Colonia, Yap, March 07, 2024 — At 10 AM, a Cabinet meeting was held at the Governor's Office, presided over by Governor Charles Chieng. Attendees included Lt. Governor Francis Itimai, the Director of the Department of Youth and Civics Affairs, Alex Gilfiley; the Chief of Finance of the Office of Administration, Irene Laabrug; the Director of the Office of Planning and Budget, Julius Tun; the Director of Resource and Development, Leelkan Southwick; the Director of the Department of Public Works & Transportation, Joe Giltug; the Director of the Department of Education, Dominic Fanasog; the Deputy Director of the Department of Health Services, Dominic Taruwemai; the Chief of Staff, Paul Ayin; and the Chief of Litigator in attendance for the Attorney General, Jesse Raglmar.
The meeting covered a range of departmental issues, including updates on ongoing projects and departmental initiatives. Chief Laabrug, reported on the minimum wage scheduled hearing, ongoing projects (e.g. FY22 Audit), asset compilation for updates, upcoming finance and budget conference extended to April 1st, and project deadlines. Director Gilfiley provided updates on the refining of the FSMTC Agreement and the explanation of the refusal to sign the MOU to make adjustments with legal assistance for the benefit of the state—Hollywood producer visit to provide film training in pre-production for a cultural documentary for Yap State, and went to Yap High School to share his experiences. Protocols are scheduled for training on May 3rd, 2024 with State and National police, airport staff, and logistic team for better coordination when receiving a larger number of guests(e.i. APIL Delegation). Furthermore, with airport staff assistance in providing a VIP room for guests to lounge, an SBC representative secured with the South Pacific Community will be revamping and replacing the old AM transmitter, looking at the radio station, and donating an extra generator. The military development alignments will be receiving visitors from Indo-Pacific Command in mid-March to discuss the land acquisition in a request for permanent ownership of land. Lastly, in the process of constructing an interview with the election chairman and a representative from the legislature on the topic. As well as setting up another meeting with the Election Board Members (EBM) to ensure all EBM’s are sworn in according to the law, and utilize the members in the referendum. Director Tun discussed updates on the schedule for the Office of Budget which is in the process of finalizing and receiving FY25 budgets, CR3 budget progress is to be submitted to the compact management office. Moreover, the Office of Planning updates on the emergency declaration, the assessment was made and then the declaration came into effect. Relief items went out, in coordination with DECEM, whereas some were donated and others left on the ship Wednesday, March 6. Furthermore, DECEM informed the National Declaration of Emergency has been drafted and awaits review by the President, and UNICEF providing assistance with kits and hygiene. Director Southwick discussed updates on Commerce and Industries(CNI) has been conducting monitoring on some businesses and issued a notice for any non-compliance, the delegation for FSM R&D has arrived to review current and plan for upcoming projects, and the administrative section has been reviewing and revising current policies and developing strategic plan for the department. Furthermore, shared projects for the Marine Resources, such as the Blue Prosperity Micronesia ocean use survey will be kicked off in a couple of months to map out the water use in Yap State. Chief Raglmar discussed the new assistant for the Attorney General's arrival, the funds in process for the assistant arrival, and issues in Yap State such as the labels of expired food being sold and efforts to ban the use of E. Cigarette. Director Fanasog highlighted school operations such as the majority of students displaying cultural activities during Yap Day, upcoming vocational programs preparational to align students to a career path, education advisor has arrival to prioritize students' performances and to develop a new structure plan. In addition to the employability enhance students' learning and workforce by employing foreigners to teach on matters not available in Yap State. Director Giltug updated on the sea transportation status of the H2 ship and the passing of a crewmate and carrying DHS supplies(e.i. Water tanks). As for roadworks, Director Giltug shared the temporary fix on the landslide on the west side and 13 ongoing projects, in addition to updates at the airport(e.i. 2 APA flights, 4 United flights, and 1 military flight canceled). Finally, Deputy Director Taruwemai discussed the doctors are in the process of gathering data to assist the ward in clinical practices, and updates on the environmental health team successfully fumigated the Yap Day site before the activities. Lastly, the lab expansion project created issues such as doctors relocating to other areas due to limited space.
The cabinet meeting is also live-streamed biweekly on the Yap State government's Facebook page to ensure transparency.
(For further details, please contact the Governor's Office at (691) 350-2108 or DYCA PIO at (691)350-2168. Thank you.)
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