KPress Vol. 09 Iss. 25

Jaynes, Bill (2009-11-11). KPress Vol. 09 Iss. 25 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.

• Has attachment: File:8UNK967P.pdf

Abstract: KPress Vol. 09 Iss. 25: NEWS: A heavily loaded school bus carrying students and parents plunges off a bridge into a creek in Pwok, Kitti after a head-on collision with a station wagon, injuring more than 50 people and prompting emergency response by Pohnpei State Hospital, with Director of Medical Services Dr. John Hedson reporting no fatalities and police indicating the bus driver will face criminal charges; Pohnpei State Police Chief Joe Roby confirms an investigation into reckless driving and prior driving history of the bus driver, while witnesses describe speeding and lane violations as contributing factors; Deloitte & Touche releases an independent audit of FSM Petroleum Corporation for FY2008 showing strong financial controls, significant tax contributions to national and state governments, and a pricing framework aimed at stabilizing fuel costs, with CEO Jared Morris and President Manny Mori commenting on fuel price policy, competition among new gas stations in Pohnpei, and long-term energy security; FSM Telecommunications Corporation completes near-shore installation of a submarine fiber-optic cable in Pohnpei Lagoon, with FSMTC officials, Vice Speaker Fredrico Primo, and President Mori describing the project’s expected impact on internet bandwidth, latency reduction, investment climate, and future e-medicine and e-education services; the Australian Government formally hands back the refurbished Pacific Patrol Boat FSS Micronesia to the FSM under the Pacific Patrol Boat Program, with FSM Secretary of Justice Maketo Robert and Royal Australian Navy representatives outlining enhanced maritime surveillance and fisheries enforcement capabilities; President Manny Mori issues a National Day message marking the FSM’s 23rd anniversary of independence, emphasizing unity, international partnerships, climate change, and economic resilience; the Embassy of Japan announces grassroots grant assistance for waste management and agricultural equipment projects in Kosrae, with Ambassador Shoji Sato highlighting landfill improvements, farming productivity, and environmental health; the FSM Information Service reports that President Mori orders three constitutional amendments—on dual citizenship, uniform four-year congressional terms, and presidential eligibility—to be placed on the 2011 national election ballot; FSM tax reform efforts advance as the Executive Steering Committee and Technical Working Group, chaired by Vice President Alik L. Alik, review VAT, net profits tax, and unified revenue authority proposals with PFTAC advisors; FSM Supreme Court and FSM Development Bank publish multiple notices of land sales and inactive bank accounts pursuant to statutory requirements; OPINION / EDITORIAL: In a signed K-Press Perspective column, Bill Jaynes contrasts “Chicken Little” thinking with evidence-based decision-making in the context of public debate and economic development, warning against panic-driven opposition to reform; in letters to the editor, contributors criticize prolonged economic stagnation, judicial handling of the APHW development loan dispute, and the broader impact of unresolved court decisions on investor confidence in Pohnpei and the FSM.