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Amendment to Exempt JCN Positions from Public Service System

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 13, 1997 - FSM President Jacob Nena, on October 2, 1997, transmitted to Congress Speaker Jack Fritz for consideration of Congress, a proposed amendment to Public Law No. 10-11, by adding a new section 5 which specifically state that the four Secretariat positions for the Joint Committee on Compact Economic Negotiations (JCN) be exempted from the Public Service System, but that the JCN may arrange for the delegation of existing Public Service System employees to perform the duties of any of the four positions namely, Executive Director, Administrative Officer, staff counsel, and secretary.

Nena stated his proposed amendment is consistent with ongoing restructuring and down-sizing of the National Government, rather than creation of four new permanent positions in the system.

Nena urged early and favorable consideration of Congress. By exempting the positions from the Public Service System, selection and appointment of such employees, salary rates and benefits need not follow the requirements in the Public Service System law and regulations.

"These four positions shall be exempt from the Public Service System. However, nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the joint Committee from arranging for the secondment of existing Public Service System employees to perform the duties of any of the four positions," the proposed ammendment stated.