| Sustainability of Success in Immunization Crucial Press Release #0509-32 Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services May 15, 2009 UNICEF Media Release JAPAN, 13 May, 2009 – The successes achieved in the National Immunization Programmes in Pacific island countries need to be sustained for continued improvements in health in the region. These thoughts were conveyed in the opening remarks of World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Shin Young-Soo, presented by WHO Expanded... |
Immunization Workshop Timely as the World Deals with Influenza A H1N1 |
| UN AGENCY TO ISSUE GUIDANCE FOR INFLUENZA A(H1N1) CAREGIVERS Press Release #0509-30 Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services May 14, 2009 (UN DAILY NEWS DIGEST – MAY 12) The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) said today it will soon publish initial guidance for clinical management of influenza A(H1N1) infection, 5,251 cases of which have now been officially reported by 30 countries. |
PETROCORP MICRONESIA ANNOUNCES FURTHER REDUCTIONS IN FUEL PRICES Press Release #0509-29 Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services May 14, 2009 (FSM PetroCorp PRESS STATEMENT (03/09) 13th May 2009) PetroCorp Micronesia announced further reductions in the wholesale prices of kerosene, diesel and gasoline products across three States effective today. The largest price decreases are for diesel fuel, however price reductions also apply to all... |
President Mori Delivers the State of the Nation
Address Before Congress |
Second State-National Leadership Conference Underway in Palikir |
| Congress Agrees to State of the Nation Address for May 14th, 2009 Press Release #0509-26 Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services May 13, 2009 Although President Mori was set to address the Nation this morning and give the State of the Nation Address, there was some miscommunication between the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch on the appropriate date for the speech to be given. The President, thinking it was agreeable to Congress, had set today, May 13, 2009, as the day he preferred to give the speech, given that the Second State-National Leadership Conference is underway and he is preparing for a trip to Japan for the Fifth Japan-Pacific Islands Forum Summit Meeting and won’t be on-island next week. |
Congress Delays State of the Nation Speech |
President Mori Invited to Give State of the Nation Address |
Regional Disaster Management Heads and Meteorological Services Directors to discuss Strengthening of End-to-End Early Warning Systems |
H1N1 Influenza Update #3 from Department of Health & Social Affairs |
Congress Overrides Three of President Mori’s Vetoes Press Release #0509-21 Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services May 12, 2009 In an unprecedented 11th hour special session, the 15th FSM Congress came together on Friday, May 08, 2009 and overrode three of President Mori’s vetoes on Congressional Acts. Two of the three Presidential vetoes were based on constitutional defects. Of the four Presidential vetoes on Congressional Acts coming out of the 7th Special Session (see Press Release 0509-12 for more information on these Acts), only one survived; |
President Mori Invites Members of the 15th & 16th
Congress to Dinner Press Release #0509-20 |
Developing an Integrated Approach to Maritime Security through Criminal and International Law |
|
Vice President Alik Attends ANZAC Ceremony |
Regional Stocktake of Government Gender Mainstreaming Capacity Launched |
Protect: Residents can do their part against Swine
Flu by taking precaustions |
Australia’s Development Assistance to FSM |
Speaker Figir Calls for One Day Special Session of the 15th Congress |
President Mori Issues Two Proclamations |
Public Law Updates from 7th Special Session of the
FSM Congress |
FSM States Receive Sector Grant Awards from US Department of the Interior |
President Mori Encourages Citizens Abroad to be
Good Ambassador for FSM |
Universal Periodic Review for the FSM |
Former Ambassador Marehalau Found Guilty on Two Counts Press Release #0509-07 |
FSM National and State Governments review their
existing Foreign Investment Laws and Regulations in
view of improving the business climate in the FSM
Press Release #0509-08 |
| President Mori Receives Second Update from Department of Health and Social Affairs on H1N1 Influenza A Pandemic Threat Press Release #0509-06 Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services May 04, 2009 The FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs has submitted their second report to President Mori to update the President on the Influenza pandemic threat. Secretary for the Depatrment, Dr. Vita Skilling, has alerted the President that since the first update earlier this week, the following have developed: |
