Palikir, Pohnpei–– On September 20, 2024, T.H. Vice President Aren B. Palik of the Federated States of Micronesia administers oath of office to two new members of the FSM Trust Fund Board. The two new members are Joseph Giliko from the State of Yap and Pilika Palik from the State of Kosrae.

Mr. Giliko and Mr. Palik were both nominated by President Simina to be members of the FSM Trust Fund Board and then confirmed by the FSM Congress. Mr. Giliko has had many years of experience working for the State of Yap in various government positions, which also included many years of service as a senator in the Yap State Legislature. His service also included directorship of two departments in the State of Yap and also several years as manager of the Yap branch for the Bank of Hawaii.

Mr. Palik has served for some years as a member of the FSM Banking Board in different roles such as Bank Examiner, where he had several duties and responsibilities dealing with various people and entities. He also served as a Financial Analyst for the FSM Banking Board, where his duties involved making sure that financial reports were accurate. Over the years, he attended and completed numerous trainings and workshops which relate to his field of business accounting.

Both new members gave brief remarks after taking their individual oath of office, stating that they were honored to be called to serve the nation. They also indicated that they would work hard and that they both looked forward to working with their colleagues on the Trust Fund Board.

Vice President Palik gave a brief remark where he welcomed them to the Trust Fund Board and the Simina/Palik Administration. The Vice President stated that choosing new members for the Board was not simple, and that they were chosen carefully due to the importance of the positions to the Simina/Palik administration. He also mentioned that the abilities of the new members are well suited for the roles that they are about to undertake, and added that both the President and Vice President look forward to working with them in the coming days, months and years.

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