The
September 27 - October 10, 2023
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Kaselehlie Press
The
September 27, 2023
Free bi-weekly publication
KASELEHLIE PRESS PO Box 2222 Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941
Kpress@mail.fm
Vol. 23 Issue No. 22
www.kpress.info
Transparency and navigating the complexities of FSM’s future
An exclusive conversation with FSM’s President Simina By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press September 14, 2023 Palikir, Pohnpei— Since assuming office in May, FSM President Wesley Simina and Vice President Aren Palik have been tirelessly focused on a key mission: forging stronger communication and unity between the FSM National Government and the FSM States. Amidst their busy schedules, which included crafting a trimmed National budget and assembling their administration's cabinet, they had limited availability for interviews with international media. However, on September 14,
President Simina granted his first official interview of the administration to The Kaselehlie Press. What are the transparency mechanisms of the Simina-Palik Administration “Transparency is just to make sure that people understand what’s going on in their government,” President Simina responded when asked about his administration’s mechanisms for transparency. “We’re fortunate to have just hired someone.” The SiminaPalik administration hired Yolanda Joab Mori to be responsible for public Click here for continuation on page 8
WCPFC’s Technical Compliance Committee meeting begins amid calls for greater transparency By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press
2023, the TCC plays a crucial role in overseeing the world’s largest tuna fishery. During the meeting, members have the opportunity to provide updates on their on-the-water surveillance activities and evaluate the functioning of the Commission’s monitoring systems, such as the vessel monitoring system (VMS) and the high seas boarding and inspection scheme (HSBI).
September 21, 2023 Pohnpei, FSM— The Technical Compliance Committee (TCC) of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) began its 19th meeting in Palikir, Pohnpei yesterday morning. Although it was the 19th meeting of the committee, this marked the first in-person gathering of members This process occurs within the framework since 2019 due to the global COVID-19 of the Commission’s Compliance pandemic. Monitoring Scheme, and its results serve as a “report card” for the organization. TCC19’s outcomes, including any TCC19 will also assess submissions from recommendations it adopts, will be Members regarding vessels suspected submitted to the Commission’s 20th of engaging in illegal, unreported, and Annual Session in the Cook Islands unregulated (IUU) fishing, a core annual this December. Alongside the Scientific task of the TCC. Committee, which convened in August
TCC19 provides the opportunity for adjustments that may be needed Members to reflect on the progress to strengthen the Commission’s of development of the Commission’s compliance work, and consider any Click here for continuation on page 6