PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 13 1997 –
The first State National Leadership Conference (SNLC) in the new FSM
President Jacob Nena’s term of Presidency convened on May 13, 1997,
at the Central Facility Building in Palikir, FSM Capital, by
Temporary Chairman Secretary of the Department of Health Services,
Dr. Eliuel Pretrick. Reverend Bethwel Henry gave the opening prayer
after which President Nena was unanimously elected as Chairman.
In taking the chair, the President welcomed all participants
stressing the importance of the Conference to deal with the issues
facing the nation which were enumerated in the agenda.
Congress Speaker Jack Fritz in his remarks emphasized the
importance of a cooperative spirit between the FSM National
Government and the State Governments. Adding that the spirit of
compromise is needed if there can be consensus on important issues.
Fritz called for honesty and ethical decisions by the leaders and to
dedicate the available financial resources to help solve existing
problems. There are but only four years of secured financial
assistance under the Compact.
Newly elected Chuuk Governor Ansito Walter in his remarks
congratulated President Nena and Vice President Leo Falcam on
assuming their new and highest posts in the FSM Government.
Stressing the importance of quality leadership and clean
government which would lead to prosperity which the people of Chuuk
wished for. Governor Walter asked for help from other States and
promised to do his part when requested, closing his remarks by saying
that it is indeed an honor, privilege and with humility that he would
serve his state.
The Conference deliberated on the 10.6 million loan from the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) for water and sanitation improvement projects
and the early retirement loan of $18 million also from the ADB to be
distributed as follows: Chuuk $5.3 million; Pohnpei ,$ 4.2 million;
Yap, $3.5 million; Kosrae $2 million; and National Government, $3
million. Loan agreements have been completed and drawdown of the
first $10 million will be made as soon as a State Legislature gives
its approval. At least two states are needed to give their approval
to trigger the drawdown.
Lunch recess was called for by Chairman Nena and to reconvene in
the afternoon.
