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The 2012 Oceania Weightlifting Championships and continental Olympic qualification came to an end on Saturday June 9 in Apia, Samoa.  In the men’s division only five spots were given to the Oceania continent.   This meant that the top five teams in the men received one spot each for London 2012 Olympic Games.  They were:

1st Australia    with 148 points.
2nd  Kiribati    with 142 points.
3rd Fiji    with 141 points.
4th New Zealand    with 139 points.
5th PNG        with 127 points.  

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency President Mori, national and states governments’ officials and many citizens including children who waved flags on the sidelines, or performed traditional dance for their warm reception extended to the Japanese participants to the Rainbownesia Program.

I am very pleased to witness that the inaugural direct flight between Japan and the FSM resulted in a magnificent landmark of our history of friendship.

Japanese visitors were deeply satisfied with their trip, and so many members left the FSM telling that they would be back again to this beautiful country.

Once the flight landed on Saturday, June 9th, the handover ceremony of extension of Pohnpei International Airport runway was held with President Mori, government officials, many citizens, and international press present in the arrival terminal lobby. The ceremony demonstrated how Japanese ODA fund is used for the efficient development of the FSM.

On the second day at the Spanish Wall, the visitors had opportunities to experience traditional performances, local foods, and purchase Micronesian crafts. The following two days were dedicated to discover the beauty of the nature, to visit famous sites such as Nan Madol and Sokehs Mountain, and to attend cultural exchange with local people. A certain number of participants extended their visit to Chuuk state to meet their relatives whose ancestors came and started to live in Chuuk, and deepened their friendship.

This project is a milestone of new relationship between the FSM and Japan, and I am sure that our bond of friendship, or “Kizuna” will be further strengthened in the future.

I am eager to see a second and third direct flights to follow with new visitors on board.

Once again, I thank you all of the FSM people.

Eiichi Suzuki
Ambassador of Japan to the FSM

June 21, 2012
Pohnpei, FSM—Energy Infrastructure Global, Incorporated (EIG) has submitted to Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC) with copies to Pohnpei State and the Pohnpei State Legislature, a proposal to provide 10 megawatts of diesel power generation and 2 megawatts of solar power on the basis of a power purchase agreement at essentially no cost to the FSM.

EIG’s proposal is proprietary and absolutely massive in scope with a number of bells and whistles including technology for classroom education on how much photovoltaic (solar) power is being generated at any given time is just one small hint of what they are proposing.  They have also proposed a plan to rehabilitate the Nan Pil Hydroelectric plant.

The basic gist of the plan which due to the proprietary nature of the proposal offers a three phased plan that would take a total of six months to implement.  It says that once all of the agreements are in place, EIG and their local partner VCS Construction would be ready to begin implementation within 48 hours.  All of the phases would be implemented simultaneously.

During Phase I EIG would install a 4 megawatt backup generator system.  That phase would be completed within three months.

Simultaneously, during Phase II EIG would begin to install a 2 megawatt photovoltaic ground mount array (a series of solar power generating panels installed on the ground.)  That phase would be completed within six months.

Also simultaneously, during Phase III EIG would complete the construction and installation of a 10 megawatt diesel power generation plant.  The commissioning of that plant would be six months after the beginning of that phase of construction, essentially simultaneous with the commissioning of the solar ground array.

EIG’s proposal says that all generators and all parts would be 100% American made product.

Before execution of the first phase PUC would need to pay a $75,000 fully refundable deposit to EIG.  The proposal says that after the completion of Phase I, EIG would refund the deposit plus nominal interest of .05%.

Of course land for the proposal would necessarily be part of the equation.  The proposal summary doesn’t mention how much or where it should be.  Also the proposal is based on the execution of an agreement for a power purchase agreement between EIG and PUC.  The proposed payment per kilowatt hour is proprietary in nature and is not set in concrete.

The proposal summary says that after five years, PUC could opt to buy the power generation infrastructure they will provide.  At the end of 25 years PUC could either opt to buy EIG equipment installed under the proposal or EIG would remove the equipment at their own expense.

The cover letter to the proposal says that EIG team members have engineered, designed, and built more than 30 percent of the Solar Photovoltaic Projects though out the Mid Atlantic region of The United States including the fourth largest rooftop solar photovoltaic array in North America.  It says that they have a proven track record for delivering high quality projects on time and under budget.

Jose San Nicolas of VCS Construction said that the company submitted the proposal to PUC but that PUC representatives said they would have to wait to consider the proposal until after they have issued a request for proposals from other potential vendors.

June 15, 2012
Pohnpei, FSM—During a dual purpose ceremony this morning, Japan’s Ambassador Eiichi Suzuki handed over a newly renovated recycling center to the Kolonia Town Government.  The renovation was funded by Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project.  

Ambassador Suzuki said that a JICA study of the landfill in Dekehtik showed that over 14 tons of waste enters the landfill on a daily basis and that 55% of the waste comes from Kolonia Town alone.  He said that the recycling center will help to keep aluminum cans from entering the landfill.  “If this could be a chance for us to think of the environment and future of this country, I call this project a great success,” he said during his speech.

Pohnpei’s only recycling center is just behind Ellen’s Market in the China Town area of Pohnpei.  Because of the $54,234 grant provided by the Japanese government, the building is now completely enclosed and easy to access on the newly paved road between the Seabreeze Hotel and Ellen’s Market.

The second purpose for this morning’s ceremony was realized when Governor John Ehsa declared full implementation of the Pohnpei Recycling Law which, according to a speech by Lt. Governor Marcello Peterson, was at least eight years in the making.  The law which passed in August of 2011 established a six cent per can levy for importation of canned beverages.  The first levy for aluminum cans imported during the month of June will be due from first sellers of canned beverages in mid July.

On Monday, June 18 the refurbished recycling center will begin issuing cash refunds for aluminum cans at the rate of five cents per can.  The other penny collected from importers will go toward maintenance of the recycling program.  Proceeds from the sales of collected aluminum cans will also be used to support the administrative costs of the program including the cost of supporting recycling retention centers.

Lt. Governor Peterson said that next week a retention center will be opening in Madolenihmw.  The law allows for businesses, groups and municipalities to run retention centers upon application and inspection by the EPA.  He said that so far the Madolenihmw Municipality had been the only municipality to apply but he expected others would follow suit.

There is a 500 can minimum for cash redemption.  At 24 cans per case the 500 can minimum is four cans short of 21 cases.

Benito Dannis said that the recycling center will not be counting each and every can that comes into the recycling center.  Dannis is Kolonia Town’s Chief of Public Works and oversees the activities of the Kolonia recycling center.  He said that when a person or group comes into the center with cans to be redeemed the cans will first be sorted between usable and unusable cans on an outside “table”.  The usable cans will then be dumped into a surprisingly small container that looked to be approximately three feet wide by three feet long by three feet tall.  He confirmed twice that the container is measured to fit 500 cans.  

Redemptions will be based on the number of times that container can be filled.  At five cents per can one load equals $25.

After the ribbon cutting, participants at the ceremony were treated to a demonstration of the can crushing unit at the facility.  A crew member dumped 500 cans into the unit and within a few moments an aluminum wafer popped out the machine ready to be catalogued for shipping to recyclers.

Dannis said that the last 20 foot container Kolonia Town sent to recyclers contained over 27,000 pounds of crushed aluminum.  He did not know the dollar value of its contents.

In his former capacity as Mayor of Kolonia Town, Lt. Governor Peterson was the principal driving force behind Pohnpei’s aluminum can recycling law.  He challenged Pohnpeians to take advantage of the plan to clean up Pohnpei so that future generations can benefit from what was begun today.

In a later interview Lt. Governor Peterson said that in three or four months the recycling program will expand to include the collection of plastic bottles and car batteries for recycling.

POLUWAT, Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia - USCGC SEQUOIA conducted boater awareness and safety training, provided medical attention and education, and completed electronic repairs to the island of Poluwat on Saturday, 09JUN12. This visit by SEQUOIA was the first U.S. ship to visit Poluwat in over thirty years. In addition to providing training, SEQUOIA delivered humanitarian supplies to the local population.

Petty Officer Geri Cabrera and Petty Officer Chris Hall conducted boater safety training with numerous adults and children. The training focused on how to be visible and safe at sea, critical information for small island communities in the Pacific. Recognizing that modern safety gear is not available to the residents, the training taught ways to improvise common lifesaving equipment. SEQUOIA crewmembers explained how survival and
signal tools, such as mirrors, could be improvised by using a CD or other reflective objects, and how lifesaving tools like lifejackets can be supplemented in an emergency by mooring balls or even coconuts. Simple actions such as wearing bright clothes, painting your boat bright colors and having a mirror can be the difference between life or death. In addition, SEQUOIA crewmembers provided the residents with float plans which provide crucial information to the Coast Guard in the event of a search & rescue (SAR) case. The plans detail who is onboard, what they are carrying, how far they are going, and what time they will be back so people on island can accurately report any missing or overdue vessels. The training was well received and as Petty Officer Hall notes, “[the resident’s] understanding of the importance of SAR leads to safer boating practices and their rescue in an emergency.”

Time is a resource in short supply during SAR, especially in the Western Pacific. Dr. Art Allen, an Oceanographer for the Coast Guard SAR program, explains that every step of the SAR process for operations in the Pacific takes precious time to complete: “When local authorities are notified after 24 hours and the Coast Guard is notified 24 hours after that, it will take another 24-48 hours to send a C-130 from Barbers Point, HI.” Therefore, stranded vessels typically must wait days before receiving assistance and float plans increase the probability of finding boaters in time and ultimately increase their chance of survival. Therefore, both Petty Officer Cabrera and Petty Officer Hall emphasized the importance of float plans during their training.

Chief Petty Officer Leonardo Cirino, a Navy Hospital Corpsman stationed at Military Sealift Command Ship Support Unit Guam, joined SEQUOIA on its voyage. As one of the first crewmembers ashore, Chief Petty Officer Cirino met with the local nurse and residents. He provided medical supplies and basic medical services to the people of Poluwat by cleaning wounds and treating other various ailments.

A collaborative effort between SEQUOIA’s Electrician’s Mates (EM) and Electronics Technicians (ET), Petty Officer Nate Villagomez, Petty Officer Muy Khut, and Petty Officer Steve Schmoll enabled repairs to the community’s UHF radio. Salvaging parts from discarded electronics, they were able to power the sole radio on Poluwat, and reconfigure Poluwat’s solar panel system. Their reconfiguration efforts enabled the radio to be continuously powered by solar panels. They also verified the integrity of the radio tower and ensured it functioned properly. Their hard work guaranteed that the residents would be able to communicate in the event of an emergency and coordinate efforts with the other surrounding islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and United States Coast Guard.

SEQUOIA’s small boat, crewed by Petty Officer Bobby Richardson, Petty Officer Wayne Chandler, Petty Officer Clint Amerman, and Petty Officer R.J. Tangalan, made numerous trips from SEQUOIA to Poluwat to deliver humanitarian supplies. SEQUOIA’s small boat and crewmembers spent hours to ensure fifteen pallets of humanitarian supplies made it to Poluwat’s shores. The supplies were donated by the Ayuda Foundation which coordinated the collection of food and further essential supplies for Poluwat.

The overall Poluwat experience was rewarding both to the locals and to SEQUOIA—as Petty Officer Cabrera remarks, “It is always a very gratifying experience to be involved in saving a life.” Ultimately, SEQUOIA and its crew provided much more than humanitarian supplies, but gave the Poluwat people vital training and services to ensure their wellbeing in the future.

SEQUOIA, homeported in Apra Harbor, Guam, is manned by a crew of seven officers and 37 enlisted personnel.  It is the 15th Juniper Class sea-going buoy tender and the 10th "B-Class" cutter built by Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette, Wisc. Sequoia's primary missions are maintaining aids to navigation, homeland security, law enforcement, marine environmental protection and search and rescue. Its 225-feet long with twindiesel engine propulsion, bow and stern thrusters and advanced maneuverability capabilities that make it the world’s premier buoy-tending platform.

As part of the activities for the “friendship flight” between Japan and the FSM on June 09 to 13, an eight-member delegation known for their varying expertise in tourism promotion visited the FSM Office of the President on June 12, where they were received by Vice President Alik L. Alik.

 Vice President Alik welcomed the delegation at President’s Office Conference Room where he recognized their collective efforts in realizing the Japan-FSM Inaugural Flight and promoting the historical ties between the two countries and their people.  The Vice President also highlighted that transportation sector is a great challenge for the FSM Government due to the high input costs, impacting viability for other sectors such as tourism.

On behalf of the delegation, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki conveyed their appreciation to Vice President Alik.  He noted that tourism is not only an economic promotion but also a promotion and exchange of cultures and peoples.  In addition, he also expressed their commitment to promoting FSM tourism in Japan, recognizing the need to stabilize the direct flight between Japan and FSM to generate progressive results.

The courtesy visit ended with a group photo and presentation of certificates designating the following eight professionals as Tourism Promotion Ambassadors, promoting the strengthening of friendly relations between the people of the Federated States of Micronesia and the people of Japan.

Ms. Junko Konishi is a leading fashion designer, well known both domestically and internationally, and also holds a Goodwill Ambassador for the Japan’s Government campaign “Tourism Japan” (Yokoso Nippon). Note: She was represented by her husband Mr. Suzuki.
Mr. Seiji Morimae is a Bonsai Master with various positions such as Chairman of US Bonsai Research Organization, Special Advisor to China Bonsai Arts Organization, Visiting Professor of Seihoku Norin University in China.
Mr. Shuji Makino is a former Grand Chef of Hotel Ohkura, also well known as Master of “French Cuisine in Japan”
Mr. Yasuaki Wada is an expert on Fund Management in Hong Kong. Note: He was represented by a member of the delegation
Mr. Shigeru Nakajima is an expert on Food and Nutrition, has held various positions in NGOs and organizations promoting food in Japan
Ms. Eriko Tachibana is an expert in labor management overseeing the work conditions of labors and their social security and insurances. Note: She was represented by her staff Mr. Takayuki Yoshikawa
Mr. Isao Yamamoto & Mrs. Kayo Yamamoto: Mr. Yamamoto is a well known architect and designer; worked and designed over 200 homes for well know people in Japan; also designed a Ferrari (vehicle) special edition.
Mr. Yoichiro Saito is a talented leader of a volunteer group.

(Saluda, South Carolina) Thanks to the efforts of volunteers in Saluda County, young adults on a remote island in the Central Pacific will have some much-needed reading material.

Kayla Haynes, Interim Director of the Saluda County Library, led a joint effort with the Friends of the Saluda County Library to put together a gift of several dozen fiction books for teenage and adult readers on the tiny island of Mogmog. Situated about 300 miles south of Guam, Mogmog is one of only four inhabited islands in an outlying string of Micronesian islands called Ulithi.

The island’s small public elementary school has a sparsely furnished reading room that doubles as a community library. The addition of several boxes of books will be a source of tremendous excitement for a community with very limited access to new literature.

“These are books that were being pulled from circulation, so we’re excited to know they’ll continue to be enjoyed,” Haynes explained.

The Friends of the Library is a nonprofit organization that supports Saluda County’s two public libraries. Their work includes sponsoring public support of the library, promoting library facilities and services as well as providing additional money for library materials, equipment and services.
 
