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Ambassador Jackson, Consul General Ruecho and Secretary Skilling took Oath of Office

Tamuning, Guam (FSM Information Services): October 17, 2011 - President Manny Mori administered three swear in ceremonies today at the FSM Consulate Office at the International Trade Center in Guam.

At approximately 11:30am today, Mr. Gerson Alik Jackson and Mr. Robert Ruecho took their Oath of Officc at the FSM Consulate Office Conference Room, marking the official start of their respective posts as FSM Ambassador in Fiji and FSM Consul General in Guam.

In addressing the witnesses of the brief, important occasion, the President expressed his appreciation for their support to Ambassador Jackson and Consul General Ruecho.

"I thank the Almighty for allowing us to be able to conclude what had started in Palikir and now completed here at this office", the President said, referring to the long process of confirmation for his nominees for official posts and their taking up of command at their respective offices.

Attending the ceremony were the Dean of the Consulate Corp, Mr. Jeff Kenty, Consul General of the Republic of Palau, Senator Bob Skilling of Kosrae State Legislature, various Micronesian Community and Church leaders, friends from the business and NGO communities, and family members.

In his brief remarks, Ambassador Jackson pledged he would "do his utmost" in carrying out his new responsibility and asked the community leaders to support his successor at the Consulate Office.

Consul General Ruecho thanked the President for nominating him and expressed his appreciation to Congress for confirming his nomination.

Mr. Jackson has been serving as the Consul General for the past four years while Mr. Ruecho had served under Governor Felix Camacho as a liaison between the Government of Guam and the various Micronesian communities on Guam.

Dr. Vita A. Skilling took her Oath of Office at 3:00pm also at the FSM Consulate Office to continue her role as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Affairs.

Before the closing of the ceremony, Dr. Skilling spoke briefly of her previous four years and expressed confidence in the prospect of a much improved term.

Also present were Consul General Mr. Robert Ruecho, Chief of Staff Mr. Kasio Mida, Ms. Evelyn Adolph, Director of SBOC, Mr. David Wolphagen, Immigration Office, Mr. Marcellus Akapito, Special Assistant to the President on Public Information, and the staff of the Consulate Office.