KPress Vol. 20 Iss. 11

Jaynes, Bill (2020-05-20). KPress Vol. 20 Iss. 11 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.

• Has attachment: File:BS3PVYHT.pdf

Abstract: KPress Vol. 20 Iss. 11: NEWS: FSM National Government announces initial disbursement of approximately $567,074 under the Economic Stimulus Package to 55 tourism-sector businesses across Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, with President David W. Panuelo outlining wage reimbursement formulas, anticipated unemployment assistance, and planned expansion beyond tourism; Pohnpei Office of the Public Auditor, led by State Auditor Ihlen Joseph, formally initiates a preliminary and ongoing review of Pohnpei State COVID-19 appropriations and procurement, warning Governor Reed Oliver and Speaker Ausen T. Lambert of heightened risks of waste, mismanagement, and weak internal controls during emergency spending; two Marshall Islands nationals, Godfrey Capelle and Thomas Benjamin, are found alive on Namoluk Atoll after 42 days adrift at sea following engine failure, with FSM Marine Surveillance coordinating their transport to Chuuk and repatriation to the Marshall Islands; Micronesia Red Cross Society marks World Red Cross Day with community-level COVID-19 prevention outreach across multiple Pohnpei municipalities, highlighting statements by Disaster Management Officer Morgan Y. David and MRSC Board President Diaz Joseph; China and Pacific Island countries hold a Vice Ministers’ Special Meeting on COVID-19 via video conference, with FSM represented by Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ricky F. Cantero and health officials, and Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang emphasizing medical cooperation and post-pandemic economic engagement; the Pacific Tuna Commission issues a World Tuna Day message detailing the status of WCPO tuna stocks, governance under the WCPFC, and statements by Executive Director Feleti Penitala Teo on sustainable management achievements; President Panuelo formally requests Caroline Islands Air to relocate aircraft and crews from Yap to Pohnpei by May 31, 2020, citing emergency medical response capacity and governance concerns discussed with the CIA Board and national oversight agencies; FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs launches a nationwide mass measles immunization campaign with CDC, WHO, and UNICEF support, reporting early gains in MMR coverage and disruptions caused by COVID-19 school closures; Sokehs Pah Women’s Group and Care Micronesia Foundation partner to sew and distribute CDC-certified cloth masks, with funding support from local businesses and Speaker Ausen Lambert; FSM Immigration outlines conditions under Congressional Resolution 21-138 allowing limited departures for FSM citizens residing abroad or holding medical referrals; U.S. Department of the Interior announces $133 million in FY2020 Compact grants to FSM and RMI, detailing sector allocations for health, education, infrastructure, trust funds, and disaster assistance; College of Micronesia–FSM Board of Regents appoints Karen Simion as interim president, noting her long administrative tenure and accreditation leadership.