The donation will be sent to Micronesia by the Habele Outer Island Education Fund, another South Carolina based charity. “Habele” was established in 2006 by a group of former Peace Corps Volunteers who served as librarians and teachers in the Federated States of Micronesia. In addition to supporting public school and community libraries in the remote “Outer Islands” of Micronesia, the group also organizes after-school programs including traditional canoe carving and robotics competitions.

“These young adult and adult fiction books are great,” said Neil Mellen, a Habele volunteer in Columbia.“ Remote communities like Mogmog are starved for educational materials, and we’re doing everything we can to help meet that need with limited resources. Now, the older readers on Mogmog must to take an open boat across the choppy lagoon to the high school library on another island just to check out books at this reading level. The generosity of the Friends of the Salauda Library will save them the trip!”

From June through August 2012, James Harmon, a graduate student working under the guidance of Dr. Jonathan Deenik in the Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences at University of Hawaii, Manoa, will be conducting experiments on Saimon Mix’s farm in Sokehs.  Mr. Harmon is working with Mr. Mix to increase compost production efficiency on Pohnpei, while utilizing local materials.  In addition, he is addressing management of piggery waste, which,if unmanaged, causes environmental and public health problems.  One portion of the experiment will also determine the optimum rate of compost additions to soil for sustainable vegetable production.  The results of this experiment at the Mix farm will aid Mr. Harmon in developing his thesis for completion of a Master’s Degree in Soil Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Compost is a soil amendment used to increase tilth and fertility.  It is something that can be made with locally sourced materials instead of purchasing imported chemical fertilizer, which is expensive and is only a short term solution to managing soil fertility in the tropics.  The compost mixtures for the experiment includes the use of piggery waste, fish by-catch from the ships, wood chips , especially hibiscus, and green vegetative materials such as fresh grass or leaves.  In addition to utilizing wasted local resources, composting can also provide a use for invasive plants such as Kerosene tree and African Tulip as composting materials.  To determine compost production efficiency, Mr. Harmon is creating a profile of microbial activity which is responsible for the composting process.   He is taking daily measurements of temperature and carbon dioxide levels to determine if there is a difference in compost production rate and quality based on differing materials used to make compost.  The compost piles will turned weekly for approximately eight weeks.  Samples of the finished product will be sent to the University of Hawaii to determine nutrient quality made from the different compost materials.  

With the abundance of piggeries on Pohnpei, an excess of manure is available.  If utilized properly in compost, manure can be beneficial to help farmers produce food.  Unmanaged pig waste contributes to water pollution, unsafe drinking water, and exposure of people to water-borne diseases, including Leptospirosis.  By adopting composting practices across Pohnpei, farmers can utilize an otherwise unexploited resource which can actually be beneficial for food production.  This project is in collaboration with the College of Micronesia-Pohnpei Campus Cooperative Extension Service Agent Mark Kostka and Dr. Kazuo Ishikawa, as well as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Dr. Art Allen (left) is an Oceanographer for the Coast Guard SAR
program (CG-SAR-1) and has been conducting leeway experiments since 1985

CHUUK, Federated States of Micronesia. USCGC SEQUOIA completed a week long international search & rescue exercise (SAREX) that involved coordinated efforts between Coast Guard District 14, Coast Guard Sector Guam, and Chuuk. SEQUOIA participated in the mock scenario by deploying a skiff to simulate the panga boats that are commonly used in the South Pacific and subjects of genuine South Pacific SAR cases. Scientists, Dr. Art Allen, LT Victoria Futch, and Mr. Ben Brushett collected leeway drift data from skiffs and other small watercraft on board SEQUOIA as well.

Deemed the Manaw SAREX, this scenario consisted of a simulated 19 foot skiff with two people on board that drifted for two days west of Chuuk until reported overdue. The deployed watercraft provided position data which was used to compare to the position predicted by the Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue OptimalPlanning System (SAROPS) software. SAROPS predicts the drift of common SAR objects and optimizes the utilization of Coast Guard resources and assets to find those objects. Using 51 Coast Guard operational centers, data collection for SAROPS has been compiled from all around the United States, Canada, and Norway, and now the South Pacific.

This latest focus on the South Pacific is increasingly important for the Coast Guard, as Dr. Art Allen laments: “Simply, no matter how effective you search, if you are searching the wrong location you will not find the survivors.” SAR missions occur roughly five times a year around Chuuk and the surrounding atolls, costing the Coast Guard approximately one million dollars per case. Dr. Allen further explains that every step of the SAR process for operations in the South Pacific inherently costs precious time to find the survivors: “When local authorities are notified after 24 hours and the Coast Guard is notified 24 hours after that, to send a C-130 from Barbers Point it might take another 24-48 hours to get to this region…there might be already 4-5 days of drift. Reducing any uncertainty is critical.” Therefore, SAREXs like the Manaw SAREX provide crucial data which improves drift predictions, saving money and the increasing the chance of survival for the victims.

SEQUOIA deck force members work to recover the outrigger canoe

Dr. Allen, LT Futch, and Mr. Brushett all foresee increased SAREXs in the future and contribute the success of the exercise to the indispensible functions and capabilities of SEQUOIA as well as the experience, motivation, and support of the SEQUOIA crew. The true importance and reliability of leeway drift data and the Manaw SAREX ultimately proved itself. While SEQUOIA was in Chuuk, Sector Guam Command Center notified SEQUOIA of an overdue vessel. Using the data gathered on SEQUOIA, an updated drift pattern was generated which led a C-130 to successfully pinpoint the location of the stranded panga craft on its first pass.

Sam Bailey, Allois Malfitani, Sophie Finnen, Steve Finnen

The Pohnpei Fishing Club held its 19th annual tournament on May 10 and 12, 2012. We had fine weather for fishing and a lot good big fish were caught. This is the Pohnpei Fishing Club's 19th tournament, and the annual event has
grown tremendously over the years.

A lot of fun was had at the weigh in and barbecue at the end of the competition. The tournament format was most points from landed point fish.  The fishing club has minimum weights for fish to count for points. Allois Malfitani on the Pohnpei Surf Club boat, won the tournament and the grand prize of two United Airlines tickets. He caught two big fish, a 110 pound marlin and a 26.5 mahimahi. Neither were the biggest fish in each category, but together they were enough to win.

The winners and prizes are listed below.

1. Allois Malfitani 136.5 points, (110
marlin and 26.5 mahimahi), Grand prize 2 United Tickets
2. Jeff Aintemia 113 points (marlin)
$1,000.00 donated by Matson, Best Buy and Bank of FSM
3. Jula Porter 111 points
(78.5 YF and 32.5 wahoo) $500.00 donated by China Star
Lady Angler Arleen David 13.5 wahoo
Junior Angler Jack Qu 15.0 wahoo

We also had prizes for the two biggest fish in each of the Catch 8 categories:

Billfish
Jeff Aintemia 113 marlin

MahiMahi
1.KonradEnglberger 27.0
2.Allois Malfitani 26.5

Wahoo
1.Francisco Sohl 33.5
2.Jula Porter 32.5

Barracuda
1.Ben Schroer 16.5
1.Ishiwara16.5

Yellow Fin And Other Tuna
1. Jula Porter 78.5
2.Petrus 45.5

Skip Jack
1.Tony Manuel 12.0
2.Tony Manuel 11.5

Rainbow Runner
1.Walden Weilbacher 8.0
2.James 3.5

Giant Trevally
1.Ishiwara 40.0
2.Eddie Abraham 37.5

Congratulations to all our winners. The winners in the individual fish categories received gift certificates from our sponsors.

As you can see a lot of good size fish were caught, and the prizes were distributed to most of the boats. All boats that entered received free t-shirts and a case and a half of Bud Light from our sponsors Budweiser and Ambros, Inc.

We also want to thank all our sponsors, United Airlines, Budweiser and Ambros, Inc., Matson, Best Buy, Bank of the FSM, China Star, FSM Telecom, Ace Hardware, Ace Office Supply, Napa Auto Parts, Movie Land, Pohnpei Surf Club, Joy Restaurant, Village Hotel, Blue Nile, Ocean View, Patterson Lawrence, Visual Impact, Palm Terrace, Seven Star, Pohnpei Cinema, Panuelo Gas Station, Cupid's and Etscheit Enterprises, LP Gas.

We couldn't put on this kind of tourney without our sponsors, so please support them when you need to make purchases.

The 2012 Oceania Weightlifting Championships and continental Olympic qualification came to an end on Saturday June 9 in Apia, Samoa.  In the men’s division only five spots were given to the Oceania continent.   This meant that the top five teams in the men received one spot each for London 2012 Olympic Games.  They were:

1st Australia    with 148 points.
2nd  Kiribati    with 142 points.
3rd Fiji    with 141 points.
4th New Zealand    with 139 points.
5th PNG        with 127 points.  

The Federated States of Micronesia will be sending five athletes to this year’s Olympic Games competing in Weightlifting, Swimming and Athletics (track and field).  The 2012 Olympic Games are from July 27 to August 12, 2012 in London, England.  The FSM sports delegation will include 5 athletes (Manuel Minginfel, Debra Daniel, Kerson Hadley, John Howard and Mihter Wendolin), 5 coaches (Ron Etshceit, Sweeter Daniel, Rendy Germinaro, George Steven and Lestly Ashby), 1 Chef de Mission (Ted Rutun), 1 doctor (Dr. Felix Yomai), 1 Press Attaché (Marcellus Akapito) and FSM National Olympic Committee (FSMNOC) President and Secretary General (Berney Martin and Jim Tobin).  

Over 10,000 athletes from 205 countries will participate in 28 sports. The first FSM athlete to compete in the London 2012 Olympic Games will be 4-time Olympian Manuel Minginfel, male weightlifter from Yap State, on July 30 in Weightlifting.  At the Beijing Olympic Games he lifted a total of 270kg and finished a respectable 11th place in the men’s 62kg category.  Kerson Hadley and Debra Daniel, both from Pohnpei State, will compete in the 50-meter free style in Swimming on August 02 and 03.  John Howard, Chuuk State and Mihter Wendolin, Pohnpei State, will compete in the 100-meter dash in Athletics on August 04 and 05.

For the first time ever, the FSM National Olympic Committee has sent the 2 FSM swimmers (Daniel and Hadley) and 2 FSM runners (Wendolin and Howard) and one coach (Germinaro) to a pre-Olympic Games training camp.  The FSM group arrived to Liverpool, England on June 11 and will remain at the camp for 6 weeks prior to moving into the Olympic Games Village in London on July 23. The FSM swimmers and runners will be trained by world-class English coaches from the NW England region.  This should greatly improve their results in the 50-meter free style and 100-meter dash at the London 2012 Olympic Games. The FSM National Olympic Committee applied and received a 25,000 pound pre-games training camp grant from the London Olympic Games Organizing Committee (LOCOG) to fund the majority of the costs of the FSM training camp. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) funded the airfare costs.

Minginfel has been training full-time since February at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute in New Caledonia.  Last week, he qualified on his own merit for the London 2012 Olympic Games by winning the men’s 62kg category at the 2012 Oceania Weightlifting Championships in Samoa.  He was the only lifter at the Oceania Weightlifting Championships who qualified on his own merit and was awarded the Best Overall Lifter trophy. Minginfel will be traveling with Paul Coffa, his institute coach and mentor, along with other Pacific island lifters from New Caledonia to London on July 24.

The FSMNOC also supported Keitani Graham, FSM male wrestler from Chuuk State, in his bind to qualify for the Olympic Games in Wrestling.  For over one year, Graham trained full time in Honolulu with some of the best USA wrestlers.  He competed in numerous continental and world Olympic wrestling qualifiers in Australia, Morocco, China and Finland but fell short.  This was not due to his great efforts but to an unfair qualification policy set by FILA, the international wrestling association.  In our opinion, Graham is the best wrestler ever from Micronesia and should be very proud of his wrestling results.  Graham, Daniel and Minginfel all received 2-year $28,000 London Olympic Games Athlete scholarships, more than another National Olympic Committee received in the region.

The FSMNOC, with funding support from the IOC, is working with FSM Telecommunications Corporation to live television broadcast the London Olympic Games on Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, most likely from a feed from SkyTV of New Zealand.

Accompanied by President Manny Mori, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert, Japanese Ambassador Eiichi Suzuki and Ambassador John Fritz of the FSM Embassy in Japan, the Former Prime Minister of Japan, the Honorable Yoshiro Mori, made his third visit to Chuuk State on June 11, heading a delegation that included Mr. Nakagawa, a life living treasure for Japan, various rotarians, and a handful others who have family ties in Chuuk.
    Mori’s and Nakagawa’s fathers lived in Chuuk during the Japanese Administration of Micronesia and were stationed on the island of Toleisom through the end of the Pacific War. Both returned to Japan after the war.
Morning of June 11
    At the Blue Lagoon Resort, Governor Johnson Elimo officially received the Former Prime Minister and his delegation in a welcome breakfast reception that was preceded by a courtesy meeting between the Governor and Mr. Mori the morning of June 11.
    Joining Governor Elimo in welcoming the dignitaries at the Blue Lagoon Resort were the First Lady of Chuuk State, Mrs. Bersita Elimo, the President of The Senate, the Honorable Mark Mailo, the Speaker of the House, the Honorable Inosenti Oneisom, Mrs. Noket and the Honorable Kamino Noket, Chief Justice, and other officials of the state government.
    In a brief remark at the breakfast, Governor Elimo extended a special welcome on behalf of the people and the leadership of Chuuk to “Mori Sense” and the rest of the visiting friends.
    “I understand this is your third visit to Chuuk, for which the people of Chuuk are very grateful, as it shows your deep regard of and affinity toward this place”, Governor Elimo told Mr. Mori through an interpreter.
    Governor Elimo also noted the presence of some members of the families of Mori, Nakayama and Aizawa who accompanied the Former Prime Minister on this trip. The Governor said that this visit has highlighted the importance of “remembering, celebrating and solidifying” the special familial and friendship bonds that exist between the people of Chuuk and the people of Japan.
    Speaking through an interpreter, Former Prime Minister Mori commended about the excellent weather condition and thanked Governor Elimo and President Mori for the hospitality extended to him during all his visits.
    The Former Prime Minister talked about the affinity he and Mr. Nakagawa have toward Chuuk as a result of the kindness and care that enabled their fathers to survive the difficult living conditions during and after the war.
     Mr. Mori also spoke of the need to improve living standards in Chuuk to attract more visitors and raise living conditions for everyone, calling on the Japanese visitors to work together with the islanders in every way to bring about improvements.
Going to Toleisom
    Mori Sense and his friends, accompanied by President Mori and Governor Elimo, spent the rest of the day on a journey to Toleisom, stopping first in Netutu where the visitors paid respect to the grave of the late Susumu Aizawa, a part-Japanese Paramount Chief in Toleisom, and later at Foson Village, where there is a burial location for some Pacific War-related casualties from Japan.
    After the eventful day at Toleisom, a dinner reception was held at the Blue Lagoon Resort by President Mori in honor of Mori Sense and the visitors. At this dinner, Mori Sense expressed his appreciation to the President and Governor Elimo, most especially those who helped to make the trip and activities to Foson Village possible.
    Also at the dinner, Lieutenant Governor Ritis Heldard spoke on behalf of the Governor and the people of Chuuk, reiterating the Governor’s message of gratitude to Mori Sense for taking time to visit Chuuk all these years. The Lieutenant Governor also mentioned that the people of Chuuk are appreciative of the special bond and the many assistance and interactions that continue to take place between FSM and Japan.
June 12 Departure from Chuuk
    Before he left for Japan on June 12, Former Prime Minister Mori paid respect to the grave of the former FSM President Tosiwo Nakayama in Mwan Village and had breakfast with the Japan-FSM Friendship Society – Chuuk Chapter at Truk Stop Restaurant. On his way to the Chuuk International Airport, he also made stops at the Chuuk Women Council’s Shinobu Poll Convention Center in Nepukos and the War Memorial Monument at Bay View.
    Mori Sense and those departing with him were hosted for lunch at the Leiside Restaurant right next to the airport where they rested before embarking on their way back to Japan through Guam.
    The 85th Prime Minister of Japan previously visited Chuuk on September 20, 2001 and September 16, 2008.

