TUMON, Guam (FSMIS) — On the margins of last month’s Joint Committee Meeting, T.H. Vice President Aren B. Palik delivered the keynote address at the Pacific Islands Development Bank\’s (PIDB) 35th Anniversary celebration. Held at the Hyatt Regency Guam on April 26th, the event brought together leaders from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam to honor PIDB\’s service to the Pacific region.
Ms. Lindsay Timarong, President and CEO of PIDB, welcomed attendees and reported that all shareholders had surpassed their initial capital contributions. Delegations from Kosrae, Chuuk, and Pohnpei presented legislation acknowledging these contributions.
Vice President Palik, who served as PIDB\’s President and CEO for 17 years, was the event’s keynote speaker. Reflecting on the bank\’s challenges, including its near collapse before his tenure, he reflected, \”My task was to rescue and stabilize the Bank, and now your task is to grow the Bank’s balance sheet and further improve earnings. I have every confidence that you will take the Bank to new heights.\”
That same day, Vice President Palik also met with Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, expressing gratitude for Guam\’s continued support of FSM citizens and looking forward to further collaboration for mutual benefit. They discussed the new FSM-US Compact, its impact, and challenges, along with improvements in FEMA assistance and in-state tuition eligibility for FSM citizens in Guam. Vice President Palik was accompanied by Speaker Lester Mersai of Chuuk and Acting Consul General Johnny Silbanuz.
Days later on April 29th, Vice President Palik conducted outreach with FSM citizens in Guam, to raise awareness on the above mentioned issues among others, including, dual citizenship mechanisms and other relevant issues. Acting Attorney General Leonito Bacalando Jr., who accompanied the delegation, shared updates on expediting the passport process, including a dedicated customer service line. Despite passports not being the sole proof of citizenship, the FSM Department of Justice plans to work closely with the states to address dual citizenship concerns.
Vice President Palik also noted concerns regarding the I-94 renewal process, misinformation about military activities in Yap, and social issues. He was pleased to share updates on FSM citizens\’ reinstated eligibility for in-state tuition, the Federal Work Study (FWS) program, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and FEMA assistance.
Vice President Palik was joined by Acting Secretary of Justice Leonito Bacalando Jr., Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ricky Cantero, and Director of Veterans Affairs Hainrick Panuelo. Governors Stevenson Joseph and Tulensa Palik were also present as members of the FSM delegation to the subsequent Joint Committee Meeting (JCM).
Additionally, Vice President Palik paid a courtesy visit to Speaker Therese Terlaje of the Guam Legislature. They exchanged greetings and discussed regional geopolitics, aviation connectivity, and improved services for US veterans residing in Guam and FSM.
The Vice President was accompanied by Governors Stevenson Joseph of Pohnpei and Tulensa Palik of Kosrae, Speaker Semeon Phillip of the Kosrae Legislature, and Acting Consul General Johnny Silbanuz.
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