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June 22 - July 5, 2022

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Vol. 22 Issue No. 12

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FSM and Pohnpei skirmishes over repatriation efforts result in arrests of Acting Governor and other officials By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press

June 20, 2022 Pohnpei—On the evening of June 16, 2022, FSM National Police rounded up five representatives of the Pohnpei State government including Acting Governor Christina Elnei and detained them at the Pohnpei State Jail based on voluminous criminal charges (CA 2022-502) filed by the FSM National Government. The charges, consisting of 223 counts of alleged criminal wrongdoing, center on events regarding quarantine procedures and facilities that occurred prior to and shortly after the arrival of 71 travelers in

the early morning hours of June 12.

70 of the travelers were assigned to the Emergency Medical Unit in Dekehtik for their in-country quarantine. FSM President David Panuelo who was returning from his meetings in Fiji was allowed to quarantine at home. None of the travelers were assigned to the Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) which has many more rooms than at the EMU. The 26 rooms available at the EMU were insufficient to house the 70 passengers which meant that passengers had to sleep wherever they could whether in the hallways or in the lobby with inadequate bathroom facilities and no bedding. Click here for continuation

FSM DOJ objects to nearly every finding in OPA audit of Anti-Human Trafficking office and shelter By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press

June 18, 2022 Pohnpei—FSM National Public Auditor listed a number of concerns regarding the location, selection process, possible transparency issues and some of the expenses associated with the blue building in downtown Kolonia, Pohnpei, the site of the combined Anti-Human Trafficking office and victims’ shelter.

The objectives for the audit were to determine whether the selection of the Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) victims’ shelter was in accordance with processes within the FSM Department of Justice, and to determine whether the funds allocated for AHT and other services were expended according to the intent of the appropriation laws. A sub-objective was to determine whether the shelter at Pohnpei State met applicable international requirements and guidelines.

Photo courtesy of OPA

The opening paragraph of the audit declares that the public auditor assigned the audit based on an anonymous complaint pertaining to the selection of the building. That complaint raised allegations of conflict of interests between the Secretary of the Department of Justice Joses Gallen, and the owner of the building that was renovated and

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June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press

How COM, MRCS and UNICEF partnership on social data management is supporting the COVID-19 response efforts in the FSM College of Micronesia (COM)

Through survey findings generated by the partnership, we can understand the concerns of communities and be able to address them through community On June 14,2022 College of dialogues.” Micronesia (COM) hosted the Ag. Governor Hon. Christina Elnei, Presentations were also made representatives from Pohnpei State by MRCS on the data collection Public Health, NGOs, and other UN processes in all FSM states; the agencies to present how it is supporting data management aspect including FSM’s COVID-19 response through analysis by COM interns; and the data management with the support data utilization component to address of Micronesia Red Cross Society community concerns by the Pohnpei and UNICEF. The event provided State Department of Public Health. the platform to highlight how social Pohnpei State Public Health data is being generated and utilized Department for instance cited a to address critical issues relative to recent example of engagement and the COVID-19 response including subsequent vaccination of over 70 vaccination and other preventative people in one community including behaviors like hand hygiene. In her a 69-year-old man who received his opening remarks, President of the first and complete Covid shot since College of Micronesia. Mrs. Karen beginning of Covid vaccination in the Simion acknowledged the critical FSM over one and half years ago. support the college is providing to the national and state COVID-19 response In her closing remarks, the Ag. efforts. She said, “The college is Governor of Pohnpei State Hon. really proud to be part of the initiative Christina Elnei indicated her to empower communities to prepare fascination about the collaborative for and respond to coronavirus.” efforts of partners particularly how evidence appears to be driving the On his part, Mr. Pius Attandoh, Covid response in the FSM. the UNICEF Social and Behavior Change Specialist emphasized the The Ag. Governor noted, “I need to share the story of how COM wanted to see at first-hand how the and MRCS are contributing to the collaboration is going between Public COVID-19 response of the State Health, UNICEF, MRCS, and COM Public Health Departments through and to see how we can help from the data management and community Governor’s Office. I’ve seen from the engagement. He said, “In our battle presentations that everyone is working hard.” with Covid, there is need to let evidence or data drive the response. She hinted at plans by the FSM government to reopen the border and keep places such as schools, government The virus is not yet here but it is services, and businesses opened even if COVID comes to Pohnpei. She urged everyone to keep working hard and get important communities are prepared vaccinated in order to be protected. so that they are not taken unawares.

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June 22 - July 5, 2022

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U.S Embassy staff participate in U.S. Army’s 247th birthday celebration in Pohnpei US Embassy Kolonia Ambassador Cantor, members of the Defense Attaché Office and Seabees from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 participated in a parade and brief ceremony hosted by the Pohnpei Veterans Association on Tuesday, June 14. Ambassador Carmen G. Cantor delivered remarks, noting the deep and enduring partnership between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia, she said “…We appreciate the sacrifice, honor, and challenges that both FSM and U.S. citizens have undertaken, often shoulder to shoulder, and take a moment on this important day to appreciate this noble service. Congratulations to the Army and to all who have served.”

Pohnpei State in collaboration with PWC and FSM SDG WG with support from UNICEF conduct Community Consultations on Early Childhood Development UNICEF June 7, 2022 Pohnpei, Madolenihmw–Pohnpei State Government in collaboration with the Pohnpei Women’s Council, the FSM National Government, with support from UNICEF, conducted early childhood development community workshops to raise awareness and solicit essential efforts from the community to inform and support the development of Early Childhood Development (ECD) policies and services. The workshop which took place on June7, 2022, in Lukop Madolenihmw brought together over 60 participantsfrom different areas of the community. The FSM government, with the support of UNICEF, is developing a multisectoral ECD Policy and action plan that aims to strengthen strategic ECD governance, Action Plan for policy implementation and a well-coordinated service delivery for children and families. ECD is a comprehensive approach to policies and programs for children from 0 to 8 years of age, including education and support for their parents and caregivers. The consultative workshop’s opening included special remarks by Mr. Patterson Shed and MS. Emeliana Musrasric Carl, the President of the Pohnpei Women’s Council as well as representatives from the national and government.

The workshop presented an opportunity to identify key challenges, opportunities and recommendations toensure realization of the fullpotential of every child born in the FSM. The Madolenihw community learned that the earliest moments of a child from the period of preconception to birth all the way to preschool is crucial. One of the challenges during the period from conception to birth is thedelayin first visits which inhibits early detection of pregnancy related issues. Participants decried transportation challenges from the outskirtsto the health facilities which often result in mothers arriving too late.Recommendations made centered around actions to improve chances for early screening for many mothers in Pohnpeiincluding raising awareness and sensitization. Other recommendations includedSafety and security of children in cars, improving water and sanitation, exclusive breast feeding, care and support for parents among others. Ms. Emeliana Musrasric Carlthe President of the Pohnpei Women’s Council sensitized the participants about child protection and negligence- highlighting cases of child neglect in communities.“When you do not provide your child with a safe and clean environment, clean drinking water or nutritious food, it constitutes neglect

and child abuse. Child abuse is anything impairment. that puts a child in danger and for our youngest children it is all these,” said Ms. Ms. Maria Donre, PWC Vice president in Musrasrik-Carl. her closing remarks highlighted that it is everyone’s responsibility to promote early The need for dedicated resources for child development quoting the famous children with special needs was also saying it takes a village to raise a child”. highlighted.The principal of Lukop elementary school shared his experience In line with the Sustainable Development supporting a special needs child who Goals target 4.2, FSM aspires to achieve eventually graduated and could not access for all childrento quality early proceed further because the College of childhood development, care and Micronesia (COM) does not have the preprimary education by 2030. capacity to support students with visual

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June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press

United Filipino Community in Pohnpei (UFCP) celebrates 124th Philippines Independence Day Alvie B. Cabañez Kaselehlie Press Volunteer Contributor