PALIKIR, POHNPEI. - Former Prime Minister of Japan Yoshiro Mori returned to Palikir on June 10, 2012 to enjoy the fruits of a tree he planted when he first visit the Federated States of Micronesia in September 2001.

On the 19th of September 2001, Mori-sensei led a delegation to the Federated States of Micronesia to meet with the national leadership as invited by then President Leo A. Falcam. During his meeting with members of the 12th FSM Congress they established the FSM-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League and both Mori-sensei and the then Speaker Jack Fritz each planted a coconut tree to symbolically signify the cultivation of a new partnership.

In September of 2008 Mori-Sensei again visited the FSM, this time at the invitation of Speaker Isaac V. Figir and members of the 15thFSM Congress. Congress acknowledged his prominent role in the successful realization of undertakings such as Pohnpei's airport extension, completion of its circumferential road and the appointment of a resident Ambassador to the FSM. As part of the invitation, Mori addressed Congress live from the Chamber where he called on the leadership of the FSM to explore further means of enhancing the FSM-Japan relationship.

This third visit Mori-sensei joined Japan's 120-member delegation on the inaugural direct-flight from Japan to the FSM on June 9th to officially witness the completion of the Japan funded project for the runway extension and facility improvement of the Pohnpei International Airport.

After the ceremonies for the inaugural flight, on June 10 2012, Mori-sensei returned to Palikir with a small 11-member delegation accompanied by Japan Ambassador to the FSM His Excellency Eiichi Suzuki and FSM Ambassador to Japan His Excellency John Fritz to see his fruit-bearing coconut tree.

Vice Speaker Berney Martin and Senator Roger S. Mori welcomed Mori-sensei and his delegation with refreshments mostly from the coconut tree. Mori-sensei was pleasantly surprised by the development of his tree which was bearing fruits and equally delighted when provided a coconut drink from his tree along with a hat woven from its leaves. Mori-sensei and his delegation were treated to refreshments and products made from the versatile coconut tree.

The visit wrapped-up close to two hours later and the group headed out to visit the ancient ruins of Nan Madol.

Hey KPress!

The Northern Outer Islands of Chuuk are in crisis again.

The Nomonuitoes and all of the Northern Islands have lost their access to air transportation. We can no longer call for medical evacuation nor bring in personnel or hardware for The Cuthbert Project, located at WeiPat High. We are hosting, on Onoun, an educational symposium in early July and all of the participants will have to travel by boat and gas, when available, is almost $8.00 per gallon. We, the people of the Northern Islands need your immediate intervention and help.

K PRESS PERSPECTIVE

Why I "hate" "PNI Nation"
Or is it text messages? I can't remember

I imagine that on publication day I will be able to actually hear the gasps and the little sucking sounds from thousands of fan navels collectively puckering when they read the headline for this KPress Perspective. Before "PNI Nation" fans get nuts and storm my front door and etch little hateful messages into the paint on my car take a deep breath and read on.

On February 8, 2011, I spoke at the National Economic Symposium in Chuuk which had been called to address the topic Overcoming Impediments to Growth. I believe the participants at the symposium understood that the country has a long way to go and a short time to get there. The FSM's gross domestic product is essentially unchanged since 1995. Per capita income, adjusted for inflation, has stagnated since the early 1980s. The main source of income and employment remains the public sector, which is largely funded by Compact grants and other U.S. federal programs. Government operations are becoming increasingly constrained as Compact funding decreases (as planned) year after year until it ends in 2023. FSM citizens are leaving for good in large numbers – some 2,000 a year, including some of the country's best and brightest – in search of the opportunities the FSM economy is not generating.

We all know that the FSM faces impediments to growth that are inherent to Pacific Island economies: relatively high costs of energy and transportation, small domestic markets, and frequent natural disasters. These are a reality of doing business here and cannot be changed. However, in my 2011 speech, I spoke of a number of impediments to growth that could be changed: ones that were the result of human choice and those which have created a policy environment that impedes private-sector led growth.

I am not a lone voice crying in the wilderness on this. Every year, for example, the World Bank reviews laws, regulations, and practices in ten different areas including registering property, getting electricity, paying taxes, starting a business, and enforcing contracts. I think all would agree that these are of critical importance to any businessman, foreign or domestic, and, in total, are a fair and straightforward way to evaluate the "business climate" of a country.

So how is the FSM doing in these ten areas?

Well, the answer is not a happy one. Year after year, the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report (http://www.doingbusiness.org/reports) puts the FSM's business climate among the also-rans and flat-out losers in the global economy – a rating, sadly, that is perfectly consistent with the country's poor economic performance and prospects. In 2012, the World Bank placed the FSM 140 out of 183 countries in its overall rating. This means that the FSM is among the most difficult places in the world to do business. What should be even more eye-opening (and action-inspiring): No country in the Pacific Ocean rated lower than the FSM. Not one.

The purpose of the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report is to spur macroeconomic reforms – and it works. Doing Business 2012 shows that governments in 125 economies out of 183 that were measured implemented a total of 245 business regulatory reforms—13 percent more reforms than in the previous year.
Unfortunately, the same report made clear that in the FSM another year passed without tackling the impediments to growth that the country can control.
Admittedly, some painfully slow progress has been made in implementing tax reform. The proposed tax reforms would, among other things, incentivize local business to reinvest their profits into new and expanding enterprises. They would also improve the administration of the tax system to ensure that everyone is paying what is owed. If this country is to have modern health and education systems after the end of direct Compact funding, it simply must have a modern tax system and vibrant economy to fund them.

However, we have yet to see any progress with regard to land registration and titling reform. No sensible investor, domestic or foreign, wants to put his money into improving someone else's property. An investor needs security of title, lease, or easement. In this sector the FSM ranks 183. That's not a typographical error. The World Bank considers the FSM the worst place in the world in terms of registering property. At least according to the World Bank, you're better off trying to secure property in war torn Afghanistan than you are in the FSM. You can argue the point, but the message this rating sends to potential investors is unmistakable: Steer clear, look elsewhere.

The World Bank also flunked the FSM in the area of enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency. It is not hard to see why this is important: A business cannot be successful if it cannot depend on the contracts it signs or collect the debts it is owed.

Per the World Bank ranking, the FSM rates 146 out of 183 in enforcing contracts and 164 out of 183 on resolving insolvency. On the later, the FSM rates lower than Haiti, which is still recovering from a devastating earthquake that destroyed its national capital – not to mention its history of failed governments. The FSM rates slightly better than Rwanda (the scene of one of the worst genocides in the 20th century) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (scene of the world's deadliest conflict since World War II, killing more than five million people since 1998). I am personally familiar with Rwanda, having served as the State Department's Desk Officer for that country, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, having served there for two years at the height of the fighting. Believe me, any time you are lumped in with these two, you are in trouble. A high-level review of courts' capacity to handle commercial matters quickly and transparently is in order. This systemic failure is yet another impediment that could be removed.

Overcoming these and the other impediments to growth requires effort and creativity, and – let's be blunt – will entail sacrifice and perhaps short-term pain. While most will benefit from tax reform, a few are bound to pay higher taxes – and you can be sure they will do everything in their power to stand in the way of reform. Some may profit from a chaotic system of land registration too, but many more are kept from engaging in business or even their own home improvements, because they cannot secure title to a piece of property.

Reliance on foreign donors or fly-by-night development schemes is not a strategy for long-term success. However, decades of experience around the world demonstrate that comprehensive reforms along the lines suggested by the World Bank and others will, over time, result in greater economic activity and a higher standard of living. In addition, the effort to comprehensively address the man-made impediments to growth would be evidence of political courage and a seriousness of purpose towards self-reliance which is a key principle of the Compact of Free Association between our two nations. A tall order to be sure, but certainly not an impossible one.

June 8, 2012
After nearly three decades of making available much needed after-school academic assistance to under-represented high school students in Palau, the TRIO Upward Bound Program at Palau Community College has once again been awarded to continue its services. The US Department of Education award in the amount of $1,781,750 will ensure that the long-running TRIO Upward Bound legacy at PCC of helping under-represented college-bound students in the Republic of Palau will be guaranteed for another five-year cycle.

Initiated back in 1983, the Upward Bound program's mission remains unchanged and it is to provide fundamental support and opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. The 110 college-bound high school students who are enrolled in the program are required to take classes in core courses such as Mathematics, English Composition, Literature, Laboratory Science, and Foreign Language. Additional services such as academic tutoring, advising on college preparation and readiness, assistance in completing college admission and financial aid applications, and preparation for college entrance examination are provided. Furthermore, the services of UB program, under this new grant, have been extended comprehensively to include such services as counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy for students and parents, guidance on the assistance in secondary school reentry, and alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts.

Island Food Community of Pohnpei (IFCP) received $1,000 donation from Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Federated States of Micronesia on 5 June 2012.

This is given to IFCP to keep going with its awareness effort of the benefits of Micronesian indigenous island food among people in the Federated States of Micronesia from all generations.

Since it is chartered in 2004, IFCP has been conducting the Go Local campaign (encourage people to plant, grow, maintain, harvest, cook and eat more local food) for its CHEEF benefits (Culture, Health, Environment, Economy and Food Security).

Changes toward healthy lifestyle have been taken by community and church groups. Mand community, Madolehnimw and Kosrae Kolonia Congregational Church banned the use of soft drinks at their event.

Moreover, Go Local campaign has been showing its influence in the town. Before IFCP was established, there were rarely unique yellow fleshed bananas and local cooked food in Kolonia town; however, there are those types of bananas and local ready-to-eat take outs in town for sale.

Above examples are just few of the many good healthy changes.

IFCP is very fortunate and grateful to encounter these healthy changes made by people in the Federated States of Micronesia.

The support given to IFCP from Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Federated States of Micronesia will assist IFCP to make more impact and accelerate this trend toward "going local."

IFCP would like to express gratitude to Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Federated States of Micronesia.

Special thanks are given to IFCP funding sources: SPC CePaCT, Australian Embassy, SPC Healthy Life-Style, UNESCO, Division of Public Health of Pohnpei Department of Health Services, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Saturday, 7 July 2012 is the Island Food Community of Pohnpei (IFCP) 3rd annual Fun Run/Walk and Plant!

IFCP will encourage public to get enough exercise for a day in a local way. Instead of running or walking 5k, participants will run or walk to the designated government area and plant indigenous local plants such as yellow flesh banana, pandanus, papaya, lime and more.

Planting local food will require much physical exercise and provide healthy nutritious food when it is grown. It also takes important role in securing the food for the future. IFCP FUN RUN/WALK/PLANT will be an event that will benefit all people in Pohnpei.

Time: 7am (registration starts around 6:30am)

Starting Place: Palm Terrace Parking Lot, Kolonia, Pohnpei

Registration Fee: $5

Designated government area: Ohmine and Kolonia Elementary School, Pohnpei Legislature compound, Dekehtik causeway and Pohnpei State Department of Health Services compound

All participants who planted a local plant will receive a NEW IFCP Let's Go Local! Cap.

For more information, call IFCP at 320-3259.

FSM now ranked at Tier 2 Watch List, the highest level it has ever attained

June 21, 2012
Federated States of Micronesia—The 2012 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for efforts to curb human trafficking during 2011 was issued by the US State Department yesterday in Washington D.C.  The Federated States of Micronesia was returned to the Tier 2 Watch List after a year at the Tier 3 status, the lowest status attainable. 

For activities in 2008 and 2009, FSM was on the Tier 2 Watch List.  Because FSM was on the Tier 2 Watch List for two years in a row without any improvements or apparent law enforcement efforts to curb Human Trafficking it was demoted on the 2011 report on 2010 activities to Tier 3

Mwokillese dancers pose before performing at the reception.

June 10, 2012
Pohnpei, FSM—To celebrate the historic first direct commercial flight from Tokyo to Pohnpei, the FSM government played host at a gala standing room only reception at the Cliff Rainbow Hotel and Restaurant.

Due to the late arrival of United Airlines flight 1864 the program did not get started until after 8:00 that evening and food was not served to the hungry travelers until after the speaking portion of the program was completed.

After dinner was served, the visiting guests from Japan were entertained by energetic traditional dances in traditional dress by a group from Mwokilloa who call themselves Jupwiki Paranno. The dedicated group consists of dancers as young as kindergartners and as old as college students. Though the travelers were tired by the time they performed, the dancers brought down the house.

At the beginning of the program Pohnpei's Governor Ehsa who stood at the podium in a light rain, welcomed the visitors of UA 1864 including former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, Keiko Hamada of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Takki, (Hideaki Takizawa), "a Japanese superstar."

He said that the inaugural flight was a "symbol of commitment, cooperation and friendship between Pohnpei and Japan."

He reminded the visitors and guests that Pohnpei shares a common past with Japan and that many Pohnpeians have Japanese family names. "Names like Yamaguchi and Nakasone," he said. Both Senators were in the audience.

Governor Ehsa thanked Japan for the many evidences of support for Pohnpei including the airport, the seaport, and the circumferential road, among a host of other projects that have benefitted the people of Pohnpei.

He praised the people of Japan for their resilience and innovation, welcomed them with a "warm spirit of kaselehlie," and said that he hoped that their visit would enrich their lives long after they returned to Japan.

FSM President Manny Mori invited Hideaki Takizawa to the platform and presented a certificate of appointment for the Japanese film and music star to serve as an Ambassador of Goodwill "to promote and strengthen the friendly relations between the people of the Federated States of Micronesia and Japan."

Japan's Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, or Mori sensei as he his known with respect, was next to speak. As always, Mori Sensei was personable, humorous, and a delight to watch and to hear even through a translator even if he did not deliver the State message that FSM representatives expected.

He began by thanking Governor Ehsa for stopping the rain that earlier in the day had fallen in torrents. "But then I understand the Governor can do anything," he joked through a remarkable translator; a citizen of the FSM. He requested that Governor Ehsa share his techniques with Governor Elimo of Chuuk, his next stop on the journey, and his third visit to the State of Chuuk where his father served on Toleisom during World War II.

"At 10:00 this morning, when I was in the airport in Narita I heard the announcement for boarding on UA 1864 to Pohnpei, Micronesia and my heart shivered," he said through his translator. "When I heard it I knew that the dream had finally come to be."

That particular announcement had never in history been made at Tokyo International Airport.

