FSM Information Services
Press Release
President Panuelo Opens Workshop for the Development & Implementation of a National Anti-Corruption Strategy in the FSM
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On July 31st 2019 His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), addressed the participants and attendees of the Workshop for the Development and Implementation of a National Anti-Corruption Strategy for the FSM. The workshop began two days after the President’s Inaugural Address where he specifically called for a more transparent, open, and accountable Government. President Panuelo encouraged an open and constructive discussion to address corruption without any fear or apprehension.
The President further reiterated the commitments he made in his Inaugural Address to strengthen the Government’s accountability to its citizens, including by joining the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), rebuilding the Micronesian Transnational Crimes Unit, and strengthening the National Office of the Public Auditor. “I personally believe that we must protect our limited financial resources, and uphold the rule of law, by implementing preventive measures that bring together accountability and transparency in public service,” the President said.
“Just as it is right and just that a Government provides essential services for its citizens, a Government must provide those essential services in a right and just manner,” the President continued. “To repeat myself: I want and demand a transparent Government, and I am asking you to help me make this happen for the benefit of our people.”
The FSM acceded to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2012, but—while many initiatives combating corruption have occurred both prior to and following the FSM’s signing of the UNCAC—the President noted many initiatives addressing corruption have been fragmented, and called for greater coordination.
“I want to be bold in stating at this stage how deeply I look forward to reviewing a proposed National Anti-Corruption Strategy for the FSM as the outcome of this workshop, and further consultations,” the President said.
The Honorable Joses R. Gallen, Secretary of the Department of Justice, welcomed the participants to the workshop and commented that while the FSM is a small jurisdiction where everyone is related to one another, nevertheless, “fighting corruption is important because it weakens the moral fabric of our Nation.” He also reminded the audience that “we should not want corruption to become the normal state of affairs because this corrodes society and undermines sustainable development.”
The Honorable Iso Ihlen Joseph, Public Auditor for Pohnpei State, spoke in detail about his extensive experience in finance and public auditing, and then how the activities of the past can inform the events of the future.
“Many moons ago, I received a call from the late [and former President] Bailey Olter,” Iso said, describing a story when he served in the FSM National Government. “And I had noticed at that time that corruption was very active…I reviewed a public project [for purchasing trucks], and they provided everything [perfectly]. Purchase orders, requisitions, invoices from the vendors, et cetera. So we went to the supplier, and I said ‘do you sell cars?’ He said no.”
The President listened intently as Iso spoke about additional prior experiences with improper usage of public spending. Iso described how the improper usage of public money played a role in the development of the Joint Economic Committee (JEMCO) process in the Compact of Free Association, as Amended, which some have criticized—to include this administration—as being difficult to work with, particularly in the implementation of infrastructure funding. “The President [Bailey Olter] didn’t like it,” Iso said, “[and] I didn’t like it. Nobody liked it. But it happened because of [improper use of public money i.e. corruption].”
“To say out loud what we know in our hearts: corruption undermines public service,” President Panuelo said. “We must find a solution that reduces, and eventually eliminates, corruption in our Nation.”
The FSM National Government is committed to becoming the embodiment of transparency, openness, and accountability, and extends its appreciation to the participants of the National Workshop for the Development & Implementation of a National Anti-Corruption Strategy in the FSM, with special recognition to Mr. Jason Reichelt, Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice Officer of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna and Ms. Annika Wythes from the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project in Suva, Fiji.
