new Chair of the Committee on Resources & Development is Senator Peter M. Christian of Pohnpei. The new Chair of the Committee on Health & Social Affairs is Senator Dr. Perpetua S. Konman if Chuuk. The new Chair of the Committee on Education is Senator Joseph J. Urusemal of Yap. The new Chair of the Committee on External Affairs is Senator Paliknoa K. Welly of Kosrae. The new Chair of the Committee on Transportation & Communication is Senator Victor Gouland of Chuuk. The Chair for the Special Committee on Climate Change is freshman Senator Dr. Merlynn Alfonso-Abello of Pohnpei.

As he has done many times before, Senator Isaac V. Figir served as the Temporary Speaker presiding over Congress until after the 23rd Congress was seated and had taken their oath of office. Most Reverend Julio Angkel, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of the Caroline Islands, gave the invocation. FSM Supreme Court Associate Justice Dennis L. Belcourt administered the oath of office for the Senators. Acting FSM Supreme Court Chief Justice Beauleen Carl-Worswick Administered the oath of office for the new FSM President and Vice President.

The FSM Congress credentials committee included in its report accepting the credentials of each of the 14 Senators, outcomes from FSM Supreme Court cases regarding the qualifications of Esmond Moses and a court decision regarding an appeal of the election procedures for the seat occupied by Senator Dr. Perpetua S. Konman. The outcomes of both of those court decisions led to the credentials committee accepting the credentials of each Senator in the chambers.

Since President Simina and Vice President Palik are now the heads of

the FSM’s executive branch, two seats in Congress are now vacant. The dates for a special election to fill those seats will be announced shortly. After those dates have been announced, the dates for an inauguration celebration will be established.

Senator Florencia Harper of Chuuk was absent from the proceedings due to illness. The 22nd Congress passed a resolution that would allow Senator Harper to be sworn in virtually.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI) (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES) FOR RESIDENTS IN FSM ONLY

COUNTRY:

Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

NAME OF PROJECT:

Digital FSM Project (P170718)

GRANT NO.:

IDA-D5560

Assignment Title:

CIU Finance Officer

Reference No.:

FM-DOFA 347316-CS- INDV

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has received financing from the World Bank (WB) toward the cost of the Digital FSM Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The Finance Officer will assist in all financial matters relating to implementation of the project. She/ he will be mainly responsible for preparing Trimester Financial Progress, Project Account, FM section of the Project Implementation manual, SOEs and other related financial reports as required by the World Bank (WB) and the Government of the Federated State of Micronesia (GoFSM). The Finance Officer will work under the direct guidance of the Senior Finance Specialist. She/he will work with the Project Implementation Support Officer and Department of Finance and Administration (DoFA) officers in both the preparation and regular reviews of the project budget.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR’s) for the assignment may be obtained through (www.dofa.gov.fm) or by e-mailing to the address indicated in this REOI.

The Central Implementation Unit (CIU) within the FSM National Government Department of Finance and Administration (DoFA) now invites eligible individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (attach curriculum vitae with description of experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc. and the details of two references).

The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:

Mandatory

• Minimum of Associates’ Degree in Accounting or Finance or Business

Management, Public Administration or similar discipline from recognized academic institution.

• Minimum of three (3) years of work experience in either public or private sector.

• Experience with working in a team environment.

• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Qualified or certification in relevant fields (management, financial management, and accounting).

• Knowledge of computer applications and financial accounting.

• Good understanding of Government accounting system.

• Experience in financial management of donor - funded projects.

• Work experience with donor/s or international non-governmental organizations.

The CIU Finance Officer will be based in Palikir, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia for an initial period of twelve months. Contract extension will be subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, Revised November 2017 and August 2018 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0900 to 1700 Pohnpei Time (Local Time).

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the email addresses below by May 29th, 2023 to:

Secretary, Department of Finance and Administration,

Attn: Mr. Kwame Shiroya

Program Manager

Central Implementation Unit

Department of Finance & Administration

Palikir, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

Email: kwame.shiroya@dofa.gov.fm

And CC to: Central Implementation Unit- ciu.dofa@gov.fm

...Medicine

Continued from front page

FSM in June of 2021. The medicine was provided by the World Bank to the FSM Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management. The World Bank had told the FSM that its procurement procedures were weak and so insisted that the FSM utilize UNOPS (the United Nations Office for Project Services), which then facilitated the purchase from the company in India.

Several months ago, UNOPs facilitated another purchase of medical supplies. The FSM had to discard two pallets of lactated ringers, an intravenous solution that is used for aggressive fluid replacement in many clinical situations. The IV solution was contaminated.

Under a similar grant, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) received the same Guaifenesin cough medicine also facilitated by UNOPS procurement procedures. RMI initiated a request to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to investigate the drug. WHO also took its time in issuing a warning. On April 6 of this year, TGA submitted a report to WHO, and on April 26, the WHO issued the alert.

The investigation showed that samples from a batch of the cough syrup were contaminated with unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.

A spokesperson from the FSM Department of Health said that after receipt of the medicines, the 7500 bottles were

distributed to the FSM State on a pro-rata basis to FSM Hospital Pharmacies. 3000 bottles were distributed to Chuuk, 2250 to Pohnpei, 1500 to Yap, and 750 to Kosrae.

Some illness has been reported in Chuuk and Yap. Yap reported that two of their patients had returned their cough syrup to the pharmacy, and both stopped the meds due to toxic effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and feeling very sick. According to an adult patient in Yap, once he stopped using the medicine, he started to feel better. “As for the child, she is in the outer islands, and so we await further details on her health status,” the spokesperson said.

Chuuk had a similar report regarding two patients who had received the medicine.

Yap plans to contact the approximately 400 people who, according to their electronic prescription records, received the guaifenesin.

By April 28, 1106 bottles had been removed from the shelves of Yap pharmacies, 100 bottles from Kosrae, and one bottle from Chuuk. FSM DHS was unable to determine how much of the medicine Pohnpei had distributed.

Reuters reported that QP Pharmachem’s managing director Sudhir Pathak said that it had tested a sample from the exported batch following a query from the local state drug regulator. Pharmachem and the regulator found the batches to be satisfactory. The medicine is distributed in India as well, but the company has not received any complaints so far. Pathak told Reuters that it had permission from the Indian government to export 18,000 bottles of the syrup only to Cambodia. It is unclear how the product ended up in the Marshall Islands and Micronesia.

30th Founding Day Highlights

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR PERSONNEL AUDIT

General Information

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit proposals from qualified firms or individuals to perform a Position Classification, Job Evaluation, Compensation, Benefits Study, and Audit the areas of recruitment and onboarding, policies and procedures, performance management and records retention for the College of Micronesia-FSM.

Request for Proposal

Issued by: MAILING ADDRESS: College of Micronesia-FSM

President’s Office

P.O. Box 159

Kolonia, Pohnpei FM 96941

Date Issued: April 7, 2023

Submission Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2023

To be considered, all proposals are to be submitted in full electronically by the DEADLINE to the HR Director at rencelly@comfsm.edu.fm CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL INFORMATION

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General statement on World Press Freedom Day

ForumSec

May 3, 2023

SUVA- Today the world remembers the importance of a free and independent media as the cornerstone of thriving and healthy democracies. For our developing and developed nations of the Blue Pacific continent, the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day is also an opportunity to acknowledge the role of journalists whose first rule is to uphold the news creed – to tell the truth without fear or favour, to serve the public interest, to hold power to account.

For our Forum leaders, the primacy and importance of independent reporting and communication of Forum decisions goes back to our beginnings. One of the key decisions in those early years more than five decades ago was the mandate to communicate, recognising the benefits of sharing information about the Leaders meetings and decisions.

I am pleased to note our strong relationship with Pacific media continues to this day. Across our key regional Leader meetings, we actively partner with and brief news journalists to ensure quality reporting of the issues shaping our world. We recognise that editorial independence and quality journalism rely on strong access to facts, information, and certainty.