"Imagine, only five hours from Tokyo to Pohnpei," he said. But the flight was supposed to have been an hour shorter. He joked that when the United Airlines Captain told the passengers that the flight would be an hour longer than planned he assumed that the Captain didn't know a direct route to Pohnpei and had to start over again.

He said that the usual travel route to Pohnpei is very expensive because travelers have to pass through Guam which requires a transit and because "the airfare from Guam to Pohnpei is very expensive."

He told the Japanese passengers of UA 1864 that they were all goodwill ambassadors from Japan to the FSM.

He reminded the audience of the history of Japan's occupation of the islands that now make up the FSM and how the local people supported Japanese troops when they had no food or supplies. Mori Sensei's father was one of them.

"I feel strongly about providing assistance to the Pacific Islands," Mori sensei said through the interpreter. "Prime Minister Noda pledged whatever he can in front of everyone at PALM6 to do all that he can for FSM and the rest of the Pacific Island nations," he reminded the audience.

He said that Pohnpei is not yet ready to handle "this many people coming in on an airplane," and joked about geckoes falling from the ceilings of the accommodations. "While you are here, look at what is needed and think about ways that you can help," he challenged the passengers, most of whom already have deep ties to the FSM.

He challenged them to think about ways to preserve Pohnpei's attractive natural environment and about ideas for renewable energy.

After Mori sensei's "off script" speech he introduced a fellow passenger, Mr. Nakagawa, who he introduced as living national treasure for Japan. Nakagawa's father had also served in Chuuk during World War II and during the reception presented to FSM's President Manny Mori, a valuable metal sculpture he had made especially for the event.

Hideaki Takizawa, or "Takki" as his website and many of his fans call him, proposed a toast to the FSM and to the Friendship Flight between Tokyo and Pohnpei before dinner was served.

Pohnpei, FSM—In the very late afternoon of June 9, the arrivals area of Pohnpei International Airport (PNI) was rammed full of people from two nations, the Federated States of Micronesia and Japan.  They were all there to celebrate the handing over to Pohnpei State of airport improvement projects that were funded by grants from Japanese Overseas Development Assistance.  The ODA program funded the complete renovation of the airport terminal and also paid for the extension of the PNI runway.

The celebration was also to commemorate the arrival of the first ever direct charter flight from Tokyo to Pohnpei.  United Airlines flight 1864 carried 120 passengers including former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and Japanese film and recording superstar, Hideaki Takizawa.

A memorial plaque and ladder was set in place in honor of Becky Schaffer, aged 23, the WorldTeach Volunteer who died in a fall at Liduduhniap Waterfall. The volunteer died tragically when she slipped and fell about 40 feet onto rocks in the waterfall's lower pool on August 6th, 2011. The accident occurred while she and several other WorldTeach Volunteers were at the falls. Schaffer's mother and father visited Pohnpei in January to view the site of the tragedy and spread some of her ashes at the falls. While here, they made a donation for the construction and installation of a rope ladder at the falls to help prevent future accidents. Rick Herman designed and installed the ladder along with a plaque honoring Schaffer's life. At the dedication of the plaque and ladder were Rick Herman, U.S. Ambassador Peter A. Prahar, and the in-country WorldTeach, Field Director, Kate Troutman.

June 2, 2012
Palikir, Pohnpei, FSM—In celebration of Australia's Reconciliation Week, the Australian Embassy to the FSM partnered with local radio station, Paradise Radio (V6W1 FM 89.5) to put on its first ever music and dance festival in Pohnpei. Admission was free to the public and it was a "family friendly event. Attendees could also get free t-shirts from the event.

Leaders and support staff sit down for PALM 6 in Okinawa

May 26, 2012 Okinawa, Japan—Despite Japan's ongoing recovery efforts in the aftermath of the great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda today pledged $500 million US dollars in assistance over the next three years to Pacific Island Forum member countries (FICs). He made the commitment as part of the "Okinawa 'Kizuna' Declaration," at the sixth PALM (Pacific Island Leaders Meeting) held on May 25 and 26 at the Busena Terrace resort in Nago, Okinawa. Prime Minister Noda said that Japan fulfilled the promise it made during PALM5 by providing $493 million US dollars to FICs over the last three years. That aid was used to fund measures across the Pacific region to address environmental issues and climate change; to overcome vulnerabilities and to promote human security in FICs; and to enhance people-to-people exchanges.

President Mori is treated to a red carpet reception as he arrives
by chartered jet for the Young PALM in Miyakojima, Okinawa
complete with a symphonic band.

May 26, 2012 Okinawa, Japan—Sitting in his top floor suite at the Five Star Busena Terrace Resort in Nago, Okinawa we asked FSM’s President Manny Mori whether he felt a sense of obligation to the Japanese government for their luxurious treatment of Pacific Island leaders during the PALM 6 summit. With one hour to go before the opening of the summit it was an important question at an important moment. “I don’t feel a sense of obligation but a sense of gratitude that Japan wants to continue to engage in the Pacific region,” he said. “PALM is a very healthy exercise that takes place every three years and this year was even better and more important because of the grass roots movement of the Young Palm,” he said. He was referring to the Young Palm that took place in Miyakojima, Okinawa, an island one hour south by plane from Okinawa’s big island.

May 25, 2012Miyakojima, Okinawa

Accompanied by an excellent symphonic band consisting of young residents of the island, Miyakojima dignitaries treated Pacific Island leaders to a full red carpet reception as their charter plane arrived for the Young PALM presentation. Each of the Forum Island Countries (FICs) sent two young representatives to the Young PALM. The Federated States of Micronesia was represented by Anne Marie Rosario, and Adanacio Primo. Rosario and Primo are students at Pohnpei Islands Central School (PICS). Both said that they made friends from around the Pacific that they will never forget. Their chaperone was Cliff James. 

The idea of the Young PALM was to foster mutual understanding of young people in the Pacific region. That afternoon, participants dramatically read the contents of the Young PALM Declaration. On conclusion of the reading they presented a dramatic dance after which young people of each nation were asked to accompany their leaders to a position on the stage and to present a hard copy of the declaration. The text of the declaration follows: 

At Young PALM we have learned that working together is essential to achieve a mutual goal. As leaders of your nations, responsibility falls upon you to actively engagein a united effort to bring together the people of our region. Thus, strengthening diplomatic relations and removing cultural barriers.

Our Pacific region is known for being a paradise in itself, hence Miyako Island has been deemed the perfect location for this year’s young PALM meeting, as it is a great example of an eco-friendly island. Our mission is to learn about environmental issues and to propose solutions that will be in the best interest of every nation represented here at PALM 6. In the past three days, we have immersed ourselves in the Okinawan culture, people and sights, as well as deepened our friendships with other participants. Our excursion to the Sodeyama Water Treatment Plant, and lectures from Dr. Sakurai and local high school students have opened our eyes to water related issues and solutions relevant to our lives. The four major issues regarding water in our Pacific islands are:  

Water Resource Management

There is a decreased quality and quantity of water due to pollution. We are alarmed that there are inadequate regulations in place to prevent water pollution, sustain water quality, and ensure water security.

International Cooperation

Pacific islands lack the finance or ability to secure their water access on their own.

Education for Sustainable Development

Lack of education leads to environmentally destructive human activities, such as the wasting of water.

Further Issues

Other problems exist due to human activity, contamination of the sea, and excessive CO2.

I. Water resource conservation

We Young PALMers promise to:

1. Contribute to the improvement of water facilities

2. Encourage people to apply suitable technology for each region.

3. Assist others in our communities in managing water.

4. Understand the importance of water, and use it carefully.

Our governments should:

1. Increase funding for the improvement of water facilities.

2. Provide more water storage systems.

3. Make laws and legislation for the preservation of water concerning water protection zones.

4. Monitor the safety, quality and quantity of water.

5. Create different methods to purify water.

6. Regulate the activities of factories to prevent pollution of our seas.

II. International Cooperation

1. Our governments and the Asia-Pacific Water Forum should establish a union regarding water, that:

a. Monitors and advises its member countries.

b. Sets and accomplishes short and long term goals.

c. Is able to evaluate its performance.

2. Increase Official Development Assistance.

3. Declare that every country should reduce CO2 emissions, in turn preventing the flooding of small islands.

4. Cooperate with other countries in planning water emergency strategies, checking waste management, and sharing technological knowledge. Help countries that lack safe water by searching for the most suitable ways to

allow for water sustainability.

5. Raise awareness on exploitation of natural resources by foreign countries, by spreading knowledge using mass media.

6. Hold frequent international events on environmental problems where younger generations can make suggestions to their government leaders on environmental issues.

III. Education for Sustainable Development

We Young PALMers promise to:

1. Study water related issues that affect the Pacific to solve these problems by strongly recommending eco-friendly lifestyles.

2. Utilize mass media to spread our opinions on environmental matters.

Our government should:

1. Manage their resources by educating communities and the world as a whole about prioritizing environmental matters.

IV. Further issues

We Young PALMers promise to:

1. Preserve our local environments by participating in volunteer services to keep our islands beautiful for future generations.

2. Participate in activities to promote awareness concerning water related issues, and share environmental problems and solutions with others.

3. Adopt eco-friendly habits by completing the “6 R’s”: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, Repair, and Respect.

4. Use alternative transport that does not give off carbon dioxide and other gases that affect our atmosphere.

Our governments should:

1. Take leadership in improving the economy, water security, and water resource management in order to earn trust from their people and be a good role model for the international community.

As participants of Young PALM 2012, we envision a world where every person has access to safe and clean drinking water, where Mother Nature thrives without negative impacts from humans.

As we stand here today proposing these solutions to the leaders of our nations, we also declare our commitment to minimize our impact on the environment, conserve our water resources, and respect each other’s cultures.

One country cannot combat c l i m a t e change alone;

i n t e r n a t i o n a l cooperation is essential.

After all, we all live on one planet.

FSM Ambassador John Fritz, Adanacio Primo, Anne Marie Rosario and
FSM Secretary for Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert

Satoshi Endo describes the nightmare of rescue efforts

May 24, 2012 Fukushima, Japan—"When I saw the 'black wave', I was thinking of Indonesia," said Tomomi Sato through a translator. "The earthquake was bad but the tsunami was really scary. I was lucky because I could run but I knew that old people could not run and there was nothing I could do." "While I was running I thought maybe I should go back and get my car so that I could get away from the 'black wave' but when I looked back my car was floating already." She ran faster. Sato who once worked at the local hospital is now employed only part time at the information center in the Fukushima Prefecture in the Hisanohama Temporary Shopping Street in Iwaki. The walls of the information center are plastered with hundreds of photos taken in the aftermath of Japan's most devastating natural disaster. Even seeing is not believing the devastation of a Japan's largest measured earthquake followed by a wall of water 7.44 meters high, nearly 24 and a half feet. To compound matters 85,000 buildings were damaged in Iwaki alone when in mid April an earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Japanese scale centered directly below Fukushima let loose its fury. Iwaki City's losses are low compared to some other Eastern Japan cities. "Only" 310 people died in Iwaki in the March 11, 2011 disasters and "only" 37 people are still considered to be missing. Fukushima Prefecture had a total of 1605 deaths and 214 are still considered missing. The Miyagi Prefecture suffered 9,516 fatalities and 1,581 are missing. Iwate Prefecture had 4,671 fatalities and 1,222 are missing. Wrecked ghost ships are stacked at the Iwaki port, along with the carcass of one lonely silver minivan, but most of the rubble from the disaster is gone. "Since the rubble has been removed it feels like progress but while it was here it felt desperate," Sato said. 60 kilometers of snaggle toothed seawalls and coastline serve as a reminder, as if Iwaki's residents would ever need to be reminded, of the devastation that occurred on March 11, 2011.

Tomomi Sato describes the horror of March 11, 2011

Eight journalists from the Pacific Islands invited by the government of Japan toured the hardest hit area of Iwaki in the Hisonahama district. It was rainy and cold with an umbrella inverting wind. The forecast was for 15 degrees Celsius but it was colder than that and the wind chill factor had to be near freezing as we shuffled amongst the foundations of long gone homes near the Hisonahama shoreline. We quickly glanced at the broken sea wall and many of us braved a climb onto it to see the crashing ocean beyond it. We listened with chattering teeth as our guides told us that the two seemingly intact houses that remained were uninhabitable due to sea water inundation and we glanced at the "red gate" of one of three Buddhist shrines that had survived the tsunami against all odds though all structures around them were destroyed. But throughout the tour we not so secretly longed for the heat of the bus and when the time came to board we made a dash for it. Later one survivor of the March 11, 2011 Eastern Japan disaster told us that many residents were walking around in short pants on the afternoon of the earthquake. She said that after the earthquake skies blackened and it began to snow. "We really thought it was the end of the world when the black wave came." We cringed to think of how it must have been on that day and some of us hung our heads in shame. We hadn't experienced anything like they had experienced and what we experienced was plenty tough on us. Satoshi Endo, 36, is still a volunteer firefighter. He was one of hundreds of people working to rescue those who were trapped and injured after the tsunami. The devastation, injury and loss of life was hard to take but he didn't have time to stop and think about it. "These were people who were kind to me all of my life," he said. "The sanitary conditions were very bad," he said. The air was bad and he waded in waste water sludge for hours on end working to rescue his neighbors. He was very lucky. Even a small cut in such conditions could have resulted in an infection that could easily have killed him or at least have made him deathly ill. Again he said he didn't have time to stop and think about that. He that said death had a deep effect on all of the rescuers.

Katsuo Sato and his wife talk about their drastically altered future

"As Buddhists we would normally stop and pray but we just didn't have the time." They didn't have time to properly say goodby to their departed neighbors until the Buddhist festival in August, a time when the dead are said to come back and inhabit their original dwellings. And after touching dead bodies with his bare hands all day there was no place to wash. Again, he had no time to think about it when it came time to eat. He had to eat. By the time the disaster struck, Katsuo Sato who is now 70 years old had been operating his successful appliance store 100 meters from the Iwaki shoreline for 50 years and he had been considering the possibility of retirement. The tsunami did not destroy his building; the place where he and his wife also lived and where his children grew up. The fires that followed did that. But none of the disasters: the earthquake, the tsunami, the fires, or the radiation from the damaged Daiichi, Fukushima power plant over 50 kilometers away could destroy his determination. "This disaster will not beat me," he said, and his wife went into the back room unable to contain her tears. Ironically, he claims the relief efforts of the Red Cross may have put a damper on the future prospects for his business.

A lonely Pacific Island journalist surveys the damage in the
Hisanohama devestated area

The Red Cross provided appliance sets to thousands of refugees living in temporary housing units. They were desperately needed but Mr. Sato said that he didn't know where the appliances were purchased but they were not purchased through his business or any local businesses he knew of. "They (residents of temporary housing units) will already have appliances if they decide to come back," he said. Like the 10 other business owners on the Hisonohama Temporary Shopping Street who were displaced by the East Japan disasters Mr. Sato can occupy his tiny business quarters for three years rent free. The structure was provided by the central government. Business owners at the Hisanohama Temporary Shopping Street treated Pacific Islands journalists like long lost friends and when some of us ducked into any one of the shops to make a purchase they were effusive in their thanks. It was cold and rainy and the Sato family provided coffee for all of their visitors. We became quick friends. Sato, like other business owners on the street said that the future of his business and his livelihood will depend on reconstruction and how it proceeds.

