KPress Vol. 17 Iss. 02

Jaynes, Bill (2017-12-26). KPress Vol. 17 Iss. 02 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.

• Has attachment: File:2SQUUZTR.pdf

Abstract: KPress Vol. 17 Iss. 02: NEWS: Pohnpei Office of the State Public Auditor leads FSM observance of International Anti-Corruption Day with student essay competitions, youth parade activities, and public awareness campaigns under the theme “Team Up Against Corruption”; FSM Supreme Court employees Eric Elias and Ruthie Hadley arraigned on more than 60 counts related to the alleged theft of over $123,000 in court funds between 2010 and 2014, with charges including grand larceny, embezzlement, forgery, and misconduct in public office, and trial scheduled for March; FSM Congress convenes Seventh Special Session confirming Akillino Susaia as FSM Ambassador to the United States and Haser Hainrick as National Public Auditor, while passing multiple congressional acts reallocating or clarifying public project and social program funds across Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae, and Pohnpei; reporting examines lobbying disclosures filed by Cary Lee Peterson claiming representation of “American Friends of Micronesia,” detailing FEC compliance failures, disputed banking claims, and ongoing federal fraud proceedings; FSM Department of Foreign Affairs announces Chinese grant aid totaling RMB 80 million for transport and infrastructure projects and an additional $800,000 subsidy supporting Air Niugini service to FSM; telemedicine center opens at Pohnpei State Hospital using VDSL connectivity and Pacific Basin Telehealth partnerships, reducing medical referral costs with support from the Leo Etscheit Foundation and FSM Telecommunications Corporation; Global Greengrants Fund awards community grants to organizations in Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Yap for marine protected areas, water systems, composting, and post-typhoon recovery; FSM delegation and Ambassador Jane Chigiyal address the United Nations on oceans governance, World Tuna Day, and climate outcomes following COP22, emphasizing UNCLOS, SDG-14, and Pacific fisheries interests; PNA reports outcomes from WCPFC-13 including adoption of fisheries observer safety measures, confirmation of Vessel Day Scheme effectiveness, and rejection of proposals expanding high-seas fishing days; Yapese tattoo artist Leo Pugram gains international recognition through exhibitions at the Field Museum in Chicago, highlighting preservation of traditional Yapese tattoo practices.