The watchdog and public interest role of the press as the fourth estate complementing the other three- the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary, has never been more important to public accountability, transparency, and good governance. Together, they ensure engaged, active, and informed Pacific citizens. This level of empowerment sets the basis for a Pacific future that is safe, secure,

and peaceful.

From the Biketawa Declaration on Good Governance to the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and the Teainiwa Vision on Anti-Corruption, our Leaders are demonstrating their understanding that independent and free media are part of the work we do.

The digital age, amidst times of COVID and climate crisis, has also brought a new layer of transformative disruption and opportunity. A free, thriving, and diverse Pacific press is a key partner to our Blue Pacific strategy to 2050.

Today we can all celebrate the independence and impact of quality news journalism led by news and media practitioners across the Pacific and globally. Despite often harsh work conditions, they continue a calling for a news agenda of truth, transparency, and accountability.

The global rights-based theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day is a timely recognition that in serving the public interest, the journalist is often the implementing arm of the people’s right to know. Independent truth telling and investigation is not an easy or popular calling. World Press Freedom Day allows us to reiterate the safety and the rights of journalists, particularly women in journalism. Without this ability to do their work without fear or favour, we cannot count on the facts that matter, that stand out in a world of fake news, misinformation, and noise.

Today, I join those who pay tribute to all journalists who frame the stories of our times in the timeless values of truth, balance, and our collective right to know.

Australian Embassy provides donation for technology upgrades at the Pohnpei Public Library

By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press

May 3, 2023

Pohnpei—Australian Ambassador to the FSM Jo Cowley and Second Secretary and Consul Luke Robertson today presented a check in the amount of $15,376 to the Friends of the Pohnpei Public Library. The money is the result of a successful Australian Direct Aid Program grant application and will be used to revamp the current Information Technology set up in the library. It will be used to upgrade old computer systems to new and advanced systems software. This will allow the public to be able to access up-to-date information on the

internet without/less downtime, and up-to-date software programs for easier access to e-books, educational videos, and other e-resources.

On hand at ceremony were Pohnpei Public Library Head Librarian, Trueleen Albert and members of the library staff. Also present were board members Suzanne Gallen, Aaron Nighswander, and Malinda Mora.

DAP is a flexible, small grants scheme for development activities for up to USD $20,000. DAP applications can be submitted year-round. For more information and to apply online, visit www. fsm.embassy.gov.au

Pohnpei Public Library restarts anniversary celebrations after two years of COVID-19 related cancellations

Pohnpei Public Library

April 28, 2023

Pohnpei—This year marks the Pohnpei Public Library's 35th Anniversary. Every year we try to coordinate Library Week at the same time, to not only commemorate the humble beginnings of the library, but also to celebrate the importance of having a library in our small community and reminding us, as our theme states, that "There is More to the Story".

After cancelling Library Week for the past two years due to Covid-19, we are pleased to continue this tradition this year, through strong collaboration between PPL staff and Pohnpei State DOE to make this year's Library Week a success.

A total of 10 Elementary Schools and 4 High Schools had submissions for the Art and Essay Contests. We are honored to have our four Education Specialists from PDOE who assisted with review of all submission. This was a monumental task and not as easy as it sounds, especially with so many great submissions. Ultimately, a total of 35 winners were selected, and their entries have been posted on the art and essay contest wall at the Pohnpei Public Library.

Essay Winners & School Names

4th – 6th Grades

Shania Sakios - PSDA

Ewan Bhandari – PSDA

Eliora Eliou – Kolonia

Mika Pretrick – Kolonia

EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT

7th – 8th Grades

Edmard Clancy Joseph – Pehleng

Jazralanda S. Camacho - Saladak

Ron-Dee Amor, Kolonia

Lelkihda Benjamin – Kolonia

Jayden Sakai – Saladak

9th – 12th Grades

Wayne Giltamag – OLMCHS

Braden Phoenix Johnson - PICS

Saiesha Victor– CCA

Ysa Myrelda Ladore – OLMCHS

Carter Sohs - NMHS

Arts Winners and School Names

K-5 – 3rd Grades

Bless Antra Esiel – Awak

Allytra Aron – Awak

Amyleen Andon – Lukop

Danya Jewel Dewey – Kolonia

4th – 6th Grades

Welluna Hartman – Saladak

Tinter Einat – Kolonia

7th – 8th Grades

Lorian Nelper – Palikir

Meereina Inatio – CCA

Kononiel Santos – Enipein

Ahlai Ehmes – CCA

9th -12th Grades

Yuree Kim – CCA

Estele Alisha Edmund – PICS

Karen Semens – OLMCHS

Alisha Wichep – OLMCHS

AJ Apilado – PICS

Sharley Sakios – SDA

Sophia Bacalando – SDA

Destiny Reyn Leben – PICS

Naybolanda David – CCA

Kalini Johnson – CCA

Madlima Elirose Leben - OLMCHS

It is the policy of the FSM Government that qualified FSM citizens is given first priority for employment consideration; with other Micronesians and U.S. citizens utilized in positions for which no qualified FSM citizens are available.

POSITION AND SALARY:

Staff Attorney I to IV

PL-34/1+100%PP

$779.30 + $779.30=$1558.60

B/W

PL-42/1 +100%PP

$1,177.58 + $1,177.58PP=$2,355.16 B/W

This is the minimum rate at step one of the grade. Higher rates may be authorized in cases of hard-to-fill positions where it is appropriate to the qualification of the appointee.

LOCATION:

FSM Supreme Court

FSM National Government Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941

DUTIES (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY):

Drafting legislation, legal research, providing advice to members of Congress, and work with the Executive Branch of the government on legislative matters. The work is diverse, ranging from tax and budget legislation to fundamental issues of national social policy, drafting legislation and amendments to legislation for senators; attending legislative committee of reference meetings and answering technical and legal questions concerning legislation pending before the committees; performing legal

research; independently drafting or working with other Office staff or other legislative staff to draft written work product, including legal and research memorandums; reviewing executive branch agency rules to determine whether they are within the promulgating agency’s rule-making authority, drafting rule review memorandums that explain why unauthorized rules should not be extended, and possibly presenting rule review issues to the Committee on Legal Services; performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Level I- Admission to the FSM Bar plus eight (8) years of experience or attainment of an earn degree (BA) in law from an accredited school plus admission either to the FSM Bar or practice law in any jurisdiction.

Level II- Attainment of an earned degree in law (BA) plus 4 years of experience plus admission either to the FSM Bar or practice law in any jurisdiction or attainment of an earned degree in Law (MA) plus admission to the FSM Bar or practice law in any jurisdiction.

Level III- Attainment of an earned degree in Law (MA) plus 4 years of experience plus admission either to the FSM Bar or practice law in any jurisdiction or graduated from an accredited school of law (JD) plus admission either to the FSM Bar or practice in any jurisdiction.

Level IV- Graduation from an accredited school of law (JD) plus 4 years of experience plus admission either to the FSM Bar or practice law in any jurisdiction.

Project launched to strengthen water security and limit the impact of COVID-19 in Micronesia

International Organization for Migration

April 27, 2023

Chuuk—The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched a new project to improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The project will respond to community spread of COVID-19 which reached the FSM in July 2022, nearly three years after the first case was confirmed globally.

The USD 1.5 million Covid-19 Response: Improving WASH Access in Public Facilities project, funded by the Government of Japan, is also implemented in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) where community transmission of COVID-19 began in August 2022.

The project in FSM and RMI aims to limit the impact of the pandemic by improving access to WASH in public facilities. The project is very timely, launched some days before World Health Day on 7 April, which this year focuses on Health for All.

“The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in FSM and RMI, despite the

Governments of both nations taking urgent measures to curb its transmission, was a public health challenge that required immediate attention,” said Salvatore Sortino, IOM Chief of Mission in Micronesia speaking at the project launch on 29 March.

“IOM is pleased to work with the Government of Japan and collaborate with the Governments of FSM and RMI to deliver much-needed WASH assistance to prevent the infection from spreading further, particularly in hard-to-reach outer islands,” Sortino added.

