Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Nena Asks Pangelinan to Create Task Force

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): November 12,
1997 – President Jacob Nena, on October 28, 1997, informed
Pohnpei Governor Del Pangelinan that he has created a Pohnpei State
Financial Recovery Task Force within the National Government as
discussed in a meeting held on October 23, 1997, between officials of
the FSM National Government and Pohnpei State.

The members include Ihlen Joseph from FSM Finance; Camillo Noket,
Attorney General; Ieske Iehsi, External Affairs; Patrick Mackenzie,
Budget; Bermin Weilbacher, Planning and Statistics; and David
Woodward, EMPAT; and the counsel for the FSM Congress’ Committee on
Ways and Means will be invited to attend the meeting of the Task
Force, Nena said.

President requested Governor Pangelinan to create similar Task
Force consisting of State officials who will jointly work towards
identification and resolution process of the financial problems
facing Pohnpei State Government.

On October 29, 1997, President Nena informed Governor Pangelinan
that Pohnpei State Government can not use its share of Fiscal Year
1998 Compact Inflation Adjustment of funds previously designated for
capital account because it is prohibited, in the opinion of the FSM
Attorney General’s Office, Nena said.

In May of this year, the State and National Leadership Conference
adopted Resolution No 1997-I-5, and FSM Congress subsequently enacted
Public Law No. 10-5 which allowed Pohnpei State to redesignate its
fiscal year 1997, Compact block grant capital inflation adjustment
for operations but not in fiscal year 1998. It is provided by the
terms of the Memorandum of Understanding on Division of Grant
Assistance, Nena’s letter stated.

“Although, I sympathize with Pohnpei’s financial situation,” Nena
said, “I have no ability to facilitate your request.”