Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM Independence Day with Speeches

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): November 6,
1997 – The FSM celebrates its 11th Independence anniversary on
November 3rd with speeches.

President Jacob Nena addressed the participants of the FSM Annual
Judiciary Conference at its opening in Pohnpei State Supreme Court
while FSM Congress reconvened in its 22nd day of the current 30-day
Regular Session in observance of the FSM Independence Day.

In his Independence message which was broadcast live via FSM
Telecom with the assistance from V6AF Radio in Pohnpei and through
the states radio stations V6AH, Pohnpei; V6AI, Yap; V6AJ, Kosrae; and
V6AK, Chuuk, President Nena told his fellow Micronesians that he is
pleased to greet them on the special day of the 11th anniversary of
the FSM’s independence.

“Eleven years ago today,” Nena said, “President Nakayama and the
then U.S. President Ronald Reagan simultaneously proclaimed the
termination of the U.S. Trusteeship Agreement as it applied to the
FSM, thus ushering-in a new phase in our political history – of
complete statehood of the FSM.”

“Through the democratically expressed wishes of the people of our
nation and sustained efforts of our leaders, combined with the
support and cooperation the Government of the United States, we were
able to achieve our political independence without much difficulty,”
Nena said, adding, “We must always be thankful to them, especially
the United States and other friends, without whose support and
cooperation we would not have easily achieved self-government and
political recognition. And, let us not forget that we were blessed
for not having to send our young men and women to fight a war in
order to achieve political independence.”

Nena called on his fellow Micronesians to reflect on their
political achievements as they celebrate their young nation’s
independence day, adding that they have a stable democratic
government and a strong social system that reinforces peace, respect
and cooperation among the people.

Turning to international arena, he said, that FSM has taken its
place in the community of nations and has taken charge of its
responsibilities to promotes its interests on the world stage.

“In spite of our smallness,” Nena said, “our nation plays an
important role at the regional and international levels in addressing
deep concerns over serious threats such as climate change, sea level
rise and unwise uses of natural resources and their catastrophic
impact on sustainable development of small island states.”

The President said FSM faces the challenge of economic security,
without which efforts to improve quality of life to foster stability
and prosperity will be fruitless.

Nena said that FSM’s economy has long been characterized by low
productivity, low growth and a dominant and inefficient public sector
which he said must be reversed if a descent standard of living is to
be maintained now and future generations.

To resolve this problem, the national and state governments have
committed themselves to promoting the private sector as the engine of
economic growth, Nena said, adding that both the state and national
governments are implementing a series of mutual reinforcing laws,
regulations and policies to create a more active, competitive and
efficient environment for economic development.

“The governments need to work in close partnership with the
private sector, Nena said, to create a “level playing field” on which
businesses can compete on equal terms with one another. Nena added
that it is important for both sectors, public and private, need to
work together to build the skills and the capacity of FSM citizens to
meaningfully engage in development of the private sector.

“As citizens, each of us has a role to play in achieving the goal
of economic security for our nation,” Nena stated, adding, “We can
draw on the strengths of our cultural values of sharing and caring
for each other, and on the basic family values that have kept us
together as strong and self-sustaining economic and social units
within our Micronesian society.”

“Individually and collectively,” Nena said, “we need to renew our
sense of vigor to take upon ourselves the challenge of doing our fair
share to contribute as productive members of our families, clans,
islands, organizations and businesses that drive the economy of our
nation.

“Its high time for all of us,” Nena said, “to commit ourselves to
the mission of making a better life in this country for us now and
for the future generations of Micronesians.”

The Government need to continue to improve conditions to foster
stability and prosperity; improve quality of life for the whole
nation; assist those who need help; protect the rights and freedoms
of the individual; maintain the rule of law; and do all that can be
done to encourage people to play their part in their community, state
and their nation.

Government must be accountable and has an obligation to be
answerable to the people, Nena said, adding, we must live within our
means at the same time prudently determine the best ways to meet the
needs of its citizens with the limited available resources.

Nena emphasized that Government must be efficient in delivering
the best possible services for the public money it spends.
Furthermore, Government must be responsive, committed to quality
services.

