President Simina continues state visits to the outer islands of Mwoakilloa and Pingelap

Mwoakilloa and Pineglap –– October 23 & 24, 2023, His Excellency, President Simina and First Lady Simina visited the islands of Mwoakilloa and Pingelap in continuation of the administration’s state visits within the FSM. Joining the President and First Lady were members of the cabinet and staff, as well as Senators from FSM Congress and Pohnpei State legislatures, and representatives from the Governor of Pohnpei’s office. This trip was also significant due to the use of the newly donated patrol boat from the Australian Government, the FSS Bethwel Henry, a fitting first voyage to the late Speaker Henry’s home island and its neighboring island of Pingelap. Upon arrival in Mwoakilloa, the delegation was welcomed by song performances by the island’s church group as they arrived at the municipal government building. The festive gathering consisted of President Simina’s delegation, the leadership of the municipal church leaders and community members. President Simina conveyed his great appreciation for such a welcoming reception and the great efforts that the community evidently took in order to prepare for their arrival. Along with his remarks, President Simina and the First Lady pledged $2,000 for the women’s groups on Mwoakilloa to support their ongoing activities. President Simina also pledged that the Simina-Palik administration will continue to strive to meet the needs of the outer island communities, including announcing the support of $50,000 for food security efforts through FSM R&D. The gathering was followed by a tour around the lagoon of Mwoakilloa and a site visit to the airstrip to assess the state of it. Following the site visit to the airstrip, President Simina intends to utilize grant assistance from development partners such as China for necessary improvements. Continuing onward to Pingelap, the delegation was also received with a welcoming reception by the community, featuring songs and performances. During his remarks President Simina reassured the community of the Simina-Palik’s unending support for the island of Pingelap and its citizens. President Simina and the First Lady also pledged $3,000 to the women’s groups of Pingelap to support their ongoing projects and also announced the support of $50,000 for food security efforts through the FSM Dept. of R&D. After the gathering, President Simina and the delegation were given a tour of the lagoon, during which they paid their respects at the memorial site of the late Peter Sitan, a long-time public servant of the FSM. The Simina-Palik administration thanks the good people of Mwokilloa and Pingelap for their generous hospitality and gracious hosting and looks forward to continuing to build stronger relationships and support for all outer island communities.