WENO, Chuuk—On June 21 , 2021, His Excellency David W. Panuelo—President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—arrived in the State of Chuuk to formally launch the Low-Amongst the voluminous number of topics explored in depth, arguably the most immediately substantive were on the topics of law and order, the quality and efficiency of the FSM Postal Service in Chuuk, major infrastructure projects in Chuuk and the Nation at large, environmental protection concerns, and the launching of the Low-Income Assistance Program developed by President Panuelo and funded by the Asian Development Bank.
Regarding the topic of law and order, President Panuelo, Governor Narruhn, and Speaker Simina discussed at length a series of commitments to, and arguable transgressions of, the rule of law. The tangible result of the discussions included the President’s commitment to, where appropriate, look into the outcome regarding a financial settlement between the State of Chuuk’s former administration and an international commercial air carrier; the FSM National Government’s, and the Chuuk State Government’s, interest to ensure that justice occurs for the wife and children of a recent murder victim; and the acquisition of additional funding to support public safety initiatives.
On the latter, Governor Narruhn expressed to President Panuelo that while the Honorable Tiwiter Aritos, one of the Senators representing Chuuk in the FSM Congress, had given $20,000 for public safety trainings, that more funding would be necessary to ensure both officer recruitment and officer training were held to a suitable standard.
Regarding the topic of the FSM Postal Services, Governor Narruhn described the People of Chuuk’s concerns with the limited staffing and physically small building. The Governor suggested that Weno, Chuuk State’s urban center, would benefit from an additional FSM Post Office, on the premise that at present incoming parcels often remain in large shipping containers at the airport due to lack of space in town. President Panuelo agreed in principle, and advised that he would assign the FSM Postmaster General to look into the feasibility of opening a second Post Office in Weno.
Additionally on this topic, President Panuelo noted that it remains the intent of the FSM National Government to construct an FSM Post Office in Faichuk. Though construction has been delayed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, it remains a key infrastructure priority for the Nation.
Regarding the topic of infrastructural development more generally, President Panuelo, Governor Narruhn, and Speaker Simina spoke at length about the Pave the Nation project and the urgency with which Chuuk State requires climate-resilient roads. While President Panuelo noted his appreciation for the World Bank’s commitment of $40,000,000 for this purpose, the President also spoke about his hope for His Excellency Joseph R. Biden Jr., President of the United States of America, to consider allowing the FSM, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau to become eligible for the Territorial and Puerto Rico Highway Program.
Regarding the topic of environmental protection, Governor Narruhn and Speaker Simina advised President Panuelo that two shipwrecks resulting from World War 2 are at very high risk of leaking approximately 149,000 liters of oil. The Governor expressed significant concern that, if the ships collapse, that the island of Fefan will be heavily impacted.
President Panuelo responded by noting that the FSM has a bilateral engagement with the Honorable Yoshihide Suga, Prime Minister of Japan, towards the end of June, and further that the FSM has bilateral defense talks with the United States via the Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) process in the coming weeks. “I will make it a point to discuss this with both Japan and the United States,” President Panuelo said, requesting that the Governor formalize his concern in a combination of letter and informative briefing package, so that the President can reference it at the upcoming bilateral engagements.
The final topic of significant discussion was with regards to the Low-Income Assistance Program and the Government of the State of Chuuk’s sincere appreciation for it.
“We’re glad we’ll be able to assist 4,000 zero and low-income households in Chuuk State,” President Panuelo said to Governor Narruhn. “In case it’s not enough, I’ll gently remind my dear friend Speaker Simina that the Executive Branch has requested the Congress to appropriate some of our own local revenues, too, so we can feel it from our hearts—the sincerity of generosity—and show ADB our appreciation for their assistance by taking as much ownership as possible.”
The meeting ended on a positive note, with President Panuelo affirming to Governor Narruhn that the FSM National Government will always work hand-in-hand with the Chuuk State Government in order to provide essential services to the Nation’s citizens.
