KPress Vol. 19 Iss. 24

Jaynes, Bill (2019-11-11). KPress Vol. 19 Iss. 24 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.

• Has attachment: File:XKVLE63Q.pdf

Abstract: KPress Vol. 19 Iss. 24: NEWS: Federated States of Micronesia marks the 33rd anniversary of independence with formal national celebrations held November 4, 2019 at the FSM–China Friendship Gymnasium in Kolonia, including flag-raising by FSM National Police, performances by the Sokehs Youth Choir, student recitation of the FSM Constitution, and keynote addresses by President David W. Panuelo, Vice Speaker Esmond Moses, and founding father Bethwel Henry; FSM National Government announces support for the U.S. House–introduced “Covering Our FAS Allies Act,” with President Panuelo publicly endorsing the bipartisan bill sponsored by Representatives Tony Cárdenas, Amata Coleman Radewagen, Tulsi Gabbard, Steve Womack, Ed Case, and Gregorio Sablan to restore Medicaid eligibility for FSM, Palau, and RMI citizens residing in the United States; criminal proceedings advance in Yap against Anthony Tun and Frances Choay Buchun, who face state and national charges including murder and conspiracy in the shooting death of Acting Attorney General Rachelle Bergeron Hammerling, with both defendants denied bail and held pending trial; FSM National Election Commission is unreachable following the November 5 Constitutional Convention delegate elections, preventing confirmation of official or unofficial results and prompting reporting on the absence of authoritative tallies by state; Association for Promotion of International Cooperation (APIC) announces former FSM Ambassador Kasio Mida’s receipt of Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, detailing his diplomatic service in Tokyo, Honolulu, and Palikir and subsequent audience with Emperor Naruhito; Japan International Cooperation Agency and FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs launch a new regional project to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, extending collaboration with WHO’s PacELF program through 2022; President Panuelo meets a U.S. interagency delegation led by Suzanne Lawrence to discuss parameters and timing for upcoming Compact of Free Association negotiations, with participation from JCRP leadership including Leo Falcam Jr. and Asterio Takesy; FSM Customs and Tax Administration begins island-wide tax education programs in Pohnpei public schools targeting middle-grade students. OPINION / EDITORIAL: In a signed commentary, the Chinese Embassy rejects claims of “debt trap diplomacy,” citing the Lowy Institute report, outlining principles of Chinese assistance in the FSM, and enumerating completed and ongoing infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road framework.