“Sanitary water is essential for our daily lives and it turned out to be at risk during the pandemic, especially in outer islands. As all of us have learned in the last couple of years, COVID-19 can spread quickly but basic measures especially washing hands frequently are the most effective way to prevent the spread and limit the impact of the outbreak,” stated Yasutaka Okamoto, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in the Federated States

of Micronesia.

The 12-month project targets 76,000 community members in six islands in RMI and 13 islands in FSM’s Chuuk State with a focus on remote outer islands where access to WASH facilities and health services is limited.

Across all target islands, the project aims to install a set of WASH facilities including a water tank, roofing and piping for a rainwater catchment system, a handsfree handwashing station, and a medical sink.

The WASH facilities will be installed in public places such as schools, churches

and Government offices which have gaps in water and sanitation facilities, receive many visitors on a regular basis and where local authorities and partners can sustain the facilities after handover by the project. Additionally, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities will be implemented to increase knowledge on transmission and hygiene habits in the community and address immediate and long-term needs.

At the launch event, consultations on selection of public infrastructures and methodologies for RCCE were conducted with mayors of target islands in Chuuk to ensure the project is adapted to local needs and capacities.

IOM will work in close partnership with national and state Departments of Health, Mayors, Office of the Governor and national and state disaster management agencies to implement activities timely and ensure relevant agencies assume ownership over the facilities once installations are completed.

President Panuelo endorses the FSM Coconut National Export Strategy 2023

– 2028 (CocoNES), amends relevant Presidential Order

FSM Information Services

May 3, 2023

PALIKIR—On May 1st, 2023, His Excellency David W. Panuelo— President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—was briefed by the Honorable Elina Akinaga, Secretary of the Department of Resources & Development (R&D), et al., for a discussion on the ongoing work of the FSM Coconut National Export Strategy 2023 –2028 (CocoNES), and to formally sign off on it.

The FSM CocoNES began its development on November 1st, 2021, via the Presidential Order that formalized the institutional framework for the strategy design: the Advisory Body, the Sector Development Coalition, and the Secretariat. In the time since, there have been multiple bilateral stakeholders’ meetings and working sessions, and two rounds of stakeholders’ consultations in each of the FSM’s States. An extensive participatory process culminated into the first-ever sector-specific blueprint to develop the coconut sector into a stable industry for the well-being of the FSM’s communities.

The FSM is an aspiring newcomer to the global market for valueadded coconut products. The FSM Government’s aim is to develop the coconut sector into one of its top export industries. The Department of R&D advised the President that the FSM’s potential revenue from coconut products can conservatively reach $10 million per annum, and implementing the FSM CocoNES is how the Nation can reach that.

After the briefing by the Department of R&D, the President signed his Foreword for the CocoNES and an Amendment to the Presidential Order establishing the CocoNES framework.

The Amended Presidential Order

possesses two changes to the original Presidential Order, both with regards to the membership of the Coconut Advisory Body, and with regards to additional duties for the Secretariat.

An additional member of the Cabinet, the Secretary of the Department of Health & Social Affairs, and a representative of the Private Sector operating in the coconut supply chain, are now part of the Coconut Advisory Body.

In the original Presidential Order, the Secretariat was advised to be comprised of the FSM Petroleum Corporation/Vital, and had relatively generic text such as that the Secretariat would “provide operational and administrative support to the overall CocoNES framework” and be responsible for keeping meeting minutes, etc. In the Amended Presidential Order, the Secretariat’s duties are clarified with more explicit language, such as that the Secretariat shall “manage CocoNES tools—in particular, the Strategy Implementation

Tool—for strategy management and communications,” that it shall track the progress of the CocoNES’ implementation and achievement of key milestones, and collect and archive all relevant documentation related to implementation, among other duties and responsibilities.

The November 1st 2021 Presidential Order may be found here: https:// gov.fm/.../November_01_2021Presidential_Order...

The Amended Presidential Order signed May 1s 2023 may be found here: Order as amended.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Palikir, Pohnpei, FM 96941 Tel: (691) 320-2618/2642

Office of the Director

FSM Personnel Office email: personnel@personnel.gov.fm

The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) seeks well qualified individual to fill the position of General Counsel at the FSM Supreme Court, FSM National Government.

The Position: Responsible for providing legal services and advice to the Court on both administrative matters as well as the adjudication of cases pending before the Court. Works directly with the Chief Justice, and

may be called upon to: draft legislation, regulations and policy statements; amend the Court’s rules governing the adjudication of cases as well as the operations of the Court; oversee the Court’s role governing practice before the Court, including admissions to the bar, continuing legal education of bar members, and discipline of bar members; and other duties, as assigned.

The Incumbent: JD degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school and admission in good standing to a bar association in any jurisdiction in the United States and six (6) years of work experience as an attorney, with favorable consideration given to applicants with prior supervisory and judicial clerkship experience.

Benefits: A Salary of $60,000.00 per annum, depending upon qualifications

and experience, plus a housing allowance and relocation benefits (travel and shipping of household goods both to and from the FSM.

To Apply: Send application, resume by mail or email to the following addresses:

FSM Personnel Office

FSM National Government

P.O. Box PS-35

Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941

Phone No: (691) 320-2618/2642

Email: personnel@personnel.gov.fm

Emeliana J. Musrasrik-Carl

Director of Court Administration

FSM Supreme Court

P.O. Box PS-J

Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941

Phone No: (691) 320-2357/2763

Email: emusrasirkcarl@fsmsupremecourt.org

The Office of Personnel will be accepting application/resume from October 6, 2021 until filled.

P.O. Box PS-35

Executive Leadership Development Program visits the office of the President

FSM Information Services

April 27, 2023

PALIKIR—On April 21st, 2023, His Excellency David W. Panuelo—President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—received the eighth cohort of the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP). The purpose of the visit was for the cohort to present the climax of their work in the FSM through presentations on proposed policies and actions for the fictional President of the fictional country of Micro-Poly in an appropriate environment. In addition to observing the cohort and their presentations, President Panuelo also gave brief remarks on how the PanueloPalik administration has digested information and recommendations from policy and technical consultants for the purpose of making informed executive decisions. ELDP was commissioned by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs in 2008 to assist the governments of islands with close relations with the U.S. with developing and retaining the qualified and skilled staff needed to lead them into the future.

ELDP serves as a leadership development program for government employees throughout the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands i.e., the FSM, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Territory of Guam. ELDP alumni represent virtually every government agency, and serve their respective governments as elected representatives, ambassadors, judges, cabinet members, directors, and dedicated public servants.

The program comprises three week-long classroom sessions and a series of virtual developmental and career enhancement sessions between on-site training classes.

This year’s twenty-nine (29) participants included a total of six (6) that represented

Embassy of the United States of America

Vacancy Announcement: VA2023.007

POSITION TITLE: Human Resources Assistant

OPENING PERIOD: May 1 to May 19, 2023

SERIES/GRADE:

LE-0305/07

SALARY: USD $14,759.00

FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND JOB

DESCRIPTION VISIT: fm.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/ CONTACT THE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE: KoloniaHumanResourceRequests@ state.gov

the FSM: Mr. Andy Choor from the State of Yap; Ms. Mary Lou Yatilman and Ms. Stencia Olter Hawley from the State of Pohnpei; Mr. Reed Floyd from the State of Kosrae; Ms. Rosalinda Mori from the State of Chuuk; and Mr. Trifonovich Sound from the FSM National Government.

The group’s visit with President Panuelo was at the tail end of their program, where they were able to hear from President Panuelo, and digest some of his successes and challenges as the Nation’s Head of State and Head of Government. President Panuelo spoke at length about his interactions with other leaders from around the world, and highlighted that a lot of his decisions were not meant to be popular, but were always in the best interest of the FSM, such as closing the

borders during the COVID 19 pandemic, and condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

After the sit down with President Panuelo, the members were broken up in two groups. Each group had a scenario where they had a pretend President, and they had to come up with solutions for the scenario and then present the solution to the pretend President. After they wrapped up with their assignment, they reported back to their instructors and informed them of their plans on the scenario. The ELDP cohort reported that their visit to the Office of the President was a success, and that they were excited to return to their respective islands to apply what they had learned in their actual government duties.

