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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. John
Ehsa
Lt.
Governor: Hon. Churchill Edward
Attorney
General: Hon. Scott Garvey, Esq.
Assistant Attorney
Generals:
Mr. Leonito Bacalando, Jr.,
Esq.
Mr. Emeka E. Akamigbo,
Esq.
Director (Dir.),
Education: Hon. Joseph Villazon
Dir., Health:
Hon. Dr. Elizabeth Keller
Dir., Land & Natural
Resources: Hon.
Dir., Public
Safety:
Hon. Lucas Carlos
Dir., Treasury &
Admin.: Hon. Thomas Pablo
Speaker, Pohnpei
Legislature: Hon. Nelson
N. Pelep
Vice Speaker, Pohnpei
Legislature:
Hon. Berney Martin
Floor Leader:
Hon. Fernando Scaliem
Legislative Clerk:
Mr. Charles Johnson
Legislative Counsel:
Mr. Tom Beckmann, Esq.
Judiciary
State Supreme
Court Chief
Justice: Hon. Judah C.
Johnny
Associate
Justices:
Hon. Nelson A. Joseph Hon. Yoster Carl Hon. Benjamin F. Rodriguez Hon. Nickontro Johnny
Chief Clerk of
Courts [Acting]: Mr. Leon Felix
Court of
Land Tenure
Principal Judge: Hon. Tadasy
Yamaguchi
Associate Judges:
Hon. Neives G. Pelep
Hon. Gusto Ligor
Administrative Officer: Mr. Goodwin
Etse
Other
Agencies/Organizations
Public Defender: Ms. Melissa Dineen, Esq.
MLSC, Dir.
Atty.: Mr. Tino Donre, Esq.
MLSC, Staff
Atty.: Mr. Martin Mix, Esq.
Public Auditor:
Hon. Annes Lebehn
For more visitor information on Pohnpei visit the Pohnpei page on the FSM Visitors Board web site. |