BRIEFS November 4, 2014 Stylish Jerseys For Youth Basketball Team In Yap, Micronesia COLONIA, Yap (Habele, Oct. 31, 2014) — A group of young men from the Neighboring Islands who live on Yap Proper are training to compete in that Micronesian States Island League Basketball competition. Their team, called Weyei, emerged from the boys participation in Waagey, an after school mentoring program. That group uses traditional cultural skills to teach high students discipline, teamwork and identity. The boys are to be coached by Waagey Director Larry Raigetal of Lamotrek, and former Peace Corps Volunteer Garrett Johnson. The athletes began with a multi-week fundraising effort to earn funds for team jerseys. US-based Habele, a charity established by former Peace Corps Volunteers, heard about the team and offered to help. The boys worked hard to raise money and buy jerseys. Habele has designed, ordered and purchased Jerseys, asking the young men to use the money they obtained to support other local civic efforts on Yap, announced Habele volunteer and former Peace Corps Volunteer Scott Leis. Habele has a proud history of provisioning eager Micronesian student athletes with quality clothing and equipment to compliment their skill and sportsmanship. The nonprofit also provides need- and merit-based tuition scholarships, support for extracurricular science programs, as well as donations to schools and libraries. The American people, and in particular those of us whove been lucky enough to spend time in the Islands, are proud of our decades long partnership with the people of Micronesia, explained Leis. We are particularly grateful to Jeffrey C. Genzer and Colleen Stewart Genzer, who served as Peace Corps Volunteers on Yap in the early 1980s, for sponsoring this important project. Mr. Genzer is a partner at the Washington-based Duncan, Weinberg, Genzer & Pembroke law firm. FSM Celebrates Independence Day In Guam TUMON, Guam (Pacific Sunday News, Nov. 02, 2014) — Community members and dignitaries from various islands joined together yesterday at Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park in Tumon to celebrate the 28th Independence Day of the Federated States of Micronesia. Originally a United Nations Trust Territory, the FSM officially adopted its own constitution in 1979. Seven years later, it entered into an agreement with the United States, officially becoming a sovereign state under a Compact of Free Association. Under the compact, the United States provides financial assistance and uninhibited travel for FSM citizens to the U.S. In return, the FSM provides the United States with exclusive access to its land and waterways for strategic purposes. Among those in attendance at event was FSM President Manny Mori, who was pleased to see governing officials from many island communities present. It shows theyre supportive of our community, Mori said. It signifies solidarity within the islands. Other officials in attendance included Gov. Eddie Calvo, Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio, Chuuk Gov. Johnson Elimo and Yap Gov. Sebastian Anefal. Guam residents from FSM states and other community members enjoyed an array of food, cultural activities and each others company. Many in attendance shared why they felt it was important to celebrate the nations independence. Reedwin Edwin, a student at the University of Guam, came to the event with his school club, the Pohnpei Student Organization. Most of us here transferred from Pohnpei and are living here on Guam, Edwin said. We wanted to honor our independence day. It makes it feel like were home. Yap Gov. Anefal shared his sentiments about the significance of FSM Independence Day. Anefal spoke of the years of colonization the island endured by the Spaniards, Germans, Japanese and other colonial powers. It was not until more than 20 years ago we established ourselves as a separate nation, he said. Were happy, but it can always be better. When the Compact of Free Association ends in 2023, Anefal said the leaders of the islands have already discussed an action plan that will be formally considered by the FSM congress for adoption. We identified the challenges we have now and are anticipating the challenges to be experienced between now and 2023, he said. He said its important that the islands discuss the action plan now so they are prepared to move forward without the aid of the United States, instead of going downhill. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement yesterday recognizing FSMs independence celebration. Our two countries enjoy a warm friendship, strengthened by our cooperation in advancing our shared values and interests, Kerry said in his statement. The importance of these interests spans the range of environmental, economic, and security realms, and includes the protection of fragile marine habitats, economic development, and growing stability and prosperity in the region. Kerry also thanked FSM citizens who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. FSM Leaders Unveil Post-Compact Action Plan HAGÅTÑA, Guam (MV Guam Edition, Nov. 04, 2014) — Taking a proactive approach, leaders from the Federated States of Micronesia unveiled an action plan—that they hope will alleviate the effects of an expected US$50 million shortfall 10 years from now—to FSM citizens on Sunday night at the Astumbo gym. FSM President Manny Mori along with Yap Governor. Sebastian Anefal, Pohnpei Governor. John Ehsa and Governor Lyndon Jackson of Kosrae attended the meeting along with the Secretariat of the 2023 Action Plan Committee, Evelyn Adolph. The meeting was called by the FSM leaders to present the action plan to FSM citizens on Guam and allowed for FSM citizens to share their concerns. The leaders proposed growing tourism and agriculture in the islands to help offset the $50 million they will no longer have access to in 