DUTIES: As HR Assistant, performs a variety of administrative HR duties in connection to the examination and processing of personnel actions and in maintaining position control records and personnel files for approximately 50 employees’ mission wide. Drafts Human Resources and Travel Messages cables. Incumbent also serve as backup timekeeper and the pay liaison for Bangkok and Charleston payroll offices.

EDUCATION: Two years of college studies is required.

EXPERIENCE: At least 3 years working in field of human resources or administration is required.

LANGUAGE: Level IV (Fluency) in reading/speaking/writing 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.

President Panuelo signs Public Law 22-190, allowing the Secretary of Finance to assign Taxpayer Identification Numbers & offering electronic filing of taxes

FSM Information Services

May 2, 2023

PALIKIR—On May 1st, 2023, His Excellency

David W. Panuelo— President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—signed Public Law 22-190, which allows the Secretary of Finance the power to assign Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs) and offer taxpayers the capacity to electronically file taxes if so desired. The Public Law amends Chapter 8 of Title 54 of the FSM Code by issuing a new Section 806 on TINs and a new Section 807 on the Electronic Notice System.

TINs will be unique identifiers assigned to taxpayers by the Department of

Finance & Administration.

The Secretary may require a taxpayer to apply for a TIN, or issue a TIN without an application to any person liable for tax, after verification of the applicant’s identity, as prescribed in regulations. The Secretary shall notify the taxpayer in writing of his or her TIN.

The Secretary may require a taxpayer to indicate the assigned TIN in specific communications with the Department, including for tax returns. The Secretary may cancel a TIN for any reasons he or she considers appropriate, including in case of double TIN issuance.

Governor Oliver receives ELDP participants

Pohnpei Enginkehlap News

April 24, 2023

Peilapalap, Pohnpei—Governor Oliver received participants from the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), the principal leadership development program in the U.S.-affiliated islands, for employees in government service.

Mr. Ben Wakefield, Ms. Claret Chong Gum, Ms. Jasmine Myazoe from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Mr. Reed Floyd from Kosrae State in the Federated States of Micronesia paid a courtesy call on Governor Oliver at the Governor’s Office. The four ELDP participants represent a diverse range of backgrounds that include foreign affairs, finance, fiscal auditing, energy, and even Miss Marshall Islands 2023, Ms. Chong Gum.

Governor Oliver welcomed the young leaders and spoke briefly of the importance of leadership development in today’s fast-paced world of emerging technologies. He applauded their participation in the exclusive ELDP program and encouraged each of them to continue in the service of their people and nation.

The ELDP program was commissioned in 2008 by the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs. The aim of the program is to assist U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands governments with developing and retaining qualified and skilled staff to lead their governments into the future. Past and present participants of this program from Pohnpei or who work in Pohnpei include Suzanne Lowe Gallen, Brandon Tara, Carlson Apis, Mitaro Simina, Serleen Hadley, Dr. Padwick Gallen, Erick Paul, Joseph Saimon, Pressler Martin, Alpino Kerman, Sophia Pretrick, Ryan Edgar, Steincia Olter-Hawley, Mary Lou Yatilman, Shaun Suliol, and Cindy Saimon.

To learn more about the program, visit: https://pitiviti.org/about-the-eldp

To see the complete list of participants visit: https://pitiviti.org/program-participants

The Electronic Notice System is a system developed by the Department of Finance & Administration for the electronic service of notices and other documents by the Secretary, and for the filing by electronic means of tax documents, including tax returns. The Secretary may establish an Electronic Notice System and offer taxpayers the capacity to electronically file their taxes and related documents, though persons without access to equipment permitting electronic filing may file a physical copy of their tax returns and be served with non-electronic notices.

The Secretary is empowered to adopt such regulations that may be necessary for the implementation of either Section.

Public Law 22-190 on TINs and the Electronic Notice System may be found here: https://gov.fm/files/20230502_ PL22-190.pdf

.

U.S. Military and Pohnpei Veterans Association Plans to Startup Micronesian Youth Leadership Academy Pilot Program

Pohnpei Enginkehlap News

May 9, 2023

Pohnpei—The U.S. Defense Attaché Office, Oceania Engagement Team, and Pohnpei Veterans Association met with Governor Reed Oliver late last month to discuss the furthering of the Micronesian Youth Leadership Academy (MYLA) Pilot Program. The goal of the program is to teach high school seniors skills that will enable them to become the leaders of tomorrow.

MYLA will conduct training focused on academic development, leadership development, life skills development, and community development, and will be directed by members of the Department of Defense, and the Pohnpei Veterans Association. Next academic school year, 15 students will participate in the MYLA Pilot Program. The program hopes to expand in future years to come

Governor Oliver thanked the U.S. Defense Attaché Office and the U.S. Embassy Kolonia for their continued support, friendship, and cooperation with the people of Pohnpei, and was happy to support this important program for the Youth of Pohnpei.

Joining Governor Oliver during this important meeting was the Acting Defense Attache, Mr. Kyle Papish, Captain Ted Donahue, Staff Sergeant Gary Likiak, Staff Sergeant Tarsis Harper, YN1 Patrick Howard, and Mr. Herman Semes, Jr., President of the U.S. Veterans of Pohnpei (USVP) association.

Prepared in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Kolonia Defense Attache Office.

L. Ioanis attended the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture’s (OFA) new office space opening ceremony

Governor

Pohnpei Enginkehlap News

May 5, 2023

Kolonia, Pohnpei—After an opening prayer by Deacon Edmund, OFA Administrator Mr. Dahker Abraham delivered welcoming remarks. He conveyed his appreciation and gratitude

to all present, recognizing the presence of Lieutenant Governor Ioanis and the various cabinet members present. He thanked the contractor J&B construction for their good work and also thanked the land owner of the adjacent lot, the Honorable Beauleen Carl-Worswick for her assistance and support during

the construction of the office building and the parking area. Administrator Abraham related the condition of the old OFA building and expressed his gratitude to the Governor, Lt.Governor, administration, cabinet, and OFA advisory board for their support and assistance.

The Chairman of the OFA Advisory Board, Mrs. Patricia Jack-Jossien, cut the ribbon to officially open the new office space assisted by OFA Administrative Officer Memory Route. A key turnover was done in the Office Space by Lieutenant Governor Ioanis.

Congratulations to the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture on their new office space. The construction of the new office space amounted to $202,380.09. The new office space construction was made

possible with funds available under the amended Compact for Infrastructure Maintenance Fund (IMF) sector grants.

OFA is made up of four divisions: 1) Aquaculture Division 2: Hatchery Division 3) the Fisheries Statistics Division and 4) Maintenance Division.

OFA is responsible for the following:

1. To improve the health of the offshore marine ecosystem within Pohnpei's Exclusive Economic Zone for sustainable environmental and economic benefits.

2. To improve the health of the inshore marine ecosystem.

3. To strengthen and improve Pohnpei State’s fisheries management policies, programs, and operations.

4. To increase aquaculture activities in a sustainable manner.

Lieutenant

Francisco

PICS students participate in Mr. and Mrs. Float Parade

Students from the municipals of U, Sokehs, Nukap, Nett, PwingMwok, Sapwuahfik, and Kolonia attending the high school marching the street with their float, chanting, and parade. (Pohnpei Tourism)

The U.S. and the FSM to curb ocean plastic pollution

U.S. Embassy Kolonia

May 9, 2023

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, – The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is working with the Federated States of Micronesia to curb ocean plastic pollution and strengthen local waste management systems. In May 2023 USAID’s Clean Cities, Blue Ocean Program is holding a series of activities with Pohnpei State’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the FSM National Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management (DECCEM), and Kolonia Town Government to better manage solid waste.

