KPress Vol. 19 Iss. 12
Jaynes, Bill (2019-05-27). KPress Vol. 19 Iss. 12 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.
- Has attachment: File:ZMSV44VF.pdf
Abstract: KPress Vol. 19 Iss. 12: NEWS: Presidents David W. Panuelo (FSM), Tommy Remengesau (Palau), and Hilda C. Heine (RMI) make a historic joint visit to Washington, D.C., meeting President Donald J. Trump at the White House following engagements at the Pentagon with Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan and at the U.S. State Department with Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, where discussions center on renewal of expiring Compact of Free Association provisions, U.S. defense commitments, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, transnational crime, and Micronesian military service; the White House releases a joint statement reaffirming U.S.–FAS security guarantees, maritime access rights, and cooperation on regional stability and economic development; President Panuelo meets Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to press for accelerated COFA infrastructure implementation and coordination through JEMCO, and later meets Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie regarding FSM veterans’ access to services; President Panuelo holds Capitol Hill meetings with Congressman Rob Bishop and Senator Lisa Murkowski, focusing on Compact negotiations, FSM veterans’ healthcare under the COFA Veterans Review Act, aviation access, and REAL ID implementation challenges affecting FSM citizens in U.S. states; Washington State Governor Jay Inslee signs Senate Bill 5274 extending dental coverage to FSM, Palau, and RMI citizens, with advocacy by the COFA Alliance National Network, alongside updates on related Oregon legislation addressing healthcare, driver’s licenses, tuition equity, and law-enforcement eligibility; the FSM National Election Director announces a July 2, 2019 special congressional election to fill vacated Pohnpei and Kosrae seats, publishing the statutory election timetable and listing declared candidates by name for each district; the FSM Supreme Court considers a stipulated motion to dismiss the long-running sea cucumber harvest case, outlining the status of the TRO, the role of Sapwuahfik traditional leadership, OFA management plans, and the potential resumption of harvesting by Young Sun International Trading Company; U.S. Navy Underwater Construction Team-2 conducts Pacific Partnership 2019 assessments of Pohnpei Harbor and Kapingamarangi Atoll, including hydrographic surveys, wharf inspections, and evaluation of a non-operational recompression chamber at Pohnpei State Hospital; the Pohnpei Environmental Protection Agency reports that a phosphorescent dye discoloring the Sekere River is non-toxic and linked to commercial fishing gear, while continuing investigation into its source; the Micronesia Conservation Trust announces leadership changes with Elbuchel Sadang assuming board chairmanship and adoption of an updated strategic plan; the FSM Supreme Court orders auction of Island Cable Television, Inc., publishing detailed sale conditions; the Trial Counselor Program resumes at COM-Chuuk after a 13-year hiatus, listing instructors, curriculum, and enrolled students; cultural and community reporting includes a welcome-home celebration for FSM Special Olympics medalists from Abu Dhabi and results from the 26th Annual Pohnpei Fishing Club Tournament; Japan’s Ambassador Ryoichi Horie hosts a reception marking Emperor Naruhito’s accession while concluding his FSM posting, highlighting Japanese development assistance, security grants, and economic contributions; OPINION / EDITORIAL: commentary and attributed remarks emphasize the strategic significance of the U.S.–FAS relationship, Micronesian service in the U.S. military, and the urgency of timely Compact renewal amid shifting Indo-Pacific geopolitics.
