Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia

Seeking Assistance

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): January 6, 2003 –
FSM Senator Isaac Figir from the State of Yap and
Chairman of the Congressional Committee on External Affairs urged FSM
President Leo A. Falcam December 17, 2002, to seek assistance for Guam after
Super Typhoon Pongsona shattered the island. The senator compares the sight
he saw on Guam to those photographs of the remains of Hiroshima after the
atomic bomb blast.

President Falcam responded to Figir’s letter on December 23, and informed
the senator that he has written to the Governor of Guam to offer the
assistance of “our nation during their period of need.” Falcam’s letter
also stated that there were seven linemen from Pohnpei Utility Corporation
left during the holidays to assist Guam, leaving their families behind.
Seven other people will leave soon, according to Falcam’s letter. The
President thanked the Continental Airlines for providing free tickets to
those traveled to Guam to provide assistance.

The following is Senator Figir’s letter in full text:

“Dear Mr. President,

I recently traveled through Guam and witnessed the devastation left in the
wake of Typhoon Pongsona. I was shocked at the amount and severity of the
damage. I can only liken it to photographs I have seen of the remains of
Hiroshima after the atomic bomb blast. My heart, and the hearts of all
Micronesians, should go out to people of Guam.

I know that we are a nation of limited resources and are, ourselves, still
rebuilding from the effects of Typhoon Chataan. Nevertheless, I believe
that we should offer what resources we can to our friends to help them
rebuild their island. While we have little in the way of funds and
materials, we are rich in strong backs and hearts. Perhaps we can organize
a group from among the states to offer labor assistance.

I hope that you will consider my request and instruct your staff to contact
the Government of Guam and offer this assistance. If they accept, I hope
that your office will coordinate with the State Governments to accomplish
this worthwhile project. I believe that Guam would appreciate any assistance
that we can offer.

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Very truly yours,

Senator Isaac V Figir”

Congress is set to start its three-day 4th Special Session of the 12th
Congress tomorrow, January 8, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. and again extends
invitations to all interested people to observe.