Vice President Palik Delivers Special Remarks at the Opening of the 2025 American College of Trial Lawyers Workshop for Judicial Officers and Lawyers

Kolonia, Pohnpei – November 4, 2025 – The Honorable Vice President Aren B. Palik attended the opening of the 2025 American College of Trial Lawyers Trial Practice Training, where he delivered special remarks to participants. The event, hosted by the Pacific Judicial Council, brought together legal practitioners from across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Pacific region. This year’s training focuses on strengthening trial advocacy skills and promoting excellence in the administration of justice.

In his address, Vice President Palik cited Article XIII, Section 3 of the FSM Constitution, which states that “it is the solemn obligation of the nation and state governments to uphold the provisions of this Constitution and to advance the principles of UNITY upon which this Constitution is founded.”

Unity is our strength, and without it, peace, security, and economic prosperity would be impossible,” the Vice President emphasized, reiterating one of the core principles and priorities of the Simina-Palik administration, to promote unity across the nation.

Vice President Palik further called for unity not only among the state governments but also across the three branches of government. He noted, “The Supreme Court promotes national cohesion by resolving disputes in a manner that respects tradition, culture, and the common good. It brings a stabilizing force that complements the actions of the other political branches of government within the bounds of the Constitution. In doing so, the Court affirms that unity is best achieved through complementing each other’s constitutional roles and through consistent and thoughtful application of justice.”

The Simina-Palik administration commends the training and its participants, recognizing their vital role in the administration of justice and in the broader task of nation-building, particularly in strengthening public trust in democratic institutions.

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