KPress Vol. 19 Iss. 25
Jaynes, Bill (2019-11-25). KPress Vol. 19 Iss. 25 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.
- Has attachment: File:UNFX8CAK.pdf
Abstract: KPress Vol. 19 Iss. 25: NEWS: FSM Supreme Court Justice Mayceleen JD Anson issues a Temporary Restraining Order halting commercial sea cucumber harvesting in Pohnpei following a civil action filed by attorney Marstella Jack on behalf of seven minors against the Pohnpei State Government, Governor Marcelo Peterson, the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture and its administrator, and Young Sun International Trading Company, marking the first FSM case brought by children invoking rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; the filing alleges violations of children’s rights to culture and health under Articles 30 and 24 of the Convention and seeks declaratory relief and a permanent injunction against the Young Sun contract allowing a 67-ton harvest; reporting details the immediate effects of the TRO, including suspension of harvests already underway in Madolenihmw, issuance of 111 local permits prior to the order, and clarification that Young Sun may retain sea cucumbers harvested before the TRO; separate coverage examines scientific findings by Dr. Peter Houk of the University of Guam Marine Laboratory documenting sustained declines in Pohnpei sea cucumber populations, particularly larger species, and attributing trends to overharvesting, environmental stressors, and weak management enforcement; Pohnpei election coverage reports delays in certification of November 12 state election results due to two formal complaints and one recount request, while unofficial tallies indicate Lt. Governor Reed B. Oliver elected Governor and Feliciano Perman elected Lt. Governor, alongside detailed district-level legislative outcomes; Yap State Legislature introduces and schedules a public hearing on proposed legislation banning the sale of single cigarettes and tobacco access for minors, citing WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control obligations and enforcement challenges; FSM Information Services reports amendments proposed by the MiCare Health Insurance Board to raise premiums by 6.5 percent effective December 1, 2019; President David W. Panuelo conducts a citizenship ceremony for Franz Hetiback; regional and national reporting includes UNICEF coverage of Pacific measles outbreaks and child-rights observances, launch of the FSM Maritime Investment Project with World Bank partners to upgrade national ports, and international cooperation reporting on FSM–Japan scholarship programs through APIC and the Micronesia Conservation Trust; community and civic reporting documents the 16th Annual Budweiser Fishing Tournament results, the ANCOP Global Walk organized by Couples for Christ in Pohnpei, elections of new officers for the United Filipino Community of Pohnpei, and public notices from the Bank of FSM regarding inactive accounts.
