Palikir fiber optic cable network swings into action with 5 offices in the lead

FSMIS (March 20, 2014): The Information Communication Technology Committee for the FSM National Government met yesterday at the Department of Resources and Development to further review the status of the "Palikir Network Project" being pursued to improve ICT situations facing the Nation's central location.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Jolden Johnnyboy, Assistant Secretary for Communication with attendance by representatives from the Legislative Branch; the Judiciary Branch; the Department of Foreign Affairs; Department of Finance and Administration; the Department of Resources and Development; the Office of Statistics, Budget and Economic Management, Overseas Development Assistance and Compact Management (SBOC); the Office of Environment and Emergency Management (OEEM); and the Public Information Office.

Mr. Johnnyboy went through the formative background to the project based on a May 13, 2008 memorandum from FSM President Manny Mori. The memo states,

"I have reviewed the current government expenditure on internet leased lines by individual department or office, and I found that we are spending an average of $8,500 a month for multiple connections without having any means to assess or analyze the efficiency of their contribution to productivity at the workplace."

Based on his observation, the President put together the committee to investigate more cost-effective ways and "initiate the process of planning and implementation of a more consolidated infrastructure that will provide a unified intra-government communication system utilizing the right technology that allows security to be maintained while providing a shared link" with efficient connectivity.  

It was reported at the meeting that to date, five offices are utilizing the fiber optic cable network with bandwidth of 10mMpbs  namely the Department of TC&I, Office of SBOC, Congress Office and the FSM Supreme Court main office.

FSMTelecom has endorsed the Dedicated Internet Service Agreement with the National Government for the rate of $4000 per month for 8Mbps.

While feeling ecstatic about bringing to real terms its mandate by the President, the committee acknowledged that a long way remains to ensure every office gets the benefit of the network and that the right level of management and support staff is in place to maintain the system in the longer term.

According to the IT's responsible for connecting offices to the network, another migration date for transitioning offices from their former lines to the network will be in early April. Connection to the unified line depends on when each office feels ready to make the switch

The Network Operation Center is placed at the Central Facility at the Congress compound using available power-backup equipments to keep the network operable when the main "island power" blacks out.

For information, contact the TC&I at 320-2865 or email fsmpio@mail.fm.

Governor Ehsa wants to set aside part of Compact sector grant increase, use some for "one -time-needs" for Pohnpei

FSMIS (March 19, 2014): On March 11, Federated States of Micronesia President Manny Mori met with Pohnpei State Governor John Ehsa over breakfast to discuss certain important matters.

Three days later, the President sent a letter to Governor Ehsa, commending his plan on how to utilize the increase in Compact sector grant for Pohpei State that resulted from a new allocation formula for such grant. That formula, which became effective six months ago through FSM Public Law 18-12,  reduces the FSM Government's share of Compact sector grants by 5 percent and redistributes the amount amongst the State Governments.

President Mori had conveyed to the State Governors his wish for the States to set aside the increase in their share into the FSM Compact Trust Fund under each State's sub-account.

During their breakfast meeting, Governor Ehsa indicated his plan to use part of the increase for Pohnpei State to address "one time needs" for his government and set aside the rest in the State's Compact Trust Fund sub-account.

 “I am pleased to note your plan to use portion of this for urgent one-time needs of the State Government, while setting aside the rest into Pohnpei State’s sub-account in the Compact Trust Fund (CTF).”

Both parties acknowledged that if control of budgetary practices is taken into practice, the allocation of Pohnpei State’s share of that money in FY2015 onward will have a positive impact on the State’s sub-account of the CTF.

 
Encouraging the exercise of fiscal discipline, the President said, “I applaud you for taking this position and I will lend support to making this intent a reality so that we can begin now without delay to ease the burden that awaits our governments in 2024 onward when the Compact sector grants are set to expire.”
 

FSM National Police conducts Search and Rescue operation for two missing Chuukese fisherman

FSMIS (March 19, 2014): Federated State of Micronesia President Manny Mori received a request from Chuuk State Governor Johnson Elimo the evening of March 14 regarding the search and rescue emergency operation for two missing fishermen from Chuuk.

 

"One of our boats, FSS Micronesia, and three international planes are involved in the search, but there have been no sightings of the small missing boat or its two occupants", President Mori conveyed in his March 17 letter to Governor Elimo.

 

"We will continue searching for these men throughout the day today and tomorrow. Regrettably, based upon our limited resources and continued poor weather conditions, we will have to suspend the search if by tomorrow (March 18) evening no evidence is found of the missing fishermen. If, however, new evidence comes to light, we will immediately resume the search and rescue upon verification of the information and upon an additional request from your office to mine."

 

President Mori also said that the fishermen's plight "highlights the need for our Nation and States to educate our population so that the loss of life can be greatly reduced and the chance of finding lost fishermen and other persons utilizing our waters may be increased through safe boating practices".

