KPress Vol. 20 Iss. 14

Jaynes, Bill (2020-07-01). KPress Vol. 20 Iss. 14 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.

• Has attachment: File:Y34VRA54.pdf

Abstract: KPress Vol. 20 Iss. 14: NEWS: dozens complete a circumnavigation trek across Pohnpei under the #BlackoutViolencePohnpei campaign to raise awareness of gender-based violence, with organizer Lululeen Santos, conservation leaders Willy Kostka and Winfred Mudong, and remarks by Governor Reed Oliver, alongside reporting on the ongoing murder prosecution of Branish “B.R.” Resepwil following the death of Swihter Roby; residents of U Municipality challenge newly approved dredging permits at Kitiapas and Mesenpal, with Our Micronesia director Willy Kostka citing the U Municipal Constitution’s requirement for environmental impact assessments and state officials defending dredging as necessary for stalled infrastructure projects; FSM Information Services details the launch of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation programs, outlining eligibility, benefit levels, application procedures, and the roles of state offices under agreements with the U.S. Department of Labor; FSM Congress fails to pass a supplemental budget to assist FSM students stranded at the University of Guam, followed by President David Panuelo directing the Department of Finance to cover dormitory costs and announcing a forthcoming special session; national and Pohnpei state authorities conduct multi-day COVID-19 repatriation simulations at Pohnpei International Airport, quarantine facilities, and the state hospital, involving WHO, IOM, the U.S. Embassy, and United Airlines, with findings identifying operational strengths and deficiencies; the U.S. Department of the Interior releases EconMAP projections estimating sharp GDP and employment declines in the FSM due to COVID-19-related travel disruptions; Darla Yatilman of Yapese ancestry is named the 2020 APIC-MCT International Student Scholar to pursue graduate studies in environmental studies in Japan; Australia’s Direct Aid Program funds signage and parking improvements at Kitti’s Six Waterfalls tourist site; the Enimwahn Development Association completes an FSM GEF Small Grants agroforestry and traditional knowledge project; the FSM Trust Fund Committee reports significant first-quarter investment losses and policy adjustments amid global market volatility. OPINION / EDITORIAL: U.S. Ambassador Carmen Cantor reflects on democratic values and U.S.–FSM partnership in a Fourth of July message emphasizing COVID-19 assistance; Robert Spegal argues for mask use over gloves as a public health measure during the pandemic.