Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

President Mori Issues Two Proclamations

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): May 6, 2009 - On May 1st, 2009, President Manny Mori signed two proclamations. The first was to set July 12th as FSM Law Day. The second was to designate the week following Mother's Day (May 10 through May 16) to be National Women's Health Week.

In the first proclamation, President Mori highlighted that July 12, 1975 was the first Micronesian Constitutional Convention and on July 12th, 1978, the citizens of the FSM approved the FSM Constitution, thereby giving birth to the Nation. Also on this day, the Supreme Court of the FSM was inaugurated as the highest court of the Nation on July 12, 1981, and will celebrate its 28th anniversary on July 12, 2009. In honor of the significant legal and national events that have occurred on this day, the Supreme Court of FSM commemorates this special day as one in which high school students throughout the Nation are called upon to engage in public debate over issues of legal and national significance, and will host the winners of the debates from each State to compete at the National Law Day debate, this year to be held on July 13th, 2009 in Weno, Chuuk (Note July 12th this year falls on a Sunday so it will be recognized on July 13th, 2009). In recognition of the significant events that have occurred in the history of this country on July 12th, President Mori has proclaimed July 12, 2009 as "Law Day" in the Federated States of Micronesia and he "urges all citizens and residents, government and private agencies and organizations in this country to commemorate this day in ways to promote and advocate respect for justice, rule of law and good governance."

In the second proclamation, President Mori highlights the fact that National Women's Health Week was initiated 10 years ago and is dedicated to raising awareness of women's health issues. It has always occurred on the second week of May, with an annual celebration held the week following Mother's Day. This week celebrates the efforts of national and state organizations working with partners and volunteers to improve awareness of Breast and Cervical Cancer and other key women's health issues. Therefore, the President has proclaimed that the week following Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10 through Saturday May 16, 2009, be the National Women's Health Week.