MSG (not the food ingredient) visits FSM President and CNMI seeking new political status (among others)

Here in FSM, a mission from the Solomon Islands / MSG visited President Christian.  They were here about West Papua.  If you don't know about West Papua... here is some knowledge on their situation. Yes, oppression and racism still exists to that degree in the Pacific.
If you don't know what MSG is all about, click here. So the Melanesians have MSG, the Polynesians have the Polynesian Leaders Group... I couldn't find their home page, but here is some information on their activities. And of course, the Micronesians have the Micronesian Chief Executives (no website), plus the Micronesian Trade and Economic Community. Never heard of them before? Me too. 
I would be more than happy to share their news with everyone :)


Hawaii state Senator Wakai is challenging Micronesian chief executives to invite air travel and bid all government travels. What a great idea! How much is spent on Govt travel in FSM alone?  This is the only guaranteed year in and year out travel from FSM.. why not bid out all government travel?? 


In CNMI, our brothers and sisters are also seeking a new and improved political status. The is the era of questioning and changing political statuses.  Guam has a one too. Good on you guys.. Chuuk is leading the way!


The PACER plus trade agreement has been agreed upon by Pacific trade ministers... does this include FSM.  It has to.  How many people are aware of the benefits of Pacer plus? Well, if you don't know, you should because it affects us all.  Click here for benefits and myths




- Secretary of the Navy visits the Republic of Palau!  That's pretty big.  I don't remember the last time a Secretary of the Navy visited the FSM.  Well, I hope he had fun diving and stuff.





In other parts of the Pacific neighbors are pledging help (millions) to " to help Pacific Island countries benefit economically from a soon-to-be completed landmark trade and development deal."  It doesn't actually say in the article.. but it's the Pacer plus trade agreement....

Indians in Pohnpei, Storms in Saipan and Elections in Palau...

Hope you have a great weekend! 

If you're in Pohnpei... check out the Indian Navy ship that pulled in yesterday.  All those Indian Sailors are walking out and about.  They'll be here for two days meeting with the Government, and promoting all things Indian including their Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme which we as FSM citizens are qualified to participate in.  What else are we eligible for? Education and training wise:


- COM-FSM with pell grants
- Australian Awards Pacific Scholarships
- Japanese Government Scholarships
- Chinese Government Scholarships
- New Zealand Government Scholarships


Aren't we lucky??  I'm grateful for these opportunities for our children.. what did Whitney sing again?  "I believe that children are our future... treat them well and let them lead the way".. RIP Whitney. 


Have you heard about the Kiribati weightlifter who uses humor and dancing to bring attention to his sinking island nation?  I saw his very funny and inspiring video .  What a great way to stand up, compete and share your story!! 


In Saipan, it's tropical storm condition 3 .  God bless you our brothers and sisters in the CNMI. 


In Palau, President Tommy Remengesau Jr is squaring off against VP Antonio Bells, Sen Whipps Jr and Sen Sandra Pierantozzi... It's 2 Jr's , a bell and a belle.  Here is a transcript of their recent debate. 


Beautiful view -- looking out from the causeway !!

Look down! and you see the trash!
Sorry, my camera quality isn't that great... but you get the picture :)




Here is a great story I mentioned in an earlier post.  Pohnpei's Lt Governor Reed Oliver donated 40 percent of his salary to his people who are not insured to be referred.  This is great! We need more people like this in our government, and just everyday life. 


Here's an instagram mention from a world teach volunteer in Chuuk. All I have to say is waioooooo!! :)


Have a great weekend!

Indian Ships, Immigration and the Olympics

The world is getting smaller and bigger and exciting!  Here are some updates from the Small Islands in the Pacific:

In the RMI, an Indian Navy stealth ship made a port call to Majuro and stopped in to meet President Heine.  It's amazing to think that India has a Navy... but I'm also thinking like this "Kama Sutra meets Helicopter" I'm not talking about HE Hilda Heine now.. nothing but respect for the first woman President in the Pacific! I was just thinking on my keyboard. 

