 Congress confirms Skilling and PretrickPalikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): November 23, 2007 - The nominations of Dr. Vita Akapito Skilling as the Secretary of the new Department of Health and Social Affairs and Samson Pretrick as FSM's Ambassador to the Government of Fiji have been confirmed by the 15th Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia. Congressional Resolution 15-64 was adopted on November 22 to confirm the nomination of Dr. Vita Akapito Skilling as the Secretary of the new Department of Health and Social Affairs. Dr. Akapito's educational background includes completion of Medical Training at the University of Hawaii and a Residency in Pediatrics at the Fiji School of Medicine. She also completed post-graduate distance learning from the University of Otago in New Zealand. Dr. Skilling worked with the Kosrae Division of Public and Community Health for more than 15 years. A majority of her work focus is in pediatrics and as well as being a cancer resource person. Congressional Resolution 15-59 was also adopted on November 22 to confirm the nomination of Samson Pretrick as FSM's new Ambassador to Fiji. As FSM's representative to Fiji, Pretrick will not only be the nation's representative the South Pacific region, but also FSM's representative the multilateral organizations such as the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji, SPC in Noumea and SPREP in Samoa. Pretrick has impeccable credentials in foreign affairs starting his career with the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1989 as a Foreign Service Officer. He went on to be posted to FSM's Embassy in Washington DC as First Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs until he was relocated Guam. He served as Consul-General of FSM's Consulate Office in Guam until his recent nomination by President Mori. Pretrick educational background includes a Masters degree from the Monish University in Australia and a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and Economic from Missouri. |