“The U.S. Government is pleased to work alongside the Federated States of Micronesia in curbing ocean plastic pollution through a holistic approach,” said Alissa Bibb, Chargé d’affaires to FSM. “We believe that building sustainable circular economies to address the ocean plastics crisis requires strong waste management systems at the local level.”

Using USAID’s Solid Waste Capacity Index for Local Governments (SCIL) tool, Kolonia and Pohnpei EPA are assessing their capacity to implement economically and environmentally sound solid waste management systems. They will be able to pinpoint areas for improvement and identify recommendations for priority interventions and funding allocation and investments.

“Pohnpei State is very committed to addressing this very critical issue of ocean plastic pollution for the benefit of our communities and the next generation,” said Hon. Reed Oliver, Pohnpei’s Governor. “We are very grateful to the U.S. Government for being our allies in mitigating the impacts of solid waste and supporting

us in achieving our vision for a cleaner and sustainable environment.”

USAID also convened civil society organizations in Pohnpei that work in ocean plastics prevention to introduce them to the Recycling Prevented Ocean Plastic project that will be implemented under the CCBO program. It will be developed and piloted in the country, and the stakeholders have expressed interest in supporting its implementation.

The Clean Cities, Blue Ocean Program was launched in August 2019 as USAID’s flagship program to respond to the ocean

plastics pollution crisis. This global fiveyear (2019-2024), $53 million program works in specific, rapidly urbanizing focal countries to address ocean plastics directly at their source. By strengthening waste management systems and building circular economies, city by city, the program builds sustainable solutions that reduce ocean plastics while empowering vulnerable populations and mitigating pollution that affects human health and our climate.

Pacific Heads of Health urged to address region’s increasing HIV risk

UNAIDS

April 28, 2023

NADI, Fiji—This week Pacific Heads of Health were encouraged to jointly address the region’s growing HIV vulnerability through investments in proven prevention, testing, treatment and care approaches. Health Ministry senior advisers learned of rising AIDSrelated deaths across the region, along with increasing new infections in Fiji and Papua New Guinea which put the entire Pacific at risk. The challenge calls for bold and coordinated action to scale up prevention for young people, reduce new infections among key population communities, eliminate mother-tochild transmission and expand access to antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV.

For the first time since 2015, HIV was on the agenda at the Pacific Heads of Health Meeting. The Pacific Islands Regional Multicountry Coordinating Mechanism (PIRMCCM)

which provides oversight for the implementation of the Global Fund grants to address HIV, tuberculosis and malaria expressed concerns alongside UNAIDS, UNDP and the WHO.

“We draw particular attention to Fiji as it is currently the second fastest growing epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region. Given the vast migration of young people to Fiji from other Pacific Island countries, if unaddressed there could be serious implications,” said PIRMCCM Chair, Dr Frank Underwood.

The 2025 HIV targets agreed through the 2021 political declaration on HIV and AIDS and the Global AIDS Strategy are off-track for Pacific nations. The situation is compounded by declining resources for health and HIV, shifting donor priorities, weakened health systems and economic challenges intensified by COVID-19. In the last decade political and public focus has shifted from HIV and AIDS, reversing many gains of the early response.

“The impact of this is that the Pacific now has a generation of young people with low HIV knowledge, poor HIV testing uptake, low condom use, high levels of stigma and discrimination and poor comprehensive sexuality education,” said UNAIDS Country Director for Fiji and the Pacific, Renata Ram. “Young people are increasingly using online spaces for sexual networking. We need innovative strategies to help them access the information and services they need.”

Data from UNFPA point to high levels of sexual and gender-based violence, increasing the HIV/STI transmission risk among vulnerable populations including young women. According to UNAIDS estimates, Fiji and Papua New Guinea are among 38 countries globally with rising HIV infections. Since 2010, new infections have increased by 129% in Fiji and 46% in Papua New Guinea.

“This represents a significant threat to the health of other Pacific countries due

to the high mobility between countries, low condom use and absence of innovative HIV prevention strategies,” Dr Underwood explained.

In order to maximize the impact of the Global Fund grant, countries are encouraged to exercise increased ownership of the HIV response, including by targeting more domestic funding into communityled and delivered services. Targeted interventions are required to reach key populations such as men who have sex with men, people who use drugs, sex workers and transgender women with services.

“No Pacific nation is safe unless we are all safe,” Ms Ram said. “Through joint action around prevention, testing, treatment and community support, we can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals target of ending AIDS by 2030.”

Seated from left to right: Hon. Beterigo Jacob, Kolonia Town Mayor; Mr. Francisco Celestine, Executive Director Pohnpei EPA; Ms. Alissa Bibb, Chargé d’affaires, US Embassy; and Hon. Reed B. Oliver, Governor Pohnpei State.

Digital Customs Management System to increase trade in Republic of the Marshall Islands

MAY 8, 2023

MAJURO – The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is working towards boosting international trade by modernizing its customs procedures through the roll-out of the latest customs management system as part of the European Union (EU) funded Improving Pacific Islands Customs and Trade (IMPACT) Project.

ASYCUDAWorld, developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) is a digital platform for customs management that covers foreign trade procedures, and simplifies and harmonizes manifests

and customs declarations, along with accounting, transit and suspense procedures.

A mobilization seminar was held in RMI on 3 May 2023, ahead of the roll-out to raise awareness among government agencies, traders and other key stakeholders on the functionalities and benefits of the web-based customs automation system.

The Secretary of Finance, Mr Patrick Langrine thanked the EU and UNCTAD for the timely assistance in modernizing RMI’s customs administration.

“This is just the beginning of a long process which will contribute to the wellbeing of the RMI customs and traders. The ASYCUDA Project will help us to better understand our trading environment, improve our revenue collection, modernize our trade facilitation and most importantly improve the service for the traders.”

Mr Langrine reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the RMI Customs Division in its initiatives to enhance trade facilitation.

The IMPACT Project is part of the EU’s Pacific Regional Integration Support (PRISE) programme, which aims to increase the quality and the volume of goods traded intra-regionally between Pacific Island countries and internationally, including with the EU’s 27-member States.

The Chargée d’affaires, acting Head of Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific, Dr Erja Askola said, “the European Union is not only a development partner but also a political and economic partner of the RMI as well as the rest of the Pacific. While we support RMI to improve its capacity to move goods in and out the country in a faster and transparent manner, we also welcome RMI and the other Pacific States who wish to do so, to join an Economic Partnership with the EU. This will aid in increasing the competitiveness and the know-how of companies.”

Facilitating customs is essential for businesses to prosper and become more competitive on the international market. When implemented, the system will make it easier for businesses to grow and be involved in cross-border trade.

By ensuring that all processes are harmonized and simplified, items can be declared and proper duties collected online. ASYCUDAWorld will help RMI optimize its customs processes and increase government revenue.

UN Resident Coordinator for Micronesia, Mr Jaap Van Hierden stated that the rollout of ASYCUDA in RMI is a critical step towards enhancing trade facilitation in a country that is heavily reliant on trade for economic development.

“With the support of EU, and led by UNCTAD in partnership with RMI govt, this project is a testament to the commitment of the international community to support RMI in its efforts to enhance its trade facilitation capacity.”

Mr Hierden encouraged the RMI Government to step into the digital era, take advantage of the opportunity to modernize its operations to the fullest capacity that ASYCUDA will enable, and support RMI’s sustainable economic development.

Regional Coordinator for the ASYCUDA programme in the Pacific, Mr Jayvee Santos stated that UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA programme has a mission to provide the latest cutting-edge technology to all customs administrations in the Pacific region.

“The ASYCUDA program makes sure that customs administration can stay up to date with using the most recent technologies so they may deliver services more efficiently and effectively,” Mr Santos added.

Opinion Editorial

It’s time to move on from “fisheries management”

By Ryan Orgera, Global Director, Accountability.Fish 2 May 2023

The last year has seen some promising changes in the global framework for environmental governance. COP27 and COP15, while they didn’t go as far as necessary to hold back the escalation of global temperatures, have set some important precedents - particularly around ocean governance - that create the potential for decisive change in the future.