 The ongoing migration muddle in Guam has Congresswoman Bordallo making recommendations for the inmates who are not deported but "voluntarily" leave Guam as long as they pinky promise never to set foot on Guam... how about Hawaii or the mainland US?  This is a great opportunity for regional cooperation with our fellow islanders. 

Plato once said 'those who tell the stories, rule society' and we so we are looking at the next generation of leaders who are telling stories.  Through PREL's 'Pacific Storytellers Cooperative' stories are being told.. society is changing.  Great job guys and gals!! Keep writing, keep telling the stories. 

In Rio, a Palauan athlete made olympic history by being the first athlete from his country to make it through the preliminary rounds! Congrats Rodman Teltull! And FSM's Jennifer Chieng proves that a single mother who started out late in life can still make a difference... Great stories, from great people.. Our people!!

Here is a big event - 47th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Pohnpei! With the sudden influx of 500 people on Pohnpei.. will we have enough money in our ATM machines?  Will Telecom be able to take in all those users? Will the stores have enough food for the rest of us?  I'm just asking. 

Thank you and have a great day!

My perspective on the news from the region

My take on news in the region:


In Guam, the on-going saga of priests and boys... A recent article says "Former priest photographed 50 altar boys and their private parts." That's interesting to think, 50! He must have lured them there with candies, money?  Or maybe he had a hidden camera in the altar boy locker room.  Whatever the case, I hope his next reincarnation is as an altar boy. 


Over in Saipan, they want to double their medical referral budget, 
Good luck Saipan! We all need to take care of our people who are referred when our local hospitals are unable to assist. 
Got me thinking of our Lt Gov. in Pohnpei who donated 40 per cent of his salary to uninsured citizens for off-island referrals (next Kpress issue).  What a guy! 


Over in Palau, a Kiwi was the topic of conversation at a recent OEK hearing.  Ms Claire Harvey from the National Development Bank of Palau wore a sleeveless dress!! How many of us were treated the same way in the mainland US, Hawaii and Guam?  Forgive the lady for she knows not that she offended.


While we're still talking about Palau, how about their new organic greenhouse? Financed to the tune of $500,000 by the Chinese?  Great projects are waiting those who are bold enough to dream and apply... Step right up,choose a donor, any donor!




Here's something from last week, 7 million Pacific Islanders have no electricity  .  Only 20 percent of households in the Pacific have power.  I know many areas of Chuuk don't have any power, all the outer islands of FSM... The article says significant investment is needed, but the environment has not favoured private-sector participation in energy development.  Nail hit on the head.  Thank you.


The government itself cannot solve all of our problems.  Their job is to create and maintain the environment that favors private-sector participation in ALL areas, that encourages citizen to participate.  Well, at least that's what I think :)

8 August 2016 - Blogger Nesian shares

Bloggers unite!  Share information.  Ideas, or information is the only thing that increases when shared.  Let's increase and be the change we want to see.


What's going on in and about Micronesia?


Gov Eddie Calvo of Guam just shared a photo with the following caption:
"Good morning Guam! We're talking about growing the partnerships between our government and those of our neighboring islands to help immigrants who come to Guam wanting to build a home for themselves and their families" 


Here is the link:  Gov Calvo is talking about partnerships with neighboring islands


Meanwhile over in Palau, the EU and the Pacific Community are training Palauns on strengthening disaster risk management.


The Chinese are strengthening and exchanging views on economic and technical cooperation with the people of Kosrae.


The FSm Government, along with PNG and Solomon islands made a joint submission to the subcommission established by the Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf on the Ontong Java Plateau.


 OJP is a massive large igneous province sitting on the continental shelves within the jurisdictions of the three countries and the nearby high sea pocket.  Continental shelves are believed to be rich in natural resources – rare Earth metals, oil and petroleum, among others.  After the presentations, the Commission will consider the whole OJP joint submission and adopt recommendations by early next year.


And the top 5 topics on Micronesian Forum are:... well just click the link and you'll find out, it's always changing. 


Change is good! Keep changing, improving, learning and getting better.


Blogger Nesian.