American Samoa	Guam	Northern Mariana Islands	U.S. Virgin Islands	Marshall Islands	Federated States of Micronesia	Palau

CSM Savusa to move to Afghanistan

American Samoa (May 14, 2008): According to Samoa News, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major Iuniasolua Savusa – the highest ranking Samoan enlisted man – will be accepting his new assignment with American forces in Afghanistan. Savusa has been selected to take over as the new International Security Assistance Forces, HQ’s, Command Sergeant Major (ISAFCSM) in Kabul, Afghanistan.

[Photo by: Dept. of State/Yale Scott]

Ambassador Yosiwo George Presented Credentials to Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker

Ambassador Yosiwo George of the Federated States of Micronesia presented credentials to Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Chief of Protocol, on May 2, 2008 at the Department of State.  The final and formal presentation of credentials to President Bush at the White House is scheduled for June 6, 2008.

Saipan “Cinderella” Band Takes Gold at Guam’s 2008 Tumon Bay Music Festival; Invited to Perform at 2008 Olympics in Beijing
Special Feature – May 2008

Saipan Students Going to China. [Photo courtesy of Principal Peter Le'au]

Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, MP magazine (May 2008) - When Wil Dewitt stands in front of his classes for the first time each school year, the students at Saipan Southern High School are presented with a new world of possibilities in music and life. Mr. “D”, as he is affectionately called, first introduces the students to the 7 essential elements of music and then to the hopes he carries for them as young men and women. His objective is rather simple, that they will be equipped to play an instrument, read music, identify good tone quality, but more importantly, should they ever need to, that they will have acquired enough skills before they leave his class to tap in to their love of music throughout their lifetime.

Micronesian Poet Publishes Collection of Poems

Office of Insular Affairs (May 12, 2008) — Emelihter Kihleng, described as one the most gifted young writers in the Pacific, is launching her first collection of poems entitled My Urohs. She was recently in Hawaii for her book launch, doing readings at the different University of Hawaii campuses. She will also be holding book launch events in Guam this week. Ms. Kihleng was born on Guam, and has spent much of her life moving back and forth between her native island of Pohnpei, Hawai'i (Honolulu) and Guam.

Kempthorne Applauds President’s Signing of
Legislation Authorizing Northern Marianas Delegate,
Extending U.S. Immigration Laws

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today praised President Bush’s signing of legislation that authorizes a delegate from the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands to the U.S. House of Representatives and extends U.S. immigration laws to the territory.

Doug Domenech Will Head Insular Affairs at Interior

Doug Domenech

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has named Douglas W. Domenech to be Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs.

Domenech, who currently serves as Secretary Kempthorne’s Deputy Chief of Staff, will provide policy-level leadership for Insular Affairs, a position that had been held by David Cohen, who resigned in January 2008 to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, presents a pen set as a token of appreciation to Hilario Bermanis II, during the admiral’s visit to Micronesia April 8, 2008. Bermanis, a Micronesian, lost two legs and an arm while serving with the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq. Photo by Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Elisia Gonzales (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. For full article – please visit this website http://www.defenselink.mil/news/ newsarticle.aspx?id=49497

U.S. Compact Grants to FSM in April 2008

Marshall Island Government Receives Compact Funds

U.S. Ambassador Clyde Bishop with RMI Minister of Health and Utrik Senator Amenta Matthew [Picture Credit: Darren Lanki, Marshall Islands Journal]

Majuro, Marshall Islands (April 2008) - In the month of April 2008, the Marshall Islands Ministry of Finance received Compact-funded payments from the United States Government totaling $6,065,518.  These payments were for Compact Sector Grants for the month of April, Compact infrastructure projects for the month of April, FY07 SEG, the Four Atoll Health Care Program, the 3rd Quarter Kwajalein Landowner Payment, the 3rd Quarter Kwajalein Escrow Payment, and the Enewetak Food & Agriculture Program.