Kansas City, MO, March 24, 2024 – On March 24th, H.E. President Wesley W. Simina, alongside T.H. Speaker Esmond Moses, T.H. Floor Leader Quincy Lawrence and T.H. Chairman Peter Christian, held a joint town hall meeting in Kansas City, MO, a hub for FSM citizens. Also in attendance to help answer questions related to their areas were the FSM’s Ambassador to the U.S., the Joint Committee on Compact Review & Planning (JCRP) and the FSM Dept. of Justice. This event is a part of the Simina-Palik administration\’s outreach efforts, aimed at open dialogue and community engagement to build mutual understanding. It also marks the first outreach following the recent passage of the amended Compact of Free Association.
Over a hundred citizens came together to participate in the town hall meeting and provided a platform for dialogue on pressing issues affecting FSM citizens residing in the U.S., including the recently passed Compact of Free Association (COFA) and constitutional amendments such as dual citizenship and consular services.
In a significant announcement, President Simina pledged his commitment to looking into establishing an FSM Consulate Office in the Kansas City area or central U.S., by creating a working group to assess its feasibility. This decision was reinforced throughout the valuable input and feedback received from the citizens during the discussions. This initiative underscores the administration\’s proactive approach to addressing the needs of the FSM’s diaspora.
As the meeting concluded, local music and festivity filled the room, as the residents sang and danced while offering gifts to the visiting delegation, as customary back home.
President Simina and his delegation extend heartfelt gratitude to all attendees for the warm welcome and productive discussions, especially those who traveled significant distances to be present.
