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Nena Asks Pangelinan to Create Task Force

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): November 12, 1997 - President Jacob Nena, on October 28, 1997, informed Pohnpei Governor Del Pangelinan that he has created a Pohnpei State Financial Recovery Task Force within the National Government as discussed in a meeting held on October 23, 1997, between officials of the FSM National Government and Pohnpei State.

The members include Ihlen Joseph from FSM Finance; Camillo Noket, Attorney General; Ieske Iehsi, External Affairs; Patrick Mackenzie, Budget; Bermin Weilbacher, Planning and Statistics; and David Woodward, EMPAT; and the counsel for the FSM Congress' Committee on Ways and Means will be invited to attend the meeting of the Task Force, Nena said.

President requested Governor Pangelinan to create similar Task Force consisting of State officials who will jointly work towards identification and resolution process of the financial problems facing Pohnpei State Government.

On October 29, 1997, President Nena informed Governor Pangelinan that Pohnpei State Government can not use its share of Fiscal Year 1998 Compact Inflation Adjustment of funds previously designated for capital account because it is prohibited, in the opinion of the FSM Attorney General's Office, Nena said.

In May of this year, the State and National Leadership Conference adopted Resolution No 1997-I-5, and FSM Congress subsequently enacted Public Law No. 10-5 which allowed Pohnpei State to redesignate its fiscal year 1997, Compact block grant capital inflation adjustment for operations but not in fiscal year 1998. It is provided by the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding on Division of Grant Assistance, Nena's letter stated.

"Although, I sympathize with Pohnpei's financial situation," Nena said, "I have no ability to facilitate your request."