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| One of the fishing vessels boarded by FSS Micronesia crew |
FSMIS (March 27, 2013): The FSS
Micronesia undertook a multi-tasked trip between Pohnpei and Chuuk on February
25th to March 8th with the Secretary of Justice on board, later joined by US
Ambassador Doria Rosen and Postmaster General Ginger P. Mida on the way back to
Pohnpei.
On the way to assist in the FSM National Election in Chuuk on
March 5th, election boxes were delivered to Sapwuafik, Nukuoro, and
Kapingamarangi – three outer islands of Pohnpei. While on Nukoro and Kapingamarangi,
Secretary Skilling met with the Mayor of Nukuoro and the Chief Representative
of Kapingamarangi.
At different locations over a period of five days and nights,
the FSS Micronesia crew conducted nine boardings on foreign fishing vessels
encountered on the way, resulting in $51,000 in fines and citations, and
ensuring compliance with fishery regulations.
While in Chuuk, six of the crew members were deployed to six
islands in the Chuuk Lagoon to assist in providing security at various election
sites on March 5th. In addition, election results from the outer islands of
Chuuk were obtained through the radio telephone system on the FSS Micronesia.
Secretary Skilling also took the time to accompany US
Ambassador Doria Rosen who went to Fefen Island on March 5th to observe the
conduct of the national election process. The observers did not discover any
irregular incidents.
Ambassador Rosen and Postmaster General Ginger P. Mida had the
opportunity to witness first-hand the maritime surveillance of FSM waters.
Mrs. Mida and the Maritime Wing are assessing feasible ways
for the FSM Post office to be able to utilize similar trips among the remote
islands in the FSM, especially for urgent delivery requiring safeguards of
commodities and supplies.
According to Secretary Skilling, “the trip was a success in
its entirety”.
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