Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Improved Border Management System is Operational in FSM

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Service): April 14, 2008 - A ceremony, hosted by Ambassador of Australia H.E. Susan Cox, for the launching of the Improved FSM Border Management System (BMS) Project took place in the Pohnpei International Airport VIP lounge room on April 9, 2008.

Madam Ambassador Susan Cox who opened the ceremony welcomed the FSM Secretary of Justice Hon. Maketo Robert and those present at the ceremony and went into her remark.

She indicated in her remark that this event "marks an important milestone in FSM's Border Management Capability with the completed installations of new computerized systems in Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap."

The new System networks the National Immigration Office in Palikir, the four states immigration offices, the four International Airports and the patrol ships.

The System aims to strengthen border security by providing: computerized recording of all movements through the FSM Airports; verification of all arrivals and departures from all impound and outbound flights; maintenance of traveler alert list; and identification of overstayers.

Other benefits include improved passenger processing times and national statistics to assist tourism and government planning.

The Australian Ambassador acknowledged the project as an important example of development cooperation between the Governments of Australia and FSM. The project was jointly funded by both Australia (approx. USD$800,000) and the FSM (approx. USD$150,000). FSM's contribution was to upgrade the airports and Immigration offices to prepare for Australia's technological contribution.

Madam Ambassador Cox extended thanks to the FSM Government for its valuable contributions to this project. More thanks were given out to David Coombe "Natural System" the Australian Immigration system company for providing the BMS software and to Pohnpei-based "Asumen Ventures Incorporated" who provided the computer hardware, and to FSM Telecom and Dinjab Technologies.

A commemoration plaque was presented to Secretary Robert from Madam Ambassador Susan Cox at the end of Madam Ambassador's remark.

Secretary Robert, on behalf of the FSM Government, thanked the Australian Government for such a gesture of bilateral cooperation along with the patrol Ships. He added that "the System has brought the FSM to the 21st century." And that the feeling of confidence and security is also there because of the System.

Present with Her Excellency Susan Cox and Hon. Secretary Maketo Robert were Mr. Kandi Elieisar, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mohner Esiel, Chief, Department of Immigration and Labor and his staff, Mr. Pius Chotailug, FSM Chief of Police, Mr. Edgar Santos, General Manager, Pohnpei Tourism Office along with Mr. David Coombe, BMS Project Manager, Ms Emma Tiaree, Program Manager, AusAID and Ms Cathy Smithson, from the Office of AusAID.