 

The subject of search and rescue for persons missing at sea is one that is very dear to the President. 

 

The United States and Australia provide valuable assistance in the SAR operation.

 

For further information, email fsmpio@mail.fm.

President Mori receives the First Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to the Federated States of Micronesia

In an official ceremony held on Tuesday March 18, 2014, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) President Manny Mori received the Letter of Credence for his Excellency Alfonso Garzon Mendez, accrediting him as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Colombia to the FSM with residency in Indonesia.  Ambassador Mendez is the first Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to be accredited to the Federated States of Micronesia since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in September of 1992.

During the ceremony, President Mori welcomed the Ambassador and congratulated him for this historical accomplishment as the first Colombian Ambassador to be accredited to the FSM. He also expressed his desire to see enhanced cooperation between the two countries especially on issues of mutual interest.

The President and the Ambassador shared views on possible areas of cooperation with emphasis on climate change, transnational crime, food security and human trafficking.

President Mori reflected on Colombia's vast experience in combating transnational crimes, which among others, includes illegal drug and human trafficking, and expressed that this is an area for possible cooperation between the two countries.  He affirmed climate change as an issue that continues to be a top priority for the FSM and spoke of his hope for Colombia's support in international climate change forums, considering mutually-shared concerns on the effects of global warming.  The President talked of the direct link between climate change and food security especially for small islands dispersed throughout the FSM.

Ambassador Mendez thanked President Mori for accepting his Letter of Credence and said he was honored for being the first Ambassador from Colombia accredited in the FSM.  He expressed Colombia's shared interest in the issues discussed and affirmed that Colombia is ready to work with the FSM at the bilateral and multilateral levels in addressing these common issues.  With the new formalized friendship, Colombia and the FSM have the opportunity to strengthen relations.

In attendance at the Presentation of Credential  ceremony was Mr. Samson E. Pretrick, Acting Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, staff from the department, as well as staff from the Public Information Office of the Office of the President.

Ambassador Mendez was accompanied by his spouse, Madam Alicia Maldonado de Garzon.

For further information, call the department at 320-2641 or email fsmpio@mail.fm.

President Mori encourages States to "set aside" additional Compact share for future use

FMIS (March 18, 20140): The State Governments saw an increase in their respective shares under the Compact Sector Grants when the Federated States of Micronesian National Government put into effect a new grant distribution that reduces its ten percent (10%) share to only five percent pursuant to Public Law 18-12.

In light of this law as well as the fact that the States have recently identified a long-term fiscal framework that in part addresses how to deal with decreases in Compact funding, President Manny Mori has urged the State Governments to consider setting aside their share under the 5% into their Compact Trust Fund.

In a recent meeting with Chuuk Sate Governor Johnson Elimo and House Speaker Innosenti Oneisom, Chuuk State expressed willingness to allocate its "new money" into the Trust Fund.  However, a formal communication in that regard has not been provided.

Responding to Senate President Mark Mailo on March 17, President Mori reiterated the idea of the set aside. He also indicated regarding the State's commitment on the set aside, "while I have received positive commitment from Governor Elimo, I am still awaiting a formal communication from him on that commitment."

The other States have yet to formally respond to the President on the same issue.

Consultations on ongoing programs and activities of the Micronesian Trade

On March 13-18, 2014, the MTC Interim Secretariat, presently headed by the FSM Department of Resources and Development will conduct National consultations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and Republic of Palau.  The main purpose of these consultations is to move forward ongoing MTC programs and activities related to the ministerial Decisions adopted during the 5^th MTC Meeting of July 2^nd, 2012, in Majuro, RMI, which were subsequently endorsed by the 12^th Micronesian President’s Summit, in particular the proposal to upgrade the Memorandum of Understanding establishing the MTC into a Treaty, and the finalization of interim financial arrangements to administer MTC funds.

During these consultations, strategies to enhance private sector’ active involvement in the process of sub-regional trade and economic cooperation and integration will also be discussed.

National consultations for the FSM took place on January 21, 2014, in the margins of the 5^th Meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee.

The team members that will be conducting the consultation are Mr. Adelman Joseph, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Trade, Division of Trade and Investment-FSM Department of Resources and Development, and Mr. Jean Bertrand Azapmo, National Trade Policy Adviser, Commonwealth Secretariat-Hub & Spokes Programme.

 

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

President Mori wishes to report to Congress on State of the Nation during May session

FSMIS (March 14, 2014): FSM President Manny Mori informed Congress on March 12 that he would like to report to Congress on the State of the Nation during its upcoming May regular session.

"In accordance with the expressly delegated power of the President to make an annual report to Congress on the State of the Nation, I wish to address Congress during its regular session in May this year."

Congress is scheduled to hold a special session the end of the month, at which time it will decide over this specific request.

The President will be granted his wish only if Congress approves the draft resolution inviting the President to make such address as specifically requested.

