The
November 6 - 19, 2024
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Kaselehlie Press
The
November 5, 2024
Free bi-weekly publication
KASELEHLIE PRESS PO Box 2222 Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941
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Vol. 24 Issue No. 24
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Madolenihmw resilient plan launched as part of plan to strengthen coastal communities in Pohnpei By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press October 25, 2024 Madolenihmw—The “OurFish OurFuture” project took another positive step forward in Pohnpei today when Hon. Kiomy Albert, Meninkeder Lapalap of Madolenihmw, and Conservation Society of Pohnpei Executive Director Eugene Joseph signed the Madolenihmw Resilient Plan. The plan seeks to strengthen the resilience of the local government and its members against environmental challenges and to address unsustainable fishing practices in Pohnpei. USAID, through “OurFish OurFuture” and in partnership with the Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP), the Madolenihmw Municipal Government,
and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), developed the Madolenihmw Resilient Plan. The initiative aims to help the local government and communities sustainably manage their coastal resources by enhancing communityled resource monitoring, fostering social cohesion around natural resource stewardship, and identifying sustainable financing opportunities. The “OurFish OurFuture” activity is a cooperative agreement awarded to the University of Rhode Island in 2021. It is designed to address the drivers of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing that are degrading coastal fisheries and biodiversity, and negatively impacting local livelihoods, food stability, and maritime security in the Pacific Islands region. “OurFish OurFuture” aims to
achieve sustainable coastal fisheries Republic of the Marshall Islands, management, productive coastal Federated States of Micronesia, and ecosystems, and healthy and prosperous Palau. coastal communities in six countries in Melanesia and Micronesia: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Click here for continuation on page 4
Governor Joseph speaks on recent Pohnpei Legislature actions – Legislature unresponsive to press call By Bill Jaynes The Kaselehlie Press November 1, 2024 Pohnpei—Though Governor Stevenson Joseph took office after serving in the Pohnpei State Legislature (PSL), it is no secret that Pohnpei’s Executive and Legislative branches have struggled to set a united course, particularly regarding budgetary matters and transparency issues. The Governor has publicly criticized the Legislature on transparency concerns through several open letters. Speaker Marvin Yamaguchi did not respond to our request for an interview to explain the Legislature’s perspective on recent actions. However, Governor
Joseph agreed to an interview to explain, from his point of view, the Legislature’s recent actions— specifically those resulting in some state employees not being paid or being paid less than before, as well as the PSL's recent resolution urging the Governor to request the resignation of Sihna Lawrence, the Director of Treasury and Administration. Governor Joseph stated that payroll issues have affected only employees in Special Education and the Project Management Office (PMO). Regarding Special Education employees, Governor Joseph explained that they previously received a 45 percent pay increase passed during
the previous administration for all of Pohnpei’s employees. However, he noted, Special Education is funded by a U.S. federal program, and the grant has been “maxed out, leaving no way to increase it unless we can renegotiate in the next grant cycle, which is very unlikely,” he said. He added that while the Legislature passed a bill to restore the 45 percent increase, it only covers part of the year. “I don’t know their plan, if they intend to reopen the issue,” he said, noting that the bill has not yet been signed. The Governor indicated that if there are no other complications, he intends to sign the bill into law, restoring the 45 percent salary increase for those employees.
The PMO payroll issue, according to Governor Joseph, is different. He explained that the PMO is funded by an infrastructure sector grant that has already been exhausted. The Legislature needs to authorize the Executive Branch to use these funds, despite prior approval and appropriation by Congress. He speculated that the Legislature’s reason for defunding the PMO may be to reopen dialogue with the national government on related issues, such as the Yap agreement. Under that agreement, President Simina consented to the national government withholding 8 percent of sector funds. Click here for continuation on page 4