KPress Vol. 20 Iss. 26

Jaynes, Bill (2020-12-16). KPress Vol. 20 Iss. 26 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.

• Has attachment: File:AQX3Q9YB.pdf

Abstract: KPress Vol. 20 Iss. 26: NEWS: Residents of Ipwal, Sokehs led by Soulik en Ipwal John Weilbacher warn of imminent legal action over a dredging operation alleged to be killing mangrove forests after a dike blocked natural water flow, with EPA Director Henry Susaia confirming agency recommendations to reopen the channel based on a Natural Resources Management Office report; the Pohnpei State Legislature adopts a resolution formally requesting Governor Reed Oliver to remove Department of Health Services Director Wincener J. David, citing failed contract negotiations with physicians Dr. Payne Perman and Dr. Padwick Gallen, chronic understaffing at Pohnpei Hospital, low staff morale, and heightened COVID-19 preparedness risks; the FSM Supreme Court Appellate Division publicly admonishes attorney Yoslyn G. Sigrah for submitting an unadopted FSM Congress resolution and falsely certifying service in a Development Bank case, with Associate Justice Larry Wentworth and Specially Assigned Justices Cyprian Manmaw and Mayceleen Anson issuing the rare sanction; the Pohnpei Office of the Public Auditor releases a 2019 audit of the Pohnpei Transportation Authority questioning its ability to continue as a going concern, documenting financial losses, improper dredging arrangements, procurement violations, payroll irregularities, and prompting an investigation into possible fraud, with responses from newly confirmed PTA Commissioner Welsen Panuel; FSM Information Services reports the hiring of Yolanda Joab Mori as Program Coordinator for Blue Prosperity Micronesia, outlining national marine protection and blue economy planning goals; President David W. Panuelo announces the postponement of public education on proposed constitutional amendments, including dual citizenship, pending COVID-19 conditions and a possible special referendum after the March 2021 election; Japan provides a $76,693 grassroots grant for restroom renovations at Palikir Elementary School through Ambassador Sobashima Hidenobu; Chuuk landowners formally declare the Kuop Marine Protected Area at Kuop Atoll with support from Seacology and state agencies; UNICEF and FSMTC launch COVID-19 messaging on prepaid phone cards; Patricia Jack-Jossien is appointed the first female President/CEO of the National Fisheries Corporation; ADB approves a US$12.8 million grant for water and sanitation upgrades in Weno, Chuuk; OPINION / EDITORIAL: U.S. Ambassador Carmen Cantor reviews U.S.–FSM cooperation in 2020 including COVID-19 assistance, cultural preservation, women’s empowerment, and Compact relations, while a joint UN–Pacific Islands statement and commentary from Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires emphasize anti-corruption and climate action during pandemic recovery.