May 22, 2012 Iwaki City, Fukushima, Japan—Colorless, odorless, intangible, and almost impossible to contain; "harmful rumors," as Iwaki City Mayor Takao Watanabe calls them, clamped the city shut from outside relief for many days after the triple threat tragedies of March 11, 2011.

Iwaki was essentially cut off from the outside world after international journalists including Al Jazeera announced to the world that the nuclear accident at the Daiichi Fukushima Power Plant was equal to, or greater than the Chernobyl meltdown that happened in 1986. After those media reports, very few in Japan were willing to deliver products and services to Iwaki City, over 50 kilometers away from the damaged power plant. More than a year later, health and nuclear experts still argue about the severity of the radiation released by the nuclear reactors at the Daiichi Fukushima plant. From news story to news story, supporting radiation statistics vary depending on the angle of the reporter or the publication. Some of the numbers are so obviously "spun" in a positive or a negative direction that they insult the intelligence of the reader.

Apparently picking the accurate information is difficult to do even for "the experts." As a result, many consumers both inside and outside of Japan have adhered to the adage, "When in doubt, leave it out." Rightly or wrongly, the economy of Iwaki has suffered through no fault of its own. "The prevention of goods distribution due to damage to infrastructure and harmful rumors with nuclear power station accidents caused tremendous difficulties in citizens' lives. We had to wait in a long line to purchase daily necessities and petrol," said an Iwaki City publication entitled 'One Year from the Great East Japan Earthquake: Documentary Record of Iwaki City'. The report showed photos of nearly empty shelves in Iwaki stores and long queues of citizens waiting to buy what little remained in the stores that could be bought in order to feed their families.

Ultimately getting supplies into Iwaki required the intervention of the central government and then only after Mayor Watanabe pleaded with them. The Iwaki City government hosted "All Nippon Caravan" events in over 50 venues starting with events that displayed Iwaki agricultural products in front of Shimbashi Station in April. The city "is striving to convey 'accurate information' to consumers via various media" including newsletters, postcards, websites and PR films. "Iwaki is still progressing towards the elimination of harmful rumors and restoration of production , shipment and business trading to the level before the earthquake, as the second largest industrial city in the Tokoku region," the Iwaki City report says. Mayor Watanabe told Pacific Island journalists that tourism to Iwaki City has decreased by 30 percent but that Spa Resort Hawaiian, a local tourist resort has seen a three percent increase. Spa Resort Hawaiian, Manager Toshihiro Shimoyamada said that many of the resort's current guests report that they came because they want to support the disaster stricken areas of Japan.

Hula girls lead resort guests in a hula dance

The "Hula Girls" who perform daily shows at the Spa Resort Hawaiian may have had something to do with that. The Japanese "Hula dancers" demonstrated the opposite of "harmful rumors" when they took their show on the road for a five month tour of Japan in the aftermath of the March 11, 2011 disaster. They performed on 247 stages in 125 locations and in 26 prefectures as well as in Seoul, South Korea. The dance troupe became something of an icon of Japanese reconstruction. Many say they were a source of encouragement for the Japanese people who saw them perform and that they brought the Iwaki Supporters' message to the nation. "Ganbappe!" We can do it! "Everywhere we went we were really accepted. We delivered smiles and we cheered each other up through our dance performances," said Rie Ohmori, sub-leader of the "Hula Girls." The "Hula Girls" have only carried that name since the award winning movie of 2006 of the same name that documented a much earlier triumph of the dancers. It's actually a misnomer because there are men in the troupe as well.

Craft time for residents of Joaban temporary housing

In the 1960's Iwaki was a coal mining town during a time when coal was no longer in demand. The town's economy was in serious jeopardy. The town's residents banded together to "build a Hawaii in Japan." In 1966 the resort, which was then called the Joban Hawaiian Center opened its doors with 18 Japanese "hula" dancers as their centerpiece. The "Hula Girls" are still the centerpiece of what is now the Spa Resort Hawaiian. They recently represented Japan as the Goodwill Ambassadors to the PALM 6 summit held in Okinawa. But the good will won't last forever. Mr. Shimoyamada says that the future of the resort is hard to foresee. Half of the resort hotel rooms are still under reconstruction due to the April 14 aftershock that measured 6.0 on the Japanese scale. Before that time the Spa Resort Hawaiian had suffered very little structural damage and opened its doors to refugees primarily from Hirona, Fukushima; a town that was inside the nuclear exclusion zone. Even after the damage the resort was open to refugees while it rebuilt. 61 year old, Igari Mitsuo was one of the Hirono refugees who stayed at the Spa Resort Hawaiian along with his wife and one grandchild. He currently manages Joaban temporary housing project in Iwaki. He and his family live in three tiny rooms. They have no more space than any of the other residents of the Joaban temporary houses. Mitsuo said that before the evacuation of Hirono, 5000 people lived in his town. He claims that only 300 live there now. He says that the Japanese central government has told Hirono residents to go back home as soon as possible, but Mitsuo, like many other Japanese, has a deep mistrust of the government's instruction and he's not ready to go back. "We can't just go back home," he exclaimed. "The decontamination should be completed," and he reminisced about the clear mountain streams, the edible plants, and the fish in the countryside around his home town. "Even if we go back there are no jobs," he lamented.

In Iwaki City, Mayor Watanabe and his staff members are not ignoring the potential threat of nuclear contamination. It is a high priority in the city's rebuilding plan. Fukushima newspapers publish daily sievert level maps. Sieverts are a measure of radiation. Masato Takahagi, Manager of Iwaki City's Nuclear Hazard Countermeasure Division told visiting Pacific Islands Journalists that the city has 40 Becquerel monitoring machines at 21 monitoring locations for measuring radiation levels in locally grown foods for private consumption. The machines which each cost approximately $27,000 US were purchased because of local concern about possible radiation contamination in the foods people had grown in their own gardens for their own consumption. The service is free of charge to Iwaki residents. If a home grown sample tests high on the smaller machines it will be sent on to a much more sophisticated machine, one that has a purchase price ten times as much as the smaller machines. While testing of locally grown food for private consumption is not compulsory, food intended for market and for export is required to be tested on the "high dollar" machines and it undergoes stringent testing before being released to the market. Takahagi said that Iwaki City has three 'whole body' machines to measure radiation contamination.

According to the Iwaki report, whole body testing of citizens began on the 13th of March, 2011. By the end of October 2011 city health workers had tested a total of 39,046 citizens; over a tenth of the population. None of the citizens required decontamination treatments. Handheld dosimeters are available to residents. One employee demonstrated the meter and after the result was displayed said that the result was no more than every day common background radiation. Despite the "harmful rumors" Iwaki, Fukushima wants everyone to know that it is open for business and it welcomes all comers.

On Wednesdays inOhmine, Pastor TuionoTuitaru and a handfulof volunteers fromthe Christian MissionFellowship haul acauldron of homemadesoup out in front of thechurch and preparethe day's lunch forthose in need in theirneighborhood. By noontime, the soup cups andbread are out on the tableand a group, mainlychildren in their schooluniform shirts, gathers to get some hot lunch.The CMF church's free lunch program hasonly been running for four months, yet it'salready been drawing a crowd. The weeklysoup kitchen is the only one of its kind inPohnpei, but despite its altruistic intentions, ithas drawn controversy over whether hungerissues exist in Pohnpei.The CMF church, largely run by Fijians,has been open in Ohmine for four years andhas run a number of outreach projects in thecommunity."We know the neighborhood,we know that there are many less fortunate,"Tuitaru said. He explained that he just hada sense that people in the community werehungry and that he had conversations withlocal residents about their struggles withgetting food on the table.However, on an island with seemingly endlessbreadfruit and banana trees, there are some inthe neighborhood who disagree about whetherhunger is an actual problem in the community."At first, there was a lot of negative response...many said, 'This is the first time we heard thereare homeless or hungry people on Pohnpei,'"Tuitaru said. "A [government official] said,'Don't put "less fortunate," just say "open toeveryone,"'" referring to the sign for the lunch.The casual observer to the Wednesday lunchscene would be struck by the number ofschoolchildren who come by for a cup of soup."We didn't expect so many from OhmineElementary and from the Catholic school tocome," Tuitaru said.Ohmine Elementary School, which is abouttwo blocks down the road from the CMFchurch, does not serve school lunch andexpects that students return home for lunch orhave parents drop off lunch for their children.According to members of the CMF church,children come for lunch because they eitherlive too far away from school to go home forlunch or do not have food at home to eat.However, the Vice Principal of OhmineElementary, Rosalina Sienes, said that studentsare just being naughty and taking advantage ofthe free lunch nearby and are not an exampleof hunger in the community. She explainedthat the school does not serve lunch becausethere is no cafeteria."The students [at Ohmine Elementary] aren'tless fortunate," Sienes said. "The teachers hearstudents say, 'Let's go and have free lunch' andwe have to explain to them that here, we're notlike the U.S. with starving children."Sienes explained that most students just gohome to eat, have parents drop off lunch, orbring money to buy food at one of the vendorson campus. "Some [students] don't havelunch, but they usually share... even teachersshare," she said, emphasizing that no one goeshungry.From the crowd that has gathered at the churchon recent Wednesdays, it has been hard to tellwhether those stopping by for lunch are trulyin need or just enjoying a free meal.It may be hard to tell if there are hungerproblems in the community because,according to Elizabeth Osy, one of the CMFchurch's lunch program coordinators, peopledon't want to admit to struggling to feed theirfamilies. "It's part of the pride we have inPohnpei – it shows shame if you get hungry,"she said. "People approach [the church] andask for food, for a bag of rice or breadfruit, butthey're not begging."Additionally, she said that leaders don't wantto acknowledge that there are "less fortunate"people in their communities. "It's pride andignorance, leaders are rich people who don'tunderstand... They don't want to see it but it'shappening," Osy said.In Ohmine, she said, a large part of the problemis that many outer islanders move into thealready crowded neighborhood, and there justisn't enough land to adequately plant food.Kolonia senator, Fernando Scaliem, whoalso resides in Ohmine, had not heard of theCMF church or lunch program before.

Hehas not seen or heard of hunger issues in hiscommunity. "When I campaign, people don'task for money or food, they ask for sakau – it'snot a necessity," he said.Although he acknowledges the outer islandmigration into the neighborhood, he saidthat hunger has not been an issue becausemost who move into the community, movein with already-established families. "Here,we're always sharing," he said, referring toPohnpeian's responsibility of taking care offamily and each other.Soup kitchen-style outreach is more commonin Fiji. "Maybe Fijians are not used to oursystem, no Pohnpeians go homeless or hungryunless they're lazy ormentally ill," he said.Scaliem added thathe would be open tospeaking with parents inthe neighborhood to seeif they were strugglingto feed their families,but otherwise believesthat the church is simplydoing something nicefor the children in schoolnearby.Mereseini Seniloli, whoworks in the SustainableAgriculture departmentof the Secretariat of thePacific Community andis also a member of the CMF church, handlesfood security issues on island regularly.Seniloli says that while hunger problemsin communities on Pohnpei can arise frommigration from the outer islands exhaustingresources in overcrowded areas, most has todo with an overreliance on imported foods andunder-utilization of local food and resources."Pohnpei is well-resourced in foods likebreadfruit, pandanus, papaya. The resourcesare there, we just need to meet peoples' needs...Families are not utilizing their resources andthere's too much imported food," Seniloli said.Seniloli said that the agriculture departmentprovides training to Pohnpeians to increaselocal agricultural production and evaluatenutrition, but that the church addresses people'simmediate, basic needs first. "If someone isdying of hunger, how can they listen?" shesaid. "The CMF is for feeding people who areasking for food on the street."She also believes that hunger issues deservemore attention from local government, andthat the problem is more widespread than justOhmine. "Once the need is highlighted, therecan be more help," she said.In the meantime, the Christian MissionFellowship plans on continuing and expandingtheir lunch program in the coming months."Long term, we want to change the menu,pray for donors, and have [lunch] maybe twodays a week, and one day, even every day,"said Tuitaru. "We just hope to keep spreading God's word.

(Kolonia, Pohnpei) - On Friday, May 25,H.E. Peter Prahar, Ambassador of the UnitedStates of America, and his wife Amy showedexceptional attention to the GEAR UP studentsby organizing a special program for the tenScripps Spelling Bee Winners, their teachers,and the GEAR UP staff. "In preparing for theSpelling Bee competition, you demonstratedthat you have the discipline and determinationneeded to succeed in school and, later, in life.For this reason, my wife and I decided that wewanted to do something special – something inyour honor - to recognize you and the teacherswho helped you."Marla Samuel, Awak school Spelling Beewinner, and her teacher Beaumina Soswa;Courtney Simina and Jamie Ann Noket, SekereSchool Spelling Bee winners, and their teachersPhillip Albert and Benrita Petrus; DenzelO.G. Ligohr and Maryfe Quiambao, Nettschool Spelling Bee winners and their teacherAlexander Ponapart; Mitchell Marino andSalyanna Santos, Saladak school Spelling Beewinners, and their teachers Walfred Alfred andFranklin Donre; Sharon Delcampo, OhmineSchool Spelling Bee winner and her teacherLane Ohli; Loni Nick and Rochelle K. Chunn,Kolonia school Spelling Bee winners, and theirteacher Jimmy Gallen; and GEAR UP staff –Bollie Ludwig Taulung, Amber Ham, and NoraKriauzaite – all attended the Ambassador'sspecial program.The program started with a tour of the U.S.Embassy. H.E. Peter Prahar, U.S. Ambassadorto the FSM spoke to the students about theEmbassy's work and role. The Embassystaff showed the premises to the students andexplained their work to them.After the tour of the Embassy, the groupproceeded to the Weather Station where theAmbassador and the Weather Station DirectorEden Skilling spoke to the students about therole and importance of the station for trackingthe weather conditions. The students evenhad a chance to launch a "weather balloon"and observe on the data it was sending downto computers on earth. The observationsstimulated a very interesting group discussionon how can we, the islanders, can learn aboutbad weather or approaching disaster in a timelymanner, and how can we be prepared andprotect ourselves from natural disasters. TheAmbassador noted the Embassy's efforts toimprove disaster preparedness.The students then visited the Pohnpei PublicLibrary and further explored the opportunitiesthat the Library offers the students. Thanks tothe Pohnpei Public Library, over 350 GEAR UPstudents have been granted free library accessfor a year as the Library's in-kind contributionto the GEAR UP program.The students, teachers, and staff were alsowelcomed at the Island Food Community ofPohnpei. The non-governmental organizationdelivered a very enlightening presentation onthe changes in diet in the community and itsconsequences to the health of Pohnpei people,including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.The Island Food Community of Pohnpeipromoted its CHEEF message (Culture, Health,Environment, Economy, and Food Security) tothe GEAR UP students, arguing that that locallygrown foods will keep them healthy, contributeto food security, and be environmentallyfriendly as food transportation will not add tothe "carbon footprint".Later, the U.S. Ambassador showed a videoat his residence that opened with the question,"What is the story of your food?" The videoshowed food's connections to a globalcommunity, the path food takes from seedto table, and how food choices can affect ourhealth as well as people and places aroundthe world. The Ambassador emphasized thatlocally grown foods can contribute to betterhealth. "If I eat healthier, I live longer andhappier. If I eat local food, I am an informedand environmentally cautious citizen, and I alsosupport local farmers."The Ambassador's wife, Mrs. Amy Prahar,showed a very good example of how we can eathealthier by introducing the students, teachers,and staff to her own garden in which she growsa large variety of vegetables. Mrs. Prahar'sluncheon at the Ambassador's residenceshowcased a variety of local foods, includingfish, breadfruit, and other vegetables.H.E. Peter Prahar encouraged the students tocontinue their hard efforts in pursuing theireducations, starting with borrowing booksfrom the Pohnpei Public Library to read overthe summer vacation. The Ambassador alsohad a gift for every student – a book aboutWashington, D.C. - that he presented at the endof the program.On behalf of students, teachers, and staff,the GEAR UP program wishes to expressits sincere appreciation to H.E. Peter Prahar,Ambassador of the United States of America,Mrs. Prahar, and the U.S. Embassy's staff fororganizing this special event.

