KPress Vol. 07 Iss. 17
Jaynes, Bill (2007-07-25). KPress Vol. 07 Iss. 17 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.
- Has attachment: File:5A2LMI35.pdf
Abstract: KPress Vol. 07 Iss. 17: NEWS: President Mori speaks to thousands at the Joint Inaugural Celebration; President Emanuel Mori’s inaugural address emphasized that “to do what is right for our nation is not always to do what is easy,” pledging that he would always endeavor to do what is right; despite the heat generated by hundreds of attendees packed into the College of Micronesia–China Friendship Gym in Palikir, Pohnpei, the atmosphere on July 6 was festive during the joint inauguration ceremonies for President Mori, Vice President Alik J. Alik, and the members of the Fifteenth Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia; a flamboyant choir from Moch, Chuuk provided distinctive and well-executed music, including original compositions written for the event and accompanied by entertaining choreography, an impressive feat given that most members were seated except for two group leaders; following the inaugural address, the music energized the crowd, with at least one woman identified as a family member of the Vice President leaving her seat to join the celebration; the invocation was delivered by Father Francis X. Hezel, who called for wisdom and courage to unite amid divisions and past grievances, to offer hope where there is gloom and pessimism about the future, and to provide leadership when it would be easier to retreat to a safe distance and allow problems to resolve themselves; Father Hezel also prayed for the gathered dignitaries from across the Pacific, Asia, and the United States, asking for readiness to sacrifice for the common good, generosity to set aside personal differences that could obstruct national progress, and unity behind those chosen to lead the nation; Governor Johnny David was noted among the four state governors present; OPINION / EDITORIAL: discussion turned to the possible confirmation of Lorin S. Robert as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, with Vice Speaker Moses stating he would likely vote for confirmation but with reservations regarding Robert’s leadership strength and concerns that a letter Robert wrote for attachment to the FSM Public Auditor’s report on the FSM Embassy in Washington, D.C. appeared to deliberately mislead Congress on serious issues; Senator Phillip aligned himself with Moses’s position, while Senator Dohsis Halbert of Pohnpei argued that at the time the letter was written Robert was acting as a subordinate following his superior’s policy and that, if confirmed as chief, he would make independent decisions; a separate report notes that COM-FSM President Spensin James received notification of a grant award from OIA Director Nikolao I. Pula in a letter dated June 22, 2007, expressing appreciation for the U.S. Department of the Interior’s continued direct support of COM-FSM vocational programs and emphasizing that the funding would help ensure continuation of valuable, much-needed skills training for Micronesian citizens.