Both state and national governments are implementing such steps
through new and oftentimes unpopular initiative or program as the
Public Service Reform Program which selectively retire public service
employees in order to save money by reducing the costs of government.

Nena admitted that without full commitment to implement necessary
reforms both in the public and private sectors, economic development
will not be achievable. Thus, he said, “in this difficult times we
must offer to contribute our fair share of the burden.”

Nena said that economic security must be achieved because it is a
pre-requisite for FSM’s stability and prosperity. “Let us celebrate
this day by re-dedicating our efforts all across our nation towards
achieving economic security for our people, our states and our
nation. Congratulations and Happy Independence Day.”

Other speakers included Pohnpei Governor Del Pangelinan, Speaker
of Congress Honorable Jack Fritz, Chief Justice Judah C. Johnny of
the Pohnpei Supreme Court, and the Nanmwarki of Sokehs Honorable
Herculano C. Kohler.

Governor Pangelinan in his remarks welcomed the participants of
the Judicial Conference hosted by Pohnpei State Judiciary and called
for public officials to defer to attorneys on legal aspects of
impending issues between the national and state governments.

Speaker Fritz applaud what he called Independent Micronesian
Jurisprudence and the development of an independent judicial system
in FSM.

Nanmwarki of Sokehs Kohler reminded the audience that there is
indeed a judicial system built into the Pohnpeian traditional system
which has been functional in the society. The modern and traditional
systems have working harmoniously in resolving serious social
problems.

The FSM Government received through the Diplomatic Channels a
number of Congratulatory Messages on its 11th Independence
Celebration.

On October 31, 1997, the President of the People’s Republic
of China, His Excellency Mr. Jiang Zemin sends his congratulations to
His Excellency Jacob Nena, President, Federated States of Micronesia.
“On this occasion of the 11th anniversary of the independence of the
Federated States of Micronesia, I have the honor, on behalf of the
Chinese Government and people, and in my own name, to extend our warm
congratulations to Your Excellency and, through Your Excellency to
your Government and people.

“In the past year, the relationship of friendly cooperation
between China and the FSM maintain good momentum of development, the
exchanges in many field were expanded and the cooperation in
international and regional affairs was further strengthened. We are
satisfied with the development of the relationship between our two
countries. I am convinced that, under our joint efforts, the
relationship of friendly cooperation between China and the Federated
States of Micronesia will continue to be strengthened and developed
in the future.”

“May the Federated States of Micronesia enjoy prosperity and its
people well-being. Jiang Zemin, President of the People’s Republic of
China.”

From the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency the
Honourable William Deane, sends this message: “On the occasion of
your National Day, I am pleased to extend to you, your Government and
the people of the Federated States of Micronesia, my own
congratulations and those of the Government and people of Australia.
I am confident that the friendly relations which our two countries
share will continue to prosper and strengthen in the coming year.”

“Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest
consideration.”

From President Roman Herzog, Federal Republic of Germany, through
its Embassy in Manila on October 22, 1997, it says: “On the occasion
of the National Day of the Federated States of Micronesia I convey to
you my cordial congratulations, also in the name of the German
people.”

“I wish you personally strength for the successful implementation
of policies for the well-being of your country.”

Another message from, President Nelson R. Mandela, The Republic of
South Africa to FSM President Jacob Nena it says: “Your Excellency,
In my own name and own behalf of the Government and people of the
Republic of South Africa I have the honour to convey to your
Excellency, your Government and the people of the Federated States of
Micronesia, heartfelt congratulation, on the occasion of the
celebration of your National Day.”

“May I reaffirm our readiness to further develop the existing
bonds of cooperation and friendship between our two countries.”

“Please accept, Your Excellency, my best wishes for your personal
good health, happiness and for the prosperity of your country and
people.”

The following congratulatory message is (from) the Secretary
General Ieremia Tabai of the South Pacific Forum, it says, “On behalf
of myself and the staff of the Forum Secretariat, I would like to
extend our warmest congratulations and good wishes to you, your
Government and the people (of the) Federated States of Micronesia on
the anniversary of your Independence Day. We also wish you a
prosperous future.”