Russell Figueras, President, TDIP read the message of Honorable Teodoro L. Locsin, On June 12, the United Filipino Community Jr. Secretary of Foreign Affairs. in Pohnpei (UFCP) celebrated the 124thanniversary of the Proclamation of the “We, in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Independenceanchored on the did not let a pandemic stop us from theme, “Rise Towards the Challenge of a cultivating foreign partnerships, securing New Beginning.” It was held at the Pohnpei much-needed vaccines, upholding our State Gymnasium on a bright Sunday sovereign rights, getting overseas Filipinos out of distress, and sharply increasing afternoon. already considerable consular services. We Hundredsof Filipinos gathered at the venue rose to the occasion even as our compatriots to join the celebration and commemorate abroad tenaciously served on the front the country’s hard-won freedom. The UFCP lines while supporting their families in the and regional officers clad in their formal Philippines.” attire (Barong tagalog and Baro’tsaya) welcomed the audience while the lovely His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President, usherettes guided the guests and dignitaries. FSM was not present due to mandatory COVID-19 quarantine requirements. The The venue was decorated with colorful First Lady, Patricia Edwin, came on his ornaments and local materials. It behalf. She admired how resilient and highlighted the Philippine National Flag hardworking Filipinos are.She recognizes that complimented the life-sized tarpaulin at the contributions of Filipinos across all sectors and how their competence and work the center of the podium. ethics are recognized around the world. The event opened with a prayer led by Ms. MaritessNamoc, followed by the singing “I wish for you to know that President of the Philippine National Anthem sang by Panuelo and the entire FSM Nation are in Ms. Mernillie Garcia, andthe FSM National solidarity with the Filipino community here, Anthem was sang by Ms. Amanda Abello.It not only because it is a special occasion but was followed by reading the messages of His in solidarity with your people, what you Excellency Rodrigo R. Duterte, President, are all about and how you play a role in Republic of the Philippines;Honorable our nation building process. And To show Patrick John U. Hilado, Consul General; and his solidarity and appreciation, despite his Honorable Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. Secretary busy schedule he tries to be there & support the Filipino Community whether it be thru of Foreign Affairs. sporting events, fundraisers or Christmas JojoPulmano, Vice-President, UFCP read caroling with the children. Thru these the message of His Excellency Rodrigo actions I hope you understand that he takes R. Duterte, President, Republic of the it to heart whenever he says Actions Speaks Philippines. “This occasion is a testament Louder. how our forefathers fought for our freedom that we enjoy today. May inspire us, to Filipinos are among the most hardworking take after the courage of our heroes as people in the world. Your competence and well as to encourage us to use our abilities, work ethic are recognized everywhere. skills and knowledge for the benefit of our Here, in FSM, your contribution to our society and the community development communities.” are recognized as well. We have Filipinos JojoLemana, Board of Director, UFCP read working in the National Government, the message of Honorable Patrick John U. State Governments and in the private Hilado, Consul General, Consulate General sector. We have Filipino doctors, lawyers, nurses, engineers, teachers, accountants, of the Republic of the Philippines. construction workers and many more “This year’s theme,Kalayaan 2022: Pag- professions. We value your work and suong sa Hamon Ng Panibagong Bukas your presence in the FSM. Most of all, we (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New appreciate your friendship and support.” Beginning) is appropriate as we emerge from the pandemic that had beset us these The event celebratednot only the Philippines past two years, and face the challenges of a Independence but also the rich culture new normal. As the Philippines and the rest and tradition in every performance of the of the world reopens, we take stock of what regional organizations.SelectedTimpuyog we have now- our lives, our health, our skills Dagiti Ilocano iti Pohnpei (TDIP) members and talents, and the new opportunities that exhibited their very popular Igorot dance and colorful traditional costumes. Solo have been arisen from this new normal.”

performances from Katilingbang Bisaya sa Pohnpei (KBP) members entertained the crowd with a Bisaya and classic Filipino songs. A group of Filipino teens, wearing jeans, loose shirts, and sneakers performed their modern take of a Filipino folk dance, Tinikling. A song number from selected kids was considered the highlights of the performances. They interpreted 14-K’s Yesterday’s Dream to the delight of the audience.

Mrs. Yvonne Adams-Hawkins; Chief of Mission for International Organization for Migration, Mr. Salvatore Sortino and his lovely wife Mrs. Cate Sortino; Mr. Aaron Nighswander from theWestern and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission; Former Honorary Consul to the Philippines, Mrs. MerlynnAbello-Alfonso; and Mr. Jeffrey Seely, Management Officer of the US Embassy. Aside from the games and raffle, a variety of Filipino foods were also exhibited by each regional organization. The style of cooking and the food associated with Filipino cuisine have evolved over many centuries to a mix Indian, Chinese, Spanish and American influence. The event ended with a feast of Filipino foods and some raffle prizes.

It has been 124 years ago since the Philippines has been freed from the clout of Western power, and yet, Filipinos all over the world never forget to look for different ways to celebrate the country’s independence. Filipinos continue to remember how their forefathers stood up to challenge more than a century ago to defend The celebration was organized by the country’s freedom. Ms. Margarita Almazan, Chairman, Social& Cultural Committeewith much Representatives from different embassies appreciation from the officers, Board of and offices graced the event. FSM First Directors, and donors. The event was also Lady, Madame Patricia Edwin; US supported by generous companies like Ambassador, Her Excellency, Carmen RS Roque Architects and Construction G. Cantor; Australian Ambassador, Her Services,Pohnpei Arts & Crafts, CTSI Excellency, Joanne P. Cowley and her Logistics, FSM Telecom, Isamo Nakasone dashing husband Mr. Matt Nethery; Store (INS), Kaselehlie Diner, and Caroline Japan Ambassador, His Excellency, Fisheries Corporation. Hisashi Michigani; China Ambassador, His Excellency, Huang Zheng; Honorary The Masters of Ceremony were Mr. Ralph Consul of Spain, Mrs. Ma. Linda Abello- LorenceRempis and Ms. Simone Marian Mendez; Honorary Consul of Belgium, Montano.

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June 22 - July 5, 2022

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College of Micronesia-FSM

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Yap Campus Kosrae Campus Pohnpei Campus P.O. Box 286 P.O. Box 37 P.O. Box 614 Tofol Kosrae, FM 96944 Kolonia Pohnpei, FM 96941 Colonia Yap, FM 96943 Phone: (691)350-2296/5149 Phone: (691)370-3191 Phone: (691)320-3795 Fax: (691)350-5150 Fax: (691)370-3193 Fax: (691)320-3799 E-Mail: kosrae@comfsm.fmE-Mail: pohnpei@comfsm.fmE-Mail: yap@comfsm.fm

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...Arrests Continued from front page

The FSM accuses Pohnpei State actors of intentionally not preparing the MMA facility for incoming passengers, also intentionally causing the difficulty for the arriving passengers that in their estimation rose to the level of criminal culpability for deprivation of rights and other charges. The charges cobbled together by FSM Department of Justice attorneys with individual passenger names cut and pasted into duplicates of the individual counts, sometimes badly, include 24 counts of Conspiracy for Deprivation of Rights for false imprisonment, charges filed because Pohnpei extended quarantine from five to seven days, allegedly “without lawful purpose or medical reasons”. They include 70 counts of Deprivation of Rights for the defendants not preparing for the flight in advance by cleaning the 40 rooms of the MMA causing 24 passengers to sleep wherever they could, which also meant a breach in quarantine. There was one charge of Obstructing a Public Official in Discharge of Duties alleging that Norleen Oliver Deorio instructed Marcy Lorrin, the quarantine manager not to clean the rooms at the MMA in time for the flight. The final 103 charges were for Deprivation of Rights due to a violation of quarantine standard operating procedures. Some of the counts are for the alleged acts themselves and others are for conspiracy beforehand to do so. It was not clear from the 226-page document, which are which or if both are implied in each count. The FSM press release on the arrests that was released on social media and in international news entities reminded readers that all accused are innocent unless found to be guilty in a court of law. Detained for the charges were Acting Governor Christina Elnei, Director of the Department of Public Safety Patrick Carl, COVID-19 Task Force coordinator Norleen Oliver Deorio, Public Information Officer Patrick Pedrus, and State Radio Commissioner Peterson Sam. Officers accompanied Elnei and Carl to the FSM Department of Justice (DOJ) office where, according to a National Government press release, they were interrogated and released “as a courtesy…on the condition and mutual understanding that they will abide and respect the court processes.” The release was after a meeting with Acting Attorney General Judah Johnny. The National Government press release said that the three others were also