ONTONG JAVA PLATEAU MOU SIGNED BY FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AND SOLOMON ISLANDS, ON 6TH MARCH, 2009 Press Release #0509-05 Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services May 01, 2009 An MOU signed by Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands on the 6th of March 2009, marks the end of the technical work program for a claim to the Ontong Java Plateau undertaken by the technical officials from the three... |
| Symposium on Foreign Investment Laws and Regulations held in PalikirPress Release #0509-04 Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services May 1, 2009 This week at the Central Facilities in Palikir, Pohnpei, a symposium on foreign investment laws and regulations is being held and representatives from each of the four FSM states and the national government are in attendance. |
Nomination of Deputy Chief of Mission to the FSM Embassy in Fiji Announced Press Release #0509-03 Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services May 01, 2009 President Mori has nominated Mr. Stan D. Kensof from Yap State to serve as Deputy Chief of Mission to the FSM Embassy in Fiji. This nomination will be submitted to the 16th FSM Congress during its upcoming session in May. |
WHO/SPC response to H1N1 Influenza A threat in Pacific Islands regionPress Release #0509-02 |
Clarifications and Updates on Swine Flu from
WHO Press Release #0509-01 Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services May 01, 2009 01 MAY 2009 GENEVA (Pacnews) --- The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it will stop using the term “swine flu” to avoid confusion over the danger posed by pigs. The policy shift came a day after Egypt began slaughtering thousands of pigs in a misguided effort to prevent swine flu. WHO spokesman Dick Thompson said the agriculture industry and the UN food agency had expressed concerns that the term “swine flu” was misleading consumers and needlessly causing countries to ban pork products and order the slaughter of pigs. |
Summit on Japan-Pacific Exchange Plan
Press Release #0509-63
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 29, 2009
During the third session of the PALM 5 Summit in Hokkaido, Japan, President Manny Mori was called upon by Japan’s Prime Minister, Hon. Taro Aso, to deliver a statement to the leaders on the topic of people-to-people ties in Japan, or the “Kizuna Plan”. This plan is a youth exchange plan that Japan is set to put into place that will exchange more than 1,000 people over the next three years between Japan and the Pacific Island Nations. It is a multi-layered exchange with a particular focus on the young generation, including the “Ship for World Youth Program”, Overseas students, Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), high school student exchange, and youth and pupils exchange. This is a new exchange scheme that expands the previous one, doubling the number of research students (postgraduate level) from Pacific Islands to Japan and calling on new ports for the “Ship for World Youth Program.
First meeting of the National Taskforce
Press release #0528-64
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 29, 2009
The H1N1 National Taskforce created by President Manny Mori had convened on May 22, 2009 and nominated Mr. Marcus Samo of the Department of Health and Social Affairs as its Chairman. Members were provided copy of the FSM Pandemic Influenza Plan and other supporting documents important to their work. Mr. Arthy Nena, head of the Public Health and Hospital Preparedness and Response Program of the Department of Health and Social Affairs, briefed the taskforce members on the latest H1N1 situation globally and in the FSM. He further stated that the tasks contained in the plan are not written in stone, they are guidelines. Pieces of the plan have already been implemented in the states but not in a sequential fashion.
WHO-FSM National Influenza Surveillance Coordinator Update
Press Release #0509-65
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 29, 2009
Guam Delegate Bordallo Introduces Bill to Fund Pacific Health Survey
Press Release #0509-66
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 29, 2009
From Guam PDN story by Steve Limtiaco (5/26/09)
The federal government is supposed to collect statistical data for native Hawaiians and other Pacific islanders separately from the data collected for Asian Americans, but most federal agencies haven’t been doing that, Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo said on the House floor late last week.
