KPress Vol. 14 Iss. 23
Jaynes, Bill (2014-10-13). KPress Vol. 14 Iss. 23 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.
- Has attachment: File:RBSAAEFB.pdf
Abstract: KPress Vol. 14 Iss. 23: NEWS: This issue reports on the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Micronesia’s annual review event held in Pohnpei, highlighting program assessment and stakeholder engagement; it focuses extensively on legislative developments in Pohnpei concerning proposed restrictions on access to birth and death records, prompted by public concern over the online availability of vital records; coverage details actions taken by FamilySearch to watermark digital copies of records obtained from the Pohnpei Supreme Court, reactions from Micronesian legal advocates, and the introduction of a bill asserting that online publication of certain non-public information poses risks beyond identity theft; the proposed legislation would significantly limit who may obtain vital records, require the removal and return of previously distributed copies, and impose severe penalties for unauthorized online publication; the issue also presents counter-arguments from international records experts emphasizing the historical, genealogical, and research value of controlled public access to vital records, and urging balanced legislation that protects privacy while preserving access to Pohnpei’s historical and family records; additionally, regional economic reporting notes the conclusion of a major Pacific tuna agreement valued at approximately $90 million for the U.S. tuna treaty in 2015, underscoring the continuing importance of fisheries diplomacy and revenue to Pacific island economies.