interrogated. Unlike the Acting Governor and Director of DPS, they were forced to spend the night at the Pohnpei State Jail and in the morning were brought to sit in a room at FSM DOJ all day. Early speculation was that the arrests were because of criminal charges filed on June 16 for contempt of court, and conspiracy for contempt for allegedly violating the Temporary Restraining Order in the civil action between the FSM and Pohnpei, the only set of charges on file at the court on Friday morning. That set of charges named three additional defendants but they were never arrested. According to the FSM PR of the 18th, DOJ made the arrests based on charges that had not been filed at the time of the arrests. They filed the new set of charges (CA 2022-502) at 11:40 on Friday, June 17. Pedrus said that neither of the two others detained with him at the jail saw either of the sets of charges and were not aware of exactly why they had been detained until sometime in the middle of the afternoon on June 17. The FSM Supreme Court had not issued any arrest warrants for either of the cases and after a hearing at 4:00 that afternoon, ruled that the prosecution had been unable to show probable cause for criminal contempt of court or conspiracy to commit criminal contempt as alleged in CA 2022-501. It marked that case for dismissal and ordered clerks be barred from entering penal summonses in the matter unless within 10 days, the prosecution is able to satisfy the court that probable cause for the charges of that initially filed case exist. On Tuesday morning, June 21, at 10:00 the court was to hear a show cause motion on the Civil Action between the FSM and Pohnpei State defendants for why they should not be held in civil contempt (rather than criminal contempt) for allegedly violating the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in the matter. That TRO barred the State from informing United airlines that the Pohnpei Certificate of Qualified Entry is a required document for Pohnpei bound documents, and requiring that document to enter Pohnpei or to enter quarantine in Pohnpei after arrival. The court added in its ruling that, “once the Pohnpei-bound passengers have arrived on Pohnpei and cleared immigration and customs, they must be quarantined and the quarantine process is under Pohnpei State Control.” The Court, already having ruled that the prosecution had not established grounds to hold the defendants criminally liable for contempt or conspiracy for contempt, may find that also to be the case for civil contempt but it remains to be seen how the court will rule in that matter.

In the Friday, June 17 afternoon hearing the Court also considered the issuance of a Writ of Habeas Corpus for which the State petitioned on behalf of the Pohnpei State defendants. A Writ of Habeas Corpus is a legal procedure that protects against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment. The Court granted the Writ and by 6:00 on Friday evening, all of the defendants who at that time were still being detained were released and were required to have their initial appearance in court on Monday, June 20 at 3:00 in the afternoon. “By law, the National Police is required to file criminal charges against the defendants within 24 hours, otherwise, the National Police is under duty to release them”, the National Government press release said. “The defendants were detained on the evening of June 16th, and criminal charges were filed against them on the following day, well within the deadline set by law.” On June 11, the day that passengers were due to depart Guam bound for arrival into Pohnpei in the early morning hours of June 12, Acting Governor Elnei wrote a letter to FSM Vice President Yosiwo George and to Secretary of FSM DOJ Joses R. Gallen. The letter asked the FSM Government to delay the flight from Guam for four days. This, she wrote, would allow the Pohnpei Task Force “ample time to prepare the MMA given the 2 active cases are still in the MMA”. At the time of the writing of that letter, those two passengers were scheduled to be released later in the day. Elnei wrote that the extra time was needed in order to clean the quarantine centers and to fix the leaking sinks, toilets and other things that needed repair before arrival. One of the concerns involved the fact that two passengers had presented with active COVID-19 while in quarantine. They tested negatively for the virus before they were released. “…at the time the request was made, the boarding process for the flight had already begun, and the passengers had already completed a strict pre-quarantine requirement in the U.S. Territory of Guam,” the FSM press release on the arrests said. It also said it based some of the charges on what it called the “misleading” public spreading by the State Government on social media and elsewhere that the FSM Government had refused to delay the flight. “Malicious misinformation sharing to the public through social media” is how the FSM’s PR labeled the State government’s press releases. Acting Governor Elnei’s letter asking for the delay was signed as received by Vice President George at just before 3:00 on the afternoon of the flight, which is 2:00 in Guam. Further, three days before Elnei

June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press

wrote the letter, the Pohnpei Task Force reportedly communicated with the FSM Task Force by email regarding Pohnpei’s inability to accommodate all of the travelers on the 12th due to the positive cases. In that email they reportedly wrote that they needed to disinfect all of the rooms for 24 hours before they could be cleaned and that four days was not enough to do it properly. The FSM PR said that though Pohnpei claimed they needed four days to clean the rooms of the MMA, FSM staff members cleaned them in less than 24 hours. It does not say whether or not the FSM staff members disinfected the rooms or how they did so considering that Pohnpei experts had recommended rooms be disinfected 24 hours before cleaning. It also didn’t say whether or not they repaired the leaking toilets and other plumbing fixtures that the MMA Manager had told the Pohnpei Task Force coordinator had been reported as big problems by previous residents of the quarantine facility. After the initial appearance of defendants at the FSM Supreme Court on Monday, June 21, one of the defendants told us that the prosecutors had proposed that each of the defendants should surrender their passports and to not apply for another, to appear in court when required, and to pay a bond of $1000 each. The Acting Attorney General objected to the fine. The defendant said that the court ultimately informed the defendants to inform the Pohnpei State Attorney General and the FSM Department of Justice if leaving Pohnpei, and to appear when required. The Court did not issue any bond and defendants were release on their own recognizance. “The judge advised each one of us other than the Acting Governor to retain our own counsel, including public defenders,” the defendant wrote. “The court will advise the AG's office of the next scheduled court date.” All of the recent skirmishes between the State and FSM governments over the repatriation efforts and quarantine procedures are set against a backdrop of the Pohnpei State Legislature’s recently having passed an Act to establish a Political Status Commission to look into the relative advantages and disadvantages of seceding from the Federated States of Micronesia. The FSM’s Press Release on the arrests reiterates that the nation is set to completely eliminate quarantine and to open the FSM’s borders beginning on August 1, 2022 and encourages all citizens to get fully vaccinated as required by law.

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June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken commends President Panuelo for his strong leadership in the region, engages in warm yet business-oriented discussion FSM Information Services PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On June 15th, 2022, His Excellency David W. Panuelo— President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—telephonically received the Honorable Anthony Blinken, Secretary of the Department of State of the United States of America, so as to discuss matters of mutual importance and interest, with topics ranging in scope from the next convening of the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders to the 50th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. On the topic of FSM-U.S. relations more generally, President Panuelo reiterated that the U.S. is the FSM’s first and foremost ally, and that the FSM will never take any action, or allow any action to be taken, that would threaten the FSM-U.S. Enduring Partnership or regional security and stability. President Panuelo thanked Secretary Blinken for both his leadership and the leadership of the U.S. Government at large, saying that the U.S. playing a leadership role in promoting a Free & Open Indo-Pacific “benefits our global community and Indo-Pacific region, especially our Blue Pacific Continent.”

