KPress Vol. 08 Iss. 16

Jaynes, Bill (2008-07-23). KPress Vol. 08 Iss. 16 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.

• Has attachment: File:CIURYPJ2.pdf

Abstract: KPress Vol. 08 Iss. 16: NEWS: Caroline Islands Air announced it would cease operations at the end of July after eleven years of service to FSM outer islands, citing high fuel costs and the absence of government subsidy, prompting concern over impacts on emergency medical evacuations and Peace Corps operations, with commentary from U.S. Peace Corps Country Director David Reside and airline board chairman Lukner Weilbacher, and responses from President Emanuel “Manny” Mori and former President Tosiwo Nakayama addressing subsidy policy and public-service obligations; energy-sector reporting notes that FSM PetroCorp assumed full responsibility for fuel supply in Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap following the transfer of Mobil Oil Micronesia assets, detailing asset transfers and statutory oversight requirements under FSM law; audit reporting questions the viability of the Pohnpei Economic Development Authority as a going concern, citing declining revenues, unresolved audit findings dating back to 1988, deteriorated assets, and negative cash flow, with responses from Acting Executive Director Hemet S. Ringlen; intergovernmental correspondence reports that Yap Governor Henry Anefal warned President Mori that Compact-sector grant allocations for private-sector and environmental programs could be withheld due to incomplete plans, raising the prospect of a budgetary crisis; sports coverage highlights FSM athletes—including Manuel Minginfel, Gerson Hadley, Debra Daniel, Jack Howard, and Maria Ikelap—preparing for the Beijing Olympic Games following briefings by Chinese Ambassador Liu Fei and FSM Olympic Committee Secretary General Jim Tobin; public-finance reporting notes continued operating losses at the Pohnpei Transportation Authority, with Commissioner Vincent Rosario citing governance and cash-flow constraints; security cooperation coverage reports that the Australian Defence Force assisted the FSM Police Maritime Wing in restoring shore power to patrol boats at Dekehtek Wharf, with remarks from Commander Robert Maluweirang and LCDR Mark Sorby; regional environmental politics reporting notes that CNMI Governor Benigno R. Fitial opposed a Pew Charitable Trusts proposal to designate a large marine national monument around Uracus, Maug, and Asuncion, citing potential economic and cultural impacts.