President Mori has made such addresses five times in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013, all of which are available at www.fsmpio.fm.

President Mori terminates FSM Election Commissioner's employment in Chuuk State

FSMIS (March 14, 2014): FSM President Manny Mori has issued a notice of termination of employment to Mr. Nickson Bossy, FSM Election Commissioner in Chuuk State, based on recommendation from Mr. Albert T. Welly, Director of the FSM National Election Office.

Mr. Albert reported that Mr. Bossy has been away from duty, taking "unauthorized absence" from his work since June 24, 2013. He also provided copies of two letters sent by him to Mr. Bossy, starting on August 5, 2013 and a copy of Mr. Bossy's response letter of December 2, 2013.

Mr. Bossy has claimed he is away for medical reasons.

In his communication through regular mail and email, President Mori informed Mr. Bossy,

"Based on my review of this matter and under the authority vested in me under Title 9, Section 302(2)(b) of the FSM Code, I find that there is cause to terminate your employment as the National Election Commissioner for Chuuk... I regret that this action is necessary for the good of the Nation."

Meanwhile, the FSM National Election Office issued earlier this month the timetable of necessary deadlines and reminders in preparation for the March 2015 general election.

For more information, email fsmpio@mail.fm or call 320-2548.

Two grant assistance for FSM Health totaling $292,000 await Congressional approval

FSMIS (March 14, 2014): On March 12, Federated States of Micronesia President Manny Mori transmitted to Congress two grant assistance approval requests for activities under the Department of Health and Social Affairs.

One of the grants is in the amount of $250,000 from the United Sates Department of Health and Human Services Administration to fund the Personal Responsibility Education Program managed by the department. A notice of award was rendered by USDHHSA since December 23, 2013.

The second grant is in the amount of $42,032.97 from the Synectics for Management Decision, Inc. (Synectics) intended to support on-going data collection on mental health clients under as part of a Data Infrastructure Grants. The grant will also support the Uniform Data Reporting System for certain programs.

Pursuant to an agreement between the department and Synectics, the fund will be made in three equal installments during the period of October 1, 2013 to June 15, 2014.

Both grants require approval of Congress under FSM laws governing the acceptance of foreign grant assistance.

WHO/CLO needs a Coordinator for Health System Strengthening in FSM, RMI and ROP

The World Health Organization
Office for the South Pacific, Suva


Invites applications for a

Coordinator (SSA) for Health Systems Strengthening
For a short term contract to be based in WHO/CLO Office in Palikir, Federated States of Micronesia

(Initial one year contract may be extended based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds)

Post Summary


The Health Systems Strengthening Office Coordinator (SSA) will be posted in WHO/CLO for Northern Micronesia located in Palikir, FSM and will be responsible for managing the activities of health systems in the Northern Micronesia (FSM, RMI and ROP).

The Coordinator/SSA will be supervised directly by the WHO/CLO for the Northern Micronesia (FSM, RMI & ROP) and will work closely with the Department of Health’s health systems focal points and as well as with the technical officers in the World Health Organisation office in the South Pacific, WPRO & HQ to organise and coordinate resources to support activities, collaborate with DOH and WHO staff, consultants and partners to implement culturally appropriate health systems activities, including reporting on health systems development issues and priorities.

Job Duties will include the following: 

 Focal person on health systems activities
 o Collect, analyse and provide reports on health systems work areas

o Dialogue and Collaborate with DOH on relevant issues and challenges



Managing health systems programs

o Provide assistance towards the implementation of the joint DOH and WHO country planned activities

o Coordinate all health systems training provided by WHO

o Monitor and ensure efficient utilization of resources



Marketing and advocating for universal health coverage and primary health care

o Disseminate information on UHC and PHC

o Update stakeholders on health systems



Perform other related duties as required or assigned

Qualifications:

The person selected shall have strong program management skills; effective coordination and communication skills; good computer literacy in MS Office programs; and shall be an effective team player, able to work productively with health professionals in the Northern Micronesia Departments of Health and with other relevant stakeholders.

Requirements

 Diploma or training in health, communication, health systems or related field (Equivalent work experience will be considered);

　

 Successful experience in the effectively working with Governments and partners;

 1-3 years experience working as a team member in a multicultural setting;

 1-3 years experience in health systems strengthening work;

 Fluency in written and spoken English, knowledge of local language is an advantage;

 Valid passport and driving license;

 Ability to travel by car or public transportation to various sites;

 Eligibility to work in the Federated States of Micronesia.

APPLICATIONS must include Curriculum Vitae with full contact details of three referees and is to be submitted by latest 5pm March 21, 2014 to: Vacancy	To email: rmoufa@fsmhealth.fm or Hand Deliver to
Health Systems Coordinator for Northern Micronesia	WHO/CLO Office Capitol Suites and Offices RM 201 Palikir, Federated States of Micronesia