...AHT audit Continued from front page currently being leased by the FSM national government. The Secretary was the allottee of the Congress appropriated funds for the shelter, and the person in charge of Human Trafficking prosecution and other efforts. The audit said that auditors experienced limitations and challenges during the conduction of the inspection audit. “We could not carry out some procedures due to lack of cooperation from the Assistant Secretary for the Division of Anti-Human Trafficking Services who did not respond to our request to sign the record of discussion (ROD/Meeting Minutes) from the interview carried out by the auditors. Several emails and calls were made but no response was received on this…and there were

Secretary Blinken thanked President Panuelo for his leadership and the FSM’s highly visible commitments to peace, unity, and liberty. On the topic of the Compact of Free Association, President Panuelo described his personal confidence in the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Compact Negotiations, H.E. Joseph Yun, and the elemental importance of the FSM’s proposed package of enhancements to the Education Sector, Health Sector, and Infrastructure Sector, in addition to the proposed Environment Sector, the latter of which the President described as being the actual answer for the FSM’s capacity to successfully adapt to, and mitigate from, the impacts of Climate Change. The President highlighted that the FSM considers Climate Change as the Nation’s and region’s most significant security threat, and noted his confident hope for the conclusion of Compact negotiations by the end of September. On the topic of Pacific regionalism, solidarity, and unity, President Panuelo described his renewed and heightened appreciation for in-person dialogue as a means of solving problems and arriving at consensus, as seen in the Suva Agreement as an outcome in the recent meeting delays as there (was) no response from the Assistant Secretary of the Division of AHT to our initial requests to inspect the AHT shelter as well as the vehicles.” Auditors said those inspections were carried out later with the assistance of the Coordinator at Pohnpei State. To be clear, the audit said that the familial relationship between Gallen and the owner of the building, his deceased cousin’s surviving spouse who shares the Secretary’s last name, is not against the letter of the law because she is not a spouse, child, or parent. The audit said that the FSM’s Financial Management Regulations (FMR) requires “openness and transparency” in the administrations of public funds and in that interest, Secretary Gallen should have declared the relationship before entering into a financial relationship with FSM funds. In his response, Secretary Gallen objected strenuously to the findings of

between leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Micronesian Presidents Summit. Noting the importance of inperson presence and the positive impact it brings, President Panuelo solicited Secretary Blinken’s support in ensuring meaningful, visible, and interactive U.S. presence at the forthcoming Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders, to be held in Hawaii in the month of September 2022. On the topic of human rights, President Panuelo described his awareness of the 50th Session of the Human Rights Council, and emphasized the FSM’s broader view that an infringement on the rights of one person is an infringement on the rights of us all. By extension, the President advised Secretary Blinken that the U.S. can expect the FSM’s full-throated support of human rights in the coming days. The remainder of the conversation vacillated widely amongst a multitude of topics of mutual interest and import. Among these, President Panuelo described the FSM’s continued appreciation for Her Excellency Carmen G. Cantor, Ambassador of the USA to the FSM, who the FSM soon hopes will become the Assistant Secretary for Insular & International Affairs at the U.S. the audit and also to the fact that it was triggered by an anonymous complaint. “…because of the unreliable nature and circumstances of the anonymous tip used here, this audit investigation is without legal basis,” he wrote. “The audit team fell into the trap of having to spend its limited time and resources to pursue and illegal investigation. In light of this, the Attorney General will issue a directive that provides legal guidance to the Public Auditor that will align with the proper use of anonymous tip(s) pursuant to law.” The response was written on March 23, 2022. At press time, no directive had yet been issued. Auditors found that the location of the victim’s shelter in Pohnpei State does not promote confidentiality and safety as it is located at one of the busiest intersections in Pohnpei, on Kaselehlie Street catercorner from the Amcres gas

Department of Interior. It is unknown at the time of this release’s publication as to whether or not President Panuelo has listened to Secretary Blinken’s self-produced and self-described “wonk rock” tracks, and/ or if the President has pondered on the Secretary’s publicly available rock and roll preferences and compared them to the Prime Minister of Australia’s recent gifting of Powderfinger (on vinyl) to the Prime Minister of New Zealand. While it is not within the scope of the Division of Public Information’s mandate to speculate on this, it is noteworthy that President Panuelo retains a longstanding appreciation for Elvis Presley, as formerly discussed in Ambassador Cantor’s longrunning “American Waves” show across the FSM’s public radio stations. “It is not a minor human-interest story that a Secretary of State is interested in and participates in the arts,” President Panuelo said in a statement after the meeting, “because to make art and to appreciate art is to demonstrate empathy— and that’s the trait, the exact trait, that the World needs, and the Pacific needs, in these challenging times.”

station. Auditors used as guidelines the International Organization for Migration’s hand for Direct Assistance for Victims of Trafficking which, among other things recommends an “adequate, safe, and secure temporary living environment for victims of trafficking.” Auditors pointed out that there is no fencing and the building is clearly visible to the general public. “AHT program is not some type of covert surveillance operation, that it must be hidden in a remote location to avoid detection,” Gallen wrote in his response. “Quite the contrary, the prominence and publicity of the program promotes more public awareness and community support. We rather want the community to know that DOJ is protecting human trafficking victims… There are AHT staff who are committed to doing this important work, and are Continued on page ?

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June 22 - July 5, 2022

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Rotary Club of Pohnpei donates Public Health and Micronesia Red Cross Society conducts COVID-19 cash grant to Public Health Department of Health Services & Alvie B. Cabañez Kaselehlie Press Volunteer Contributor

On May 24th 2022, the Rotary Club of Pohnpei handed over a grant toMr. Wincener David, Director, Department of Health and Social Services (DOHSS); Ms. Norleen Oliver Deorio, Chief Department of Primary Health Care; and Ms. Delphine Abraham, Non-communicable Diseases (NCD) Program Coordinator. The grant was intended to enforce the ongoing NCD projects particularly theGo Local Initiative, to collaborate with the diabetes education and awareness projects on the island to reduce the burden of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases; and increase the NCD patients’ quality of life. The project contemplates to enforce and disseminate the MODFAT (Micronesia One Diet Fits All Today) key basic concepts to recuperate the healthy lifestyle islanders used to have before the western introduction of processed food. Dr.MabelLojan, an Integrative Medicine practitioner, and a Public Health volunteer, will spearhead the volunteer team in coordination with the NCD Team to perform healthy cooking workshops at the dispensaries in Kolonia, Kitti, Sokehs, Madolenihmw and U. Each dispensary of the DOHSS will receive a Kitchen kit to set up all the required tools for healthy cooking activities. Also, customized physical activities will be part of the workshops to balance the education curriculum to the NCD patients. The workshop started first quarter last year and was well received by the communities. Residents find the workshop relevant and expressed their motivation to starting their own vegetable garden and be mindful of their eating habits. Dr. Lojan and her team will resume the workshop with realistic targets and comprehensive content before

the end of the year.

All the ongoing NCD projects will be used synergically to take the best advantage of their contents for the specific needs of each individual and their families. Pacific Chronic Diseases Council, Navigating the course of diabetes selfcare; Standford University, Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, PSH Health Coach course content, World Health Organization (WHO) physical activity recommendations, International Diabetes guidelines and updated nutrition concepts will be used to share with the attendees to the NCD dispensary days.

Community Engagement Action Plan Alvie B. Cabañez Kaselehlie Press Volunteer Contributor On June 17, volunteers from Public Health and Micronesia Red Cross Society (MRCS) led by Mr. Morgan David, Disaster Management Officer conducted COVID-19 community engagement action plan at Mwoakot, Kitti. Volunteers from Red Cross and Public Health who underwent a COVID-19 Community Engagement Training last April 21, 2022 started the community engagement action plan. The volunteers worked with their respective communities and come up with their own COVID-19 outbreak preparedness action plan. The first community to draw up their action plan was Ipwitek, Madolenihmw, withthe most number of participants, 64,on April 28, 2022. The community was very welcoming and very engaged in the discussions. It was followed by Peidie, Sokehs, 50; Kapinga Community, Pohnrakied Kolonia, 44; Toamwoaroahlong, Kitti, 41; while the rest have below 40 participants particularly Dien, Kitti with only 10 participants. “It is very important to the community to have this kind of activity. I particularly like the group sharing when we discussed what to do during COVID-19 outbreak,” said Papiano Andreas, OaroanOnohnloangKitti. After the group discussion, each team presented their action plan. Their action plans highlighted to lessen social gatherings like kamadiphw, and be observe social distancing during funeral and birthday celebrations. “I am very happy that this team has come today. We first heard about COVID-19 some time ago, then

the news kid of slowly died down, until today,” said a participant from Mwoakot, Kitti. “I am very grateful for the turnout of today’s discussion. The community welcomed us and supported us,” said Mercedes Gilmete, TubercolosisCoordiantor, Primary Health Care. Overall, the volunteers covered 17 communities including Pakin Island, and 504 participants in a span of two months. The team is scheduled to conduct the activity at Rohi, Kitti on June 20, 2022. The team was composed of Mercedes Gilmete, Tubercolosis Coordinator, Pohnpei State Health, Primary Health Care; Jaimie Inos, School Health Coordinator, Immunization Program; Tony Sarapio, COVID-19 Promotional Officer, FSM Health; Morgan Morehna Santos, MRCS Dissemination & Communication Officer; and Bernida Hadley, Tobacco Educator, Behavioral Health & Wellness. The activity was organized by MRCS in coordination with Pohnpei State Department of Health & Social Services (Primary Health Care) and UNICEF for technical and funding assistance.