But at the same time, one governance structure that has remained intact has been the outdated dominance of the world’s Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) over the stewardship of the world’s oceans.

The current RFMO “fisheries management” paradigm has two major problems:

First, RFMOs treat fisheries as an extractive natural resource and focus solely on managing their extraction (in essence, treating the world’s marine wildlife as an element to be mined).

The second problem is that RFMO operating practices either passively discourage or actively block the participation of non-industry observers and the global media.

Both of these problems belie a major geo-environmental role played by the world’s marine wildlife, namely in maintaining the ability of the world’s oceans to help regulate CO2.

They also enable a forestalling of any honest accounting for the environmental impacts of the process of harvesting, processing, refrigerating, and transporting fish products, precisely because RFMO secrecy and ineptitude prevent catch levels from being adequately monitored and scored.

Take, for instance, the least open of the world’s major tuna RFMOs, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC*) which to this day bars political observers from attending its compliance meetings, which are often held in particularly

remote locations.

The WCPFC calls itself “an international fisheries management organization responsible for the conservation and sustainable use of highly migratory fish stocks, particularly tuna, in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.” Its purview covers a swath of the Pacific Ocean that currently produces 56% of the world’s tuna supply.

In a recent release marking the visit of WCPFC Executive Director Rhea Moss-Christian to The Pacific Community (SPC) in New Caledonia, the WCPFC noted that it has “recently prioritized climate change discussions as part of its future work.”

At the same time, WCPFC makes it clear that it is only viewing climate change through the lens of its impact on tuna fisheries, saying “SPC’s ongoing efforts in studying climate change impacts on tuna fisheries is an important contribution to supporting those discussions.”

This innocuous-sounding phrasing is in fact indicative of the case for change.

While RFMOs have wide-ranging powers over the world’s marine ecosystems, their single-minded focus on maximizing the number of fish available for extraction means that the ability to develop appropriate carbon-management strategies that involve the world’s oceans will continue to be sadly sub-optimized.

It is particularly ironic that this is WCPFC’s chosen approach when two-thirds of its member countries are among the world’s most vulnerable to climate change at an existential level.

As the recent UN High Seas treaty offers no immediate check on the ability of the RFMOs to overemphasize industrial fishing’s interest in the marine ecosystem - to the exclusion and detriment of all other stakeholders - the absolute minimum we need is greater openness in RFMO proceedings so that we can at least follow the extent to which they are contributing to the overexploitation of the world’s marine life.

The WCPFC is where this change needs to start. Without an open compliance meeting, along with a single-minded focus on mitigating climate change impacts solely for the benefit of the industry, it’s a body that’s ripe for a push for greater global scrutiny.

But fixing one RFMO’s egregiously secretive practices is only a start. The RFMOs’ secretive supremacy over ocean management needs to be meaningfully challenged and ultimately scrapped. In the meantime, opening up RFMO decision-making is the only way forward.

Letter to the Editor

Michael Henry’s opinion editorial “FSM is a good friend of China” (K-Press, April 26, page 17) was thought provoking. Personally, I disagree with some of the claims he presented as well as certain implications he drew from those claims. Nonetheless, I have nothing but praise and respect for the fact that he can, and did, voice his personal opinions to the public through a signed and published letter, especially when his opinions may be at odds with statements attributed to Micronesia’s outgoing Chief Executive. Sadly, in some nations Mr. Henry would not have the basic freedom to make such remarks without fear of state punishment. No matter one’s own thoughts on the substance of Michael Henry’s letter, all should be grateful he was free to write it.

Neil Mellen served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Micronesia from 2002 through 2005.

Yap Governor Chieng Nominates Joses R. Gallen as Attorney General

Yap State Government Public Information Office

April 28, 2023

YAP, FSM— Governor Chieng of Yap State has formally nominated Mr. Joses R. Gallen for the esteemed position of Attorney General for the State of Yap. In a letter addressed to TH Speaker Nicholas Figirlaarwon on April 25, 2023, Governor Chieng presented Mr. Gallen as his nominee and expressed his sincere hope for the indulgence and understanding of the TH Speaker and his esteemed colleagues.

With an impressive 43 years of experience in the legal field, Mr. Joses R. Gallen has made significant contributions to the legal landscape of the FSM. His expertise extends to serving in various capacities for both the National Government and the other three Sister States since the 1980s. Moreover, Mr. Gallen's accomplishments include his role as Deputy Chief of Mission for the FSM Mission at the United Nations in New York during the 1990s.

Governor Chieng voiced unwavering confidence in Mr. Gallen's legal expertise and underscored his ability to work harmoniously with the administration. To support the nomination, the Governor included a copy of Mr. Gallen's resume, providing comprehensive details of his qualifications and accomplishments.

Governor Chieng expressed sincere gratitude to TH Speaker Nicholas Figirlaarwon for his valuable time, understanding, consideration, and support throughout this nomination process.

The nomination of Mr. Joses R. Gallen as Attorney General reflects Governor Chieng's commitment to appointing highly capable individuals who will contribute to the legal framework and governance of Yap State.

U.S. Department of the Interior supports solution for Compact Impact

U.S. Department of the Interior

May 5, 2023

Washington D.C.— In 2003, Congress enacted the Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act, establishing a 20-year program to address the financial impact of Compact migrants on four affected jurisdictions: American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and Hawai’i. Under that program, Congress provided $30 million per year in mandatory appropriations to offset additional costs attributable to Compact migrants.

Beginning in 2012, Congress appropriated additional discretionary funds ranging from $3-$6 million per year to augment the $30 million in mandatory Compact Impact funds. According to statutory direction, the Department of the Interior distributed this funding among the four affected jurisdictions based on the ratio of Compact migrants living in the jurisdiction.

The legal authorization underlying

Asia Pacific Airlines (APA) Announces Resumption of Cargo Flight Services to Yap

Yap Governor’s Office

May 5, 2023

Colonia, Yap—Asia Pacific Airlines (APA) is thrilled to announce the resumption of its cargo flight services to Yap following a temporary grounding by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The first cargo flight is scheduled to arrive in Yap on May 18th, 2023.

For further information on flight schedule please call the hosting agency, CTSI at 350-3724, for shipping information please call United Airlines at 350-2788.

mandatory and discretionary Compact Impact appropriations expires after 2023. Given the expiration of the underlying mandatory appropriation, the Department has not requested a continuation of the small discretionary supplement to the mandatory funds for Compact Impact.

Since 2003, the distribution of Compact migrants has shifted. As noted in the 2020 GAO Report: Compacts of Free Association –Populations in U.S. Areas Have Grown, with Varying Reported Effects, more than 94,000 Compact migrants from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the

Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau are estimated to live and work in the United States and its territories. More than half of these populations now reside in the continental United States and an estimated 43% are U.S. citizens.

As the United States and the Freely Associated States enter into the next 20 years of free association and considering the current demographics, it is an appropriate time to evaluate and address the impact that Compact migrants have on both the four affected jurisdictions as well as other states and communities in the continental United States. In that regard, the

Biden-Harris administration supports allowing Compact migrants to become eligible for key Federal social safety net programs while residing in the United States, as a long-term solution to the financial impacts of Compact migrants on state and territorial governments.

Ultimately, any extension of Compact impact funding or extension of Federal benefits to Compact migrants residing in the United States and its territories requires congressional action. The Department of the Interior will continue working with Congress on these matters, including the proposed Compact Impact Fairness Act.

WHO Chief declares end to Covid 19 as a global health emergency

Pacific News Services

May 08, 2023

Geneva—The head of the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared “with great hope” an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency, stressing that it does not mean the disease is no longer a global threat.

“Last week, COVID-19 claimed a life every three minutes – and that’s just the deaths we know about”, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO DirectorGeneral, briefing the media at the agency’s headquarters in Geneva.

According to WHO’s Coronavirus Dashboard which has collated key statistics since early in the pandemic, the cumulative cases worldwide now stand at 765,222,932, with nearly seven million deaths: the precise figure currently stands at 6,921,614.

