Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

President Nena and Vice President Falcam Inaugurated

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 28, 1997 –
The FSM’s new President and Vice President were inaugurated, May 14,
1997, in a ceremony held in front of the FSM Congress Chamber in
Palikir, the Capitol of the nation, Vice President Leo A. Falcam took
his oath of office administered by Chief Justice Judah Johnny of
Pohnpei State Supreme Court, President Nena took his oath of office
in a ceremony held on May 8, 1997, in front of the President’s Office
Building, completing the two-year balance of former President Bailey
Olter’s four year.

More than two hundred people from the four FSM States and resident
foreigners including government officials from the FSM national, the
four FSM States, local levels, members of the Diplomatic Corps,
traditional and church leaders and the general public attended the
inauguration, which refreshments were served at its conclusion.

In his inaugural speech, President Nena promised his
administration’s cooperation with Congress, state governments, with
and among government employees in pursuance of the stated goals and
objectives of the government. Nena promised that he and Vice
President Falcam will continue with the programs set forth by his
predecessor President Bailey Olter. Nena praised him for his
charismatic leadership, and asked that he is remembered in everyone’s
prayer(s).

In a special remark by the Honorable Jack Fritz, the Speaker of
the 10th Congress, said that the 18 years existence of the FSM
Government “[…] exemplifies […] our growing maturity as a nation. We are
able to stand up, he stated, installed four Presidents and 10
Congresses in office in a peaceful and democratic process which is
essential to good government.”

Turning to the FSM’s economy, Fritz stated that it is not too late
for the FSM to come up with a source of economic growth to offset the
impending severe decline in external assistance. First step Fritz
stated is to maximize appropriate economic development by putting
more money; and for the States and National governments to work
together to ensure the economic development programs are consistent
and supportive of local needs. “It is only through faith in
ourselves and our people that, by concerted effort, we can begin
these courageous actions,” Fritz concluded.

Acting Governor of Pohnpei, Dion Neth welcomed dignitaries and the
general public on behalf of Governor Del Pangelinan and the people of
Pohnpei and extended his congratulations to the President and Vice
President, and reiterated the need for cooperation of all. Neth paid
tribute to President Olter and called for his remembrance in
everyone’s prayer for his speedy recovery.

Iso Naniken of Net, Honorable Salvador Iriarte, speaking on behalf
of the traditional leaders of Pohnpei and the nation said that the
message he was tasked to relay is that the traditional leadership
endorsed the top national leadership as unreserved support for all
their efforts. He, however, reminded the new executive and
legislative leaders to continue to be mindful of the citizenry whom
they were elected to serve. He questioned why speeches during
important FSM occasion were made only in (the) English language and
not in the local languages for the benefit of the ordinary citizens
of the FSM; he then asked the Master of Ceremony to summarize his
remarks in English for the benefit of those who do not speak the
Pohnpeian language.

The invocation was given by Deacon Marty Rodriquez of the Kolonia
Catholic Church while the benediction was by Rev. Welter John,
Pohnpei United Church of Christ. Music for the occasion was provided
by the Danpei Youth Christian Association (DYCA).

An Inter-Denominational Service was held for the new FSM
leadership at the Kolonia Protestant Church (NMP) at 1 o’clock, May
18, 1997, the general public were invited to attend.