KPress Vol. 20 Iss. 12
Jaynes, Bill (2020-06-03). KPress Vol. 20 Iss. 12 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.
- Has attachment: File:6WZ22H38.pdf
Abstract: KPress Vol. 20 Iss. 12: NEWS: FSM President David Panuelo delivers his first State of the Nation address by video conference to the 21st FSM Congress, outlining COVID-19 economic response measures including a $300,000 allocation for stranded FSM citizens, implementation of a $16 million tourism-focused stimulus package, coordination with the United States on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits for FSM citizens, initiation of Compact of Free Association negotiations with Leo A. Falcam Jr. named chief negotiator, restructuring of the Department of Justice to establish an Anti-Human Trafficking Division and pursue INTERPOL membership, progress on climate, fisheries transparency, plastic-ban legislation, and major infrastructure initiatives including digital connectivity and climate-resilient roads; FSM consular officials release state-by-state data on COVID-19 infections and fatalities among FSM citizens living in the United States, identifying case concentrations by state and by FSM home state; the Pohnpei State Legislature circulates a draft emergency enforcement resolution detailing mandatory closures, gathering limits, retail restrictions, mask requirements, penalties, and business shutdown authority in the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case; the Yap State Legislature files a declaratory judgment action challenging Governor Henry Falan’s COVID-19 emergency declarations, asserting legislative authority to revoke or decline extensions under the Yap Constitution, with competing executive and legislative statements and a pending court response; FSM National Fisheries Corporation reports multiple crew mental-health emergencies and two unresolved overboard deaths involving Micronesia 101 and Taiyo Chuuk, prompting discussion of quarantine rules, port restrictions, and crew welfare during prolonged COVID-related sea deployments; Vital FSM Petroleum Corporation announces a second 2020 fuel price reduction and testifies before the Pohnpei Legislature on inventory timing, regional price comparisons, and forecasting amid reduced demand; the FSM and state governments outline phased plans and constraints for repatriating stranded citizens, including testing, quarantine capacity, and coordination with airlines, while Pohnpei Governor Reed Oliver warns that ongoing fishing-vessel quarantines limit repatriation readiness; Micronesia Conservation Trust disburses easement funds to Yela Valley landowners and announces Waitt Foundation support for large-scale community mask production; the United States Embassy and FSM officials commemorate Memorial Day in Pohnpei and Yap with wreath-laying ceremonies honoring Micronesians who served in U.S. forces; Marshall Islands authorities repatriate fishermen who survived a 42-day drift at sea, coordinating quarantine through FSM ports; China delivers medical supplies and cash assistance to FSM COVID-19 response, reaffirming diplomatic commitments; regional fisheries agencies suspend onboard observers while maintaining monitoring via vessel tracking systems; U.S.–FSM negotiators formally open Compact talks by video conference, setting timelines and priority topics amid the pandemic.
