KPress Vol. 09 Iss. 04
Jaynes, Bill (2009-01-21). KPress Vol. 09 Iss. 04 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.
- Has attachment: File:NQT3ERL7.pdf
Abstract: KPress Vol. 09 Iss. 04: NEWS: Pacific Food Services, Inc. (PFS) files a civil action in the FSM Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of Section 405 of the Marine Resources Act of 2002 after Congress rejected a NORMA-negotiated fisheries access agreement by resolution, leading NORMA to cancel fishing permits and void vessel licenses; the suit names the FSM National Government, Congress of the FSM, NORMA, and NORMA Executive Director Bernard Thoulag, alleging unlawful legislative interference with executive authority, absence of executive veto or review over congressional resolutions, arbitrary decision-making by the Resources and Development Standing Committee, and undisclosed conflicts of interest among voting legislators; PFS seeks declaratory relief invalidating Section 405, a writ of mandamus compelling NORMA to implement the access agreement, refunds of cancelled permit fees, and damages for lost business; Australia announces emergency assistance totaling US$100,000 to the FSM and the Republic of the Marshall Islands following December 2008 tidal surges and flooding, with Parliamentary Secretary Duncan Kerr citing groundwater contamination, crop losses, and deployment of Australian Pacific Patrol Boats to assess damage in outer islands; FSM health authorities respond to widespread rumors linking Pohnpei municipal water to Hepatitis B, with Department of Public Health Director Dr. Rally Jim and PUC officials clarifying the distinction between Hepatitis A and B, confirming recent Hepatitis A cases unrelated to treated water, and emphasizing hygiene risks associated with shared food and sakau practices rather than water supply; the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China reports on the groundbreaking of a new Kosrae High School complex funded by China, featuring remarks by Vice President Alik Alik, Kosrae Governor Robert Weilbacher, Speaker Lyndon Jackson, and Ambassador LIU reaffirming FSM–China relations and educational cooperation; additional reporting documents U.S. Air Force Operation Christmas Drop activities supporting FSM outer islands through seasonal humanitarian deliveries.
