Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Kosrae High School wins national law day debate 2005

Palikir, POHNPEI (Supreme Court/FSM Information Service): July 22, 2005 - The Kosrae High School team has won the Federated States of Micronesia 2005 Law Day Debate with their argument against the Resolution for a "High Growth" scenario.

High School teams from the four states debated whether or not the High Growth Strategy endorsed by the third Economic Leadership Summit, as the economic policy for the FSM for the next 20 years, is the best solution toward achieving self-reliance as a country.

Elina Fred and Palikkun Kilafwasru of Kosrae High School convinced the judges that the High Growth Strategy endorsed by the Third Economic Summit is unrealistic and unworkable therefore is not the best solution for FSM to achieve self-reliance as a country.

The Xavier High School debate team representing Chuuk State also shared their position against the High Growth scenario.

In support of the High Growth scenario were the debate teams of Pohnpei Island Central School and Yap State High School.

According to the FSM Supreme Court, the 2005 Law Day Debater was a considerable success, that "furthered the goal of bringing together students, judges, high ranking officials and the community to promote respect for the law."

The debate had also assembled an impressive audience of officials from both State and National Governments, which included: Former FSM President John R. Haglelgam, FSM Chief Justice Andon L. Amaraich, Congressman Resio S. Moses and other members of the FSM Congress, Secretary Sebastian L. Anefal of the Department of Foreign Affairs and other members of the President's Cabinet, along with Governor Wesley W. Simina of the State of Chuuk and several members of his cabinet.

The audience also included an array of dignitaries, high-ranking officials from the state and national governments, family members and friends of participants of the National Law Day Debate 2005.

National Law Day, July 12, is a day profound in the history of FSM:

  • July 12 1965, was the first convening of the Congress of Micronesia.

  • Ten years to the date, on July 12 1975 - the first Constitutional Convention of Micronesia, opened.

  • July 12 1978, the FSM Constitution was adopted.

On July 12 1981, the Supreme Court of the Federated States of Micronesia began its operations.