KOLONIA, Pohnpei (May 25, 2012) -
May 19 was another memorable day for the GEAR UP program students. This day was the culmination of the "Middle School Science Fair Program and Expo" project funded by the Australian Embassy in Pohnpei and implemented, together with six public schools, by the College of Micronesia and GEAR UP program. On Saturday, May 19th, the concluding Science Fair and Expo gathered 76 winners from Awak, Kolonia, Nett, Ohmine, Saladak, and Sekere school science fairs.
At the Expo, 18 groups of students displayed their science research projects, ranging from "What is the fastest way to cool a soda" to "Predicting the weather". The eighth graders were ready to explain to the audience and the judges how they conducted their research and tested their hypothesis using science experiment materials over the last four months. Because students were very prepared, the judges had a tough task determining the winners. After two hours of judging, the judges were able to select the winning groups.
The females took the highest awards. Awak school female groups won first place on the
category of the "Most knowledgeable" with the topic "Converting salt water to salt".
The topic for the group was "How salty does the sea have to be for an egg to float?"
Ohmine school female group came in second on the category of "Most diligent"
with the topic "Measuring surface tension of water with a penny". Their topic was also about "How salty does water have to be for an egg to float?"
The category of "Practical and Applicable" was awarded to Kolonia school female team with the topic "What is the most absorbent type of soil product?" Kolonia school students also won the category of the "Most useful" with the topic on "What is the fastest way to cool a soda?"
Sekere school female group won the "Food security" category with the topic "How do seeds germinate?" An eight grade male student, also from Sekere, won the "Solo player" category with the topic "What is the rate of heat loss?"
Nett school students won the category of the "Most challenging" with the topic "Can
water float on water?" and the category of the "Most creative" with the topic "Offspring". Saladak school students won third place with the topic "Predicting the weather" and the "Most enthusiastic scientists" category with the topic "How does soil affect the PH of water?"
For the winning categories, the Expo offered a variety of prizes donated by the
Australian Embassy, FSM PetroCorp-Vital, Ace Office Supplies, Ace Hardware, Palm
Terrace, MicroPC, Blue Nile, Ray & Dors, Etscheit Enterprises, and Nihco Store. Overall, the project proved to be very successful as it clearly strengthened student
science knowledge and skills as well as received big support and involvement from the schools, Pohnpei State Department of Education, and a big number of volunteers and supporters.
In his remarks, Australian Ambassador Martin Quinn noted Australia's strong commitment to supporting science education and helping students achieve their educational goals. He stated that this experience would not only improve the students' science knowledge but also improve their science skills. "Australia is happy to be a part of this event and we are proud partners with the College of Micronesia and the GEAR UP Program to make today a memorable day for everyone present," the Ambassador said.
Another major contributor to the 2012 Science Fair and Expo, FSM PetroCorp and its subsidiary Vital Energy, also expressed interest in continuing to support science education initiatives in Pohnpei and throughout the FSM in the coming years.
Mr. Alex Nanpei, Project Engineer from
the company's Engineering division, gave some remarks on the importance of fields within the sciences, including engineering, planning, architecture, chemistry and technology, all of which are vital skills within the energy sector. Nanpei stated that youth in science is therefore one of the key areas of community support that FSMPC focuses on annually.
The U.S. Department of Education funded
the GEAR UP program with the aim to prepare students to enter and succeed in post-secondary education. The program will continue its efforts to support students in science and other areas. The GEAR UP program is located at the College of Micronesia-FSM Pohnpei Campus at 3203795.

Congratulations to all the winners: First place winners – Kiona Obispo, Naoko Edwin, Melissa John, and Marla Samuel of Awak school; Second place winner – Maria Johnathan of Ohmine School; Third place winners – Tyron Alex, Vanessa Donre, Natasha Hedgar, and KM Sakai of Saladak school; "Most challenging topic" category winners – Tialana Mallarme, Denzel Ligohr, Timeaca Sohl, Griza Perez, and Brandod Joab of Nett school; "Most enthusiastic scientists" category winners
– Mitchell Marino, Alicia Adalfred, Kelly John, Antryann Lorens, and John Inoke of Saladak school; "Most knowledgeable group" category winners – Leniva Jonathan, Claudia Donre, Britney Aron, and Allysha Samuel of Awak school;
"Solo player" category winner – Jeff Soar of Sekere school; "Most useful" category winner – Marlagna Mihkel, Johannes Mihkel, and Driney Phillipus of Kolonia school; "Food security" category winners –
Jamie Ann Noket, Dory Ann Harry, Daisy Elpet, and Wilma Raymond of Sekere school; "Practical and Applicable" category winners – Natasha Martin, Dorina Pretrick, Lucille Remoket, and Vanessa Rufes of Kolonia School; "Most creative "category winners – Chris Iriarte, Marcel Laylau, Marcelly Laylay, and Rico Setik of Nett school; and the "Most diligent" category winners – Trini Daniels, Sharla William, J.J. Hadley, and Brandy Elias of Ohmine school.

Cyber Safety Pasifika will today launch a new website aimed at helping young members of Pacific Island communities to be safe online by providing information, advice and assistance on cyber safety.Cyber Safety Pasifika is a program which equips police in the variousPacific Island Countries with the knowledge and resources to educate their communities, including youngpeople, teachers and parents, in all aspects of cyber safety.The program draws on Australia's'ThinkUKnow' program and NewZealand's 'NetSafe' program, which help young people to safely navigate the internet.Executive Director Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Don Allan said theCyber Safety Pasifika project is focused on protecting communities, children, youth and other vulnerable people from the impact of cyber-crime."Internet crime is something that police cannot fight alone. We need community support and support from the media to raise awareness of online risks."We acknowledge that the internet brings fantastic learning and recreational opportunities but we need to be conscious of the fact that there are people out there who will use the internet to take advantage of others", Mr Allan said.
The web site (www.cybersafetypasifika.org) contains valuable information about internet safely and encourages parents to remain aware of what their children are doing online. The website also provides advice on how to seek help if things go wrong.
The website launch is the next phase of the Cyber Safety Pasifika program, which was endorsed by all Pacific Island Police Commissioners in August 2011 who declared their support for the need to educate young people and create a safer online environment.
Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police along with the Australian Federal Police and National Rugby League held the first cyber safety 'train the trainer' course as part of the 'Cyber Safety Pasifika' program for Pacific Island
law enforcement on the Gold Coast in February this year.
The course was attended by police from the Cook Islands, Niue, Federated States of Micronesia, Tonga and Samoa who are delighted with the response they have received about the program from their communities.
As cyber use in the Pacific increases, there is a growing importance for cyber safety education for communities in the Pacific. The website will expand the Cyber Pasifika project to the wider Pacific Region. Cyber Safety Pasifika is further supported through broader Pacific wide capacity development by Pacific Police Development Program Regional.

Energy Infrastructure Global a designbuild Renewable Energy InfrastructureFirm has announced that it has opened upa new office in The Federated States ofMicronesia.Energy Infrastructure Global havingoffices in The United States,and Australia is involved in allaspects of renewable energy andenergy infrastructure includingenergy audits, lighting retrofits,solar photovoltaic's, solarthermal, mini - hydro along withwind technology. Sean AngeliniEIG - COO stated... "TheFederated States of Micronesia will be adynamic location for Energy InfrastructureGlobal... this will enable our firm tocapitalize on the strength of the RenewableEnergy and Energy Infrastructure marketsin the North Pacific and beyond."Energy Infrastructure Global's office willbe located in the Country's Capital KoloniaPohnpei. With their total dependenceon diesel fuel to run most of the mini -grids throughout the North Pacific andbecause of the ever increasing fuel costsassociated with this, EIG believes that thiswill be a strategic market location for usin order to help lower the costs that theindividual communities will have to payfor electricity as well as for stabilization ofthe utility grid. EIG is very impressed withthe commitment by the Federated Statesof Micronesia towards Renewable Energyas well as their overall planed reductionof their own carbon footprint which willinevitably help them against the risingcosts of utility rates.Energy Infrastructure Global is proudto partner with a local Pohnpei companyVCS Construction who has an excellentreputation for implementing InfrastructureProjects throughout Micronesia by gettingprojects completed on time and withinbudget. Jose Sannicolas President of VCSConstruction stated... "We are like mindedcompanies partnering together towardsthe same goal, to enrich the communityof Micronesia with clean, stable power atreasonable rates. We are proud to be a part of the EIG Team in helping to improve the Federated States of Micronesia with the latest in Renewable Energy technologies."

With one notable exception, since 2009, members of the Japan's Federation of
Information and Communication Technology (Joho-Roren Tokyo) have visited
Pohnpei annually. In 2011 they did not make the trip because employees of the union were tied up helping to rebuild Japan's communication system after the Great East Japan and Earthquake on March 11, 2011.
The Embassy of Japan says that as part of their trip each year they do volunteer
cleaning. The Embassy says that "they come to do it to conserve the environment and promote eco-friendly society.
The Japanese union members picked up trash on a course from Palm Terrace down Kolonia's main street and on through to the airport.
The members of the union arrived on the early flight on Monday, June 4 and left
Pohnpei on June 6.
Japanese IT employees help to keep Pohnpei clean Congratulations to the
FSM Primary, Secondary and Post-Secondary Graduates!!

In the afternoon of May 21, 2012, Yap State Executive Branch held a public discussion forum on the plans of the Exhibit and Travel Group better known as ETG. The discussion forum focused on the proposed plans of ETG and the status of such plans. Held at the Community Center in Colonia, the meeting was one in a panel discussion setting where panelists were situated in front of the crowd. The members of the panel included Acting Attorney General Jeremiah Luther, Director of Public Work & Transportation Vincent Figir, Director of Resources &Development Frank Haregaichig, Director of Youth &Civic Affairs Ruotpong Pongliyab, the Chief of the Division of Commerce and Industry, and a representative from Environmental Protection Agency. The discussion began with Garret Johnson who works in the Department of Youth & Civic Affairs, welcoming everyone and introducing the panel group members. The core of the discussion began with a statement and comments made by the acting Attorney General Jeremiah Luther.
Luther assured the people that his job as acting AG is to ensure that the best possible agreement between the state and ETG is formulated, one that "will protect the interests of the individual citizens of Yap, protect the environment of Yap, and protect the laws and traditions of Yap."
Luther went on discussing the several documents that had been signed to strengthen the negotiations between the state and ETG, documents that have lead the state towards closing a deal with ETG.
In April 2011, the governor of Yap signed a Strategic Framework of Cooperation between Yap's executive branch and ETG, pledging cooperation between the two parties.
In October 2011, the Director of Youth & Civic Affairs signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) with ETG on behalf of the state to ensure continued
communication between the two parties. Then in January of this year, the
chairman of the Council of Pilung Bruno Tharngan signed a MOU
between the Council and ETG, which partly states that the Council will act as a mediator between ETG and Yapese who own land.
According to Luther's statement at the public discussion forum, the AG's office is currently working on the specific sections of an Investment
Agreement including resolving some issues in the Agreement. Once the Agreement has been finalized, a copy will be transmitted to the Legislature for review and comments.
Luther soon after his statement welcomed questions from the crowd. The crowd consisted of Yapese government employees, several members of the Legislature, and other Yapese citizens coming from different municipalities.
Questions posed from the crowd involved land usage, assessment study with respect to the proposed ETG plans, gambling, and more.

One Yapese man asked if the government had conducted a study that would look closely at the impacts the ETG proposed plans would have on Yap. Luther answered saying "no comprehensive studies have been put together." The acting AG went on stating that neither an environmental study nor a comprehensive economic study have been conducted because the total scope of the ETG project is still unknown.
One Yapese lady asked what the government and ETG plan to do should the situation arise where one landowner agrees to lease his land for a hotel build up, and that particular parcel of land happens to border land owned by other Yapese individuals who do not want to lease to ETG. Luther could not give a complete answer to this question but he did say that ETG was willing to accommodate those who are willing to lease their land and would need to relocate.
One other Yapese lady pleaded with the government, asking the government to reevaluate its position with the proposed ETG plans and to think about the future generations of Yap.
Another Yapese man who is also a member of the state legislature brought up the issue of gambling as rumored to be part of ETG's plans in Yap. Luther responded that ETG does want to start gambling in Yap but this will not happen "unless the people of the state of Yap agree to allow gambling."
When asked whether or not a Foreign Investment Permit had been issued to ETG, Luther said that the permit has been signed and approved, but has not been turned over to ETG. According to the acting AG, ETG has also applied for a business license but the state is holding on to the license at this time as the resolution from the state legislature requested that ETG halt any further actions regarding its development plan until such time that all Yapese are made fully aware of ETG's plans.
The Director of Public Works and Transportation made some comments about the benefit of ETG development in Yap. He also remarked on the end of the compact with the United States in 2023. He noted the tax revenue ETG would bring in should the proposed plans come through.
The time allotted for the public discussion, from 2:30PM to 4:30PM, was not enough. It was close to 5:00PM when the discussion was cut short. Even then, there were still others who wanted to ask their questions but could not because of the time constraint.