2024. Authorities hope to capitalize on tourism, focus on branding the islands and marketing them to a different class of tourists. As for agriculture, officials said one plan is to pay cash for produce grown by residents in the villages of the outer islands. At Sunday’s meeting, authorities stressed that another good part of the plan is to develop the private sector because governments worldwide are known to be inefficient. Mori said there are other plans in place and other plans that will be brought up, but this plan is an action plan that the governments intend to follow. “As we approach 2023, going into 2024, we must have a plan to prevent the huge problems that we are anticipating in 2024,” Mori said. “2024 is the year after which all the assistance from the United State will be terminated. Let me make that very clear because there have been rumors that in 2023, the Compact of Free Association is going to terminate.” Mori said it is not the agreement itself that will terminate, but instead, the financial aspect of the COFA will cease. The U.S. government will no longer supply the FSM with funding for much more than health care and education. The Secretariat of the 2023 Action Planning Committee said health care and education funding coming from the U.S. government will be cut in half after 2023. In 2023, the FSM government anticipates US$83.4 million in federal grants to help the island governments. However, the next year they will only receive funding from the trust fund interest, which is considerably less. Between 2023 and 2024 funding from the U.S. government unrelated to health care or education will go from $83.4 million to $38.2 million, a decrease of about US$50 million. “We have no choice but to grow our economy,” Adolph said, adding that the FSM economy has performed dismally over the last 10 years. “It’s going to be challenging.” Mori said if the FSM does not start doing something now, there is a “very scary future” ahead. Part of the plan includes the FSM Congress investing in the private sector, in the businesses of the island nations to grow the private sector, Mori said. He said Congress will be putting $15 million a year into the private sector until 2023. “If we concentrate on developing the private sector businesses, I think we have a good chance of surviving a disaster in 2024,” Mori said. Federated States Of Micronesia Installs Largest Solar System In Effort To Reduce Annual Fuel Costs FSM, Micronesia (Pacific Islands Forum Update, Nov. 04, 2014) — The Federated States of Micronesia is making impressive progress in the implementation of their grid connected solar power generation systems funded through the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund. This month has seen the commissioning of the solar system in Chuuk and final testing of the installed solar system in Pohnpei underway. These are the biggest solar installations in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to date, with 800kWp solar systems equally distributed in each of the four participating States. FSM also has the biggest solar system installation across all countries participating in the PEC Fund. A 200kWp solar system installed at the Chuuk High School is now completed, with the system up and running and producing electricity that is being fed into the grid. “The installation of the solar system in Chuuk has gone smoothly. The Chuuk Public Utility Corporation has been delighted to actively participate in the implementation of the project and we’re pleased to assign six of our technicians to assist in the installation of the solar system,” says Mr. Mark Waite, Chief Executive Officer, Chuuk Public Utility Corporation. “The Chuuk Public Utility Corporation looks forward to benefitting from the solar system which we anticipate will lead to a reduction in our annual fuel costs of up to USD104,000. We are keen to increase the share of grid tie solar power generation systems on Chuuk to further reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.” The Chuuk Public Utility Corporation has taken ownership of the solar system and will budget for the ongoing operation and maintenance, including developing the capacity. A second 200kWp solar system has been installed in Pohnpei at the Nett Elementary School. The system is undergoing final testing with all personnel involved in the installation process trained by the Japanese Contractor. “We are pleased with the milestones achieved in the implementation of FSM’s PEC Fund project. Over the next few months, we will work with the respective Kosrae and Yap utilities to expedite and complete the installation of the remaining grid tie solar systems,” says Mr. Hubert Yamada, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Resources and Development and PEC Fund coordinator in FSM. About the Pacific Environment Community Fund The PEC Fund is a commitment by the Government of Japan of ¥6.8 billion (approx US$66 million) to support Forum Island Country projects with a focus on the provision of solar power generation systems and sea water desalination plants, or a combination of both technologies. The Forum Secretariat was tasked to manage the fund in close collaboration with the Government of Japan. Each Forum Island Country is provided with an indicative allocation of USD$4 million. To date, the Governments of Samoa, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Niue, Republic of Palau, Republic of Marshall Islands and Vanuatu have successfully accessed the PEC Fund for national renewable energy and seawater desalination projects. Marshalls Power Company Pays Off Nearly $1 Million Tax Debt MAJURO, Marshall Islands (Marianas Variety, Nov. 03, 2014) — The Ebeye power utility has made history by paying off a nearly $1 million tax debt to the Marshall Islands Social Security Administration or MISSA. The final payment of $55,046 was made to MISSA