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| left to right: President Manny Mori -- FSM; President Christopher Loeak -- RMI; Governor Eddie Baza Calvo -- Guam; Governor Eloy Inos -- CNMI; Governor Sebastian Anefal -- Yap; Lt. Governor Carson Sigra -- Kosrae; President Tommy Remenasau Jr. -- Palau; Governor John Ehsa -- Pohnpei; and Mr. Sabino Asor, representing Governor Johnson Elimo of Chuuk |
FSMIS (December 5, 2013): The Governors of the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands, the Territory of Guam and the FSM States of Yap,
Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, along with the Presidents of the Federated States of
Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands
began their Nineteenth Summit on December 4th at the Fiesta Resort
in Saipan.
The Micronesian Chief Executives’ Summit is an annual
gathering for the six Governors and the three Presidents to examine issues of
common concern, agree on ways to collectively address shared challenges, and collaborate
on strengthening opportunities in ways that benefit the Micronesian Region.
The Summit opened with the recognition of each of the Leaders
along with the blowing of the conch shell – a tradition that is common among
island cultures. The Summit’s theme is “With The Sea, We Are One” – stressing
the centrality and uniting power of the ocean in the lives and affairs of the people
of Micronesia.
Before each Leader gave his opening remark, Governor Eloy S.
Inos of CNMI formally assumed and accepted the chairmanship of the Summit from
President Christopher Loeak of the Marshall Islands who hosted last year’s
meeting.
Governor Inos welcomed his counterparts and colleagues to
Saipan and spoke of his Government’s support for the hosting and convening of
this year’s meeting, which is his first as Governor. However, he has been to
the process as he represented CNMI at the Summit last year in Majuro in his
capacity then as the Lieutenant Governor.
In his opening remark, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
President Manny Mori, currently the longest sitting Member of the Summit,
commented on the success of the organization in terms of the initiatives it
lends support to. However, he noted the current status where the Summit seems
to concern itself with a vast array of items at one time making it difficult to
properly execute decisions. He strongly recommended to his colleagues that they
revisit their agenda and agree to focus on three priority initiatives and
undertakings within set timeframe to ensure the sufficient use of manpower,
logistical and other resources. He specifically stressed the FSM’s interest in maintaining
focus on the Micronesian Challenge, Tourism Development and the strengthening of
the Micronesian Center for Sustainable Development within the Summit’s
processes with the understanding that other entities might have slightly different
agenda emphasis.
Other Leaders spoke of
the need to strengthen the effectiveness in implementing the decisions of the
Summit. In that regard, the Leaders stated their agreement with the recommendation
made by President Mori on rightsizing the Summit’s agenda of priority
initiatives to pursue and sustain commitment.
The Leaders went into plenary session and took time to view a
number of items starting with a presentation on current works by the
Micronesian Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in the
area of tourism development.
The first day of the meeting ended with a presentation on the
status of the joint FSM-Palau submarine fiber optic cable project to improve the
telecommunication industry in their jurisdictions with significant assistance
from the World Bank.
Besides President Mori, the FSM Executives at the meeting
include Governor Sebastian Anefal of Yap State, Governor John Ehsa of Pohnpei
State and Lt. Governor Carson Sigra of Kosrae State. Governor Johnson Elimo
from Chuuk State is represented by his Attorney General, Mr. Sabino Asor.
For further
information, email markapito@gmail.com.
Hopefully our Micronesian leaders start checking with United Airlines about the high cost of airfare between Micronesia and the outside world. The airfare alone is not helpful to our tourism industry. We could have a united front in negotiations and researching with United Airlines on how to lower the airfare without bankrupting the company. I have confidence in our leaderships and the United Airline executives that a solution could be achieved. Some figures that could help us in understanding where I come from. Examples: Airfare from LA., Calif. to PNI, FSM O/W on United is $1656 Distance of 5579 miles. Airfare from LA, Calif. to Manila,PI O/W on Philippines Airlines is $499 distance of 7292 miles. Airfare from Honolulu to PNI FSM O/W on United is $1431 distance is 3092 miles. Airfare from LA, Calif to Honolulu O/W on United is $431 Distance of 2558 miles. Airfare from Honolulu to Majuro O/W on United is $1085 distance of 2309 miles. These are some figures on an average basis. I understand there are a lot of factors that contributed to the differences in the cost of airfare. But I think something can be done about it.
ReplyDeleteIt's called MONOPOLY .....
DeleteThe situation with high air transportation cost is a region-wide issue that is mostly acute where there is monopoly in this sector. Leaders have spoken and acted together in trying to address this. However, it is clear this is a business situation. And so long as our air transportation is at the mercy of one carrier, the cost will remain rather high in contrast with other destinations or countries.
ReplyDeleteam trying to get in touch with Sabino Asor, here my email so who ever reads this can you please get him to write to me.. my email is sacharyigisaiar@gmail.com thank you!! and God Bless!
ReplyDelete