The opening ceremony for the 2012Pohnpei Little League Baseball washeld on the morning of Saturday June2nd at the Spanish Wall ball fieldin Kolonia. Pohnpei Little LeagueBaseball Association President ChrisChristian was elated at the opening ofPohnpei Little League's third openingseason. During his opening remarkshe thanked Pohnpei State GovernorJohn Ehsa, FSM National OlympicCommittee President Berney Martin,FSMNOC Secretary General JimTobin, Pohnpei State Sports DirectorMike Loyola and his staff, coaches,and the ball players' parents for theinvolvement with getting the seasonunder way. Welcoming remarks weremade by the Honorable Peter Christian,FSM Congress. Senator Christianmentioned that Little League is the firststep in getting Pohnpei baseball back tothe status it enjoyed in the 1990s. Healso thanked the Pohnpei State SportOffice, FSMNOC and Pohnpei LittleLeague Baseball Association for theirforesight in getting the Little LeagueBaseball program back on track. Inclosing wished all the young baseballplayers and their coaches good luck.Ray Brown, the Baseball Confederationof Oceania Development Officer, was aguest speaker and during his remarks hethanked the Senator Peter Christian forhis support, leadership and long time

involvement in baseball on Pohnpeiand throughout the Micronesian region.Following the opening ceremony twogames were played. In the first game at9:30am Ihoang defeated Hyndai Bullets15-4, and in the second game KomwadKomwad outlasted U Turbulence 9-7.There are 12 teams competing in the2012 Pohnpei Little League: Ihoang,Hyndai Bullets, Komwad Komwad, UTurbulence, Turnball Aces A, U TeamB, Madolenihmw Reds, Liamweimwei,Turnball Aces B, ABC Car Rental, URookies and Little Islanders. Boysand girls from 9 to 12 years old areeligible to play. The league will be oneround robin format, followed by a 12team double elimination playoff. Thechampionships should be held at theend of August. There are talks aboutstarting up a Junior League half waythrough the Little League season sothat the 13 to 15 year old players canbe involved. From the rumblings goingaround it will be a good decision to getit started.The Pohnpei Little League BaseballAssociation would like to thank andrecognize league sponsors: Lyonsand Associates; the Honorable PeterM. Christian, At-Large Senator FSMCongress; Ace Hardware, PohnpeiState Sport Office and FSM National Olympic Committee

On May 25, 2012, students who hadparticipated in the Scripps Spelling Bee onPohnpei, and the U.S. Ambassador visitedIsland Food Community of Pohnpei (IFCP)training center in the Botanical Garden,Kolonia with their teachers and the GEARUPcoordinators.To award the students’ diligence in theirwork, the U.S. Ambassador spent the daywith the students and chose IFCP trainingcenter as one of the sites to visit.Mrs. Emihner Johnson, Acting Executive

Director of IFCP distributed the IFCP redpen to the students and discussed the pen'smessage.The red pen indicates a healthcrisis in the Federated States of Micronesia.It is an alarming color that tells how onein three adults in FSM are suffering fromdiabetes. Not only diabetes but also heartdisease and vitamin A deficiency are hugehealth problems in FSM.For a solution to this health crisis, IFCPencourages people to "Go Local!" Plant,grow, maintain, harvest, cook and eat morelocal food to gain its CHEEF benefits(Culture, Health, Environment, Economyand Food Security).IFCP has been working with communities,schools and agencies to make theimportance and benefits of local foodknown.At its training center, visitors can learnabout the work of IFCP by studyinglocal food posters, banana and pandanuscharacterization posters, the CHEEF storybook, (created by ECE JICA volunteer)and more.For this visit, a video highlighting a songabout local food, which was previouslywritten and composed by Our Lady ofMercy Catholic School, IFCP partnerschool

students, the U.S. Ambassador, teachersand GEAR UP coordinators.The Gear-up participants were alsogiven an opportunity to learn about thecharacteristics of the many varietiesof bananas found on Pohnpei by goingthrough the IFCP banana garden with Mrs.Johnson.IFCP would like to offer a special thanksto the U.S. Embassy for coordinating thisvisit with the GEARUP program students.Special thanks are given to IFCP fundingsources: SPC CePaCT, Australian Embassy,SPC Healthy Life-Style, UNESCO,Division of Public Health of PohnpeiDepartment of Health Services, and JapanInternational Cooperation Agency (JICA).Spelling Bee students with US AmbassadorIn the

Saturday, 7 July 2012 is the Island Food Community of Pohnpei (IFCP) 3rd annual Fun Run/Walk and Plant!
For this year, the theme is FUN RUN/WALK and PLANT. Participants will run or walk to the designated government area and plant indigenous local plants such as yellow flesh banana, pandanus, papaya, lime and more.
Planting local food will require much physical exercise and provide healthy nutritious food when it is grown. It also takes important role in securing the food for the future. IFCP FUN RUN/WALK/PLANT will serve the best for people in Pohnpei from all generations.
Time: 7am (registration starts around 6:30am)
Starting Place: Palm Terrace Parking Lot, Kolonia, Pohnpei
Registration Fee: $5
All participants who planted a local plant will receive a NEW IFCP Let's Go Local! Cap.
For more information, call IFCP at 320-3259.

Mrs.Amy Prahar and Mr. Kiyoshi Shimegi

A new legacy is in the making on Pohnpei. U.S. Ambassador Peter A. Prahar’s wife, Amy Prahar, has supported Pohnpei’s “go local” food campaign with her green thumb and a willingness to share her knowledge with the local farming community. Under Mrs. Prahar’s guidance a small, but very productive garden has evolved from the rocky terrain surrounding the Ambassador’s Residence, considered by local farmers as low in nutrients and unsuitable for cultivation.

Since arriving in Pohnpei more than two years ago, Prahar has been enriching the soil at the Residence with compost from organic materials, including kitchen waste, grass, and fallen leaves and twigs. The soil has become progressively more fertile. Today almost two dozen varieties of vegetables now flourish in what was originally rocky, nutrient-poor land. The garden provides most of the vegetables required for daily consumption in the Prahar household as well as for the larger dinners for official guests at the Residence.

In an effort to expand the variety of vegetables available for the dinner table, Prahar began experimenting with cool weather crops last year. Thanks to a favorable trade wind and less rainfall than usual during late 2011, head cabbages which do not normally grow in the tropics, successfully grew to maturity. Additionally, Prahar, her chef, and the gardener were surprised when asparagus seeds sprouted with fern-like leaves. Asparagus typically grows in much cooler climates, such as in Central Europe. To successfully grow asparagus Prahar had to conduct a large amount of Internet based research as well as call on the staff of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Pohnpei for technical advice. To learn more about growing asparagus, Mrs. Prahar visited an asparagus farm in Showa Mura, a farming village located in the Gunma Prefecture on the northwest side of Japan’s main island, Honshu. There she met Kiyoshi Shimegi who has been growing asparagus

for years. Shimegi was generous with his time and expertise. He gave her a tour of his farm and explained some of the finer parts of cultivating asparagus. In Gunma, Japan, the crop isgrown in a green

house and, if cultivated properly, can start producing within two years. The asparagus plants can produce edible spears for more than a decade. One of Prahar’s favorite vegetables in the garden is a dark green and reddish-purple spinach, which was originally given to her while visiting Salapwauhk village. Salapwauhk is located high in the mountains of Pohnpei. She now calls the spinach salapwauhk spinach, because of where she was originally introduced to it.

While in Japan she visited a restaurant in Tokyo, specializing in vegetable dishes unique to Okinawa. It was there that she discovered salapwauhk spinach was originally from Okinawa. In Japan, this spinach is called handama. Most likely, the spinach was introduced to Pohnpei during the Japanese administration.

Handama grows extremely well in Pohnpei’s climate and requires little care. Mrs. Prahar and her chef have been serving this fresh vegetable in salad and pasta, cooked in soups, and stir fried. Its plain and fresh taste comes with a slight stickiness. When cooked, the purplish color dissolves into the dish or soup. In Japan, handama is a traditional medicinal plant used to improve blood and to lower cholesterol. Besides being a nutritious edible plant, the dark green and reddish purple leaves make it an attractive ornamental plant as well. This perennial crop is dense and non-vining. Although the Prahars now know the original name of this spinach, the Prahars continue to use the name Salapwauhk spinach at the Residence as a thank you to the kind people in the high mountains. Two other vegetables bitter melon and okra are mainstays in her garden and the household menu. Prahar originally found these vegetables in the local farmers market. After researching and learning more about the nutritional and health value of these two vegetables she began to serve bitter melon and okra with Salapwauhk spinach, a combination she calls the “Three Musketeers.” She also ensures the three vegetables are the cornerstone of every tour and meal served at the residence. Prahar describes the “Three Musketeers” as a powerful mixture, which, like the original three French swashbucklers, are soldiers who fight for the people. They thrive in Pohnpei and require very little care. As Prahar likes to say, “All these plants ask for is to be eaten.” Prahar hopes the “Three Musketeers” will spread and find their way, along with other nutritious and healthy foods that can grow on this island, to dinner tables and beyond.

To succeed in her goal of spreading the value of the “Three Musketeers” and the relative ease of growing them she has provided numerous interpretive tours of her garden. In the last two years, hundreds of individuals have had the opportunity to tour her garden and learn from her experiences in creating a garden that produces an abundant amount of healthy food and promotes the healthy “Go Local” eating campaign.

Located 430 miles south of Guam in the Western Pacific Ocean, is a small, coral atoll made up of 22 islands called Woleai. Part of the Federated States of Micronesia, the atoll’s inhabitants are isolated from the rest of the world with their only means of communication being a VHF radio.

Woleai is a unique place in the world; everything on the atoll is communal and there are different clans, each with their own chief. Above each clan chief are three paramount chiefs that rule the island. While Woleai Atoll is a place many of us have never heard of, or will likely never visit in our lives, there are approximately 1,000 people who proudly call the atoll “home.” Petty Officer 2nd Class Kensley Raigeluw is one of these people.

Raigeluw is currently stationed aboard Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis, a high-endurance cutter that routinely deploys to the Pacific – from Russia to Panama and everywhere in between. While the crew travels great distances, they were recently able to take a brief departure from their primary mission to reunite Raigeluw with his native soil. It was the first time Raigeluw visited home in 12 years.

It’s hard to imagine a young boy growing up in such an isolated environment finding his way into the U.S. Coast Guard. But Raigeluw’s journey started with a chance encounter when he was just eight and Coast Guard Cutter Basswood came to the atoll.
“I still remember watching their small boat driving up to our beach and my whole community having a party for their crew,” recalled Raigeluw. “They took me on a tour of their ship and all I can remember is thinking that it would be so cool to be one of them, sailing around the world.”

While more than a decade has passed since he has returned, he has strong memories growing up in Woleai, where people live off the land and ocean.

“One of my fondest memories growing up was sitting on the beach in the evening with my father and uncles and learning celestial navigation,” said Raigeluw. “To this day the people of my island learn to navigate by the stars.”

Raigeluw left Woleai in 2000 to attend college in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, followed by the University of Hawaii in Hilo, Hawaii. He earned this opportunity by being one of two people from his island who achieved high enough scores on a college aptitude exam.

Years later, in September 2005, Raigeluw was looking into joining the Army, but happened to see a Coast Guard banner online. It immediately reminded him of the Basswood and he made the decision to join the Coast Guard.

After college he enlisted in the Coast Guard, attending boot camp in Cape May, New Jersey – 9,000 miles away from his native atoll. After graduating from boot camp, he was assigned to Station Rio Vista, Calif., and now Jarvis, bringing him back full circle to the place where he was born.

Anchored offshore, Jarvis’ crew launched both their small boats loaded with donations of canned foods, medical supplies and gifts. When asked what emotions he felt being home after 12 years, with his crew besides him, Raigeluw could only recall one – happiness.

“The day when my ship sailed to Woleai was one of the best days of my life. It is hard to explain how overwhelmed I was with happiness,” said Raigeluw.

“When we arrived on shore I realized most of my uncles were starring at us from beyond the beach and had no clue who I was, especially because I was in my uniform,” recalled Raigeluw. “I had to walk closer to them before they recognized me.”

When word got out one of their own was there, the whole village came out to greet him.

“The feeling of seeing Petty Officer Raigeluw reunited with his family after so many years cannot be put into words,” said Capt. Webster Balding, commanding officer of Jarvis. “It’s one of those things in life that just really makes you appreciate your family, our maritime service and our nation. I believe my heart grew today, definitely a once in a lifetime experience.”

The visit lasted just hours as the cutter had to get back to the mission at hand. But before departing, Raigeluw presented a gift to his family – a photo album containing pictures of his wife and two sons, whom his parents have never met.

While the visit was short lived, Raigeluw will hold onto the memory of his homecoming forever, adding the experience to his already unique perspectives from growing up on Woleai Atoll.

While Raigeluw may have come from a far away place, who he is and what he stands for is something we can all identify with.

“My family has been seafarers for generations; they have sailed all throughout Oceania. Going to sea is in my nature and fits well with my service in the Coast Guard,” said Raigeluw. “In my upbringing, my parents instilled the importance of service to others. I take to heart the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.”

 

Yap High School (YHS) Class of 2012 senior Prescilla M. Mangarfir received the Gates Millennium Scholarship, making her the fourth student to be awarded from Yap High School.

Ms. Mangarfir has attended Yap High School for four years. During this time, she has divided her time between her regular high school classes and Upward Bound classes. As a senior, Ms. Mangarfir has participated in various workshops and has taken several classes at the Small Business Center in Colonia.

When asked about challenges she faced while being in high school, Ms. Mangarfir mentioned the difficulties she faced in her English Literature class. The honors class proved to be challenging but Ms. Mangarfir recognized the vitality of the class and made the decision to not drop it.
“I knew my weakness,” she says but she also knew that overcoming such weakness would only help her succeed.

Indeed, Ms. Mangarfir completed the 20-sum page GMS application and submitted it early this year.  Ms. Mangarfir along with some of her classmates began the long, rigorous process of completing the application and securing letters of recommendations months prior to the scholarship submission deadline.

Ms. Mangarfir plans on studying medicine and becoming a doctor. Her ultimate goals involve coming back to Yap in order to help to improve the Yap State hospital or to start her own medical practice.

Ms. Mangarfir believes that GMS will help her with achieving her educational goals. She adds that “GMS plays a small portion to success” and that “motivation is the primary key to achieving [one’s] goals.”

Since its awarding in 2005, GMS has helped students from Yap with their educational and career goals.

Julian F. Tharngan, a 2006 YHS graduate and GMS recipient received his Bachelor’s Degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 2011. 2007 YHS graduate and GMS recipient Ignatius Kenmanglay received his Associate’s Degree and is currently attending the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and is working towards obtaining a degree in Architectural Engineering.

In 2010 Yapese students, XHS alumnus Michael Kigimnang and Yap SDA alumnus Zandra Falmeyog, received the GMS.  Both are currently working on their undergraduate degrees.

May 17, 2012
Pohnpei, FSM—Pohnpei’s blood sucking machines take a break only on Sundays.  Monday through Saturday at least one of Pohnpei’s five dialysis machines works to strain the waste products from the blood streams of patients whose kidneys would do the job if only they could.

Kidneys fail for a variety of reasons including gout, but in Pohnpei, Type II diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure and expensive dialysis treatments are the only solution after that happens.

Dr. Johnny Hedson, Pohnpei’s Chief of Medical Services wants the people of Pohnpei to know that Type II diabetes is completely avoidable.  As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Type II diabetes is not anyone’s destiny.  It can be completely avoided through proper diet and sufficient exercise.

Dr. Hedson says that even after a person is first diagnosed as having Type II diabetes the disease can be managed but that many people in Pohnpei don’t manage the disease even after they have been diagnosed.  Management of the disease is on a continuum.  In the early stages a person can control the processing of their blood sugars through diet and exercise.  If that isn’t enough there is an oral medication that can be given that increases the efficiency of the body’s insulin.  He said that even then a person need not be on the oral medication for life.  If a person changes his or her lifestyle to include a healthy diet and sufficient exercise the need for the oral medication can be eliminated.

But some people still mismanage the disease by not being consistent with their medications.  When that happens ultimately they will find themselves dependent on direct insulin injections.  He said that an insulin dependent patient can “put off their death for a long way down the road” if they manage their disease with vigilance by monitoring their blood sugars properly and handling their insulin injections in a timely manner.  Even then and probably especially then, proper diet and sufficient exercise are important to put off kidney failure until years later.

Gout is a hereditary disease that allows uric acid crystals to build up in the blood stream producing inflammation and painful kidney stones.  A person is or isn’t predisposed toward gout.  It’s not a matter of choice.  Gout depends on genetics.  

