A change of words and possibly of heart?

This is good news even though it isn't great news.

The vocabulary has changed.  Which means a change of mindset, which means someone has definitely had a change of heart, mind, and attitude.

I love the title of this PDN article:

10th migrant criminal's sentence commuted

I'm guessing that the FSM population is Guam is pretty large.  So 10 people out of a hundred? a thousand?  That's very low.

Plus they are using the word "commuted" and reserving the word "deportation" for federal authorities:

"Gov. Eddie Calvo commuted the sentence of a 10th migrant inmate and turned him over to federal immigration authorities for deportation proceedings, according to a statement from Adelup."


The article even goes so far as to say that the previous men... not criminals.. "volunteered" to have their sentences commuted and return to their home in Chuuk.  Great choice of words.  The tone has changed.  The vocabulary has changed.  

And not a word from our FSM President.  The noise was made in Guam and resolved at the Federal level.  Why would a President step 'down' to the territorial level when he has a Nation to run??

Thank you President Christian for staying high and dry from all of this.  


Meanwhile, I would like to thank Mr Robert Underwood in Guam for his take on freedom of press.  And to encourage all of you in FSM to keep reading, keep posting because a "free press makes honest government"  

Territorial over territory and showing Sovereignty

Recently Governor Calvo  stated :
'I'm glad to see that we are now being engaged by the U.S. federal government who seem to better understand the position Guam is in and are showing that they will work with us to protect every man, woman, and child on this beautiful island that so many people call home.' 


I am always touched by how we unconsciously confirm our strongest beliefs.  Governor Calvo has stated the obvious.  He has raised the bar to the appropriate level.  He has shown us that we can all get along when the correct channels are utilized.  This is great! I applaud Governor Calvo for being an advocate for all Governor's in the U.S. and U.S. administered territories when dealing with Sovereign nations.  Si Yuus Maase!




Meanwhile, in the Nation of FSM:
FSM PIO's press release on the 47th Pacific Island Forum:
"Later in the week during their retreat at the FSM Congress Chambers, leaders (from 16 sovereign nations) focused their discussions on a wide range of regional issues including economic growth, fisheries, maritime surveillance, regional mobility and harmonization of business practices, West Papua, the Regional Assistance Missions to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), Pacer Plus, cervical cancer HPV vaccination, framework for rights of persons with disabilities in the Pacific, the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, climate change and disaster risk management."
And:
The FSM just recently established Diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates and before that, established Diplomatic ties with the Government of Kuwait! Both in a single month! :) Interesting to note that the FSM Government has established Diplomatic ties with over 70 other Sovereign nations.


The Nation of FSM has Diplomatic Missions in Japan, Fiji, China, US (consulates in Guam and Hawaii), and to the United Nations. 


I might be stating the obvious as well in my blog post.  But like I said at the top, we are always unconsciously confirming our strongest beliefs!

FSM on the Rise... Guam a territory.

The 47th Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat's Leaders meeting is done!

 

FSM President Pete Christian chaired this year's meeting.  Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull and New Zealand PM John Key both showed up.  It was an international affair! 


Neighboring RMI President Hilda Heine was also present.

Christian caused a stir when he 'excused' the media on the first day of the Forum. 


Later on, at the site of the Leaders retreat with New Zealand PM John Key, Pete Christian approached the media and asked,
"Which one of you got mad when I asked the media to leave?"
No one said a word.  He was of course, just joking. 


It was a great time to be in Pohnpei.  School was out, new people were everywhere, motorcades were racing back and forth with sounds of motorcycles and sirens filling the air, and people were proud to be a nation among nations. 


Somebody asked me, why are they all here?  I answered it's the 47th Pacific Island Leaders Forum.  He said 'Wei eh?  Pohnpei is really important', then he stopped for a while and smiled saying 'FSM is really important!'  That's right, FSM is a partner nation with RMI, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia. 


And new members New Caledonia and French Polynesia are now part of the Forum.  Welcome fellow Pacific Islanders!


Meanwhile during the PIFS meeting, in other parts of Micronesia that are not considered Micronesia by the inhabitants, some negative press for Micronesia!
Guam Governor Eddie Baza Calvo had some strong words for FSM Government officials but the comments from his supporters were even stronger! It's the same old story from the Guamanians.  It's as old as the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (which doesn't exist anymore).  We went our own way.  We chose our path.  They chose theirs.  The Guamanians have never considered themselves our equals - brothers / sisters.  But while they were busy chasing the 'American Dream' we were chasing the 'Sovereign Nation Dream'... and now we have a President, a Congress, Diplomatic missions abroad, and a seat on the UN, PIFS, SIS, ACP, PIDF, etc, etc.  We also have a compact of free association with the United States of America... "WITH" .... take note of that word. 
 
So, I wish the people of Guam all the best.  I'll leave with a comment made by FSM Speaker Hon Wesley Simina and he said
"Although I sympathize with the governor of Guam's efforts to deal with a number of bad elements from the FSM in Guam, this is a matter for the federal government to address". 


Well said....

The move toward self determination, Humility and detained vessels (chinese)

What's going on Guam?
"The Independence for Guahan Task Force is one of three commission task forces charged with spearheading efforts to educate and inform Guam about the three political status options available to the island’s residents, should a plebiscite be held"


So here we go again with de-colonization.  Guam has been a "part" of the US since the end of the Spanish-American war over a 100 years ago.  Still they can't vote in national elections!! They were invaded by Japan... re-taken with devastation to their island and loss of life... Still they can't vote in national elections! They got planes, submarines, Marines, Army, bombers, missle things and still no voting for President...
So in the latest case regarding self-determination and decolonization a non-Chamorro man sued GovGuam after he was not allowed to register to participate in the self-determination plebiscite... Confusing! A US citizen who lives on Guam, can't vote with other US citizens (chamorros) on self determination because he is a non-Chamorro. 


Speaking of Guam... A nice Chuukese Woman in Guam is speaking out about the deportations.  I say nice because she is respectful and humble and appeals to our kinder, gentler side with words like these:

 

"I really respect the Governor all the leaders. I respect every Chamorro people. I am just a guest here and I respect them as a guest that’s why I've been very careful to follow the laws and to be the best that I can be because we are all guests coming here so we grew up back home we are nurtured in respectful [ways] and how we really have to be just a good citizen as we can be," said Konchita adding, "I really respect Governor. I really respect all the leaders. It's just that sometimes we really have to look at the way we deal with our work as leaders. We are there for the people and from the people to nurture life to be the best we can serve and we can lead."

What can you say about that? Kinisou Chapur :) for showing the kind, respectful, gentle side of Chuuk. 


In the FSM capital of Pohnpei preparations are under way for the 47th Pacific Islands Forums leaders meeting 7 - 11 September.  Lots of coverage from Pohnpei in the next couple of days....


In Yap, a "Chinese research vessel" was caught and brought into Colonia.. Aren't we friends with these guys?  :)  Anyways, conflicting stories out there, but the story speaks for itself.. or does it?


From time to time, I like to check up on our law-making body and see what they are up to. They seem to be pretty busy accepting grants, resolving this and that and even confirming appointments. 
By the way, congratulations to the new Pohnpei State AG, Exec Director of Housing and Election Commissioner.  You can read about it on the Pohnpei Met site along with new board of education members, EPA board member and members of Pohnpei Public Broadcasting corporation... Congrats!


Here's another great opportunity for us: Australia-Pacific Technical College scholarships/airfare and international training! 


Have a great weekend!

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!