The
October 23 - November 5 , 2024
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Kaselehlie Press
The
October 23, 2024
Free bi-weekly publication
KASELEHLIE PRESS PO Box 2222 Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941
Kpress@mail.fm
Vol. 24 Issue No. 23
(691) 320-6547
Food security, local tradition and fine local cooking highlighted at World Food Day in Pohnpei By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press October 16, 2024 Pohnpei—Under the theme “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future,” the FSM Department of Resources and Development (FSM R&D) held a major event at the Kolonia Gymnasium to celebrate World Food Day. Over 200 students from all of Pohnpei’s high schools participated in the event, which was designed to promote access to nutritious food for all, with an emphasis on locally grown and harvested foods. World Food Day is an annual event observed globally on October 16 to promote awareness and action for those suffering from hunger and to emphasize the need for sustainable food systems. Established by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1979, the day focuses on ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and advocating for access to healthy and sustainable food for all.
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FSM auditor flags cash handling issues at FSM collection sites— criminal investigation possible By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press
October 20, 2024 Pohnpei—After conducting a requested surprise cash count of the seven approved FSM Government collection agencies, the Office of the National Public Auditor (ONPA) has indicated that it may be referring one deficiency to its Compliance Investigation Division (CID). The CID is the division of ONPA that conducts investigations which could lead to referrals to the FSM Department of Justice for possible criminal prosecution.
The audit uncovered that on June 21, 2024, the Quarantine collection point did not deposit its collections of $323 with the FSM Treasury as required. Auditors recommended that the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration (DOFA) should step in and ensure that the money is recovered and deposited. They also recommended that DOFA should work with the Department of Resources and Development (R&D) to establish mechanisms to ensure that all future deposits are properly made.
Secretary Akinaga of FSM R&D responded, saying that her department has initiated steps to ensure that the $323 is recovered and deposited, having charged the Quarantine Officer in Charge with making this a priority. She also mentioned that R&D is conducting an internal review of its cash handling and deposit procedures.
Secretary of DOFA Nakanaga said in her response that she agrees with the finding and the recommendation to forward the matter to the CID of ONPA for further action.
The surprise cash count of the Customs and Tax Administration (CTA) and the FSM Postal Service revealed that reconciliations of banked deposits were not performed in a timely manner. ONPA noted that the DOFA reconciliation team, consisting of three employees, is responsible for the timely reconciliation of 54 FSM bank accounts. However, the reconciliation team does not have online banking access. Apparently, only the Secretary of DOFA and the Assistant Secretary of Treasury have online banking access. The team had to Click here for continuation on page 5