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June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press

The

Parties to the Nauru Agreement 17th Annual PNA Ministerial Meeting June 17, 2022 Communique Ministers from Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, and Solomon Islands met via Zoom from 15-17 June 2022 for their 17th Annual Meeting, to consider a range of priority issues related to the sustainable management and development of PNA fisheries. Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, and Tokelau were represented by senior Officials. The meeting was chaired by Hon. Nestor Giro of Solomon Islands. The key outcomes from the meeting of Ministers included the following: Ministers expressed their condolences on the passing of the late Honourable Minute Alapati Taupo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Fisheries and Trade of Tuvalu, and paid tribute to his long service to Tuvalu and the region in fisheries and other fields. Ministers welcomed the new CEO, Dr. Sangaalofa Clark, and acknowledged the great contribution to PNA made by the previous CEO, Mr. Ludwig Kumoru. Ministers appreciated the continuing mutual achievements of PNA in 2021 and 2022 to date, while operating within the constraints of the COVID-19 situation. These achievements came from hard work and standing steadfastly together to maintain their collective control over their tuna fisheries.

from their tuna fisheries. COVID-19 Ministers were thankful for the resilience of the PNA and other regional fisheries arrangements during the COVID pandemic. Purse seine VDS revenues had been broadly maintained providing funding for Government services through a critical time. However, the local longline fisheries and domestic economies, had suffered from the lack of port-based activities, and Ministers particularly regretted the loss of livelihoods for the hundreds of observers that served the region. Safely reestablishing in-port services and getting observers safely back to work are now the regional priorities. Healthy Stocks Ministers welcomed the updated scientific advice from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community that all major tuna stocks in PNA waters continue to be reported as healthy and none are assessed as overfished or subject to overfishing. They noted that the Western and Central Pacific remains the only oceanic region in the world where the tropical tuna resources are being fished sustainably, and expressed their appreciation to all the governments and industry interests who contribute to this shared outcome through the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.

PNA Headquarters Building Ministers particularly appreciated that the Office had moved into the new Headquarters Building. Ministers saw the Building as a clear symbol of the success of the PNA. Ministers looked forward to enriching the Building with artifacts representing PNA communities and cultures.

At the same time, Ministers noted the need for further management action to conserve the depleted stocks of some shark species.

Ministers expressed appreciation to the RMI as host of the PNAO and looked forward to a special in person convening in Majuro to officiate the PNAO Headquarters sometime in 2023, or when the RMI borders are fully open.

Industry Development Ministers noted the changing dynamics of the tuna fishery and tuna trade on the back of the COVID-19 impacts and brand dominance in the trade, now complicated with the Ukraine conflict compounding the rising fuel prices, and emerging logistical issues both at sea and in the distribution chain. Ministers noted the continued high levels of effort and profitability of the sector and the need to continue to foster opportunities for the development of their domestic sectors.

PNA Office Performance Ministers commended Officials and the Office for the high quality of the PNA Office reporting and financial management processes. These were particularly important because of the critical role of the PNA Office in administering the VDS, managing funds held on behalf of the Parties, and supporting the efforts of Parties more broadly to maximize the individual and collective economic returns

Ministers reiterated their commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the regional tuna resources and the valuable fisheries for those resources on which PNA and Tokelau communities heavily depend.

Climate Change Ministers strongly supported the proposed initiative for the PNA to engage more directly in climate change, integrating information on the impacts of climate

change into decision-making on PNA tuna fisheries, and focusing on policy responses to the injustice of adverse climate change impacts on tuna stocks and PNA fisheries. WCPFC Approach Ministers welcomed the renewal of the WCPFC Tropical Tuna Conservation and Management Measure by the Commission with some improvements on FAD management. The Ministers expressed appreciation to their Officials and the Office for the effective participation by PNA in the work of the WCPFC, despite the small size of their administrations and the difficulties of participating in virtual meetings because of Internet constraints. Ministers expressed their appreciation to the WCPFC Chair and Executive Director and their staff for being able to maintain the work of the Commission so effectively in the face of the difficulties arising from COVID-19. Ministers endorsed Mr. Glen Joseph (RMI) as a candidate for Chair of the WCPFC if the current Chair steps down. PNA Vessel Day Schemes Ministers expressed appreciation for the continuing effective implementation of the Purse Seine and Longline VDSs by the PNAO and the national officials involved with VDS implementation. They noted the continuing success of the Purse Seine VDS as a key factor in the successful management of regional tuna resources and fisheries, while it continued to contribute large economic gains to PNA Members and Tokelau. PNA Compliance Committee Ministers welcomed the first report from the Independent Chair of the PNA Compliance Committee, Ms. Rhea Moss-Christian. Ministers considered the report of the PNA Compliance Committee to be a healthy step towards improving the effectiveness of PNA management measures that would increase their mutual benefits from the regional tuna fisheries. Tuna Treaty with the US Ministers welcomed progress in the renegotiation of the Fisheries Treaty with the US, and remained committed to achieving an appropriate and fair outcome. Marine

Stewardship

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June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press

Certification Ministers recognized the value of recognition of the sustainability of the PNA purse seine fishery by the Marine Stewardship Council, and endorsed the PNA Office maintaining the MSC certification in support of PNA Party based initiatives. Review of the FSM Arrangement Ministers welcomed the update on progress on the Review of the FSM Arrangement aimed at improving the Arrangement so that it facilitates and supports Parties’ development aspirations, and asked for further work on reviewing the FSMA. Review of the PNA Observer Agency Ministers supported the decisions taken by Officials to maintain and strengthen the role of the PNA Observer Agency. Independent Review Ministers welcomed the report to Leaders by the Inter-Agency Taskforce established to oversee the Independent Review of the Forum Leaders’ 2015 Decision to Increase Economic Returns from Fisheries. Ministers stressed the importance of the ability of the PNA Office to provide advice to Parties free of external influences, and requested the Office to provide reports to PNA Leaders on their tuna fisheries. Done on the 17th Day of June, Two Thousand and Twenty Two.

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June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press

Ambassador Cantor tours Department of Interior funded CTEC Multi-purpose Project U.S. Embassy Kolonia June 20, 2022 U.S. Embassy’s Ambassador Carmen G. Cantor attended a project monitoring tour Thursday June 16 at the College of Micronesia Career and Technical Educational Center (CTEC) Multipurpose Building. This $5 million project is funded by the United States Government through the U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Insular Affairs. Ambassador Cantor acknowledged the importance of the vocational and training center that will greatly benefit the people of the FSM and thanked the representatives on hand from the Department of Education, FSM-TC&I, the College of Micronesia, the FSM Project Management Unit, and ABCOR. Following the brief ceremony, participants also toured the newly renovated Hotel & Tourism Management Building. This $275,000 renovation project is funded by the Compact Infrastructure Maintenance Funds and included new individual cooking stations.

www.vitalenergy.fm

The

U.S. Health and Human Services Grant Funding utilized via three Congressional Resolution Adoptions in Fourth Session U.S. Embassy Kolonia In the Fourth Regular Session, Congress adopted CR22-107 on May 26, 2022. This resolution was to “approve and accept a grant in the amount of $250,000 from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families.”

TRADEMARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE Notice is hereby given that BRAUEREI BECK & CO. GMBH

a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Germany, Am Deich 18/19, 28199 BREMEN GERMANY is the owner and sole proprietor of the following trademark:

The above mark is used in connection with promoting Brauerei Beck & Co. GmbH products, which primarily consist of beverage products in the international Class 32: Beers; non-alcoholic beers, mixed drinks containing beer, mineral and aerated waters and other non-alcoholic drinks; fruit drinks and fruit juices; syrups and other preparations for making beverages in class 32. Brauerei Beck & Co. GmbH wishes to inform merchants and the public in the Federated States of Micronesia that singular importance is attached to the trademark depicted above and that legal action will be taken against any person or persons who act in infringement of this trademark, who pass off their goods as goods of Brauerei Beck & Co. GmbH, or who act in a manner likely to cause confusion or misunderstanding as to the source, sponsorship, approval or certification of such goods, to the extent allowed by the law of the Federated States of Micronesia.

In addition, two congressional resolutions also approved in the Fourth regular session included CR22-126 ($109,991.00); and CR 22-121 ($104,310.00) both from the U.S. Dept of HHS, Health & Human Services.

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

The Administration for Children & Families (ACF) www.acf.hhs. gov is a division of the Department of Health & Human Services. ACF promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities.

The Governor of Kosrae State, FSM invites interested and qualified contractors to submit electronic proposals for construction of the Arthur P. Sigrah Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation project. Work includes renovation of existing building and new construction. Approximately 34,600 sf. Estimated cost $20 to $30 million. The bid closing will be on August 5, 2022 at 10:00 am Kosrae time. All bidding documents may be accessed at https://www.tci.gov.fm PMU section.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (www.hrsa.gov) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable.

Bid Announcement

Additional information may be obtained by written request from Mr. Bruce Howell, PE, Manager, Kosrae Project Management Office at email: pmo@kosrae.gov.fm.

June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press TRADE MARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that CHINA NATIONAL HEAVY DUTY TRUCK GROUP CO., LTD. of SINOTRUK TOWER, NO. 777 HUA'AO ROAD, INNOVATION ZONE, JINAN, SHANDONG, CHINA, is the sole owner and proprietor in the Federated States of Micronesia and elsewhere of the trade mark below:

which is used in connection with the following goods: Class 12: trucks with a crane feature incorporated; lorries; truck; motor coaches; military vehicles for transport; electric vehicles; automobiles; motor cars; casting carriages; tilt trucks; automobile hoods; automobile chassis; hoods for vehicle engines; gearing for land vehicles; motors, electric, for land vehicles; clutches for land vehicles; axles for vehicles; hub caps; bands for wheel hubs; engines for land vehicles; motors for land vehicles; transmission mechanisms for land vehicles; rearview mirrors; automobile bodies; bumpers for automobiles; shock absorbers for automobiles; gear boxes for land vehicles; bodies for vehicles; torque converters for land vehicles; sun-blinds adapted for automobiles; transmission shafts for land vehicles; air bags [safety devices for automobiles]; automobile tyres; safety belts for automobile seats; hubs for vehicle wheels; vehicle chassis; windscreens; windshields; doors for vehicles; rims for vehicle wheels; anti-glare devices for vehicles; brake linings for vehicles; block brake for land vehicles; steering wheels for vehicles; caps for vehicle fuel tanks; security harness for vehicle seats; side view mirrors for vehicles. CHINA NATIONAL HEAVY DUTY TRUCK GROUP CO., LTD. claims all rights in respect to the above trade mark and will take all necessary legal steps against any person, firm or corporation counterfeiting, imitating, violating or otherwise infringing its rights in the Federated States of Micronesia. MUNRO LEYS Lawyers & Notaries Public, Pacific House, Butt Street, PO Box 149, Suva, Fiji Email: trademarks@munroleyslaw.com.fj www.munroleyslaw.com

MUNRO LEYS

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June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press

Yap Living History Museum improvements and new development Yap Visitors Bureau Yap Living History Museum is proud to announce the newly built stage located on the museum grounds to help ease planning and logistics during events like Island Market, Yap Day, and Canoe Festival. YLHM is in the process of building a Gazebo which will help improve entertainment during such events. Along with local houses at the museum, another historic stone platform was added to the museum as well. In Yap, this traditional stone platform is called a “Roorow” which is a platform that is used to place fish and food specially for men. Once fish and food are placed on this Roorow, it signifies value and respect for elder men in the village and municipality.

TRADE MARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE

Class 30: Cereal-derived ready-to-eat snacks

which is used in connection with the following goods:

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

Class 12: trucks with a crane feature incorporated; lorries; truck; motor coaches; military vehicles for transport; electric vehicles; automobiles; motor cars; casting carriages; tilt trucks; automobile hoods; automobile chassis; hoods for vehicle engines; gearing for land vehicles; motors, electric, for land vehicles; clutches for land vehicles; axles for vehicles; hub caps; bands for wheel hubs; engines for land vehicles; motors for land vehicles; transmission mechanisms for land vehicles; rearview mirrors; automobile bodies; bumpers for automobiles; shock absorbers for automobiles; gear boxes for land vehicles; bodies for vehicles; torque converters for land vehicles; sun-blinds adapted for automobiles; transmission shafts for land vehicles; air bags [safety devices for automobiles]; automobile tyres; safety belts for automobile seats; hubs for vehicle wheels; vehicle chassis; windscreens; windshields; doors for vehicles; rims for vehicle wheels; anti-glare devices for vehicles; brake linings for vehicles; block brake for land vehicles; steering wheels for vehicles; caps for vehicle fuel tanks; security harness for vehicle seats; side view mirrors for vehicles

CHINA NATIONAL HEAVY DUTY TRUCK GROUP CO., LTD. claims all rights in respect to the above trade mark and will take all necessary legal steps against any person, firm or corporation counterfeiting, imitating, violating or otherwise infringing its rights in the Federated States of Micronesia.

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

Email: trademarks@munroleyslaw.com.fj

www.munroleyslaw.com

Notice is hereby given that General Mills, Inc. (Incorporated in Delaware, United States of America) of Number One General Mills Blvd., Minneapolis, MN, 55426, United States of America, is the sole owner and proprietor in the Federated States of Micronesia and elsewhere of the trade mark below: BUGLES which is used in connection with the following goods:

MUNRO LEYS Lawyers & Notaries Public, Pacific House, Butt Street, PO Box 149, Suva, Fiji Email: trademarks@munroleyslaw.com.fj www.munroleyslaw.com

MUNRO LEYS

The

...AHT audit (2) Continued from page 7 bound to protect the confidentiality of victims. The victim shelter established in Pohnpei is not unsafe…” In its evaluation of Secretary Gallen’s response OPA said that the idea of locating the AHT office in a public place in order to create awareness is a good idea but completely disagreed with the idea of the shelter being in a public place. The auditors said that placing the shelter in the middle of town with tight security and public attention would create public attention that could add to low self-esteem and more shame for the potentially already shamed victim or victims. DOJ also took exception to the auditor’s adoption of the IOM guidelines as international standards for the FSM since the FSM has never formally approved those guidelines. Auditors questioned $8,476.98 worth of costs relating to the victims’ shelter, all of which the allottee disagreed saying that each one was not a questioned cost. Auditors objected to the National Government having paid $36,359 for renovations on a building it does not own and then has to lease. It opined that the appropriation was the for construction of a new building, not the renovation of an existing building the government does not own. It said that the effect of that agreement would be that in five years, when the lease agreement for facility expires, the landowner will have a building with a higher value and the FSM will be without a building. DOJ pointed out that the cost of renovation was offset against a reduced cost of the lease. DOJ further argued that the amount of money available through the project allotment was in no way sufficient to build a new building and recommended that the “audit staff familiarize themselves with construction costs in FSM (not speculation) if they wish to express credible audit opinions about costing.” The department also argued that it had asked Pohnpei State to help by providing a building but received no cooperation. Auditors pointed out that DOJ did not document those requests and also pointed out that “a former key official of the Department recommended two possible locations for the shelter but the

