Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

New National Holiday for Culture and Traditions in FSM

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): March 25, 2010 – President Mori has signed into law a bill that creates a new public holiday on March 31st called Micronesian Culture and Traditions Day. This bill originated from Congressional Act No. 16-28, which was the very first bill (16-01) that came out of the 16th FSM Congress and was submitted by the Chairman of the Judiciary and Governmental Operations, Senator Peter Sitan.

In the President’s transmittal letter to Congress, the President states that, “Every nation requires a national holiday to reflect upon its cultural and traditional heritage and uniqueness” and that “the Federated States of Micronesia is no exception.” He also noted that this legislation was done through a concession from state leaderships to have such a proposed national holiday. The President wrote that, “It is said that in time of adversity and instability, cultural values and identity play a major role in unity and security.”

In addition to fully supporting the bill with his signature to make it law, the President also suggested that the national government consider funding the yearly festivities that will be anticipated on this day, and to propose holiday rate compensation for those national employees that will be required to work on this holiday.