Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM President Presented Early Retirement Check to Pohnpei Governor

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 30,
1997 – FSM President Jacob Nena presented to Pohnpei Governor Del
Pangelinan a check of $2.5 million in a ceremony held in the
Governor’s Conference Room in Kolonia this morning, September 29,
1997, for the implementation of the first phase of the Early
Retirement Program (ERP) which aims at restructuring and down-sizing
the Pohnpei State Government.

Nena told Governor Pangelinan and the other state officials that
he appreciates the program which the FSM National Government supports
as it is a way to reduce the present size of government by retiring
its employees thus cutting down the costs of government.

Governor Pangelinan in his remarks expressed on behalf of Pohnpei
State his deep appreciation on behalf of the Pohnpei State Government
for the $2.5 million check. Pohnpei State Government is anxiously
waiting for the implementation of the Early Retirement Program. The
Governor added that it will help the state with its budgetary
pressure.

FSM Vice President Leo A. Falcam, the Secretary of the Department
of Finance John Ehsa and Special Assistant to the Vice President
Herbert Gallen accompanied President Nena.

The State Government Officials with Governor Pangelinan included
Lt. Governor Dion G. Neth, Speaker of Pohnpei Legislature Bernell
Edward, Chief Justice Judah C. Johnny, Director of the Department of
Treasury Ms. Anna Mendiola and other state officials.

The $2.5 million dollars are now deposited in the FSM’s Trust Fund
in Hawaiian Trust and Pohnpei State has requested the FSM Finance to
draw down $500,000 for the implementation of the program. The
remaining balance will be drawn down during the course of the
implementation of the program in Pohnpei State.