recommendation was ignored.” OPA found that DOJ had not sufficiently described in detail the plan for implementing and sustaining the AHT shelter. DOJ also objected to that finding. DOJ also objected to OPA’s final finding which was that the FMR requirements for rejecting bids were not followed and the process for selecting the contractor was not transparent. OPA said that DOJ asked FSM Department of Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure to put out a tender for renovations with a proposed budget of $98,000. Four bids were returned, two of them below the projected budget. DOJ rejected all of them and chose another contractor without justification. DOJ argued that since the project had a cost of less than $50,000 it was not required to have bids but that it had put a bid request in order to give all of Pohnpei’s contractors and opportunity to bid and called the finding a “plain mistake”. DOJ objected to other OPA findings and particulars that OPA ultimately agreed didn’t belong in the audit and therefore didn’t include in their findings. “The report failed to recognize the successes of the AHT programs and the progresses achieved in improving AHT services throughout the nation,” Secretary said in his response. “While there are critical areas that need to improve as part of our ongoing efforts to better serve the public, it cannot be denied that major progresses were achieved as well.” He called the audit incomplete because it failed to describe “with reasonableness” the extent of AHT services…” “Inspections are designed to uncover issues and weaknesses, and thereupon report them to the stakeholders along with the recommendations to remedy the problems,” OPA responded. “By their nature, inspections are not performed to find the achievements. Perhaps we will read about the AHT achievements in DOJ’s operational and annual reports to the Congress.” At press time, the audit had not yet been uploaded to the FSM OPA website but it will be able to be found at http://www. fsmopa.fm/audits.htm once it is posted.

June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press

TRADE MARK CAUTIONARY NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that CHINA NATIONAL HEAVY DUTY TRUCK GROUP CO., LTD. of SINOTRUK TOWER, NO. 777 HUA’AO ROAD, INNOVATION ZONE, JINAN, SHANDONG, CHINA, is the sole owner and proprietor in the Federated States of Micronesia and elsewhere of the trade mark below:

which is used in connection with the following goods:

CHINA NATIONAL HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK GROUP CO., LTD. claims all rights in respect to the above trade mark and will take all necessary legal steps against any person, firm or corporation counterfeiting, imitating, violating or otherwise infringing its rights in the Federated States of Micronesia.

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

Email: trademarks@munroleyslaw.com.fj

www.munroleyslaw.com

MUNRO LEYS

The

June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IQBE Administrative Assistant (National) FSM Department of Education

The Position:

The Administrative Assistant (AA) will support the National Department of Education and State Departments of Education to coordinate all administrative tasks and assist in all procurement related activities including procurement of goods and services under the IQBE project. The AA will be expected to be available for regular inputs over the life of the project to assure smooth functioning of the IQBE project in each state and at the national level.

Key responsibilities include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Collect, file, and assist with all paperwork and processing for procurement, progress reporting, and other project functions. Assist in implementation of a procurement system, in compliance with ADB’s procurement guidelines. Assist with the preparation and timely submission of procurement related updates to the NDOE as well to ADB in the agreed format. Keep inventory of project supplies and equipment. Manage the central filing system for all project compliance-related tasks, such as no-objection communication with ADB and requests for audits. Collect all bi-weekly reports and timesheets and submit for approval from the PD. Input all project consultants’ hours in the NDOE timesheet for submission. Take minutes of all project related meetings, including of the Project Steering Committee and PIU. Perform other duties and tasks as advised by the Project Director and PIU.

Qualifications:

Minimum of an Associate’s degree or higher is preferred. At least 5 years of working experience in administrative activities, financial management, disbursements, and reimbursement. Prior experience with an ADB project is a plus.

Location and Term of Assignment:

The Administrative Assistant will be based in Pohnpei at the FSM National Department of Education for the duration of the assignment. This is a full-time assignment with a duration of 18 months, from August 2022 to January 2024.

Benefits:

The annual salary is $18,200 depending upon qualification and experience of the applicant.

To apply:

Register on the ADB Consultant Management System at www.cms.adb.org first then submit a Curriculum Vitae and Expression of Interest. Deadline to submit CV and EOI through ADB CMS is June 30, 2022. For further clarifications, please contact Marlynn Halbert at marlynn.halbert@national.doe.fm or 3202609/2647.

Micronesia Red Cross Society observes World Blood Donor Day 2022 Alvie B. Cabañez Kaselehlie Press Volunteer Contributor The Micronesia Red Cross Society (MRCS) observed the World Blood Donor Day 2022, with the theme, “Donating Blood is an Act of Solidarity.” It was held at the kiosk of FSM Telecom last June 14, 2022 from 0900am to 0300pm. World Blood Donor Day is celebrated around the world on June 14 to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products to save lives. The day is also an opportunity to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. MRCS and Pohnpei State Laboratory teamset up a booth at the kiosk of FSM Telecom on a Tuesday morning. They provided medical services like blood typing, taking blood pressure, and sign up for volunteer blood donors. Possible volunteers and donors were surprised of the set-up, some were excited to know their blood type, and some were adamant to donate blood.The event aims to draw attention to the roles that voluntary blood donations play in saving lives and enhancing solidarity within communities. “It’s really disappointing that most people are not aware about today. They find it nonsense. I guess, they won’t think it’s important until they get into a situation where they will need the blood,”said Mr. Lance Salvador, Medical Laboratory Assistant. Out of the 35 patients who signed up for blood typing: 16 were O+; 5 were B+; 3 were AB+; and 11 were A+. While 20 patients courageously signed up for blood donation. These patients will be included in the pool of blood donors and will be contacted by MRCS whenever Pohnpei State Hospital requests for blood donors. Non-remunerated blood donation is among the services provided by MRCS aside from Disaster Risk Management and COVID-19 response. The team will continue the blood typing activity to Upward Bound (UB) Scholars on June 17. They will also be oriented of the services provided by MRCS and how they can become a volunteer. One of the aims of the day is to encourage younger people, who might be a bit nervous or unsure about giving blood, to feel encouraged to sign up and start donating, so that the donor population doesn’t decline but stays strong. It is also to highlight the need to for donations to be regular in order to keep stocks and quality of blood donations high. The event was organized by Ms. MorehnaRettin-Santos, MRCS, Communications Officer. She was assisted by Mr. Boone Henry, Medical Laboratory Technician I, and Mr. Lance Salvador, Medical Laboratory Assistant. And lastly, Mrs. Athena Hainrick, FSM Telecom, Vice-President, Administration, Marketing, and Customer Care for her generous support.

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June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press

Japan Provides woodchipper to the Awak Community in a Handover Ceremony in Pohnpei State Embassy of Japan On June 10, 2022, a Handover Ceremony was held atthe Project Site in Awak, U Municipality,Pohnpei State, for the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects by the Government of Japan forThe Project for Procuring Woodchipper in the Awak Community, Pohnpei Stateamountingup to US$72,923. This project provided a woodchipper, a small truck and also funded the renovation of the storage facility in order to ensure sufficient and consistent supply of woodchips to the farmers to operate the Dry Litter Piggery System appropriately in Awak, U Municipality. Therefore the project is to keep the Awak River and surrounding areas clean and safe to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, which may be caused by excreta of pigs, and thus contributes to the health of the people there. The Dry Litter Piggery System is an

eco-friendly method which can prevent contamination of flowing water by pig excrement, and produce inexpensive fertilizer by mixing excreta of pigs with woodchips. At the ceremony, Mr. William Kostka, Executive Director of Micronesia Conservation Trust expressed his gratitude for the assistance from the Government of Japan and Ambassador Michigami. He stated that this project was very important to keep the stream in Awak clean and reduce the amount of contamination by pig excrement. He concluded his speech with his appreciation for the Japanese contribution to this project again. Ambassador Michigami Hisashi explained that raising pigs ecologically and economically is desired by local farmers. He hoped that this project plays an important role in protecting the beautiful and healthy environment of Awak and contributes to the sustainable economic and social development of U Municipality as well as Pohnpei State and the FSM. The ceremony was also

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION Date : 10 June 2022 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 Quotations for the supply and delivery of construction materials for Reconstruction and Repair of 10 Public Infrastructure and Utilities in outer islands in Chuuk, FSM. More detailed information on this Request for quotation are posted on the following website: https://www.iom.int/construction-materials-reconstruction-and-repair-10public-infrastructure and-utilities-outer-islands-chuuk-fsm Quotation must be submitted by email to skushchak@iom.int and sshrestha@ iom.int or in a sealed envelope and hand delivered to Pohnpei Office with subject ‘Construction materials for Reconstruction and Repair of 10 Public Infrastructure and Utilities in outer islands in Chuuk, FSM’ to: IOM Pohnpei Office Suite 2G, Pohn Umpomp Building Pohn Umpomp Place, Nett Municipality Quotations must be submitted on or before 10 July 2022 before 1600 hours Pohnpei time. Late Quotations will not be accepted. Quotations shall be valid 60 days after deadline for submission. IOM reserves the right to accept or reject any quotation, and to cancel the procurement process and reject all quotations 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

attended by,The Hon. Adelino Lorens, Dauk U, The Hon. Mason Albert, Noahs U, The Hon. Rofino Primo, Chief Minister, U Municipal Government, Mr. Ioanis Obispo, President, Awak

Farmers’Association, other staff from Micronesia Conservation Trust and Awak Farmers Association,and members of the Embassy of Japan in the FSM.

