ABOUT THE STATE OF POHNPEI
The State of Pohnpei is one of the four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia, along with the states of Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap. Pohnpei lies just east of Kosrae, which is the eastern-most island in the FSM.
Pohnpei island is the biggest island in the FSM and is circular in shape. Pohnpei has lush tropical forests, and beautiful waterfalls and rivers. It's famous landmarks are Sokehs Rock and the ancient ruins of Nan Madol. It has abundant marine resources especially in its outlying atolls.
Pohnpei State has its own constitutional
government with three co-equal branches of government consisting of
the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Pohnpei
Constitution also upholds, respects, and protects the customs and traditions of the traditional kingdoms of Pohnpei. See, Art. 5 of the
Pohnpei Constitution.
The Executive Branch is headed by a Governor and Lt. Governor who appoint their own cabinet members and are primarily responsible for executing the laws and administering state government services. See, Art. 9 of the Pohnpei Constitution.
The legislative or law making power of the state is vested in the Pohnpei Legislature whose primary responsibility is to make the law and create state government programs. The Legislature is composed of 23 Senators who are elected by the voters of the electoral districts of Kapingamarangi, Mwokil, Ngetik, Nukuoro, Pingelap, Kolonia Town, Net, Uh, Kitti, Madolenihmw, Sokehs. See, Art. 8 of the Pohnpei Constitution.
The judicial power of the State is vested in the Pohnpei State Court and such inferior courts as may be created by law. The judiciary interprets the constitution and laws of the state. See, Art. 10 of the Pohnpei Constitution.
The state
government leaders and
some key staff are as follows:
Governor: Hon. Marcello K. Peterson
Lt.
Governor: Hon. Reed B. Oliver
Special
Assistant: Joseph Saimon
Attorney
General: Hon. Dana W. Smith
Assistant Attorney
Generals: Mona Lisa Pangelinan, Esq.
Director (Dir.),
Education: Hon. Churchil B. Edward
Dir., Health & Human Services:
Hon. Kapilly Cappelle
Dir., Land & Natural
Resources: [Vacant]
Dir., Public
Safety:
Hon. Benito Cantero
Dir., Treasury &
Admin.: Hon. Felciano M. Perman
Dir., Resources & Dev.: Hon. Nicholson Solomom
Dir., State Election Commission Hon. Emilio Eperiam
Speaker, Pohnpei
Legislature: Hon. Fernando Scaliem
Vice Speaker, Pohnpei
Legislature: Hon. Nixon Soram
Floor Leader:
Hon. McGarry Miguel
R&D Committee: Hon. Aurelio P. Joab – Chairman
Hon. Rensper M. Liwy – Vice Chairman
H&SS Committee: Hon. Shelten G. Neth – Chairman
Hon. Brian Etscheit – Vice Chairman
J&GO Committee: Hon. Dahker D. Daniel – Chairman
Hon. Lino Amor – Vice Chairman
PWT&C Committee: Hon. Daniel S. Isaac – Chairman
Hon. Maskie Jim – Vice Chairman
E&CA Committee: Hon. Sendilina Lekka – Chairperson
Hon. Stanley Etse – Vice Chairman
Land Committee: Hon. Marvin Yamaghuchi – Chairman
Hon. Adelino Edmun – Vice Chairman
Finance Committee: Hon. Alpino Kerman – Chairman
Members: Hon. Ausen T. lambert
Hon. Edgar W. Lickaneth
Hon. Francisco L. Ioanis
Hon. Nihten Phillip
Hon. Peter M Lohn
Hon. Salter Loyola
Hon. Stevick Edwin
Legislative Clerk:
Charles Johnson
Legislative Counsel:
Tom Beckmann, Esq.
Judiciary
State Supreme
Court Chief
Justice: Hon. Nelson A. Joseph
Associate
Justices: Hon.
Nickontro W. Johnny
Hon. Mayceleen JD Anson
Hon.
Erwine Hadley Nanpei
Legal
Counsel:
Chief Clerk of
Courts: Anstain Ioanis
Court of
Land Tenure
Principal Judge: Hon. Gusto Ligor
Associate Judges:
Hon. Neives G. Pelep
[Vacant]
Administrative Officer: Benjamin Ekiek
Other
Agencies/Organizations
Asst. Public Defender: Timoci Romanu
MLSC, Dir.
Atty.: Salomon M. Saimon, Esq.
MLSC, Staff
Atty.: Danally Daniel, Esq.
Public Auditor: Hon.
Ihlen Joseph
For more visitor information on Pohnpei visit the Pohnpei page on the FSM Visitors Board web site.
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