As of 30 April, a total of more than 13.3 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide.

He said the virus – first made a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO chief on 30 January, 2020 – was here to stay: “It is still killing and it is still changing. The risk remains of new variants emerging that cause new surges in cases and deaths.”

He said that the decision had not been made lightly. For the past year, the WHO-led Emergency Committee had been carefully examining the data, on the right time to lower the alarm.

For over 12 months, the pandemic “has been on a downward trend”, he said, with immunity increasing due to the highly effective vaccines developed in record time to fight the disease, and infections. Death rates have decreased and the pressure on once overwhelmed health systems has eased.

“This trend has allowed most countries to return to life as we knew it before COVID-19”, Tedros added.

But he reflected that the impact of the pandemic had “exposed political fault lines, within and between nations. It has eroded trust between people, governments and institutions, fueled by a torrent of mis- and disinformation.”

Tedros also noted the enormous damage inflicted on all aspects of global life by the virus, including enormous economic upheaval, “erasing trillions from GDP, disrupting travel and trade, shuttering businesses, and plunging millions into poverty.”

He reminded that as he was speaking, thousands around the world continue to fight for their lives in intensive care, and millions more, will live for the

foreseeable future, “with the debilitating effects” of post-COVID conditions, or so-called “long COVID”.

The WHO chief said that at one level, the end of the emergency was a moment to celebrate, and he paid tribute to the “incredible skill and selfless dedication of health and care workers” worldwide. But at another level, it was a time for deep reflection, with COVID continuing to leave “deep scars on our world.”

“These scars must serve as a permanent reminder of the potential for new viruses to emerge, with devastating consequences”, he said.

Many mistakes were made, including a lack of coordination, equity and solidarity, which meant that existing tools and technologies were not best used to combat the virus.

“We must promise ourselves and our children and grandchildren, that we will never make those mistakes again”, he said.

“This experience must change us all for the better. It must make us more determined to fulfil the vision that nations had when they founded the WHO in 1948: the highest possible standard of health, for all people,” he said.

Statement on the Kili Bikini Ejit Resettlement Trust Fund

U.S. Department of the Interior

May 5, 2023

Washington D.C.—The Department of the Interior is committed to the U.S. government’s long-standing partnerships with the governments of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau (collectively, the freely associated states or FAS), including their respective local governments. The Department respects the authority and responsibility of local governance and the exercise of democratic rights and responsibilities in all Insular Areas. The Department has consistently sought to promote the well-being and equity for all Insular Area communities, which includes the FAS and the territories of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Under the leadership of the Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs, the Office of Insular Affairs prioritizes any opportunity to enhance and improve the effective and efficient use of United States taxpayer funds.

In response to a request by the Mayor and Council of the Kili-Bikini-Ejit (KBE) Local Government in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, in 2017, Department leadership accepted a proposed rescript related to the administration and management of the Bikini Resettlement Trust Fund, effectively entrusting KBE elected leaders to exercise management and decision-making authority over the Bikini Resettlement Trust Fund without annual approval of budgets, which had been the customary practice for more than three decades. The Department has received the current balance of the Bikini Resettlement Trust Fund along with other financial documents. The Department is currently reviewing what actions are necessary or appropriate given its surviving role with respect to the resettlement program and the trust fund documents.

JCRP and FSM mourn loss of trusted adviser to decades of Micronesian leaders

JCRP/FSM DC Embassy Release

Washington, DC: With heavy heart we have the sad duty to inform of the untimely and sudden passing of a towering figure in the history of the Federated States of Micronesia, Mr. James T. Stovall, III.

Mr. Stovall passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2023, near his home in Shepherdstown, West Virginia at the age of 85.

Mr. Stovall provided FSM with legal counsel for more than 50 years beginning with his work for the Micronesian Committee on Future Political Status and Transition (CFPST) in the early 1970s. Mr. Stovall had served as legal adviser for negotiations on the original Compact of Free Association agreement concluded in 1986, the Amended Compact concluded in 2003, and to the current negotiations for the next chapter in the Compact relationship. In addition, Mr. Stovall was instrumental in securing the FSM’s membership in the United Nations in 1991 and was a key member of the FSM delegation to the UN and affiliated conferences and negotiations.

Mr. Stovall was a steadfast advocate for climate justice and served as representative of the FSM to, and co-chair of, the working group on adaptation of the International Negotiating Committee for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change prior to its signature in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Mr. Stovall continued to provide climate-related advice and counsel to the FSM on climate issues ever since.

Born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1937, Mr. Stovall earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Alabama. He served in the U.S. military in Korea

and Germany as member of the JAG Corps (Judge Advocate General’s Corps). After his service he joined the influential Washington, DC law firm of Clifford & Warnke. He was designated by the firm to provide legal advice to the Micronesian Status Negotiations beginning in 1972 through signing of the Compact in 1986.

Mr. Stovall continued to serve as chief legal advisor to the FSM during negotiations on the Amended Compact, which concluded in 2003, and continued as an adviser to the JCRP in its current discussions with the United States on extension of expiring provisions of the Compact beyond 2023. Mr. Stovall also served as trusted adviser to all nine FSM Presidents, from first FSM President Tosiwo Nakayama in 1979 through current President David Panuelo. Mr. Stovall leaves behind his wife of 60 years, LouAnn, along with two daughters and three grandchildren. The Stovalls were long-time residents of the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC, and later of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, where he and Mrs. Stovall resided at the time of Mr. Stovall’s passing.

“I have struggled to accept Jim’s sudden passing—I am shocked and devastated. Jim touched the lives of people of Micronesia through his unwavering dedication to helping FSM gain recognition on the world stage. He earned the respect and trust of leaders of my country through his more than 50 years of professional counseling,” said Asterio Takesy, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Compact Review and Planning (JCRP). “Mr. Stovall walked away from a Washington, DCbased prestigious law firm to help a tiny newborn state, the Federated States of Micronesia, grow into what it is today; he cared deeply for the people and fell in love with Micronesia.”

Chairman Takesy has worked with Mr. Stovall on negotiations with the US on the original Compact, the Amended Compact and on current talks on expiring terms of the agreement.

Driven by his desire to assist in building capacity of the young FSM nation, Mr. Stovall mentored several generations of Micronesian lawyers and government officials during his service and continued to do so until his passing.

Mr. Stovall was a prominent figure in Micronesian history whose contributions were sometimes overlooked due to his humility and the efficiency of his work.

Without exception, those who knew Mr. Stovall often found him to be the epitome of the stereotypical southern gentleman lawyer. He could be thorny in his defense of the FSM and its positions, when needed, but most will remember him as a kind, gentle man whose heartfelt love for his family and friends, the FSM, the Micronesian people, and the planet never wavered.

Mr. Stovall treasured time spent with family and friends during his travels to Micronesia and at his home in West Virginia.

Current FSM Compact Negotiator Leo A. Falcam, Jr. stated, “Jim was a dear friend and staunch advocate of the FSM for decades. It is hard to adequately describe his true value and friendship to our Nation. His passing is a monumental loss not just to his loving wife and family, but also as an integral and valuable part of our JCRP team. This is a sad day indeed.”

The FSM Government, the Embassy of the FSM in Washington and the JCRP wish to extend their thanks and appreciation to Mr. Stovall for his years of dedicated service and convey their heartfelt condolences to Mr. Stovall’s family and friends for their loss.

Families and friends who may wish to leave a condolence message may do so using the online form at the FSM Embassy in DC website at https://fsmembassy.fm/ contact-us/, email the Embassy directly at dcmission@fsmembassy.fm, or using the comments on this page. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked donations be made in Mr. Stovall’s memory to the Micronesian Conservation Trust or to Prostate Cancer Research at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.

The late Mr. Stovall (left) with FSM President David Panuelo (right) Photo: Richard Clark.