President Mori Receives Fifth Update from Department of Health and Social Affairs on H1N1 Influenza A Pandemic Threat
Press Release #0509-58
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 25, 2009
The FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs has submitted their fifth report to President Mori to update the President on the Influenza pandemic threat. Secretary for the Department, Dr. Vita Skilling, has alerted the President that since the fourth update on May 15th 2009, the following have developed:
Cut Red Tape to Increase Exports in Asia-Pacific, UN-Backed Conference Concludes
Press Release #0509-60
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 27, 2009
A reduction of export red tape by Governments in the Asia-Pacific region will lead to an increase in exports from areas hard hit by the global financial crisis, said participants at a United Nations-backed trade conference today.
ADB Regional Strategy Needs to be Consistent with Pacific Plan – say it’s Pacific Members
Press Release #0509-61
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 27, 2009
May 25, 2009
Pacific Developing Member Countries (PDMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have called on the ADB to review its Pacific Strategy in line with the Pacific Plan.
“HOW HEALTHY IS THE WORKFORCE AT THE FSM NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS”
Press release #052609-62
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 27, 2009
NCD and Lifestyle Unit, Department of Health and Social Affairs
The health status of the employees of the Department of Health and Social Affairs was assessed using the WHO STEP-WISE Approach in a mini STEP-Survey on March 19, 2009. Through this exercise, the results of this mini STEP-Survey indicated that:
PALM 5: Islanders' Hokkaido Declaration
Press Release #0509-59
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 26, 2009
Hokkaido, Japan, 22-23 May 2009
1.The Leaders of Japan and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) countries met for the Fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) (hereinafter referred to as "PALM 5") from 22 to 23 May 2009 in Hokkaido, Japan. The Leaders and representatives of Japan, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu were in attendance. The Meeting was co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Taro Aso, and the Chair of the PIF and Premier of Niue, the Hon Toke Tufukia Talagi.
Press Release #0509-57
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 25, 2009
UN News Service:
BAN SPOTLIGHTS THREAT OF ALIEN SPECIES TO GLOBAL ECOSYSTEMS ON INTERNATIONAL DAY
The spread of non-native species is harming ecosystems, livelihoods and economies around the world, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today in a message to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity.
UN Health Agency Chief Puts Southern Hemisphere on Alert for A(H1N1) Virus
Press Release #0509-56
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 25, 2009
Health authorities around the world need to be vigilant as the influenza A(H1N1) virus meets seasonal flu viruses flowing through the yet unaffected Southern Hemisphere, warned the head of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today.
PACIFIC ISLANDS CENTRE OPENS NEW PREMISES IN JAPAN
Press Release #0509-55
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 25, 2009
Forum Secretariat
PRESS STATEMENT (27/09)
22nd May 2009
A new office premises for the Pacific Islands Centre in Japan was officially opened at the Meijing University, Kanda-Ogawa-chou, in Tokyo on 20 May.
PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM GRATEFUL FOR JAPAN’S COMMITMENT TO THE REGION
Press Release #0509-54
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 25, 2009
Forum Secretariat
PRESS STATEMENT(28/09)
Friday 22nd May 2009
Member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum have commended Japan for its continued support and commitment towards the development initiatives of the region as the 5th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting with Japan (PALM5) opened in the Japanese northern island of Hokkaido this evening.
President Mori and Delegation Attend the “Pacific Islands Exhibition 2009” and “Viva! Pacific Islanders” Opening Ceremony in Tokyo
Press Release #0509-53
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 25, 2009
On Thursday, May 21, the “Pacific Islands Exhibition 2009” and “Viva! Pacific Islanders” Opening Ceremony took place in Tokyo at the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). President Mori and the First Lady attended this event, along with the Heads of Delegations from the other Pacific Island Forum Nations. The event was hosted by JETRO and opening addresses were given by Mr. Yasuo Hayashi, the Chairman and CEO of JETRO and Mr. Tuiloma Neroni Slade, the Secretary General of the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat.
