KPress Vol. 21 Iss. 04
Jaynes, Bill (2021-02-17). KPress Vol. 21 Iss. 04 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.
- Has attachment: File:MTYKCJ6B.pdf
Abstract: KPress Vol. 21 Iss. 04: NEWS: Pohnpei State formally accuses the FSM National Government of violating state COVID-19 emergency protocols during the boarding and vaccination operation involving the quarantined national vessel MV Chief Mailo, naming FSM Chief of Staff Leo Falcam, FSM National Police officers, Pohnpei Department of Public Safety, and Pohnpei Health Department officials, and documenting subsequent quarantine orders, negative test results, and a sharply worded letter from Pohnpei COVID-19 Task Force Chair Wincener David demanding the vessel’s departure to Chuuk; the Pohnpei Environmental Protection Agency Board of Directors orders dredging to cease at the Ipwal mangrove forest and Ohwa sites, mandates removal of dikes, and directs enforcement actions against named contractors, with EPA official Francisco Celestine outlining compliance timelines and potential additional closures; FSM auditors release a performance audit of the FSM National Postal Service covering FY2017–2019, identifying weaknesses in internal controls, customer complaint handling, fee collection, risk management, and governance oversight, while commending management’s cooperation and recommending statutory amendments to establish an oversight body; Presidents of the FSM, Palau, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, and Kiribati jointly announce their intention to withdraw from the Pacific Islands Forum following the appointment of Nick Puna as Secretary General, with President David Panuelo citing the breach of the “Gentlemen’s Agreement,” FSM Secretary of Justice Joses Gallen addressing constitutional authority for withdrawal, and regional reaction noting geopolitical implications; Micronesia Conservation Trust announces that Nicole Yamase of Pohnpei will join the Challenger Deep expedition led by Victor Vescovo, setting potential world records and highlighting Micronesian participation in global marine science; Congress passes Congressional Act 21-241 approving a tiered salary increase for FSM National Government employees after a 24-year freeze, detailing percentage increases by pay scale and implementation timeline; the Pohnpei Department of Education names Melza Miguel as Teacher of the Year and Charles Armstrong as Principal of the Year; Kapingamarangi Municipal Government declares a drought emergency and issues a public call for food donations coordinated by state and municipal authorities; FSM confirms extension of the national Public Health Emergency to March 31, 2021 under CR 21-245, outlining vaccination targets, travel restrictions, and contingency authorities; OPINION / EDITORIAL: a signed congratulatory message from PRC Ambassador Huang Zheng marks the Lunar New Year and outlines China’s COVID-19 assistance, vaccine donations, infrastructure support, and commitment to the China-FSM Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
