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May 16, 2008
The 9th Micronesian Chief Executives Summit (MCES) brought together in Koror (Palau) leaders from the Republic of Palau (ROP), the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the Territory of Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and its states of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, from 23-25 April 2008. The purpose of the Summit was to reaffirm the commitments of the respective leaders on behalf of their people and governments, to re-establish and tighten ties and collaborations, discuss critical and essential common national and regional issues, and agree on initiatives that will benefit the Micronesian region, its governments/entities and their peoples.
Heading the RMI Delegation on behalf of His Excellency President Litokwa Tomeing was the Foreign Affairs Minister Tony A. de Brum, who was accompanied by the Finance Minister Jack Ading; National Training Council Director, Marie L. Maddison; and Foreign Affairs Asia Pacific Desk Officer Keyoka Kabua. The FSM Delegation was represented by FSM President Manny Mori and the three governors from Yap (Governor Sebastian Anafel), Kosrae (Governor Robert Weilbacker) & Pohnpei (Finance Director Thomas Pablo), and their staff. Also joining ROP, RMI, and FSM delegations were two of the founding members - the Guam Delegation, headed by Governor Felix P. Camacho, and CNMI delegation, headed by Governor Benigno R. Fitial.
In extending his welcoming remarks, the 9th MCES Chairman ROP President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., and the other Chief Executives, accepted the Republic of the Marshall Islands as a full member of the MCES. The ROP President expressed the need for efficiency to guide decisions. He voiced the importance of the equal participation of the Governors of the FSM States, and that the “buck” would stop with such MCES participative leadership.
The Agenda of the 9th Summit continued the progressive review of the work on Invasive Species, Workforce Investment, Recycling, Energy, Health (including Medical Referral), Tourism, Transportation, Zoning, Educational Opportunity, Micronesian Challenge and Micronesian Center for a Sustainable Future, and the two new items of Communications and Prior Service.
The most critical issue that will continue to be costly for Micronesia is Energy. The Micronesian leaders agreed to plan for integrated use of alternative sources of energy. While there are energy sources usable throughout, practical studies are needed for geothermal energy (CNMI) and OTEC (RMI). Compatible systems and efficient/effective network of systems and programs regarding communications, transportation, health care, workforce development, conservation, and others, were discussed and reported by respective workgroups, committees, councils and associations. Requesting US to meet Prior Service financial commitment was also endorsed by the Summit.
The 10th MCES will be held in FSM (Pohnpei) toward the end of the year. The MCES Chairman closed the Summit urging diligent action on outcomes so noted in the Summit Communiqué.
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