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President Mori Signs Proclamation for Coconut Day

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 2, 2009 - Every year the FSM celebrates Coconut Day on September 2nd, and this year, President Manny Mori has signed a proclamation memorializing the importance of the coconut to the people and nation of the FSM.

The proclamation goes as follows:

WHEREAS, the immemorial of Coconut has been a vital part of the lives of the people of the Federated States of Micronesia, providing food, water, materials for clothing, shelter and income; and

WHEREAS, the coconut and its primary products, copra, including other bi-products, plays a key role in the economy of the Federated States of Micronesia; and

WHEREAS, the FSM acknowledges the importance of coconuts and the need to accelerate the development of new varieties and new uses to serve the needs of our people in the years to come; and

WHEREAS, the Federated States of Micronesia is a member of the Asia and Pacific Coconut Community, which in celebration if its establishment 30 years ago to promote, coordinate and harmonize all activities of the coconut industry, has declared September 2 to be "COCONUT DAY"; and

NOW THEREFORE, in recognition of the significance of coconuts to the people of the FSM, and the vital roles Coconuts have in our lives, I, Manny Mori, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, do hereby proclaim September 2, 2009 as "Coconut Day" in the FSM. I further urge all Micronesians to utilize and promote coconuts on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 10^th day of August of year 2009.

Manny Mori
President