PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 12, 1997 – Acting
President Jacob Nena declared July 12, 1997, as Micronesian Law Day, a
legal holiday, and urged all citizens, residents and government of the
FSM to celebrate this day in a way that promotes respect for the law, according
to a proclamation issued on May 5, 1997.
Historically, July 12, 1965 was the date of the first convening of the
Congress of Micronesia, the first recognized Micronesia-wide legislative
body since the establishment of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
after World War II.
It was on July 12, 1975 that the first Micronesian Constitutional Convention
convened in the Whitesand Hotel in Saipan, Mariana Islands.
On July 12, 1981, the Supreme Court of the Federated States of Micronesia
was established and began operations under its first Chief Justice Edward
King.
The rule of law is fundamental to the safekeeping of our democratic
form of government; respect for the law, and our legal institutions is
important to the maintenance of our freedoms, Nena stated.
And because of the democratic, constitutional and legal institutions
benefit the citizens and residents of FSM, the Micronesian Law Day, July
12, must be suitably commemorated, Nena concluded.
In this connection, FSM Supreme Court plans to hold the final High School
Law Day debates in the State of Kosrae. Winners of the preliminary debates
in their home states will travel to Kosrae for the final, says Ms. Emiliana
Musrasrik, Director of Administration, FSM Supreme Court and the master
of ceremony during the debate.