President Mori Attends the Asia-Pacific WaterForum
Press Release #0509-49
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 22, 2009
On May 20, 2009, President Manny Mori, along with 9 other heads of state from Pacific Island nations, attended the Pacific Islands Leaders Roundtable Meeting on Water and Sanitation at the World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center in Japan. This roundtable meeting was organized by the Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF) and the Japan Water Forum, and was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the World Bank. The meeting was chaired by the Hon. Mr. Yoshiro Mori, who is President of both the Asia Pacific Water Forum and the Japan Water Forum, and a former Prime Minister of Japan
FSM Embassy Participates in the 2009 World Tourism Elites Boao Summit
Press Release #0509-50
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 22, 2009
(FSM Embassy, Beijing) In line with the ongoing efforts of the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to promote the Nation as a destination for tourism, the FSM Embassy in Beijing dispatched First Secretary Vincent Sivas to participate in the 2009 World Tourism Elites Boao Summit in Hainan, China.
FSM Embassy Participates in Regional Ministerial Meeting for Asia and the Pacific on “Promoting Health Literacy”
Press Release #0509-51
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 22, 2009
(FSM Embassy-Beijing) The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Regional Ministerial Meeting for Asia and the Pacific on “Promoting Health Literacy” convened in Beijing, China from 29-30 April 2009. As mentioned in the Embassy’s March 20 edition of weekly releases, the Beijing meeting is a lead up to the 2009 Economic and Social Council’s Annual Ministerial Review (AMR) which is slated for July 2009 at the UN office in Geneva. This year’s Annual Ministerial Review meeting in Geneva will focus on the theme of “Implementing the internationally agreed goals and commitments in regard to global public health”..
Press Release #0509-52
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 22, 2009
(Yap State Government)
By unanimous vote, Legislative Resolution no. 7-142 was adopted requesting the FSM Congress to repeal relevant provisions of Public Law No. 15-73 on the FSM Social Security Act. The provision are specific to the recent amendments that if repealed would allow retirees at age 60 to receive 100% of their social security benefits and nullified increased premium under the amendments. FSM
Embassy – Beijing Participates in Annual Department Meeting in Palikir
Press Release #0509-48
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 21, 2009May 7, 2009 (FSM Embassy-Beijing) Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. (Minister) Carl D. Apis departed China for the Nation’s Capital to attend the annual Departmental meeting slated for 12 to 15 May 2009. This annual meeting brings together the heads of missions of all FSM overseas missions in Palikir to touch base with the Department of Foreign Affairs to address issues of National importance.
FSM Embassy Meets with China Education Association for International Exchange
Press Release #0509-47
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 21, 2009May 5, 2009 (FSM Embassy, Beijing) To enhance the friendly relations that exist between the Federated States of Micronesia and the People’s Republic of China, the FSM Embassy in Beijing initiated a meeting with Mr. Lin Zuoping, Deputy Secretary General of the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and his staff.FSM
Close-Up 2009 Students Fine-tuned Their Leadership Knowledge
Press Release #0509-46
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 21, 2009Thirty-nine (39) students and five (5) Chaperons from the four FSM states representing the FSM Close-Up Program visited president Manny Mori and vice president Alik L. Alik on May 11, 2009. That visit was part of their nine-day schedule of events the FSM 2009 Close-Up Program has pursuant to this year’s theme: “Getting Closer to How Officials Make Decisions about Important Issues”.
Pacific Aviation Directors Workshop held in Majuro, Marshall Islands
Press Release #0509-45
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 21, 2009
(Dept. of TC&I)
The Aviation officials from the FSM had the privilege of being invited to the Airport Improvement Program Workshop from April 30 – May 1, 2009 and FAA Pacific Aviation Directors Workshop from May 4 – 6, 2009 under the auspices of the US FAA – Western Pacific Region and hosted by the Government of the Republic of Marshall Islands in Majuro, Republic of Marshall Islands.