Administrator Saane Aho by MISSA board chair and Ebeye utility Internal Auditor Saeko Shoniber. Shoniber was instrumental in the process of moving Ebeye’s power company, Kwajalein Atoll Joint Utility Resource or KAJUR from being one of the least accountable government agencies to one of the best. According to MISSA, KAJUR is one of the few Marshall Islands agencies that receive U.S. Compact funding whose financial operations significantly improved in recent years. After a management contract with the American Samoa Power Association to run KAJUR ended in 2005, the Marshall Islands cabinet put three government utility companies—Marshalls Energy Company, Majuro Water and Sewer Company, and KAJUR—under one utility board. By 2007, KAJUR’s debt of unpaid social security taxes for its employees was $902,057.24 for 2002 to 2007. An October 2007 agreement between KAJUR and MISSA promised a monthly payment of $8,000 over 10 years, said MISSA. Despite a tight cash flow at the power company, MISSA was able to collect these $8,000 monthly installments with the help of Shoniber, a former secretary of finance for the country, who sorted out KAJUR’s financial accounting system over several years. In June 2009, KAJUR voluntarily increased the monthly payments to $10,000. Two years later, KAJUR bumped the monthly payments to $20,000, which allowed KAJUR to clear the debt three years early, saving a significant amount in interest payments to MISSA. While helping KAJUR clear its MISSA debt, Shoniber was instrumental in KAJUR’s becoming auditable and accountable. From FY 2005 through FY 2009, KAJUR’s books were in such bad shape that the government agency could not be audited. But with Shoniber’s financial guidance, General Manager Romeo Alfred and KAJUR accountants completed their account reconciliation and KAJUR’s books were updated until all pending audits for prior years were done before the end of 2010. Audits for subsequent years were completed on time, and the FY2013 audit showed only one finding (problem), an indication of the accountability improvement at the Ebeye power company. Fiji Snub Of Forum Sparks Plan To Review Regionalism SUVA, Fiji (Radio New Zealand International/PIR, Nov. 03, 2014) — Australia is to host a top-level meeting of Pacific leaders to review the structure of the regions organizations as Fiji refuses to rejoin the Pacific Islands Forum. This was agreed at talks in Suva between Fijis foreign minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, and his visiting Australian counterpart, Julie Bishop. Fiji was suspended from the Forum in 2009 for reneging on its promise to hold elections that year. Last month, the Forum lifted Fijis suspension in recognition of its September election, but Fiji has set conditions for any return. [PIR editor’s note: RNZI reported that ‘An Auckland University academic says Fiji still holds significant leverage over Australia and this is what has prompted the call for a meeting of Pacific leaders to discuss the regions organizations. ... Dr. Steven Ratuva says this lack of unity is the biggest hindrance for Australia in the Pacific and would have prompted Foreign Minister Julie Bishops call for a regional agency review.’ Additionally, ‘An analyst with a regional think tank says there is no need for more tinkering with the Pacifics regional agencies. ... A non resident fellow with the Lowy Institute, Tess Newton-Cain, says she doubts there is any appetite for more change.’] Ratu Inoke says the Forum could be enlarged to include Japan and maybe the United States, France and South Korea. Ms. Bishop has suggested the proposed meeting be held in Sydney to discuss what the organization is expected to achieve in the 21st century, but she told FBC News it be restricted to Pacific Island countries. The Fiji Sun says China is also expected to be represented. World Bank Rankings For Pacific Absurd FIJI, Oceania (Radio New Zealand International, Nov. 04, 2014) — A Pacific civil society group says a ranking system by the World Bank is an absurd contest which puts pressure on small island states. The Pacific Network on Globalisation, or PANG, says the banks 2015 Doing Business rankings are sending out the wrong message. The World Bank has praised Palau, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu for reforms which encourage business growth. But PANGs co-ordinator Maureen Penjueli says the rankings focus on being pro-business without any regard for the real costs in terms of social, environmental, cultural or human rights. She says the rankings act to pressure small islands states in the Pacific to implement the reforms enacted by major industrial economies. Ms. Penjueli says the regions traditions like custom control of land do not fit the ranking system. She says it is not for the World Bank to tell Pacific Islanders that becoming like the major economies is what is best for them. -END- COMMUNITY MESSAGE: This may not quite true in the private sector, but you hardly see hard working folks in the public sector. We could say it is hardly working in the public sector—little to zip in dedication or passion for public responsibilities. It may be the inability to overcome the nature of the work or separate personal stuff from public stuff. And so the obvious for a long time now—cannot discuss and resolve community issues together, mismanagement of little there is in funds and property, shrinking local revenues with no end in sight, politics with national funding assistance, lack of maintenance of public roads and other important infrastructures, costly off-island travels, improper use of vehicles and property, and the list goes on. It is quite possible that it is the appropriate list for public responsibilities. Hardly working is good investment.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 07:07:20 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015