But the majority of kidney failures in Pohnpei are the result of a combination of improper diet and lack of exercise that leads to Type II diabetes, the type of diabetes that is not genetically inherited; the kind of diabetes that a person can choose to have or not to have depending on their lifestyle decisions.

The function of kidneys is to filter everyday waste products from the blood stream and funnel that waste to the excretory system.  Without functioning kidneys waste builds up in the blood stream and a person will die.

A person can live with only one functioning kidney and kidneys can be transplanted but Dr. Hedson says that the Department of Health gave up on the idea as a solution because it is cost prohibitive.

“Even in the Philippines it costs $70,000 just for the transplant but there’s more expense after that,” he said.  After a transplant a patient needs to take medications to keep the body from rejecting the transplanted organ.  The medications alone cost about $2000 a month per patient.  One person in Pohnpei had a transplant and that person is still on the medication several years later.  

In Pohnpei hemodialysis is the only treatment available for a person whose kidneys have failed.  

Hemodialysis is a process whereby the entire blood content in a patient’s body is filtered by a machine outside of the patient’s body.  A person on dialysis will need the expensive treatment every other day for the rest of their life.  Without it they will die.

When asked the average age of the 10 patients who receive hemodialysis treatments in Pohnpei Dr. Hedson said that if he had to guess, which he would have to do, he would guess that the average age is in the low 40’s.

Dr. Hedson is worried about the increasing use of its five dialysis machines.

The human cost of Type II diabetes related kidney failure is very high.  “Most (dialysis patients) don’t last five years,” Dr. Hedson said.  “We lost two people within the last three months.”

He said that once dialysis becomes necessary a patient’s quality of life goes down significantly.  Three days each week a dialysis patient must spend a significant part of their day at the hospital hooked to a machine.  Just about the time that a patient recovers from the general feeling of “un-wellness” that follows hemodialysis treatment they have to go back for another treatment.

The treatment is also very expensive in terms of dollars and cents.  There is no insurance program in the FSM that covers the expense of dialysis treatment.

Each of the dialysis machines costs over $30,000, a small price compared to the price of some other medical equipment.  Each time the machine is used for a hemodialysis treatment it costs $123 excluding the cost of medical personnel and utilities costs.  Dr. Hedson said the actual cost for each dialysis session is closer to $140.  

The two most expensive items on the list of supplies needed for one hemodialysis treatment are the coil (the filter) which costs $26 a piece, and a medication called Epogen which costs $45 per dose.  Dr. Hedson said that Epogen is given to dialysis patients to increase the efficiency of their red blood cells after the treatment.  The other $52 worth of supplies is for various kinds of needles, syringes, tape, bicarbonate, acetate and a laundry list of other supplies including vinegar and bleach.

It costs just over $22,000 per year to administer dialysis treatments for just one patient.  Dr. Hedson said that last year Pohnpei State Hospital spent a total of approximately $70,000 for dialysis treatments.  This year the cost will be closer to $220,000 to treat the ten people who currently receive the treatment three times each week.

Pohnpei State’s Department of Health spends more on average per patient on an annual basis than in the South Pacific and its average annual per capita health spending is less than $200.  “Compare that to the U.S.” Dr. Hedson said “They (their hospitals) spend an average of $7,000 per patient.  That figure should tell you the challenges we face in Pohnpei.”  He also said that in the U.S. it costs approximately $300 per hemodialysis treatment.

Dr. Hedson said that last year the Department of Health provided health care for over 32,000 people with a budget of approximately $6 million, a per capita health care cost of $187.50.  Most of the Department of Health’s budget came from U.S. Compact Health Sector grants which are on a declining scale until 2023 when those grants will disappear altogether.

Dr. Hedson said that developing a plan to deal with the high cost of dialysis treatments in an environment where funding is on the decline is going to be a tough decision for leaders to make.  He said that the Department of Health cannot simply cut off the expensive treatment because people will die of renal failure.  “There are moral questions the leaders will have to decide,” he said.

Of course the best solution would be if Type II diabetes were wiped off the map in Pohnpei through healthy diets and sufficient exercise. 

High school students in Yap, Micronesia held an inaugural robotics exhibition last week, ushering in a new era in math, science and engineering education on the remote Pacific Island.

Student teams from Yap Catholic High School and Yap SDA school designed and built robots from VEX robotics over the course of the 2011-12 school year. The kits were a gift from the Habele Outer Island Education Fund. The schools also received instructional materials from Habele as well as remote technical support from US students attending Chaminade Prep in California.

The criminal environment in the Pacific region is constantly changing, particularly where transnational crime continues to pose an increasing threat to Pacific Island countries.

It is generally recognised that crime does not recognise International borders. A criminal in one part of the world this morning can be a criminal in the Pacific this afternoon. With the advent of technology, the widespread use of the Internet and the freedom of travel between nations it is of particular importance that police be vigilant and be prepared for any crime trends happening in the region.

Monitoring crime and crime trends takes a coordinated approach from police across the Region. This was first addressed in 2002 when the Pacific Transnational Crime Network (PTCN) was established. The PTCN is a multi-agency, multi-national network across 13 Pacific Island Countries.

The hub of the PTCN is the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre (PTCCC), based in Apia, Samoa. The PTCCC coordinates the flow of intelligence from across the PTCN.

The work of the PTCCC is supported by Transnational Crime Units in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Niue, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands and Kiribati.

Like time and technology have progressed so has the work of police to keep pace with modern times. Police have turned to technology and the Internet to assist in monitoring crime trends, sharing information and warning their neighbours when a crime is detected and there is a risk that crime will spread. Crimes such as drug trafficking, environmental crime, money laundering, human trafficking, transnational cyber fraud, child abuse and the like.

The PTCN has today launched a website in Apia, Samoa to enhance understanding of transnational crime threats and increase awareness, of the PTCN to target transnational crime threats regionally and globally. The website address is www.ptcn.ws

The web site will assist in enhancing the partnership arrangements with law enforcement agencies throughout the Pacific and provide our communities with information to increase safety and security.

Chairman of the PTCN Board of Management Deputy Commissioner Walter Kola from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, encouraged law enforcement agencies and the community to access and make use of the web site.
 

PALIKIR, FSM — President Manny Mori shares the FSM "2010 Census Key Indicators" through a May 18 letter to FSM Congress Speaker Isaac V. Figir, FSM Chief Justice Martin G. Yinug, and the Governors of the four FSM States of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae.

According to the summary, the FSM population is 102,843, comprising of 52,193 males and 50,650 females, with a population decline rate of 0.4 percent the last ten years. The decline represents about 4,000 persons. It is claimed that the decline results from high level of out-migration from FSM along with "decreasing level of fertility (women having less children)".

In terms of household size, the census also shows an average decline in family size from 7 in 2000 to 4 in 2010, which may result from factors including preference by couples for smaller family size, drop in fertility and delaying of marriage (or when to have children),  the analysis indicates.

Other indicators in terms of education patterns, the size of FSM labor force and population density by States are also provided.

The census report has been drafted and is under review before it is published later this year or early 2013. Tabulation tables without analytical texts can be requested from the Office of SBOC.

May 17, 2012
Palikir, Pohnpei - The Secretary of the FSM Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Marion Henry, is in Majuro to attend the 2012 Forum Trade Ministers Meeting (FTMM) on Friday, May 11 at the International Convention Center. The Meeting will deliberate on trade and trade-related issues, including the 10 years Strategy to promote Pacific trade and investment in selected markets, and progress in negotiations for the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus between Forum Island Countries, Australia and New Zealand. It will also address the latest development in the establishment of a regional trademarks application system as well as traditional knowledge and intellectual property rights.

The FSM Government has identified trade and investment as one of the priority areas that could enable the achievement of its Strategic Development Plan objectives by providing opportunities for the FSM to address trade issues, enhance trade and trade-related infrastructure and strengthen the private and productive sector through aid for trade resources and other trade development packages. All of these will enable the FSM to increase domestic production to respond to the local demand and potentially supply the subregional markets.

Secretary Henry and other regional colleagues held the 4th Forum Island Countries Trade Ministers Meeting (FICTMM) on Thursday, May 10, to coordinate their views and position before meeting with their partners from Australia and New Zealand.

The 2012 Forum Trade Ministers Meeting will be attended by Ministers and Head of Delegations of the 16 Forum Countries and New Caledonia.

Accompanying Secretary Henry to the 2012 Forum Trade Ministers Meeting are Mr. Ernest Weirlangt, Assistant Secretary for Trade and Investment and Mr. Jean Bertrand Azapmo, Trade Policy Analyst.

 For more information, please contact the Department of Resources and Development at telephone number (691) 320-5133.

May 11, 2012
Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan  — Landing on the flight line on a cloudy afternoon, Col. Leo A. Falcam Jr., deputy commander of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, taxied to Hangar 456 for the last time.

Marines, family and friends gathered at the hangar on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma May 4 to witness Falcam’s retirement.

The attendees included generals and senior leaders from installations throughout Okinawa, who met to offer their congratulations on a career well served.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, Falcam’s career started in 1981 with his commissioning.

His first experience on Okinawa came in 1985 when he spent a year with Marine Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, as part of the Marine Corps’ unit deployment program.

In 1987, he returned to Okinawa and served in many billets for VMGR-152.

“This is a very special place to me,” said Falcam. “It has all been fantastic, from the Marines to my Okinawan friends. It has been a wonderful time, a special time.”

From 1990 to 1998, Falcam attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff Collage and deployed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Kenya.
From 1998 to 2000, Falca
m returned to Okinawa and was assigned to G-3, operations and training, III MEF, as a current operations officer. During this time, he deployed to Australia and East Timor.

In 2000, Falcam was appointed commanding officer of VMGR-152, and shortly thereafter took command of MCAS Futenma. In 2002, he joined 1st MAW’s current operations staff.

From 2003 to 2005, Falcam attended language courses in the states and the Argentine National Defense College in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Falcam returned in 2005 to Okinawa to take command of MCAS Futenma once more.

He later became the chief of staff for Marine Corps Base Camp Butler and Marine Corps Bases Japan.

Following the deactivation of MCBJ, he became the deputy commander of the newly formed MCIPAC.

“Each time I have been out here, I have been able to work with some outstanding professionals,” said Falcam. “It is thanks to them that I had success.”

During the ceremony, Falcam was presented the Legion of Merit medal, a certificate of commendation from Commander in Chief President Barack Obama and letters of appreciation from both the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos and the Commanding General of MCIPAC and MCB Camp Butler, Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri.

“Today is a glorious day,” said Talleri. “Today, a great Marine and a great friend retires after over 30 years of service to his country.”

MCIPAC is better because of Falcam, said Talleri. The Marines of this command say thank you for everything that Falcam gave to the Corps and his country.

“This will be an exciting place to be in the future,” said Falcam. “That means to be ready. Not paranoid, just ready; and the MEF is well postured to be ready.”

April 20-21, 2012
As a result of the Climate Change Adaptation and Planning Training held in January of this year by the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), the Micronesia Challenge, and Pacific Islands Marine Protected Areas Community (PIMPAC) a local Climate Change Outreach Committee was established and formed.  The purpose of this committee- to use the skills and tools learned in this training to conduct community outreach programs educating  local communities about Climate Change Adaptation.   In this committee are a number of community leaders and climate change/environmental related practitioners including organizations such as the Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP), the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the FSM Dept. of Resource and Development.
The Climate Change Outreach Committee (CCOC) conducted its second 2 day outreach education and awareness program in the community of Metipw, Madolenihmw from April 20-21 2012; the first one being in Takaieau, Uh last month. This program attracted about 50 participants over the course of the two days from two neighboring community structures—Metipw and Dolapwail.

Equipped with the toolkit provided from the training, which includes a flipchart and group exercises the community members took part in the outreach proved to be a huge success.

The group activities among the community members involved them  creating a Historical Timeline of disasters that affected the island and their communities, sharing their thoughts and experiences with the effects of climate change, identifying target resources that are at jeopardy, and coming up with possible actions that they can take. The open-ended discussions also proved these communities to be very knowledgeable about their environment and taught the CCOC things as well.

With the aim of raising awareness, educating, and community planning the CCOC is grateful to these two communities for their participation and wonderful hospitality and looks forward to upcoming outreach projects as wel

May 15, 2012
Palikir, Pohnpei, FSM—On a sultry Sunday afternoon Kipar, Palikir residents gathered at the home of Dionis Fretrick, Chief of the village.  They were there to express their concerns to a representative of Pohnpei Utilities Corporation about the quality of the water they are receiving in the area and to talk about inequities in the charges for water service.

Though some who spoke during the meeting were obviously passionate the tone seemed more subdued than one expected given the problems with the water system and even problems with each other.
The meeting was three weeks ago and though the PUC representative at that meeting said that he would take the concerns back to PUC to come up with a solution Kipar residents still have heard nothing.
A community representative called a PUC Board member on Sunday, May 13 and was told that that community has to write a formal letter to the Board and to the General Manager of PUC.

Arthur Lonney represented the community in an interview with The Kaselehlie Press a few days after the meeting.

He said that he has recently been seeing more absenteeism of students complaining of stomach aches and diarrhea.  Lonney is the Principal of Palikir Elementary School.

He explained the background of the Palikir water system.  When the FSM National Capital complex was built, the surrounding community agreed to allow access to land for needed infrastructure to supply the complex in return for piped water.  Their view is that the National Government reneged on that promise.  In 2005, the National Government turned over the water system to PUC and PUC began installing meters and adding new water services to the area.

The water to the community is now supplied by a well and the water is pumped from that well by an electrically powered pump.  Lonney said that whenever the power goes out, as it has often done in recent months as PUC has attempted to deal with the electrical generation crisis, the water just sits in the pipes.

Lonney said that he has been told that whenever the pump has been shut down for whatever reason the system is supposed to be bled at the pump.  He said that he suspects that has not been done after each of the power outages.

When water service returns after it has been out for any period of time the water runs muddy brown.  It takes Lonney about 30 minutes of running the water at his home before the water begins to run clear again.  Like many of his neighbors his water usage is metered and some community members are getting tired of paying bills for unusable water that just goes down the drain.

Water meters are another problem.  Lonney said that not all homes have meters.  Those in the community who are required to pay for their water usage are upset that some of their neighbors are not required to pay.  He said that the main reason some neighbors don’t have meters is that at some point in history a PUC employee went to those homes to install meters but were chased off by angry property owners sometimes wielding machetes.  PUC employees never went back.

Community members also think that there are leaks in the pipe.  When water is flowing through the pipe water leaks out into the ground but when there is no water flowing through the pipe ground water leaks into the pipe; ground water that might carry harmful contaminants.

Lonney said that residents have noticed since the Palikir National Government complex was built that the water quality in the rivers has deteriorated.  He thinks that is due to runoff from the septic tanks on the property, runoff that is not only in the rivers but also in the ground water.

He said that the PUC representative who attended the Sunday afternoon meeting told the community that another problem is that the main water pipe is too small to adequately supply the water needs of the community.  That representative promised that he would take their concerns back to PUC so that they can develop an action plan to resolve the problem.

Lonney said that is good but PUC has known about the water system problems for a long time and until the Sunday meeting they didn’t even know who to contact.  “They keep charging us but no solution has come up,” he said, and shook his head.