President Mori Receives Fourth Update from Department of Health and Social Affairs on H1N1 Influenza A Pandemic Threat
Press Release #0509-44
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 21, 2009The FSM Department of Health & Social Affairs has submitted their second report to President Mori to update the President on the Influenza pandemic threat. Secretary for the Department, Dr. Vita Skilling, has alerted the President that since the third update on May 7th 2009, the following have developed:
President Mori Travels to Japan for Summit Meeting and Seminar
Press Release #0509-43
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 21, 2009 President Manny Mori has embarked on a trip to Japan to attend several important meetings and a Seminar on Captive Insurance in the FSM. Over the next week, the President, accompanied by Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lorin Robert, the Secretary of R&D, Hon. Peter Christian, and the First Lady, will have a very busy schedule
President Mori Delivers the State of the Nation Address Before Congress
Press Release #0509-28
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 14, 2009
Today, May 14, 2009, President Mori stood before Congress and a full chamber and gave his second State of the Nation Address. The address was attended by Vice President Alik, the members of the 16th FSM Congress, Chief Justice Amariach, former Presidents Leo A. Falcam and Joseph Urusemal, the resident Diplomatic Community, members of the President’s Cabinet, state governors, employees of the National Government and the public. The speech was broadcast live over the radio in all four FSM States via FSM Telecom and will be released to public television with the day.
Conference on Business Opportunities in the Islands a Success
Press Release #0509-41
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 20, 2009
Island Business Opportunities News Release
Last month, the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs held their Fifth Conference on Business Opportunities in the Islands in Honolulu.
PNA Ministers make key decisions
Press Release #0509-42
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 20, 2009
Pacific Islands Foreign Fisheries Agency NEWS Release
ALOFI, NIUE, SUNDAY 17 MAY 2009: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Ministers met today to make high level decisions on tuna fisheries management.
President Mori Sets Task Force on Continental Shelf Project
Press Release #0509-38
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 19, 2009
President Mori has selected three Departments within the Executive Branch to work together with the National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA) to prepare the legal and other justifications to support the submission of the FSM to the UN Commission on the Continental Shelf. The Departments Of Foreign Affairs, Resources and Development and the Department of Justice will assist NORMA on the task force now that the technical work has been completed on our submissions to the United Nations through the FSM Mission to the UN.
Funding Received for 2010 FSM-Wide Census of Population and Housing
Press Release #0509-33
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 18, 2009
The Division of Statistics of the Office of Statistics, Budget and Economic Management, Overseas Development Assistance, and Compact Management (SBOC) is gearing up to launch the 2010 FSM-Wide Census of Population and Housing, after being granted from various donors about $550K. The estimated budget needed for the project stands at $1.4 million.
Key Surveillance Operation Concludes Last Week in FSM & Palau
Press Release #0509-34
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 15, 2009
THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU AND THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA, 12 MAY
2009: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency Media Release
Tuna stocks in danger SPC tells Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee
Press Release #0509-39
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 15, 2009
P
acific Islands Foreign Fisheries Agency NEWS Release:
ALOFI, NIUE, 14 MAY 2009: The Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s Oceanic Fisheries Programme (SPC-OFP) provided its annual report on the status of tuna and swordfish stocks in the Western and Central Pacific region to the 70th meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee Officials Meeting held in Alofi, Niue. This meeting of officials will draft recommendations to go to Ministers for high level decision making next week.
Key Fisheries Meeting in Niue
Press Release #0509-35
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 15, 2009
ALOFI, NIUE,
MONDAY 11 MAY 2009: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) met last week to prepare recommendations for the PNA Ministerial Meeting on Sunday 17 May.
Number of Confirmed Influenza A(H1N1) Cases Rises to Nearly 6,500 – UN AGENCY
Press Release #0509-40
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 15, 2009
The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) said today that nearly 6,500 laboratory-confirmed cases of the influenza A(H1N1) infection have been reported by 33 countries, adding that the death toll has increased to 65.
Tripler program provides flu shots to Pacific Islanders
Press Release #0509-37
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
May 15, 2009
(Tripler Army Medical Center News Release dated April 24, 2009)
Tripler Army Medical Center reached out again this year, over 5,000 miles of the Pacific Ocean, to Guam and other small Pacific islands, to donate 17,500 surplus doses of seasonal influenza vaccine that would otherwise have been discarded.