Palikir, Pohnpei –– On April 16, 2024, Vice President Palik swore in a new and the final member of the Compact Trust Fund Committee representing the FSM National Government. Per the new Compact Agreement, the committee consists of three members representing the FSM and three members representing the United States. The Swearing-In ceremony began with an opening prayer administered by Rev. Nolensner Charley, Senior Pastor from Nanmand Church. Following the opening prayer, Vice President Palik administered the oath-taking by Ms. Anna Mendiola as one of three members representing the FSM. The other two members are Mr. Emmanuel Mori and Mr. Renseley Sigrah, who was sworn-in the week earlier.
Following the administration of the oath of office by Vice President Palik, Ms. Mendiola shared some words for the occasion stating that she was honored for the opportunity and looks forward to representing the FSM Government and collaborating with the committee members to ensure the interests of the government are well represented in the Compact Trust Fund Committee. She also assured that she intends to do her best while representing the interests of the FSM in this important Committee.
Vice President Palik also made a brief remark during the occasion with Ms. Mendiola and those in attendance about how he looks forward to working with the Committee and expressed his confidence that they will represent the FSM Government’s interests well in the Committee and ensure the successful implementation of the Trust Fund. He then further stated that the fund is for our children’s future and that hopefully, we will not have the need to tap into the funds in the longest possible duration under the new Compact to ensure its liquidity. He also mentioned that with the new Compact, the United States has pledged a significant amount for the Trust Fund in the first two years of the new Compact. That amount will go to securing a better future for the FSM and its children.