Statement of Ambassador MICHIGAMI Hisashi at the Handover Ceremony for the Project for Procuring Woodchipper in Awak Community on June 10, 2022 It is with great honor that I represent the Government of Japan at this handover ceremony for The Project for Procuring Woodchipper in the Awak Community, through Japan’s Grant Assistance project for Grassroots Human Security. The majority of Pohnpei farmers are raising pigs for traditional ceremonies and as livestock, thus to raise pigs is essential to the local culture. The pig pens are usually cleaned by water, however, the flowing pig excrement contaminates the nearby rivers and shores which can cause infectious diseases. Therefore, many local farmers desire an eco-friendly method to keep piggeries clean. Micronesia Conservation Trust and Awak Farmers’Association have been implementing and promoting the dry litter system to combat this environmental concern. A method in which woodchips produced by a woodchipper are mixed with pig waste, thus it does not require cleaning with water. Moreover, farmers can sell pig waste mixed with woodchips as fertilizer. Therefore, this is an environmentally and economically friendly way of cleaning pig pens. The first Woodchipper previously

used has broken down and through Japan’s Grant Assistance project for Grassroots Human Security, MCT has received a new Woodchipper and a small truck. In addition, the project has improved their storage facility to store these procured machines, fertilizer and other necessary items to maintain the dry litter system well. Japan has been able to contribute to the efforts of improving the environment for local farmers directly and has provided various equipment and facilities to support and conserve the local industry and culture of the FSM, and Japan will continue its efforts in its cooperation to further protect the environment for the people of the FSM. In conclusion, I hope this project will play an important role in protecting the beautiful and healthy environment of Awak, and contribute to the sustainable economic and social development of U Municipality, as well as Pohnpei State and the FSM. Again,I am honored to declare that we gladly hand over the project today. Congratulations. Thank you. Kalahngan.

The

June 22 - July 5, 2022

Kaselehlie Press

Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs Provides $431,805 to Support Air Transportation Services in the Western Pacific

Funds will update small aircraft avionics, rebuild engines,and purchase spare parts and equipment for emergency patient transport U.S. Department of the Interior WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) has announced $431,805 in fiscal year 2022 Technical Assistance Program funding to maintain and update small aircraft engine avionics and engines used for air transportation services between Guam, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia, especially to the smaller islands where no regular air or sea transportation is available. The funding will also purchase spare parts and equipment for emergency patient transport. “We are pleased to support the people

and families in the smaller islands of the Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia who have less access and whose economy and livelihoods rely on these critical transportation services,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Keone Nakoa. “The small aircraft in question provide passenger and cargo transport, emergency medivac for Covid-19 patients and other healthrelated emergencies, disaster relief readiness, general surveillance against illegal activities in the EEZ, and search and rescue efforts, all critical to small island nations with large exclusive economic zones in the greater Western Pacific.”

The Pacific Mission Aviation (PMA) is a non-profit 501(c) non-profit organization that provides air transportation services to several smaller islands in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau and has been providing airtransportation to the Micronesia region now for nearly 50 years. Under what the PMA calls Project HOPE for Helping Our Pacific Economy, they coordinate closely with local governments and U.S. federal partners in the region to provide air transportation, emergency services, surveillance, and search and rescue support to the region. For more information, visit pmapacific.org(link is external).

The Assistant Secretary, Insular and International Affairs, @ InsularAffairs(link is external), and the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) carry out the Secretary of the Interior’s responsibilities for the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, OIA administers and oversees federal assistance under the Compacts of Free Association to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Follow and “like” OIA on Facebook(link is external) and subscribe to the OIA YouTube Channel

Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs Announces $653,000 to support underserved Pacific Islander communities in the United States U.S. Department of the Interior WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) has announced $652,970 in fiscal year 2022 Technical Assistance Program funds to support three one-stop centers that provide assistance to underserved Pacific Islander communities in Arkansas and Hawai’i, including those who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “These funds will provide support to individuals and families who are from the freely associated states and are in need of some essential services or have been especially impacted by the pandemic,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs KeoneNakoa. “I applaud the continued work of these onestop centers for their impactful work in service to the various FAS communities who have chosen to join and contribute to the richness of societies in the United States.” A 2018 U.S. Census Bureau enumeration estimates there are over 16,680 individuals from the freely associated states in Hawai’i. The Marshallese Educational Initiative website estimates there are more than15,000 Marshallese living in northwest Arkansas and in nearby communities in Oklahoma, Kansas, and

Missouri with approximately 10,000 Marshallese in the State of Arkansas alone. Under the Compact of Free Association agreements that the United States has with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, their citizens are deemed legal nonimmigrants who are allowed to live, work and study in the United States without visa requirements for their duration of stay. The funds provided are as follows: We are Oceania Youth Empowerment Center - $250,000 The We are Oceania (WAO) One Stop Shop, launched in 2015 through the OIA Technical Assistance Program and now a free-standing 501(c)(3) organization will leverage OIA funding, Housing and Urban Development funds, and free space donated by the American Savings Bank of Hawai’i to develop the WAO Youth Empowerment Center. Funds will be used to help open a learning and wellness center, where Micronesian youth can convene be free of discrimination, bullying, judgement, and harm and receive help for homework, obtain peer mentorship, attend career-readiness training, receive college preparatory advice, learn about Micronesian cultures, and participate in civil activities. In 2017, WAO launched the first annual Micronesian Youth

Summit on the University of Hawai’i Manoa campus and has attracted hundreds of young Micronesian immigrants and Micronesian-Americanyouth each year since. Marshallese Educational Initiative $232,970 The Marshallese Educational Initiative (MEI) provided critical support to Marshallese and other communities in Arkansas during the COVID-19 pandemic which included housing needs, food insecurity, employment issues, and health inequities, among others. The MEI continues its work to increase overall economic stability and quality of life for Marshallese residents who continue to migrate to Arkansas and the United Statesby increasing educational attainment, diversifying work skills, and improving overall health outcomes to help make families more resilient. The MEI provides walk-in services and educational programming to empower Marshallese youth, women, and elders. Enra Food Pantry, Medicines, and Services Project - $170,000 Funds will support the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese and the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) who have

partnered on the Enra Pantry, Medicines, and Services Project to provide food, practical assistance, immigration document assistance and other support to Marshallese and other Compact of Free Associated (COFA) residents and visitors in the Northwest Arkansas region. “Enra” is a Marshallese word meaning a woven food dish shared among villagers, so no one is left hungry. Funding provided will help replenish the Enra Food Pantry, provide critical wrap-around assistance for low-income families with limited resources, provide short-term rental assistance for COVID-19 quarantine purposes, supply medicine, and facilitate immigration document renewal. The Assistant Secretary, Insular and International Affairs, @InsularAffairs, and the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) carry out the Secretary of the Interior’s responsibilities for the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, OIA administers and oversees federal assistance under the Compacts of Free Association to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Follow and “like” OIA on Facebook and subscribe to the OIA YouTube Channel.