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FSM President Presented Early Retirement Check to Pohnpei Governor

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 30, 1997 - FSM President Jacob Nena presented to Pohnpei Governor Del Pangelinan a check of $2.5 million in a ceremony held in the Governor's Conference Room in Kolonia this morning, September 29, 1997, for the implementation of the first phase of the Early Retirement Program (ERP) which aims at restructuring and down-sizing the Pohnpei State Government.

Nena told Governor Pangelinan and the other state officials that he appreciates the program which the FSM National Government supports as it is a way to reduce the present size of government by retiring its employees thus cutting down the costs of government.

Governor Pangelinan in his remarks expressed on behalf of Pohnpei State his deep appreciation on behalf of the Pohnpei State Government for the $2.5 million check. Pohnpei State Government is anxiously waiting for the implementation of the Early Retirement Program. The Governor added that it will help the state with its budgetary pressure.

FSM Vice President Leo A. Falcam, the Secretary of the Department of Finance John Ehsa and Special Assistant to the Vice President Herbert Gallen accompanied President Nena.

The State Government Officials with Governor Pangelinan included Lt. Governor Dion G. Neth, Speaker of Pohnpei Legislature Bernell Edward, Chief Justice Judah C. Johnny, Director of the Department of Treasury Ms. Anna Mendiola and other state officials.

The $2.5 million dollars are now deposited in the FSM's Trust Fund in Hawaiian Trust and Pohnpei State has requested the FSM Finance to draw down $500,000 for the implementation of the program. The remaining balance will be drawn down during the course of the implementation of the program in Pohnpei State.