Micronesia Red Cross Society observes World Red Cross Day

Alvie B. Cabañez Kaselehlie Press Volunteer Contributor

On May 08, 2023, the Micronesia Red Cross Society (MRSC) observed World Red Cross Day. On this day, Red Cross recognizes and pay tribute to the people in our communities who are always ready to provide assistance to those in need, often without receiving any acknowledgment or appreciation.

This year the theme of World Red Cross Day 2023 is "Everything we do comes from the heart". The focus is on honoring those individuals who selflessly extend a helping hand to those in distress, demonstrating the true spirit of compassion and kindness that lies at the heart of the Red Cross movement.

“I started as a volunteer two decades ago. I really love the work that I’m doing. The challenges I get, keeps pushing me to stay,” said Morgan Y. David, Disaster Management Officer, MRSC. “To be effective with quality, you have to love and enjoy what you are doing. Things are working up to now because we have committed volunteers and staff and very supportive families,” he continued.

Currently, MRSC continues to conduct school-to-school awareness campaign on furthering the principles and values of the Global Red Cross Movement. The goal is to bring awareness to school children of the work and the mission of Red Cross across the globe.

The team went to Palikir Elementary School. The school Principal welcomed the team and were introduced to Grade 7 & 8 students. The activity started with a video presentation on the history of Red Cross Red Crescent Movement while Simione, the volunteer distributed the attendance sheet. A total of 68 students participated and gladly took notes during the discussion and the video. The students also engaged in a fun game where they answer a question, and were given tumblers for every correct answer.

The campaign started last February at Pohnpei Catholic School. The campaign was made possible through the guidance and support of Principal Francisco Ifamilik, Palikir Elementary School, and Principal Yolanda Yamada-Nanpei, Pohnpei Catholic School.

The Red Cross Society aims to inspire, initiate and create the urge to undertake humanitarian tasks at all times necessary, so that humans do not have to suffer. In line with this, the tasks that the Red Cross Society performs can be widely distinguished into four types – furthering the principles and values of humanitarian cause, response to disasters, preparedness for disasters, and healthcare.

The campaign was organized by Ms. Morehna Rettin-Santos, Communications Officer, MRCS. She was assisted by a volunteer, Simione Blue Talei.

Micronesian Games reschedule dates confirmed

Micronesian Games Council

May 2, 2023 – Maite, Guam

The Micronesian Games Council hosted a special virtual meeting on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, to discuss the recent decision on the postponement of the Micronesian Games. Updates were provided by the host country’s organizing committee on the venues and facilities, and concerns were addressed. After deliberation and discussion on a time frame, the Council unanimously consented on the dates of June 15 to 24, 2024.

“The Micronesian Games is an event like no other. Its organization and participation by the ten countries, states, and territories of Micronesia reflects the true spirit of our culture and identity and acknowledges the opportunities that sport brings to the youth of our countries. On behalf of the H.E. President David Kabua, members of his Cabinet, and the people and Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, we enthusiastically endorse these new dates and commit our ongoing

support to the agreements we have made.

We look forward to welcoming our Micronesian Family and Friends in the summer of 2024!” – Quoting the letter from the Republic of the Marshall Islands Minister of Education, Sports & Training Wilbur Heine in a letter dated to the President of the Micronesian Games Council Aurelio P. Joab on May 5, 2023.

MGC Executives will work directly with the host organizing committee

on the facilitation and preparation of the Games headed by RMI Senator and Marshall Islands MGA President Anthony Muller.

The Micronesian Games Council would like to express our sincere appreciation to the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, His Cabinet, all our Micronesian Games Associations, stakeholders, and most especially to our athletes for their patience as we look forward to everyone’s participation in 2024.

Partnership with Australia, New Zealand, and World Bank signals boost for Pacific assistance

Commitment to expand World Bank support for health, education, social protection and climate-resilient infrastructure projects across the Pacific over next eight years

The World Bank

SYDNEY, May 8, 2023 – The Australian and New Zealand governments have renewed their commitment to the World Bank’s work in the Pacific through an agreement to strengthen cooperation in the region.

The PNG and the Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility (PPIUF) will be in place until at least 2031 and will support World Bank projects across the Pacific through a commitment of AU$109 million from the Australian Government (DFAT) and NZ$33 million from the New Zealand Government (MFAT); commitments that are expected to grow to a combined estimated US$200 million by 2031 as projects grow.

The World Bank currently provides financing – through grants, credits, and

loans – for more than 95 projects across 11 countries in the Pacific, totaling around US$3 billion in support for agriculture, digital development, education, fisheries, health, renewable energy, and transport, as well as jobs, training, and employment. The commitment ensures essential health, education, social protection, and climate adaptation projects continue to provide meaningful impacts for Pacific governments and communities as well as promoting private-sector growth. It will see more Pacific-based World Bank staff on the ground in new or expanded World Bank presences in Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The PPIUF builds on earlier support and partnerships, in place since 2014, which contributed to a 50% increase in the World Bank’s Pacific-based staff and a sevenfold increase in the number of World Bank-supported projects in the region, led largely through the International Development Association, the World Bank’s fund for the world’s most in-need

countries, to which both Australia and New Zealand are important contributors.

“Australia is pleased to support the World Bank’s pivotal role in the Pacific and is committed to working with Pacific governments, New Zealand and the World Bank to enhance the prosperity and resilience of our region,” said Ewen McDonald, Head of the Office of the Pacific at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“The PPIUF reflects an innovative new phase in the long-standing partnership between Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the World Bank to support and strengthen Pacific resilience. Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to be part of this initiative, which will bring together our resources, technical expertise, and experience for the benefit of the region,” said Bernadette Cavanagh, Deputy Secretary of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Pacific and Development Group.

The agreement will support work related to Tonga’s ongoing recovery from last year’s

Books for up-and-coming readers in Maap

Habele

Eager young readers at the Maap Early Childhood Education Center in the northeast of Yap have received the first of three boxes

of books donated by Habele.

A US nonprofit, Habele was established by former Peace Corps Volunteers who served

-many of them as library volunteers- in Micronesia. Habele provides donations of books, as well as tuition scholarships, tools for traditional craftsmen, and equipment for high school-based robotics across the Federated States.

In February, Leah Torwan, an early childhood teacher in Maap reached out to Habele.

Torwan explained that her own two-year old daughter was signed up for Young Island Readers, Habele's direct book-a-month program for children birth through five years of age. She had been bringing those books, sent for her daughter's use at home, to the center owing to the lack of books.

"I'm not sure about the other ECEs but our center lacks books,” relayed Torwan. "We have under 15 books; old and mostly damaged. The children who’ve enrolled since previous years are getting tired of the same stories being read over and over."

At that time Habele sent three boxes, totaling 77 lbs of age-appropriate books, for the children to read at the Maap ECE center. Owing to the complications mail service to Micronesia has recently endured, the first of the three boxes only reached Yap this week.

Year to date, Habele has provided 25 boxes of books to school-based libraries and early child education centers across Micronesia. In the same period, Habele’s Young Island

volcanic eruption and tsunami, support for the expansion of Papua New Guinea’s engagement in regional labour mobility programs, and work in Solomon Islands to improve basic infrastructure through the country’s biggest youth employment project, the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project (CAUSE).

“Far more communities and businesses are better connected – through roads, airports, and hi-speed broadband, for example –and able to access better healthcare and education as a result of Australia and New Zealand’s contributions to World Bank projects over the past decade,” said Stephen Ndegwa, Country Director for the World Bank in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

“Much of these projects are funded through the International Development Association (IDA), to which Australia and New Zealand are critical contributors, and this expansion of our partnership is a testament to what we have achieved together already in creating more opportunities for communities across the Pacific,” said Mr Ndegwa.

Readers has provided a further 1,346 books directly to children under the age of five years. Last year 81 boxes for schools and centers, as well as a further 2,222 individual books sent directly to young children, were donated.

“As individual Americans with personal ties to Micronesia, we who volunteer, donate, and organize the work of Habele are eager to help,” explained Neil Mellen, Habele’s Executive Director. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support hard working parents and educators such as Leah Torwan, who are themselves the ones expanding children’s horizons through reading.”